Aircraft Painter

Published: 6/14/2022

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Production PainterJob Description

This role supports the paint and wet chemistry department by painting and priming a variety of aerospace structures. The Production Painter applies protective and decorative coatings to parts, assemblies, and finished products, ensuring high-quality finishes that meet aerospace standards and specifications.

Responsibilities

Apply protective and decorative coatings such as paint, varnish, enamel, lacquer, dope, or stain to parts, assemblies, and finished products using spray equipment.
Select, mix, and prepare coating materials according to specifications and required finish characteristics.
Coat areas that are inaccessible to spray equipment using brushes or rollers to ensure complete coverage.
Review and interpret drawings and work instructions to determine masking requirements and paint/primer application details.
Perform basic surface preparation using abrasive blast media to achieve proper adhesion of coatings.
Monitor and verify coating quality in accordance with statistical process control or other quality control procedures.
Handle and move parts and materials, including lifting items up to 50 pounds, in a safe and efficient manner.
Use and maintain a half-face respirator and other required personal protective equipment once certified.
Support wet chemistry processes as needed, including tasks related to etching, chemical baths, and bonding preparations, when qualified.
Follow all safety, environmental, and housekeeping guidelines in the paint and wet chemistry areas.

Essential Skills

Ability to review and interpret drawings for correct application of masking and paint/primer.
Hands-on experience in the application of aerospace coatings.
Proficiency in basic surface preparation using abrasive blast media.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly as part of daily work.
Capability to obtain certification for use with a half-face respirator.
Practical skills in painting, priming, and blasting operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Experience in etching aluminum surfaces using P2 or FPL etchant.
Experience in mixing chemical etchant baths for aerospace applications.
Experience performing chemical titration and etchant analysis.
Extensive experience in the application of chemical treatments and surface preparations for bonding purposes.
Familiarity with wet chemistry processes used in aerospace manufacturing environments.

Why Work Here?

You will contribute directly to the creation of structural components that support spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and launch vehicles, working in a highly technical and impactful aerospace environment. The schedule offers a 9/80 structure with a first-shift assignment, supporting work-life balance through regular daytime hours and a compressed workweek. You will gain experience with advanced coatings and wet chemistry processes, providing valuable growth opportunities and exposure to specialized aerospace manufacturing practices.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility dedicated to designing and producing structural components for spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and launch vehicles. Work is performed on the first shift with a 9/80 schedule, offering a compressed workweek and regular daytime hours. The environment includes paint booths, spray equipment, abrasive blasting systems, and wet chemistry areas where chemical etchants and baths are prepared and used. Team members use respirators and other personal protective equipment as required, and follow strict safety and quality procedures typical of aerospace production operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $29.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

\nCompany Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.