Aerospace Paint Technician II – Flight Hardware

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena is seeking an Engineering Development Technician to support the Manufacturing, Packaging, and Test Services Section. The role focuses on precision surface preparation, primer and paint applications for critical flight hardware, with strict adherence to safety and contamination control.

You will read engineering drawings, mix coatings, operate paint booths and thermal chambers, and coordinate with QA and MTL engineers to ensure coating integrity and

Qualifications

• High School diploma with aerospace experience (minimum 6 years) or an Associate’s degree with related experience (minimum 1 year).
• Knowledge of thermal coating properties and material behavior.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and follow written instructions.
• Familiarity with surface preparation methods, masking techniques, paint mixing and curing processes, and contamination control.
• Experience with general equipment maintenance (paint guns, filters, hoses, etc.).
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of basic Microsoft tools (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word).

Responsibilities

• Perform surface preparation, including cleaning, masking, and abrading.
• Mix paints and primers to precise chemical ratios.
• Apply thermal coatings for critical payloads using appropriate methods (spraying, swabbing, rolling).
• Operate paint booth systems; monitor temperature and humidity during application and cure cycles; ensure coating thickness.
• Operate thermal chambers for accelerated cure processes.
• Maintain safe handling practices for flight hardware and ensure hardware stability during painting and curing.
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance to inspect and verify coating quality, including coverage and thickness checks.
• Provide labor estimates and communicate schedule or cost impacts to projects.
• Collaborate with MTL engineers to define coating requirements, masking strategies, and scheduling; resolve workflow issues to maintain production flow.
• Read and interpret dimensions from engineering drawings and CAD models.
• Maintain technical documentation (procedures, logs, spray gun cleaning records, and final paint certifications).
• Maintain a clean workspace and proper storage conditions for paint and primers; track consumables and flight-certified materials; monitor and replace filters; manage GSE.
• This position is safety-sensitive per JPL policy and may be subject to drug testing.

Job description

Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena is seeking an Engineering Development Technician to support the Manufacturing, Packaging, and Test Services Section. The role focuses on precision surface preparation, primer and paint applications for critical flight hardware, with strict adherence to safety and contamination control.

You will read engineering drawings, mix coatings, operate paint booths and thermal chambers, and coordinate with QA and MTL engineers to ensure coating integrity and