Job Description

Job Location: Gemini Industries, Inc (Oklahoma) - El Reno, OK 73036
Position Type: Full TimeEducation
Level: High School
Salary Range: $45,000.00 - $65,000.00 Salary
Travel Percentage: None
Job Shift: Day Shift
Job 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.