Blaster- C7 Certified - (Travel US & Intl. 75%+, Norfolk 25%)

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Job Title: C7 Certified Blaster (SHIP)

Classification: Full-time, Hourly Non-Exempt

Reports To: Project Superintendent

Location: Chesapeake-based role with extensive domestic and international travel (approximately 75% or more).

This is a field service role with an expected average domestic and international travel requirement of approximately 75% or more (varies). The role fluctuates into a shop role at Kymera International facilities such as the local TSS shop and the Houston, TX shop when not working at a remote customer site.

ABOUT THE COMPANY:

Kymera International - Thermal Spray Solutions:

Kymera International is a leading global producer of specialty metal powders, pastes, and granules, catering to industries such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and electronics. Our mission is to drive innovation while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability, operational excellence, and ethical business practices. We are committed to continuous improvement and regulatory compliance on a global scale.

As part of Kymera International, Thermal Spray Solutions, Inc. (TSS) is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, full-service thermal spray facility. We provide high-performance coating solutions for a diverse range of industries, including Marine, Power Generation, Pulp & Paper, Valves, Pumps, and various branches of the Department of Defense (DoD). Our state-of-the-art equipment, advanced coating technologies, and unique certifications enable us to meet the highest standards of our customers’ demands.

At TSS, we are dedicated to excellence, customer success, and business growth. We are looking for motivated, goal-oriented, and hard-working individuals who thrive in challenging environments to join our team!

Job Overview:

The C7 Certified Blaster (SHIP) will support shipboard field operations involving abrasive blasting and surface preparation on various surfaces aboard Naval vessels, including but not limited to steel decks, structural components, and marine equipment. This role requires an active C7 certification and hands-on experience performing shipboard blasting in compliance with Navy, military, and customer specifications. The C7 Certified Blaster supports thermal spray and coating operations by ensuring proper surface preparation prior to coating application and is expected to progress into performing thermal spray application duties through company-provided training. This role is ideal for individuals who can thrive in a dynamic, travel-based environment, often working in confined or elevated spaces and under varying environmental conditions. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail, the ability to follow technical procedures, and a commitment to safety and quality standards. This position requires flexibility, excellent attendance, and a strong work ethic in support of complex field jobs at customer locations.

Responsibilities:

• Surface Preparation : Perform abrasive blasting and surface preparation aboard Naval ships to prepare metal substrates for thermal spray and coating applications, ensuring adherence to military and customer specifications.
• C7 Compliance : Perform blasting operations in accordance with C7 certification requirements, shipyard regulations, and approved work instructions.
• Thermal Spray Development : Participate in company-provided training to learn thermal spray application processes and progressively support thermal spray operations as qualified.
• Shipboard Readiness: Work in shipyard and onboard environments, including confined spaces, scaffolding, and elevated platforms, while adhering to all shipboard safety protocols.
• Equipment Operation: Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot blasting equipment, hoses, nozzles, and containment systems at shipyard or vessel locations, and assist with thermal spray equipment setup as trained.
• Surface Inspection : Inspect blasted surfaces to confirm cleanliness, profile, and readiness for coating application and identify rework needs.
• Documentation : Complete required documentation and logs related to blasting, surface preparation, and thermal spray support activities in accordance with company and customer requirements.
• Safety Compliance : Rigorously follow all field safety procedures, including the use of PPE such as full-face respirators, coveralls, and steel toe boots, ensuring personal and team safety.
• Quality Assurance : Support quality control inspections of prepared and coated surfaces to ensure compliance with strict quality standards.
• Representation : Represent the company professionally while working directly at military or customer sites, maintaining a positive and cooperative attitude.
• Team Support : Take direction from field leads or senior technicians, assist in equipment staging and cleanup, and contribute to team efficiency during all phases of the job.
• Flexibility and Travel : Travel to domestic Navy shipyard locations for extended periods as needed and adapt to fluctuating job schedules and environments.
• Continuous Learning : Participate in company training programs to develop technical skills in blasting, thermal spray application, safety awareness, and quality procedures.

Benefits Summary:

At Kymera International, we provide a competitive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial security, including:

• Generous Time Off: 11 annual company-paid holidays and PTO.
• Healthcare Savings: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and comprehensive dental and vision coverage.
• Retirement Support: 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
• Insurance Coverage: Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance, with additional voluntary options like critical illness, hospital care, and long-term disability coverage.
• Competitive pay.
• Team Benefits: A supportive team culture and resources to help you thrive.

We are dedicated to helping you live your best life, both professionally and personally. Benefits are reviewed annually.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Active C7 certification, held for a minimum of one year.
• Ability to perform abrasive blasting and surface preparation in shipyard or industrial environments.
• Willingness and ability to learn thermal spray application processes through company-provided training.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain blasting equipment and related tools.
• Attention to detail and ability to ensure high quality and accuracy in all tasks.
• Ability to identify surface defects and communicate rework needs.
• Reliability – must be able to consistently maintain good attendance and punctuality.
• Good communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members and managers.
• Ability to adapt to change and maintain flexibility to changes in workload and responsibilities.
• Safety awareness and commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.
• Must be a "US Person" per International Traffic in Arms Regulations contractual requirements: A US person who is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal background check and maintain a clean record, ability to pass a drug-screen, eye exam, hearing exam, and respirator test (health screenings required if applicable for job safety compliance purposes).

Travel and Other Requirements:

• Ability to Travel (75%+) is Required: Frequent travel is required, including international travel, to supervise operations at various remote work sites.
• Valid Passport and Driver’s License: Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and passport to support travel requirements.

Education, Certifications and Experience:

• Active C7 certification, held for a minimum of one year.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Maritime Industry strongly preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Exposure to a repair or manufacturing, shipyard or skilled craft environment is preferred; prior machine shop experience is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience supporting coating, blasting, or thermal spray operations is preferred.

Physical Requirements:
The role demands the ability to navigate diverse and challenging environments on naval vessels during the various project phases. This includes but is not limited to:

• Climbing ladders and navigating stairs, bending, reaching overhead, kneeling, crouching, and walking on uneven or slippery surfaces. Exposure to noise, vibration, and variable weather environments.
• May sometimes require accessing work areas at heights, in confined spaces and maneuvering through tight, restricted areas to assess progress and ensure safety standards.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform repetitive manual tasks for extended periods.
• Strength to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds unassisted, repeatedly throughout a shift.
• Capability to pass a respiratory medical evaluation, including hearing and vision exams, and meet all necessary physical qualifications.
• Ability to wear and work comfortably in required personal protective equipment (PPE), including a full-face respirator or helmet PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirator), protective coveralls, gloves, and steel-toe boots, for prolonged periods.
• Coordination and manual dexterity to safely operate machinery, tools, and equipment while maintaining focus on ergonomics and safety.

When requested by employees, and when possible, reasonable accommodation may be provided to help individuals with disabilities perform their essential job functions. Kymera is an Equal Opportunity Employer, encouraging diversity in the workplace. EOE: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability.