Aircraft Painter (Entry Level) - Piney Flats, TN

Cessna Aircraft Company; Piney Flats (TN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

80 hours PTO

120 hours Vacation time

12-13 paid holidays per year

6 weeks parental leave

On-site fitness center

Job summary

Bell Piney Flats Aircraft Paint Team is seeking an entry-level Aircraft Painter to refinish helicopters and parts at the Piney Flats, TN site. You will perform basic surface prep, assist with spray equipment setup, and follow safety and documentation procedures under supervision.

The role emphasizes learning spray techniques, reading work instructions, and growing practical painting skills in a hands-on environment within an aerospace setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Related experience in painting, coating, auto body, and/or manufacturing preferred.
• Basic understanding of hand tools and interest in learning spray equipment setup.
• Ability to read and follow work instructions, safety procedures, and basic mix sheets.
• Strong attention to detail and developing consistency in prep quality and spray technique.
• Reliability, punctuality, and openness to instruction, coaching and feedback.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic surface preparation under supervision, including cleaning, solvent wiping, scuff sanding, masking of components and critical areas (e.g., windows, bearings, data plates, pitot/static ports), and minor fill/feathering.
• Assist with setup, mixing, and basic maintenance of spray equipment (HVLP guns, cups, strainers), following OEM mix ratios and viscosity checks, and apply primer or single-color topcoat to simple parts using basic spray techniques under supervision.
• Follow PPE and safety requirements for respirators, paint suits, gloves, chemical handling, ventilation, hazardous waste procedures, and maintain tool control and a clean, organized, FOD-free work area.
• Inspect your work for obvious defects (runs, sags, contamination, coverage issues), seek guidance on corrections, and complete required documentation (e.g., work orders, travelers, checklists) with supervision as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Painting

Coating

Auto body

Manufacturing

Reading instructions

Attention to detail

Punctuality

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

HVLP guns

Spray equipment

Job description

Job Description - Aircraft Painter (Entry Level) - Piney Flats, TN (345383)

We’re more than aviation experts, we’re pioneers. We challenge what’s possible. From breaking the sound barrier to advanced tiltrotor systems. Today, Bell is shaping the future of aviation through specialized engineering. And we want you.

Bell Piney Flats Aircraft Paint Team
Come join the Bell Piney Flats Aircraft Paint department and help ensure best in class service to our customers. In this position, you’ll be an integral part of the Paint team, working with others to refinish helicopters and helicopter parts. As an Aircraft Painter, you’ll have an opportunity to demonstrate and grow your technical abilities and advance your skills with practical, hands-on experience.

What you’ll be doing as an Aircraft Painter (Entry Level)

• Perform basic surface preparation under supervision, including cleaning, solvent wiping, scuff sanding, masking of components and critical areas (e.g., windows, bearings, bushings, data plates, pitot/static ports), and minor fill/feathering.
• Assist with setup, mixing, and basic maintenance of spray equipment (HVLP guns, cups, strainers), following OEM mix ratios, induction times, and viscosity checks (e.g., Zahn cup), and apply primer or single-color topcoat to simple parts and panels using basic spray techniques under close supervision.
• Follow all PPE and safety requirements for respirators, paint suits, gloves, chemical handling, ventilation, hazardous waste procedures, and maintain tool control and a clean, organized, FOD-free work area.
• Inspect your work for obvious defects (runs, sags, contamination, coverage issues), seek guidance on corrections, and complete required documentation (e.g., work orders, travelers, checklists) with supervision as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Skills You Bring To this Role

High school diploma or GED required.

Related experience in painting, coating, auto body, and/or manufacturing is preferred.

Basic understanding of hand tools and interest in learning spray equipment setup and operation.

Ability to read and follow work instructions, safety procedures, and basic mix sheets under close supervision.

Strong attention to detail and developing consistency in prep quality and basic spray technique.

Reliability, punctuality, and openness to instruction, coaching, and feedback.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods while performing painting and prep operations.
• Ability to walk, bend, reach, and climb short ladders or platforms as needed.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment up to approximately 25 lbs.
• Manual dexterity to handle spray guns, masking materials, and small components.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including respirators, protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection.
• Ability to work in a paint booth or manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, overspray, fumes, and chemicals, following all safety controls.
  

What we offer you in return

• 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO)
• 120 hours Vacation time
• 12-13 paid holidays per year
• 6 weeks parental leave
• On-site Bell Piney Flats fitness center (employees only)
• Access to Employee Resource Groups
• And so much more

It’s time to make your mark on the future of aviation. Join us on this mission, and let’s make history together.

We are on a journey to amplify innovation, cultivate purpose and bridge experiences by fostering a culture that is driven by unique perspectives, voices and values.

EEO Statement

Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

ITAR and / or EAR Statement - SELECT ALL 3 values to add full statement to job posting This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The ITAR/EAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee. Non-U.S. persons selected must meet eligibility requirements for access to export-restricted information.