Manufacturing Engineer – Paint & Coatings Planning

Saronic Technologies•Brownsville, TX

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer – Paint & Coatings Planning defines the paint and coatings plan for each vessel program and builds the shipyard’s long-term coatings capability through qualified outside labor and a developed internal workforce. The role determines what gets coated, when, with which systems, and in what sequence relative to fabrication and outfitting. It establishes qualification standards for outsourced painting contractors and develops a path to bring SSPC-QP1 and NACE-certified coatings expertise in-house. The position works closely with structural, piping, electrical, and HVAC planning teams, quality assurance, and outside coatings contractors to build a credible, auditable coatings program.

Requirements

Hands-on experience in marine or industrial coatings as an applicator, inspector, or coatings/corrosion engineer, or equivalent planning experience built on that trade background.
Understanding of coating systems, surface preparation standards such as SSPC-SP grades and NACE standards, and application methods.
Working knowledge of SSPC-QP1 and SSPC-QP3 contractor certification standards.
Understanding of the requirements for an individual to become SSPC-QP1 or NACE coatings inspector certified.
Strong written communication skills to produce clear coatings specifications and audit documentation.

Nice To Haves

Experience in new construction shipbuilding; industrial, marine repair, or heavy fabrication coatings experience is also considered.
NACE or SSPC certification, or active pursuit of one.
Experience building contractor qualification, audit, and vendor management processes.
Familiarity with ABS, USCG, or NAVSEA coatings requirements and documentation expectations.
Technical/trade school, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree in coatings technology, materials/corrosion engineering, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Develop the overall paint and coatings plan for each vessel program, defining coating systems, surface preparation, and application methods by compartment and structure type.
Sequence coating work against fabrication, outfitting, and erection so blasting and painting occur at the correct stage.
Define environmental control requirements and surface preparation standards, including SSPC-SP grades and NACE standards, and establish inspection hold points and acceptance criteria.
Establish and maintain standards for qualifying outsourced coatings contractors, requiring SSPC-QP1 certification for field application and SSPC-QP3 for shop or fabrication-coating application.
Build the evaluation, audit, and onboarding process for the approved vendor base.
Manage the contractor qualification lifecycle, including renewals, re-audits, and corrective action.
Define and build a path to develop internal coatings capability, including a training and certification roadmap for personnel to achieve SSPC-QP1 and NACE coatings inspector credentials.
Identify internal candidates and structure on-the-job training and mentorship.
Coordinate external training and exam requirements toward a long-term internally qualified workforce.
Maintain documentation, qualification records, and an audit trail for classification and regulatory review.
Refine the coatings plan and qualification program based on floor performance and inspection results.
Identify and resolve sequencing conflicts between coatings work and other trades.

Benefits

Medical insurance; Saronic pays 100% of the employee premium and 80% of dependent premiums.
Dental and vision insurance; Saronic pays 100% of the basic-plan employee premium and 80% of dependent premiums.
Generous PTO and holidays.
Paid maternity and paternity leave.
Competitive salary with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
401(k) plan with company match.
Stock options.
Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Discounted pet insurance options, including a 24/7 telehealth helpline.
Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office.