Powder Coat Technician

APL Manufacturing is part of the APL Group and is a market leader of window and doors systems in New Zealand, manufacturing in the heart of the Waikato. We work right across the building industry, to make tomorrow’s buildings possible, today. The Powdercoat Technician is responsible for ensuring high-quality surface finishes on aluminium and zinc components across multiple powder coat lines via through the efficient setup, operation, and monitoring of both manual and automated powder coating systems. This is a hands-on role that requires strong technical understanding of coating processes, machining parameters, and equipment controls to achieve consistent product quality, efficiency, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities

Powder Coating Operations

• Operate and maintain manual and automated powder coating booths, ensuring efficient and effect setup, changeovers, and colour management.
• Prepare parts for coating, including cleaning, masking, jigging, and inspection for surface readiness.
• Apply powder coatings to meet thickness, coverage, and appearance specifications.
• Monitor curing ovens, temperature profiles, and conveyor speeds to maintain process consistency.
• Conduct visual and instrumental inspections (e.g. DFT, gloss, adhesion) to verify finish quality.

Process Control and Quality

• Become the resident process expert in powdercoating
• Adjust key process parameters such as gun voltage, air pressure, powder flow, and booth air balance for optimal performance. Define operator adjustments from technician and maintenance adjustments
• Provide training and guidance for powdercoat teams.
• Troubleshoot coating defects (orange peel, thin film, contamination, poor adhesion) and implement corrective actions.
• Work closely with Quality and Maintenance teams to ensure line performance, coating uniformity, and equipment reliability.
• Maintain process records, batch traceability, and production reporting.

Equipment and Maintenance

• Perform routine cleaning, booth filter checks, and equipment calibration.
• Assist with maintenance of automated handling systems, powder pumps, guns, and reclaim systems.
• Support continuous improvement of line efficiency, powder utilisation, and waste reduction.

Health, Safety, and Environment

• Follow all EHS procedures related to powder handling, ventilation, and fire safety.
• Ensure compliance with environmental standards and housekeeping expectations in the coating area.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum 3 years experience in a powder coating or industrial finishing environment.
• Knowledge of manual gun techniques and automated application systems (e.g. Nordson, Wagner, Gema, or similar).
• Familiarity with key machining and surface preparation parameters relevant to coating performance.
• Understanding of process control systems, conveyor line operation, and oven curing profiles.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to interpret technical drawings and coating specifications.
• Mechanical aptitude with hands-on troubleshooting ability.

Desirable Attributes

• Certification in Powder Coating Application or Surface Finishing (e.g. Qualicoat, NZ Finishing standards).
• Experience in aluminium or architectural coatings.
• Continuous improvement mindset (Lean / 5S / Kaizen participation).
• Team-oriented and capable of training or mentoring others.