Coatings Quality Manager - Lafayette, LA

MISTRAS Group•Youngsville, LA

About The Position

The Coatings Quality Manager is responsible for establishing, implementing, and enforcing quality assurance and quality control programs across all surface preparation and coating application activities. This role ensures compliance with client specifications, industry standards, and MISTRAS procedures while driving consistency, workmanship quality, and documentation integrity across field operations. The position partners closely with Operations, Safety, and quality teams to reduce rework, improve execution reliability, and strengthen client confidence in coating performance outcomes.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required; technical degree or coatings-related certification preferred.
Minimum 5+ years of experience in industrial coatings, with strong emphasis on QA/QC and inspection.
Current or prior certification such as NACE/AMPP Coating Inspector (Level 2 or 3) or equivalent strongly preferred.
Deep knowledge of surface preparation standards (SSPC-SP, NACE), coating systems, and application methods.
Experience working in offshore or heavy industrial environments (oil & gas, petrochemical, marine, etc.).
Proven ability to interpret client specifications, technical data sheets, and coating system requirements.
Strong understanding of environmental controls, coating inspection techniques, and acceptance criteria.
Experience with QA documentation, turnover packages, and audit processes.
Ability to lead field personnel and influence execution quality without direct authority over crews.
Strong problem-solving skills with experience in failure analysis and corrective action implementation.
Effective communication skills for client interaction and internal coordination.
Proficiency in digital reporting tools and quality tracking systems.
Willingness to travel and support field operations as required.

Responsibilities

Lead and enforce coating QA/QC programs across all projects, including offshore and field-based work scopes.
Ensure compliance with project specifications, client requirements, and applicable standards (SSPC/NACE/AMPP, ISO, etc.).
Develop, implement, and maintain coating inspection procedures, ITPs, and quality documentation standards.
Oversee inspection activities including surface preparation, environmental conditions, coating application, and final acceptance.
Review and approve inspection reports, daily logs, and turnover documentation to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Interface directly with clients, inspectors, and third-party auditors on quality matters and project deliverables.
Support pre-job planning by reviewing specifications, identifying risks, and defining quality requirements and hold points.
Conduct field audits and surveillance to ensure adherence to procedures and identify gaps in execution.
Investigate coating failures, non-conformances, and rework; perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
Collaborate with Operations to improve productivity without compromising quality standards.
Standardize best practices across crews, including surface prep methods (UHP, abrasive blasting, etc.) and coating application techniques.
Support training and qualification of coating inspectors and field personnel (e.g., NACE/AMPP, OQ certifications ect).
Maintain calibration and compliance of inspection equipment (DFT gauges, environmental meters, profile gauges, etc.).
Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing rework, improving first-pass yield, and enhancing documentation quality.
Coordinate with NDT and inspection teams to align coating QA with broader integrity and inspection programs.