Prep Technician

Position Summary
Koted is a fast-paced custom finishing shop. The Prep Tech is responsible for preparing parts for Cerakote and other finishing processes. This role requires strong attention to detail, clean/organized work habits, and the ability to follow process requirements based on material type and the finish being applied. Prep is where quality starts—if prep is wrong, everything downstream suffers.

Key Responsibilities

• Pull and verify correct parts for each job (match travelers/work orders, confirm quantities)
• Maintain accurate part counts throughout the workflow (pulled, in process, completed, staged)
• Degrease and clean parts properly based on material/contamination level
• Mask and plug critical areas (threads, bores, mating surfaces, serials, tight-tolerance areas, etc.)
• Sand blast parts to required profile/coverage without damaging edges or important features
• Inspect parts during prep and flag issues (damage, defects, incorrect material, prior coatings, etc.)
• Hang/rack parts for Cerakote efficiently and securely for consistent spray coverage
• Perform Cerakote masking steps as required for the coating process (tape lines, plugs, split jobs, multi-color prep)
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and ready for the next job; follow shop safety standards
• Help in the shop where needed (general support, staging, light assistance to other stations)

Requirements

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow process steps exactly
• Ability to understand that different materials/finishes require different prep methods (and execute accordingly)
• Reliable attendance and ability to stay productive in a production environment
• Comfortable working on your feet in a shop setting and around blasting/cleaning processes
• Coachable attitude; able to take direct feedback and improve quickly
• Thick skin + good personality (shop environment—direct communication and humor are part of the culture)

Preferred (Nice to Have)

• Experience with Cerakote prep, blasting, masking, or other finishing/coating prep
• Familiarity with QC checks (coverage, surface profile, contamination control)
• Experience working from job travelers/work orders and managing counts

What Success Looks Like

• Correct parts pulled every time, with clean organization and accurate counts
• Proper prep per material/finish, minimal rework, and smooth handoffs to coating
• Clean masking lines, protected critical areas, consistent blast profile
• Strong teamwork and willingness to jump in where needed

Benefits & Perks (after trial period unless noted):

• Health insurance available (employee-paid; company does not currently subsidize premiums)
  
• Profit sharing
  
• 401(k) available (no company match at this time)
  
• PTO: 1 week paid vacation + 1 week paid sick time (available in full once trial period ends)
  
• Free access to Koted services for personal projects (within shop guidelines/scheduling)
  
• Access to company dealer accounts for personal purchases at dealer pricing
  
• Company lunch on Fridays