Aircraft Painter

Aerotek; California (MO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Production Painter in San Diego, CA, to support the paint and wet chemistry department. The role involves applying protective and decorative coatings to aerospace parts and assemblies, with attention to quality and specifications.

It is a contract-to-hire position on the first shift, onsite in a manufacturing facility. You will mix coatings, interpret drawings, and perform surface prep to ensure durable finishes, with safety practices and potential for growth in aerospace

Qualifications

• Experience applying aerospace coatings and finishes.
• Ability to read drawings and interpret masking/paint requirements.
• Proficient in surface preparation with abrasive blasting.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Potential to obtain certification for half-face respirator use.

Responsibilities

• Apply protective/decorative coatings using spray equipment.
• Prepare and mix coatings per specs; select appropriate materials.
• Mask, brush, or roll for hard-to-reach areas.
• Review drawings and work instructions for application details.
• Perform surface prep to ensure coating adhesion.
• Monitor coating quality per QC procedures.
• Move parts and materials safely (up to 50 pounds).
• Support wet chemistry tasks when qualified.
• Follow safety and environmental guidelines.

Skills

Coatings application

Reading drawings

Surface prep

Lifting 50 lbs

Respirator certification

Paint spraying

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Production Painter Job Description

This role supports the paint and wet chemistry department by painting and priming a variety of aerospace structures. The Production Painter applies protective and decorative coatings to parts, assemblies, and finished products, ensuring high-quality finishes that meet aerospace standards and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Apply protective and decorative coatings such as paint, varnish, enamel, lacquer, dope, or stain to parts, assemblies, and finished products using spray equipment.
• Select, mix, and prepare coating materials according to specifications and required finish characteristics.
• Coat areas that are inaccessible to spray equipment using brushes or rollers to ensure complete coverage.
• Review and interpret drawings and work instructions to determine masking requirements and paint/primer application details.
• Perform basic surface preparation using abrasive blast media to achieve proper adhesion of coatings.
• Monitor and verify coating quality in accordance with statistical process control or other quality control procedures.
• Handle and move parts and materials, including lifting items up to 50 pounds, in a safe and efficient manner.
• Use and maintain a half-face respirator and other required personal protective equipment once certified.
• Support wet chemistry processes as needed, including tasks related to etching, chemical baths, and bonding preparations, when qualified.
• Follow all safety, environmental, and housekeeping guidelines in the paint and wet chemistry areas.

Essential Skills

• Ability to review and interpret drawings for correct application of masking and paint/primer.
• Hands-on experience in the application of aerospace coatings.
• Proficiency in basic surface preparation using abrasive blast media.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly as part of daily work.
• Capability to obtain certification for use with a half-face respirator.
• Practical skills in painting, priming, and blasting operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in etching aluminum surfaces using P2 or FPL etchant.
• Experience in mixing chemical etchant baths for aerospace applications.
• Experience performing chemical titration and etchant analysis.
• Extensive experience in the application of chemical treatments and surface preparations for bonding purposes.
• Familiarity with wet chemistry processes used in aerospace manufacturing environments.

Why Work Here?

You will contribute directly to the creation of structural components that support spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and launch vehicles, working in a highly technical and impactful aerospace environment. The schedule offers a 9/80 structure with a first-shift assignment, supporting work-life balance through regular daytime hours and a compressed workweek. You will gain experience with advanced coatings and wet chemistry processes, providing valuable growth opportunities and exposure to specialized aerospace manufacturing practices.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing facility dedicated to designing and producing structural components for spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and launch vehicles. Work is performed on the first shift with a 9/80 schedule, offering a compressed workweek and regular daytime hours. The environment includes paint booths, spray equipment, abrasive blasting systems, and wet chemistry areas where chemical etchants and baths are prepared and used. Team members use respirators and other personal protective equipment as required, and follow strict safety and quality procedures typical of aerospace production operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $29.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite