Fireproofing Application Specialist

Fireproofing Application Specialist

PPG Industries

Pittsburgh Pennsylvania

Join PPG's elite Passive Fire Protection (PFP) Application Specialist team-the critical bridge between R&D innovation and real-world performance. As our "first customer," you will rigorously test pre-production PFP coatings like PPG PITT-CHAR NX and STEELGUARD, push them to their limits in high-temp ovens, and deliver precise feedback to refine life-saving formulations. You will then lead global third-party certification, ensuring flawless execution of fire-test protocols. This hands-on, high-impact role demands PFP mastery, meticulous documentation, a strong customer-facing attitude, and proven interpersonal skills to build trusted relationships with R&D, production, third-party institutes, and external stakeholders worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Bridge R&D and Reality: Receive first-batch PFP materials; design and execute exhaustive application trials (spray, trowel, curing) to stress-test char expansion, adhesion, and fire resistance. Document failure points and collaborate with R&D for rapid adjustments.

• Third-Party Fire Testing Leadership: Coordinate with global institutes (England, Saudi Arabia, Peru, etc.) to align UL 1709, EN 13381, ISO 834 fire-test protocols, deadlines, and deliverables. Supply exhaustive documentation-never "too much information"-to secure PFP certifications.

• Deadline-Driven Execution: Own immovable fire-testing milestones. Witness production runs, oversee in-house PFP spray-outs in high-temp furnaces, and ensure every detail is captured for regulatory records.

• Hands-On PFP Application (25% of role): Perform daily PFP spray-outs and intumescent testing at PPG facilities or third-party sites while wearing full Tyvek PPE. Operate pumps, plural-component systems, and high-temp test ovens for PFP validation.

• Bespoke R&D Support: Fulfill custom PFP requests, including in-house furnace testing.

• Global Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong customer-facing relationships through face-to-face interactions with fire-testing institutes, production teams, and stakeholders. Conduct virtual and in-person meetings to keep PFP projects on track.

• Administrative Excellence (80% when not traveling): Generate detailed PFP trial reports, CRM updates, fire-test data packages, and compliance documentation.

Qualifications

• No degree required.

• Hands-on experience in application and testing of coatings

• Proven expertise in spray/trowel systems, pumps, surface prep, and curing; comfort pushing performance to failure in high-temp ovens.

• Meticulous attention to detail-capable of producing exhaustive, audit-ready fire-test documentation under tight deadlines.

• Strong customer-facing attitude and experience-professional, proactive communicator who excels in face-to-face technical discussions with clients, fire engineers, certifiers, and third-party partners.

• Experience coordinating with third-party testing bodies

• Willingness to wear full Tyvek PPE and work with high-temp ovens and hazardous materials.

Travel Expectations

• 15-20% annual travel

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on experience in application and fire-testing of Passive Fire Protection (PFP) coatings

• Proven expertise in PFP spray/trowel systems, pumps, surface prep, and curing; comfort pushing char performance to failure in high-temp ovens.

• Proven expertise in PFP spray/trowel systems, pumps, surface prep, and curing; comfort pushing char performance to failure in high-temp ovens.

• Pump and plural-component spray equipment expertise for thick-film PFP.

• Certification in PFP application (NACE/SSPC, FROSIO, ICorr) or fire testing standards.

• Familiarity with furnace-based PFP testing, hydrocarbon fire curves, or wind blade fire protection.

• Multilingual (Spanish/Portuguese a plus for South America).