Aircraft Surface Finisher

Northrop Grumman; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4‑day work week

EBA rates and conditions

Professional development support

Purchased annual leave

Salary packaging

Parental leave

Leave options

Health & wellbeing program

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Australia is seeking an Aircraft Surface Finisher for our KC-30A Maintenance Operations team at RAAF Base Amberley. You will maintain appearance, protection and serviceability of KC-30A aircraft, plan, perform and certify surface finishing activities while supporting maintenance requirements.

The role requires attention to detail, safety focus and collaboration within a regulated Defence aviation environment. A Certificate III in Aeroskills is essential.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Aeroskills (Aircraft Surface Finish) or equivalent qualification.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
• Ability to build strong working relationships across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Commitment to safe work practices and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Perform and certify aircraft surface finishing maintenance activities on aircraft and components.
• Support the planning and execution of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance tasks.
• Identify and assist with manpower, tooling, spares and facility requirements.
• Maintain compliance with approved maintenance documentation, procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and manage tooling, FOD control and aeronautical product controls.
• Report and follow up defects and maintenance publication discrepancies.
• Work collaboratively with maintenance personnel, technical specialists and Defence stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and future capability development initiatives.
• Ensure accurate recording and documentation of all maintenance activities.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture at all times.

Skills

Attention to detail

Quality minded

Excellent communication

Problem solving

Education

Certificate III in Aeroskills (Aircraft Surface Finish)

Job description

AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE TYPE: AU- Secret (NV1)

TRAVEL: No

Description

We are Northrop Grumman Australia. Our 800-strong team is leveraging unparalleled global resources to deliver sovereign Defence capability aligned to the Government's priorities across Aeronautics, Mission Critical Systems, Space and Guided Weapons. As we build our business and our capabilities, we are also developing a reputation as a great place to work.

Help us define what is possible for our nation and for your career.

The Role

An exciting opportunity exists for an Aircraft Surface Finisher to join our KC-30A Maintenance Operations team based at RAAF Base Amberley.

Working within the Embedded Maintenance Team, you'll play a critical role in maintaining the appearance, protection and serviceability of the KC-30A fleet. This role is responsible for planning, performing and certifying aircraft surface finishing activities while supporting scheduled and unscheduled maintenance requirements.

This is a hands‑on position that requires exceptional attention to detail, a strong commitment to safety and quality, and the ability to work collaboratively within a highly regulated Defence aviation environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and certify aircraft surface finishing maintenance activities on aircraft and components
• Support the planning and execution of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance tasks
• Identify and assist with manpower, tooling, spares and facility requirements
• Maintain compliance with approved maintenance documentation, procedures and regulatory requirements
• Monitor and manage tooling, FOD control and aeronautical product controls
• Report and follow up defects and maintenance publication discrepancies
• Work collaboratively with maintenance personnel, technical specialists and Defence stakeholders
• Contribute to continuous improvement and future capability development initiatives
• Ensure accurate recording and documentation of all maintenance activities
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture at all times

This position operates within a rotating shift environment supporting critical Defence aviation operations.

About You

You are a quality‑focused aviation professional who takes pride in delivering high standards of workmanship and supporting safe aircraft operations.

You will bring:

• Certificate III in Aeroskills (Aircraft Surface Finish) or equivalent qualification
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality outcomes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A proactive approach to problem‑solving and continuous improvement
• The ability to build strong working relationships across multiple stakeholder groups
• A commitment to safe work practices and regulatory compliance

What We Offer

We have built our benefits to help you define your possible.

• 4-day work week through a compressed roster pattern
• Attractive EBA rates and conditions
• Professional Development, including further education assistance, professional memberships and unlimited access to online learning
• Purchased Annual Leave, including the option to purchase an additional two weeks each year
• Salary Packaging, including novated vehicle leasing
• Generous Paid Parental Leave of 18 weeks
• Volunteer and Enhanced Reservist Leave
• Health & Wellbeing Program
• Employee Assistance Program

Everyone Matters

Doing the right thing and sharing success are two values underpinning how we behave at Northrop Grumman. Here, everyone matters, including candidates from diverse backgrounds.

We are particularly proud of our commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through our Innovate RAP, and our support for Veteran employment. We warmly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Veterans to apply.

As a Defence security clearance is required for this role, applicants must be Australian Citizens. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) apply and nationality may be a factor in determining suitability for this role. Applicants will also be required to complete police checks and employment screening verification.

Defining Possible. Together.