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).

About us:

Here at PPG we make it happen, and we seek candidates of the highest integrity and professionalism who share our values, with the commitment and drive to strive today to do better than yesterday – everyday.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @ PPG on Twitter.

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email recruiting@ppg.com.

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.

Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process.

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.

Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.