Powder Coating Formulation & Color Specialist

Role details

Coatings Formulation & Color Specialist

Company: Columbia Coatings, LLC Location: Holladay, Tennessee Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site Schedule: Monday–Friday Pay: Based on Experience (DOE)

About Columbia Coatings

Columbia Coatings has been serving the powder coating industry since 1999. We specialize in powder coatings, coating equipment, chemicals, and specialty coating solutions. As we continue to grow, we are expanding our color development and product offerings and looking for a motivated, creative, and detail-oriented individual to join our team.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Coatings Formulation & Color Specialist to develop new powder coating colors, specialty finishes, and innovative color formulations. This position will play a key role in creating new colors, expanding existing color collections, and developing new color lines for Columbia Coatings. This hands-on position focuses on color development, color matching, formulation, and specialized blending techniques using pigments, metallics, and specialty additives. The ideal candidate will have experience in powder coating formulation or a background in chemistry, materials science, or a related technical field, with an interest in color development, experimentation, and product innovation.

Color Development & Formulation

• Create new powder coating colors, metallics, textures, and specialty finishes.
• Develop and expand color collections and new product lines.
• Develop and refine powder coating formulations using pigments, additives, and specialized blending techniques.
• Evaluate material compatibility, blending ratios, and coating performance.
• Develop consistent, repeatable formulations for production.

Color Matching & Laboratory Testing

• Use or learn computerized color matching systems, such as Datacolor Colibri.
• Operate spectrophotometers, gloss meters, and laboratory equipment.
• Evaluate color accuracy, gloss, texture, adhesion, and coating performance.
• Prepare test batches, apply coatings to sample panels, and evaluate results.
• Troubleshoot color variations, application issues, and coating defects.

Research & Product Development

• Research and test new pigments, additives, and specialty coating materials.
• Conduct experiments and make formulation improvements.
• Maintain accurate formulas, test results, and laboratory records.
• Work with suppliers, production, and management to develop new products.
• Support quality control and establish repeatable production processes.

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates with either of the following backgrounds:

• Powder Coating Industry Experience: Hands-on experience in powder coating formulation, color development, pigment technology, or related coatings applications.
• Chemistry or Related Background: Education, technical training, or practical experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, coatings technology, or a related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Interest in color matching, formulation development, and laboratory testing.
• Ability to accurately measure materials, calculate ratios, and document results.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and willingness to learn.
• Experience with color matching software or laboratory equipment is a plus, but not required.

Powder coating industry experience is preferred but not required for candidates with a relevant technical or scientific background.

Experience operating powder extrusion or grinding equipment is not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.
• Frequent standing, walking, and hands-on laboratory work.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 55 pounds, with reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to safely handle chemicals, pigments, and laboratory equipment.

Why Join Columbia Coatings?

Join a growing company where your technical skills, creativity, and ideas can contribute directly to new product development.

This is an opportunity to create new colors, develop specialty finishes, expand our color lines, and help bring innovative powder coating products to market.

If you enjoy color development, experimentation, and solving technical challenges, we encourage you to apply!

Columbia Coatings, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Holladay, TN 38341 (Required)

Work Location: In person