Refinish Applications Specialist

As a Refinish Applications Specialist, you will provide advanced, hands‑on technical expertise in the application of automotive refinish paint systems used within collision centers, body shops, and aftermarket repair environments. You will focus on application evaluation, equipment setup, and supporting our teams during new product development. You will align with an Intermediate-Level S&T role, developing deeper knowledge within the discipline and applying professional concepts, procedures, and judgment to solve a variety of refinish‑related problems.

Key Responsibilities

Refinish Application Expertise

• Apply primers, sealers, basecoats, clearcoats, and specialty refinish coatings using proper techniques suited to collision repair workflows.

• Optimize spray gun setup, air pressure, and application sequences to achieve high-quality results.

• Resolve application-related issues including adhesion failures, surface defects, contamination, and improper curing.

• Provide application-focused insights during development of new coatings, materials, or processes.

• Evaluate sprayability, film build, flow, leveling, and curing characteristics under typical refinish shop conditions.

• Perform hands‑on application of prototype coatings or processes in controlled refinish-style environments.

• Assess application behavior, repair‑cycle compatibility, and performance characteristics relevant to body shop operations.

• Document findings and communicate structured technical feedback to internal development teams to support formulation adjustments and performance improvements.

Technical Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of application parameters, prototype evaluations, and technical findings.

• Conduct root‑cause analyses and document corrective actions for application‑related issues.

• Share recurring trends and insights with quality and development teams to support continuous improvement.

Internal Collaboration

• Work with quality, product development, and technical teams to address application challenges.

• Provide refinish‑specific application insights that support product development, internal evaluations, and validation work.

• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate actions in moderate-scope technical situations.

Role Complexity & Expectations

• Demonstrate growing technical proficiency, scientific creativity, and independent thought.

• Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis requires review of identifiable factors.

• Applies company policies, standardized application procedures, and professional concepts to resolve typical issues within the automotive refinish discipline.

Supervision & Work Direction

• Receive a moderate level of instruction on day‑to‑day responsibilities.

• Receive detailed guidance for new projects, prototype evaluations, or assignments requiring novel techniques.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–4 years of related professional experience in automotive refinishing, collision repair, aftermarket coatings, or similar hands‑on technical environments.

• Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or global equivalent in a related discipline.

• Understanding of refinish paint systems, surface preparation, spray equipment, and application techniques.

• Ability to diagnose and resolve application issues in body shop environments.

• Basic understanding of industry practices and refinish workflows.

• Proficient with tools, systems, equipment, and documentation procedures.

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About us: 

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™ 

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X. 

The PPG Way 2030  

We are customer champions 

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow. 

We act with purpose and speed 

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.  

We are excellent operators 

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.   

We compete to win 

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths. 

We are PPG proud 

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world. 

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to  https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.  

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.  

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [email protected]. 

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.  
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.  Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process. 

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.