Job Description
Job DetailsJob Location: Gemini Industries, Inc (Oklahoma) - El Reno, OK 73036Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High SchoolSalary Range: $45,000.00 - $65,000.00 SalaryTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: Day ShiftJob Category: SalesPOSITION SUMMARY
The Application Specialist supports the development, evaluation, and technical validation of industrial wood coating systems. This role serves as a critical bridge between Product Management, Laboratory Development, Technical Service, and Sales to ensure coatings perform consistently in real-world spray environments.
This position will lead and support spray application testing, competitive benchmarking, internal product evaluations, and field problem-solving. This position also maintains application equipment and spray facilities. The role requires deep, hands-on expertise in wood coating spray techniques, fluid delivery systems, and industrial finishing equipment.
The Application Specialist plays a key part in supporting lab initiatives, new product launches, and continuous improvement projects.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Application Testing & Product Evaluation
Conduct spray application testing for new product development, reformulations, and product improvements
Perform internal product evaluations and competitive benchmarking
Document coating performance, including:
Dry-to-handle, dry-to-sand, and dry-to-stack times
Atomization and transfer efficiency
Sanding quality, flow and leveling, feel and slip
Defect identification, film build, and overall appearance
Evaluate stain applications including wipe ease, spray/no-wipe methods, color development, and dry times
Partner with Product Management and Laboratory teams to translate formulations into real-world performance
Spray Equipment & Facility Management
Maintain and manage spray booths, finishing equipment, and testing environments
Set up and operate industrial spray systems, including:
Airless
Air-Assisted Airless
HVLP
Conventional spray systems
Maintain fluid delivery systems such as pumps, pressure pots, and circulation systems
Ensure all equipment is calibrated, functioning properly, and operating safely
Follow all EHS standards, including recordkeeping and waste disposal procedures
Cross-Functional Technical Support
Collaborate with Sales, Technical Service, Product Management, and Laboratory teams
Troubleshoot application challenges during trials and evaluations
Provide practical application insights to improve product formulation and performance
Support product launches with spray parameters, application guidelines, and best practices
Competitive & Market Evaluation
Conduct spray testing of competitor coatings
Provide structured feedback on:
Sprayability
Appearance and finish quality
Film build
Defect resistance
Production suitability
Communicate overall user experience comparisons between Gemini products and competitors
Product Development Support
Assist in coating system validation for new product launches
Establish application parameters and recommended equipment settings
Support development of technical documentation and product positioning
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Technical Expertise
Extensive hands-on experience applying industrial wood coatings, including:
Stains
Lacquers and pre-catalyzed lacquers
Conversion varnishes
Waterborne coatings
Two-component finishes
Strong understanding of coating behavior in production spray environments
Spray Equipment Knowledge
Experience with:
Airless and Air-Assisted Airless systems
HVLP and conventional spray guns
Fluid delivery systems (pumps, pressure pots, circulation loops)
Equipment & Facility Management
Ability to maintain spray booths, filtration systems, and finishing equipment
Experience maintaining fluid handling systems and spray components
Ability to manage sanding tables and inventories (test panels, abrasives, sundries)
Analytical & Troubleshooting Skills
Ability to identify and resolve application issues such as:
Orange peel
Dry spray
Poor atomization
Film defects and inconsistent build
Strong observational, evaluation, and documentation skills
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Proven ability to work with Product Management, R&D/Laboratory teams, Technical Service, Sales, and OEM representatives
Ability to translate technical findings into actionable insights across teams
Key Attributes for Success
Hands-on, practical problem solver
High attention to detail in application testing
Ability to translate laboratory concepts into real-world performance
Strong organizational and documentation discipline
Collaborative mindset across technical and commercial teams
Adhere to all safety regulations and procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
5+ years of experience in industrial wood finishing or coatings application
Experience working with OEM wood manufacturers or production finishing environments
Familiarity with coating evaluation protocols and testing methods
Strong mechanical aptitude for equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
PHYSICAL & WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the role, with reasonable accommodations available as needed.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and work in office, laboratory, manufacturing, and customer environments.
Occasional lifting or movement of materials up to 50 pounds.
Ability to use hands for handling equipment and tools.
Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception.
Ability to travel as required to customer sites, suppliers, and company facilities.
