Plasma Spray Operator - Aircraft Engine
Job Description
Job Description
Location: Doral FL
Department: Manufacturing & Special Processes – Coatings
Reports To: Coatings Supervisor / Director of Operations
About Global Turbine Services
Global Turbine Services (GTS) delivers world-class MRO and component repair solutions for commercial and military gas-turbine engines (CFM56, CF6, LEAP, and others). We operate an AS9100 quality system and FAA/EASA repair environments and are expanding our advanced coatings capability.
Position Summary
Operate and maintain plasma spray equipment to apply thermal barrier, abradable, wear- and oxidation-resistant coatings on turbine engine components. The operator executes work to routers and Work Instructions, meeting NADCAP/AS9100 special-process requirements for thickness, porosity, adhesion, and surface finish.
Key Responsibilities
Coating Operations
- Set up and run plasma spray systems (e.g., Oerlikon Metco/Sulzer Metco F4, 9MB, TriplexPro, or equivalent; TAFA/Praxair) with robot/turntable motion where applicable.
- Interpret process sheets/parameter cards (current, voltage, gas flows, powder feed rate, stand-off, traverse speed) and verify with mass-flow controllers.
- Apply bond coats (e.g., NiCrAlY), abradables, and YSZ TBCs to OEM specs and GTS routers.
- Perform grit blast & surface prep, fixturing/masking, pre-heat, and post-spray handling.
- Measure coating thickness (ultrasonic/mechanical), surface roughness (Ra/Rz), and collect coupons for metallography/adhesion tests (e.g., ASTM C633).
- Document coating maps, lot traceability, powder batch info, and actual parameters.
Quality & Compliance
- Execute work to AS9100/NADCAP special-process controls and support audits.
- Complete job travelers, in-process checks, and nonconformance tags where required.
- Maintain equipment calibration logs; perform routine torch/nozzle maintenance.
- Support continuous improvement (SPC, parameter optimization, fixture design).
Safety & Housekeeping
- Follow HSE practices for high-temperature equipment, compressed gases, powders, and ventilation.
- Use required PPE/respiratory protection, and maintain 5S/FOD discipline.
Qualifications
Required
- 2+ years operating plasma spray (APS or VPS/LPPS) in aerospace, energy, or equivalent precision industry.
- Ability to read blueprints, GD&T, routers, and coating specifications.
- Hands-on experience with grit blasting, masking, fixturing, and measurement tools (micrometers, profilometer, coating thickness gauges).
- Basic understanding of NADCAP special process documentation and traceability.
- Computer literacy for recording parameters and completing travelers.
Preferred
- Experience coating gas-turbine parts (seals, shrouds, cases, blades/vanes, HPT/LPT hardware).
- Familiarity with HVOF and/or thermal spray powder handling best practices.
- Knowledge of metallography and interpreting coupon results (porosity, oxides, microhardness).
- Forklift/overhead crane use; basic fixture design; ERP data entry.
Core Competencies
- Quality- and safety-first mindset; attention to detail
- Steady hand/torch control and repeatability under tight tolerances
- Strong communication and teamwork across shifts
- Problem solving and continuous improvement orientation
Physical Requirements
- Lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, work in heat/noise/respirator environments.
- Manual dexterity for masking/fixturing and torch maintenance.
Why Join GTS
- Competitive compensation & benefits
- Growing coatings/program portfolio across CFM56, CF6, LEAP
- Training on advanced systems (robotic motion, VPS/LPPS) and NADCAP upskilling
- Career growth within MRO & component repair