Aircraft Painter

STS Aviation Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aircraft maintenance provider is seeking an experienced Aircraft Painter to join their team at Manchester Airport in the UK. The successful candidate will be responsible for aircraft surface preparation, painting, and refinishing activities. This role demands high precision, attention to detail, and adherence to safety standards. Applicants should possess relevant training and ideally have experience in a base maintenance environment. Join our dynamic team to contribute to excellence in aviation services.

Qualifications

• Completed an aircraft painting or engineering apprenticeship.
• Two years of live aircraft painting experience preferred.
• Fully conversant in water-based paint systems.

Responsibilities

• Carry out aircraft surface preparation, painting, and refinishing.
• Complete full aircraft and component paint tasks.
• Maintain safety and environmental standards.

Skills

Excellent hand skills and spray painting technique

High attention to detail

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Understanding of aircraft structures

Military equivalent training

Education

Completed an aircraft painting or engineering apprenticeship

Job description

STS Aviation Services is hiring an experienced Aircraft Painter to support base maintenance operations at Manchester Airport, United Kingdom. This role is based within a heavy maintenance environment and is critical to delivering high quality aircraft exterior finishes that meet regulatory, technical, and cosmetic standards.

This position is suited to skilled aircraft painters who take pride in precision, safety, and craftsmanship, and who are comfortable working extended base maintenance inputs under approved data and engineering oversight.

Job Summary

The Aircraft Painter is responsible for aircraft surface preparation, painting, and refinishing activities during base maintenance inputs. All work is carried out in accordance with approved maintenance data, drawings, work instructions, and paint manufacturer specifications. Tasks are assigned by the Lead Technician or B1 Engineer, with full accountability for the quality and technical integrity of completed work.

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, 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 inspections
• Work to fine tolerances and high cosmetic and technical standards
• Operate spray booths and associated equipment in line with safety and environmental requirements
• Maintain high standards of tool control, material handling, and FOD control within the hangar
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organised working environment throughout extended maintenance checks
• Provide regular updates on issues affecting the work plan, including proposed solutions where applicable
• Report unsafe conditions promptly to the Lead Technician, B1 Engineer, and internal reporting channels

Skills and Abilities

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

About STS Aviation Services

STS Aviation Services is a global aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider supporting commercial, military, and VIP aircraft. With base maintenance facilities and line maintenance operations across the UK and internationally, our teams are trusted to deliver safe, compliant, and high quality aviation services every day.

STS Aviation Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.