Painter IV

Position Summary

The Painter is responsible for preparing, masking, painting, coating, and finishing aircraft components and related parts in accordance with applicable work instructions, specifications, quality requirements, and safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience painting in an aviation or aerospace environment and possess working knowledge of surface preparation, masking techniques, paint mixing and application, spray equipment, and quality expectations. Candidates with relevant industrial, manufacturing, automotive, or similar professional painting experience may also be considered.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare aircraft components and parts for painting or coating, including cleaning, sanding, scuffing, stripping, and other required surface preparation.
• Mask components and designated areas according to applicable drawings, work instructions, and specifications.
• Mix and prepare primers, paints, coatings, and other materials according to manufacturer and process requirements.
• Apply primers, topcoats, specialty coatings, and other finishes using appropriate spray equipment and application techniques.
• Inspect surfaces before, during, and after application to identify defects and ensure acceptable finish quality.
• Perform touch-ups and correct paint or coating imperfections as necessary.
• Read and follow work instructions, technical data, specifications, and applicable drawings.
• Properly operate, clean, and maintain spray guns, paint equipment, and associated tools.
• Maintain accurate production and process documentation as required.
• Properly handle, label, store, and dispose of paints, solvents, coatings, and other materials in accordance with established environmental and safety procedures.
• Follow all PPE requirements and established safety practices when working with paints, chemicals, solvents, and related materials.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Coordinate with Quality, Production, and other departments to ensure work meets applicable requirements.
• Identify and communicate quality concerns, equipment issues, or process discrepancies to the appropriate supervisor or lead.
• Support established production schedules while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous professional painting, coating, finishing, or related experience preferred.
• Ability to use spray equipment and common painting and finishing tools.
• Ability to understand and follow written work instructions, specifications, and safety requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing a high-quality finish.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to effectively communicate with supervisors, coworkers, Quality personnel, and other departments.
• Ability and willingness to work with paints, primers, solvents, chemicals, and other coating materials while utilizing required PPE.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous aviation or aerospace painting experience strongly preferred.
• Experience painting aircraft, aircraft components, or aerospace parts.
• Experience with HVLP or other professional spray equipment.
• Experience with primers, polyurethane coatings, specialty coatings, and aviation/aerospace finishing processes.
• Knowledge of proper masking, surface preparation, paint mixing, application, and curing techniques.
• Experience working from technical documentation, drawings, process specifications, and work instructions.
• Experience working within a regulated manufacturing, aviation, or repair environment.
• Familiarity with quality requirements and documentation associated with aerospace manufacturing or repair operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

• Excellent attention to detail and finish quality.
• Knowledge of surface preparation and coating application techniques.
• Ability to identify common paint defects and perform appropriate corrective work.
• Ability to maintain consistency in color, coverage, texture, and overall appearance.
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.
• Ability to appropriately use and care for painting equipment and tools.
• Strong safety awareness, particularly when handling chemicals and combustible or hazardous materials.
• Ability to manage multiple assigned tasks while maintaining quality and productivity expectations.
• Reliability, professionalism, and a strong work ethic.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, which may include:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Frequently bending, reaching, stooping, crouching, and working in various positions.
• Using hands and arms repetitively when sanding, masking, preparing, and applying coatings.
• Wearing required personal protective equipment, which may include respiratory protection when applicable.
• Working in designated paint and production environments.
• Lifting and/or moving materials, parts, tools, and equipment consistent with the requirements of the position.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in an aviation/manufacturing environment and may involve exposure to paint fumes, solvents, chemicals, dust, noise, and other conditions associated with industrial painting and finishing operations. Appropriate PPE and compliance with established safety procedures are required.