A Production Operator, or more commonly a corrosion control technician, applies specialized coatings, lubricants, or surface treatments to metal components to prevent galling. This prevents damage caused by friction when two sliding metal surfaces adhere to each other, a process known as "cold welding". These roles are crucial in industries where equipment is exposed to high pressure, corrosion, and extreme temperatures, such as manufacturing, aerospace, and oil and gas.
Salary: $20- $26/hr DOE
Primary responsibilities
• Surface preparation: Prepare metal parts for treatment by cleaning, sanding, and masking surfaces to ensure proper application and adhesion of coatings.
• Coating and treatment application: Apply anti-galling agents, which may include solid film lubricants like tungsten disulfide, specialized plating (e.g., silver, electroless nickel), or thermosetting coatings.
• Equipment operation: Set up and operate specialized equipment for surface treatment processes, such as thermal spray guns or plating baths.
• Quality control: Inspect finished components to ensure coatings are applied correctly and meet all thickness, adhesion, and uniformity standards.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and solve problems during the anti-galling process. This includes identifying factors that could cause galling, like improper material combinations or installation speed.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all treatments, inspections, and maintenance activities for reporting and quality assurance.
Qualifications and skills
• Technical knowledge: Understand metallurgy and chemical processes related to corrosion and galling, including how different metal combinations and environmental factors affect wear.
• Attention to detail: Possess strong observational and quality control skills to ensure precise application of coatings and surface finishes.
• Manual dexterity: Exhibit skilled use of hand and power tools for surface preparation and application.
• Problem-solving abilities: Analyze issues and determine the root cause of equipment failures related to galling.
• Safety awareness: Adhere to all safety regulations, especially when handling hazardous materials used in coatings.
• Relevant experience: Previous experience as a general industrial maintenance technician or a corrosion control technician is often preferred.
At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.
All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
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