Senior Coating Specialist

Overview of RoleZwitterCo is searching for a Senior Coating Specialist responsible for operating, controlling, and optimizing membrane coating processes in a production environment. The ideal candidate is a manufacturing expert that ensures safe, consistent, and high‐yield coating operations while meeting quality, throughput, and cost targets.This position requires deep technical experience with coating equipment, strong discipline in standard work and Statistical Process Control (SPC), and the ability to troubleshoot issues quickly on the production floor. This role serves as a technical leader within manufacturing and a key link between operations, quality, and process engineering.About ZwitterCoZwitterCo has developed a breakthrough in materials science - a new class of zwitterionic membranes with unprecedented fouling resistance. Our membrane solutions perform beyond the limits of traditional filtration, making it practical to treat complex wastewater, purify water for reuse, and maximize efficiency in food processing applications.ZwitterCo serves customers in more than 20 countries across food and beverage, agricultural, and industrial sectors. We are rapidly investing in our technology, equipment, and global services platform to help our industrial customers achieve their most ambitious sustainability and growth targets.We are grateful to have been named as Fast Company's Top Innovators of 2024 and featured on the 2025 & 2026 Global Cleantech 100.Key Responsibilities:Production Coating OperationsOperate membrane coating lines in a manufacturing environment, including start‐up, steady‐state production, changeovers, and shutdownsExecute daily production schedules while meeting safety, quality, throughput, and scrap targetsMonitor and control critical process parameters such as coat weight, thickness, viscosity, web tension, line speed, temperature, and drying conditionsPerform in‐process inspections and adjustments to maintain product specificationsProcess Control & Yield ImprovementMaintain strict adherence to SOPs, standard work, and control plansUse SPC and production data to monitor process capability and stabilityLead first‐level troubleshooting of coating defects (e.g., streaks, pinholes, delamination, non‐uniformity)Drive yield improvement, scrap reduction, and downtime reduction initiativesEscalate chronic issues and support root cause analysis and corrective actionsEquipment & Maintenance SupportPerform equipment setup, calibration, cleaning, and preventive maintenance tasksSupport mechanical adjustments, web handling alignment, and coating head setupWork closely with maintenance and engineering teams on equipment reliability and upgradesIdentify early warning signs of equipment or process driftMaterials Handling & Chemical ControlPrepare, handle, and manage coating solutions according to approved formulationsEnsure proper chemical handling, labeling, storage, and waste disposalMaintain raw material traceability and usage recordsExternal Manufacturing SupportTravel to external manufacturing partners to support technology knowledge transfer, process scale-up, and troubleshootingCollaborate with partner teams to diagnose process issues and optimize coating performanceEnsure successful implementation and consistency of ZwitterCo coating processes across partner sitesQuality & ComplianceEnsure that all production output meets quality specifications and release requirementsSupport internal and external audits by providing process knowledge and documentationParticipate in deviation investigations, nonconformance reviews, and CAPAsMaintain a strong 5S, safety, and compliance culture within the coating areaTraining & Floor LeadershipAct as a lead operator and subject matter expert for membrane coating operationsTrain and mentor operators and technicians on coating equipment and processesSupport onboarding and certification of new operatorsCommunicate effectively across shifts to ensure continuity and consistent performanceRequired Qualifications:High school diploma or associate degree required with Equivalent manufacturing experience7+ years of hands‐on experience operating coating or thin‐film manufacturing processesExperience in a high‐volume or high‐reliability manufacturing environmentStrong understanding of coating fundamentals, web handling, and film formationExperience with roll‐to‐roll coating or similar continuous processesFamiliarity with SPC, control charts, and manufacturing KPIsAbility to read and follow technical work instructions and specificationsPreferred Qualifications:Direct experience in membrane manufacturing (RO, NF, UF, MF, or specialty membranes) strongly preferredExperience supporting scale‐up or process transfers into manufacturingLean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experienceExperience working in regulated or highly controlled manufacturing environmentsLeadership experience as a senior operator or lead technicianCritical Success Factors:Highly detail‐oriented with strong troubleshooting skillsComfortable working on the production floor and leading by exampleSafety‐first mindset with strong accountabilityClear communicator across operations, quality, and engineering teamsSchedule, Travel, Compensation, and LocationThis is a full-time position in Woburn, MA and will report to the Production Manager. Travel for this role is expected to be between 5% - 10% to facilitate technology transfer with external manufacturers.Compensation will be commensurate with experience and include equity and benefits.