Entry Level - Aircraft Parts Painter

McFarlane Aviation; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

AV8 MRO, a Victor Sierra Aviation company, is seeking an entry-level Aircraft Parts Painter to prepare, prime, paint, and finish aircraft components in Houston. The role requires precision, adherence to FAA/AS9100 standards, and strict safety and environmental compliance.

You will work in a plating and paint shop, document work, and collaborate with QA and engineering teams. The ideal candidate has 1–3+ years in industrial painting, familiarity with spray techniques (HVLP, conventional,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1–3+ years of experience in industrial painting, preferably in aerospace/manufacturing.
• Experience with spray gun techniques (conventional, HVLP, electrostatic).
• Familiarity with epoxy coatings, primers and surface treatments.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, work instructions and paint specs.
• Knowledge of PPE and respiratory protection use.
• Strong attention to detail and quality mindset.
• Experience in an AS9100 or FAA-regulated environment preferred.
• Familiarity with MIL-SPEC coatings a plus.
• HAZMAT handling or respirator fit testing certification a plus.
• Prior experience with aircraft structures, sheet metal or composites preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare aircraft parts for painting, including cleaning, masking, sanding and chemical treatment.
• Mix paints, primers, sealants and coatings according to specs.
• Apply primers, topcoats and specialty coatings using spray equipment.
• Inspect finished parts for defects and perform touch-ups as needed.
• Maintain spray equipment, booths and tools; follow safety protocols.
• Document work: batch numbers, paint lots and inspection results per quality system.
• Ensure environmental compliance (EPA, OSHA) and collaborate with QA/engineering to resolve finish issues.

Skills

Industrial painting

Spray gun application techniques

FAA/AS9100 environment familiarity

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Spray guns / HVLP equipment

PPE and respiratory protection

Job description

Company

AV8

Position Description

Aircraft Parts Painter (Entry Level)

Location

Houston, TX

Department

Operations

Reports to

Finishing Lead/Production Manager

• This is an entry level role*

About AV8 MRO

AV8 MRO, a Victor Sierra Aviation company, is a leading FAA and EASA-certified aircraft component repair station specializing in the overhaul, repair, modification, testing, and exchange of aircraft landing gear systems and related components. We are committed to delivering exceptional quality, service, and operational excellence to customers around the world.

What You'll Do

The Aircraft Parts Painter is responsible for preparing, priming, painting, and finishing aircraft components and parts in accordance with engineering specifications, military/commercial standards, and safety regulations. This role requires precision, attention to detail, and adherence to strict quality and regulatory requirements such as FAA and AS9100.

Surface Prep & Coating

• Prepare aircraft parts and surfaces for painting, including cleaning, masking, sanding, and chemical treatment (e.g., alodine, anodize prep)
• Mix paints, primers, sealants, and coatings according to specifications and manufacturer instructions
• Apply primers, topcoats, and specialty coatings using spray guns, HVLP equipment, or other approved application methods
• Inspect finished parts for defects such as runs, orange peel, bubbles, or inconsistent coverage
• Perform touch-up and rework as needed to meet quality standards
• Maintain and clean spray equipment, booths, and tools
• Follow all safety protocols, including proper use of PPE (respirators, gloves, suits) and handling of hazardous materials
• Document work performed, including batch numbers, paint lots, and inspection results, per quality system requirements
• Maintain compliance with environmental regulations (EPA, OSHA) regarding VOC emissions and hazardous waste disposal
• Collaborate with quality assurance and engineering teams to resolve finish-related issues

Safety

• Wear required PPE and respiratory protection
• Operate and maintain spray booths, plating tanks, blast cabinets, and curing ovens
• Keep your work area clean, organized, and free of debris while following all safety procedures

What You Need

• High school diploma or GED
• 1-3+ years of experience in industrial painting, preferably in aerospace or manufacturing
• Experience with spray gun application techniques (conventional, HVLP, electrostatic)
• Familiarity with epoxy coatings, primers, and surface treatments
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, work instructions, and paint specifications
• Knowledge of proper PPE and respiratory protection use
• Strong attention to detail and quality-focused mindset
• Experience in an AS9100 or FAA-regulated manufacturing environment preferred
• Familiarity with military specifications (MIL-SPEC) for coatings a plus
• Certification in HAZMAT handling or respirator fit testing a plus
• Prior experience with aircraft structures, sheet metal, or composite parts preferred

Physical Demands

• Stand, bend, kneel, and work in confined spaces for extended periods
• Lift and move parts up to 50 pounds (with assistance for heavier items)
• Wear respirators and other protective equipment for extended periods
• Work around industrial chemicals, noise, temperature changes, and manufacturing equipment
• Perform detailed masking and finishing tasks requiring steady hand-eye coordination

Work Environment

You'll work in a plating and paint shop environment with exposure to industrial chemicals, coatings, solvents, and finishing equipment. Appropriate PPE is required, and all work is performed in accordance with company safety procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.

Other Requirements

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
• Subject to random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with FAA/DOT regulations

Why AV8?

At AV8, you're part of a team dedicated to precision, quality, and continuous improvement. Whether you're manufacturing components, solving problems, or sharing new ideas, your work helps keep aircraft operating safely around the world. We believe in doing the right thing, delivering exceptional quality, and working together with integrity to build products our customers can depend on.

We offer:

• A collaborative, hands-on culture where ideas take flight and your voice matters
• Competitive pay and benefits and room to grow
• A supportive crew of aviation pros who are passionate about what they do

AV8 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.