Aircraft Paint Prep Trainee

PDS Tech Commercial; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental insurance

Vision benefits

Life insurance

401K plan

Paid leave

Job summary

PDS Tech Commercial is hiring an Aircraft Prep Trainee in Savannah, GA. This hands-on training role works alongside skilled technicians to prepare aircraft for primer and paint, contributing to quality, safety, and appearance of world-class aircraft.

This entry-level position emphasizes safety, attention to detail, and willingness to learn a skilled trade in aerospace.

Qualifications

• Must read, write, speak and understand English.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering documentation.
• Pulmonary Function Test for respirator certification may be required.
• Ability to use tools and equipment involved in aircraft painting.
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs and work in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing aircraft exterior surfaces for primer and topcoat.
• Mask windows, probes, antennas, and protected areas as directed.
• Sand and wash surfaces; apply corrosion-preventative materials.
• Apply primer and sand surfacer; prep for base coat.
• Use hand and power tools for prep work; protect interiors per procedures.
• Maintain shop tools and follow safety and 5S standards.

Skills

English proficiency

Blueprints

Safety-conscious

Physical ability

Tools & equipment use

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Launch Your Career on the Aircraft Paint Floor

Location: Savannah, GA | Pay Rate: $19.29/hour | Schedule: Full-Time, 1st Shift (5am - 3:30pm)

Start Where Aerospace Takes Flight

PDS Tech Commercia l is partnering with a premier aerospace manufacturer to hire an Aircraft Prep Trainee ready to build a career in aircraft finishing and painting. This is a hands‑on training role where you’ll work alongside experienced technicians to prepare aircraft for primer and paint—contributing directly to the quality, safety, and appearance of world‑class aircraft.

If you’re detail-oriented, safety-focused, and eager to learn a skilled trade, this is your chance to get started in aerospace.

What You’ll Do Day to Day

As an Aircraft Prep Trainee, you’ll support the aircraft painting process from start to finish, including:

• Assisting with preparation of aircraft exterior surfaces for primer and topcoat application

• Masking windows, probes, antennas, and protected areas using approved materials

• Sanding and washing aircraft surfaces as directed

• Assisting with and applying corrosion‑preventative materials

• Applying primer and sanding surfacer to aircraft

• Using hand and power tools to sand primer and surfacer in preparation for base coat

• Protecting aircraft interiors using proper PTP procedures

• Following all safety, 5S, and housekeeping standards and wearing required PPE

• Properly caring for shop tools and equipment

• Complying with paint shop standard practices

• Performing additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering documentation

• Ability to pass a Pulmonary Function Test for respirator certification

• Ability to use tools, equipment, and materials involved in aircraft painting

• Physical ability to climb ladders and stairs, work in small or confined spaces, perform close‑tolerance work, and lift up to 40 lbs

• Commitment to safety and quality workmanship

Preferred Qualifications

• Paint experience in a technical, manufacturing, or trade school environment

• Completion of a technical certificate in paint and refinishing

• Participation in a youth apprenticeship program (current year or recent)

• Prior experience working in a regulated or industrial environment

Pay Details:

$19.29 per hour

Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.