Aircraft Painter

STS Aviation Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

STS Aviation Services in Manchester, United Kingdom, is seeking an Aircraft Painter to support base maintenance at Manchester Airport. You will perform surface preparation, painting, refinishing, and livery work to the highest standards in a professional aircraft maintenance environment.

The role requires experience on live aircraft within a base maintenance facility, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work with approved maintenance data and coatings.

Qualifications

• Completed an aircraft painting or engineering apprenticeship, military equivalent, or relevant industry training.
• Experience with water-based paint systems and interior refinishing.
• Ideally 2 years of live aircraft painting in a base maintenance environment.
• Experience with full resprays, livery application, and corrosion rectification.
• Excellent hand skills and professional spray painting technique.
• High attention to detail and strong commitment to quality standards.
• Ability to adapt to shift patterns and varying maintenance schedules.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom.

Responsibilities

• Carry out aircraft surface preparation, painting, and refinishing activities during base maintenance inputs
• Complete full aircraft and component paint tasks during scheduled maintenance checks
• Perform stripping, masking, surface preparation, priming, top coat application, and livery painting
• Interpret maintenance manuals, paint schemes, engineering drawings, and regulatory requirements
• Mix, prepare, and apply paints, primers, sealants, and coatings in accordance with approved procedures
• Carry out corrosion protection and surface treatment tasks identified during maintenance inspections
• Work to fine tolerances while maintaining high cosmetic and technical standards
• Operate spray booths and associated equipment in accordance with safety and environmental requirements
• Maintain strict tool control, material control, and FOD prevention standards within the hangar environment

Skills

Apprenticeship

Interior overhaul

Live aircraft painting

Resprays & livery

Spray painting technique

Attention to detail

Shift flexibility

Communication skills

Aircraft structures knowledge

Education

Aircraft painting apprenticeship or military equivalent

Tools

Paint application equipment

Water-based paint systems

Job description

STS Aviation Services is hiring an Aircraft Painter in Manchester, United Kingdom.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled aircraft painter to support base maintenance operations at Manchester Airport (MAN). The successful candidate will perform aircraft surface preparation, painting, refinishing, and livery work while maintaining the highest technical and cosmetic standards required in a professional aircraft maintenance environment.

If you have experience working on live aircraft within a base maintenance facility and take pride in precision workmanship, we encourage you to apply.

Position Overview

The Aircraft Painter will carry out aircraft surface preparation, painting, and refinishing activities during scheduled base maintenance inputs. All work must be completed in accordance with approved maintenance data, engineering drawings, work instructions, and paint manufacturer specifications.

Tasks will be assigned by the Lead Technician or B1 Engineer. The role requires clear communication regarding any issues that may affect the work plan, including recommended solutions where appropriate. Any unsafe conditions must be reported immediately through the proper reporting channels.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Carry out aircraft surface preparation, painting, and refinishing activities during base maintenance inputs
• Complete full aircraft and component paint tasks during scheduled maintenance checks
• Perform stripping, masking, surface preparation, priming, top coat application, and livery painting
• Interpret maintenance manuals, paint schemes, engineering drawings, and regulatory requirements
• Mix, prepare, and apply paints, primers, sealants, and coatings in accordance with approved procedures
• Carry out corrosion protection and surface treatment tasks identified during maintenance inspections
• Work to fine tolerances while maintaining high cosmetic and technical standards
• Operate spray booths and associated equipment in accordance with safety and environmental requirements
• Maintain strict tool control, material control, and FOD prevention standards within the hangar environment
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organised working environment throughout extended maintenance inputs

Skills & Experience

• Completed an aircraft painting or engineering apprenticeship, military equivalent, or relevant industry training
• Fully conversant in aircraft interior overhaul and refinishing as well as water based paint systems
• Ideally 2 years of live aircraft painting experience within a base maintenance environment
• Experience performing full aircraft resprays, livery application, and corrosion rectification
• Excellent hand skills and professional spray painting technique
• High attention to detail and strong commitment to quality standards
• Ability to adapt to shift patterns and varying maintenance schedules
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Good understanding of aircraft structures, materials, and surface finishing requirements
• Must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom

About STS Aviation Services

STS Aviation Services is a global leader in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul solutions. Our teams support airlines and aviation organisations with base maintenance, aircraft modifications, interior installations, and line maintenance services across Europe and the United States.

With advanced hangar facilities and a growing international presence, STS Aviation Services is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and high quality aircraft maintenance services to aviation customers around the world.