Semi Skilled/Trainee Painter Prepper

Matchtech; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is seeking a Semi-Skilled Painter for our aerospace components manufacturing site in Hamble, Southampton. You will follow technical drawings to mask, prepare, prime, and finish surfaces on metallic and composite aircraft parts, with a focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

You will be part of a multi-skilled team, working early shifts from Monday to Thursday and Friday mornings, with opportunities to learn and cross-skill within a controlled, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Good literacy and numeracy skills reading technical documentation not stated here but implied
• Good manual dexterity and attention to detail required
• Strong awareness of health and safety practices essential
• Positive, proactive approach to problem-solving required
• Able to work independently and as part of a team, flexible and adaptable

Responsibilities

• Apply primer paint systems to metallic and composite components.
• Prepare surfaces through masking, sanding, abrading, and filler application.
• Mix and apply paints, fillers, and resins per specifications and COSHH.
• Apply edge seal resins and stencil aircraft markings from drawings.
• Operate cure booths and monitor curing cycles.

Skills

Literacy

Manual dexterity

Health & safety awareness

Teamwork

Timekeeping

IT skills

Lean/5S

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

Semi-Skilled Painter - Southampton

Shift Pattern

Earlies: Monday to Thursday, 06:00-14:15 | Friday, 06:00-12:00

Pay Rates

• Rate TypePAYEUmbrella
• Earlies£15.38£21.14
• Overtime (37+ hrs & Saturdays)£23.07£31.70
• Sundays & Bank Holidays£30.76£42.27
• Lates (+20%)£18.45£25.36

Role Overview

We are looking for a Semi-Skilled Painter to support the manufacture of high-quality aerospace components based in Hamble, Southampton. Working from technical drawings and specifications, you will carry out masking, surface preparation, sanding, filler application, primer painting, resin application, and finishing activities on metallic and composite aircraft parts. You'll work as part of a multi-skilled team with minimal supervision, taking responsibility for quality, accuracy, safety, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply primer paint systems to metallic and composite components.
• Prepare surfaces through masking, sanding, abrading, and filler application.
• Mix and apply paints, fillers, and resins in line with specifications and COSHH requirements.
• Apply edge seal resins and stencil aircraft markings from technical drawings.
• Operate cure booths and monitor curing cycles.
• Carry out paint quality inspections, including tape and isoscope testing.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, quality, and safety.
• Ensure accurate timekeeping and job bookings.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and cross-skilling activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across safety, quality, cost, and delivery.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Good literacy and numeracy skills with the ability to read technical documentation.
• Good manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Strong awareness of health and safety practices.
• Positive, proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible, willing to learn, and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Excellent timekeeping and communication skills.
• Basic IT skills.
• Understanding of Lean/5S principles.

Desirable

• Previous painting experience in aerospace or manufacturing.
• Apprenticeship, NVQ Level 2, or equivalent trade qualification (advantageous but not essential).
• Full training will be provided.

Additional Information

Candidates must have the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK, comply with ITAR requirements, and be able to obtain Baseline Security Clearance