Aircraft Paint Layout Technician

Elliott Aviation; Milan (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits on Day 1

Sign-On Bonus

Relocation assistance

Comprehensive healthcare coverage

Paid time off and paid holidays

401(k) Company Match

Technical and professional development

FUN!

Job summary

Elliott Aviation is seeking an Aircraft Paint Technician in Moline, IL to prepare, paint, and finish exterior surfaces to the highest standards. You will work with primers, topcoats, and specialty coatings, following technical drawings and safety procedures in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have at least 2 years of experience in aviation or related painting, strong attention to detail, and the ability to read blueprints.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ previous experience in aircraft, automotive, industrial, or marine painting.
• Knowledge of surface preparation techniques, paint mixing, and spray‑gun application.
• Ability to read and follow technical drawings, manuals, and paint specifications.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality and safety.
• Willingness to work varying shifts or overtime based on project needs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare aircraft surfaces through sanding, stripping, cleaning, and masking according to specifications.
• Mix and apply primers, topcoats, and specialty coatings with precision and consistency.
• Inspect surfaces for defects and ensure proper adhesion and finish quality.
• Operate and maintain paint equipment, spray guns, and related tools safely.
• Follow detailed blueprints, technical manuals, and paint schemes.
• Maintain clean, organized, and compliant paint booths and workspaces.
• Ensure all work meets FAA, OEM, and company quality standards.
• Complete documentation, work orders, and logs accurately and on time.
• Collaborate with maintenance and finishing teams to ensure project timelines are met.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, including PPE use and hazardous material handling.

Skills

Surface preparation techniques

Paint mixing

Spray gun application

Read technical drawings

Detail orientation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Paint equipment

Spray guns

Job description

Elliott Aviation, a leader in aircraft solutions, has an exciting opportunity for a Paint Layout Technician at their location in Moline, IL. Since 1936, Elliott Aviation has been a world-class provider of customer-focused solutions for business aviation.

Join our team as an Aircraft Paint Technician and help bring aircraft to life, one flawless finish at a time. In this hands‑on role, you’ll apply your craftsmanship, attention to detail, and passion for aviation to prepare, paint, and finish aircraft exteriors and components to the highest industry standards. Every day, you’ll work with specialized tools, advanced coatings, and a team of talented technicians who take pride in producing top-quality work that elevates safety, performance, and aesthetics.

General Summary

As an Aircraft Paint Technician, you’ll be responsible for surface preparation, masking, priming, and applying topcoat finishes with precision and consistency. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment where quality and safety are paramount and where your expertise contributes directly to an exceptional customer experience. If you’re motivated, detail-oriented, and excited about building a career in aviation maintenance and refinishing, we’d love to have you on board.

• 1st shift Position: Mon- Thurs; 6am - 4:30pm

Primary Responsbilities

• Prepare aircraft surfaces through sanding, stripping, cleaning, and masking according to specifications.
• Mix and apply primers, topcoats, and specialty coatings with precision and consistency.
• Inspect surfaces for defects and ensure proper adhesion and finish quality.
• Operate and maintain paint equipment, spray guns, and related tools safely.
• Follow detailed blueprints, technical manuals, and paint schemes.
• Maintain clean, organized, and compliant paint booths and workspaces.
• Ensure all work meets FAA, OEM, and company quality standards.
• Complete documentation, work orders, and logs accurately and on time.
• Collaborate with maintenance and finishing teams to ensure project timelines are met.
• Adhere to all safety procedures, including PPE use and hazardous material handling.

Top Candidates Will Possess

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2+ years’ previous experience in aircraft, automotive, industrial, or marine painting.
• Knowledge of surface preparation techniques, paint mixing, and spray‑gun application.
• Ability to read and follow technical drawings, manuals, and paint specifications.
• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality and safety.
• Ability to lift, bend, stand, and work in confined spaces as needed.
• Familiarity with proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials (e.g., solvents, coatings).
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Basic computer skills for completing work orders and documentation.
• Willingness to work varying shifts or overtime based on project needs.

Other Requirements Include

• Ability to obtain and retain an airport AOA badge
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs., work in confined spaces and in noisy environments
• Ability to occasionally travel for work assignments
• Ability to maintain a tool inventory in alignment with shop requirements

Why Join Elliott

At Elliott Aviation, you’re not just joining a company, you are becoming part of a legacy built on service, craftsmanship, and trust. For over eight decades, we’ve set the standard in aircraft services, delivering world‑class craftsmanship and personalized solutions that keep our customers soaring. Here, your ideas matter, your expertise shines, and your career takes flight. Moline, IL offers low cost of living, minimal traffic, and excellent outdoor recreation with lakes and hunting nearby. The area offers everything from downtown living to rural countryside.

We Offer

• Benefits on Day 1
• Sign-On Bonus
• Relocation assistance
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage
• FREE Generic prescriptions
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401(k) Company Match
• Technical and professional development
• FUN!

The base hourly range for this role is $20.00 to $45.00 per hour. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of experience levels. Specific compensation for this role will be determined by several factors including but not limited to; minimum and preferred qualifications, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, experience and location.

Join a team where passion for aviation meets a culture of excellence and help us shape the future of flight.