Semi Skilled/Trainee Painter Prepper

Matchtech; Southampton; On-site; GBP 2,119,000 - 5,882,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech in Southampton is seeking a Semi-Skilled Painter to support the manufacture of high-quality aerospace components. You will carry out masking, surface preparation, painting, and finishing on metallic and composite parts based on technical drawings and specifications.

Working within a multi-skilled team, you will maintain quality, safety, and accuracy while contributing to continuous improvement. Training will be provided for relevant processes and COSHH requirements, with opportunities

Qualifications

• Able to read technical documentation and work from drawings.
• Good manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Strong awareness of health and safety practices and COSHH.
• Able to work independently or as part of a team and manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Apply primer paint systems to metallic and composite components.
• Prepare surfaces by masking, sanding, and filler application.
• Mix and apply paints, fillers, and resins per specifications.
• Follow technical drawings to apply edge seal resins and markings.
• Operate cure booths and monitor curing cycles.
• Perform paint quality inspections and maintain housekeeping standards.

Skills

Literacy and numeracy

Manual dexterity

Health and safety awareness

Timekeeping

Communication

Lean/5S awareness

Teamwork and independence

Education

NVQ Level 2

Apprenticeship

Job description

Semi-Skilled Painter - Southampton

Shift Pattern

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

Pay Rates

• Rate Type:
  • Earlies: PAYE £15.38, Umbrella £21.14
  • Overtime (37+ hrs & Saturdays): PAYE £23.07, Umbrella £31.70
  • Sundays & Bank Holidays: PAYE £30.76, Umbrella £42.27
  • Lates (+20%): PAYE £18.45, Umbrella £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.