Finishing Operator

Pridestaff - San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Pridestaff - San Diego is seeking an entry-level Finishing Operator to join our production team in Poway, CA. Finishing is the final hands-on production step, preparing surfaces for paint and final delivery with emphasis on edge quality and cosmetic finish.

Paid training is provided as you build a career in aerospace and defense composite manufacturing; prior manufacturing experience is welcome but not required.

Qualifications

• 0–6+ months of experience in sanding, deburring, trade work, or general manufacturing (entry-level candidates welcome).
• Ability to follow basic work instructions and safety protocols.
• Comfort using hand tools and power sanding equipment (belt sanders, orbital sanders, pneumatic grinders).
• Attention to cosmetic detail and surface quality.
• Ability to wear a respirator and full required PPE in a shop environment.
• Physical ability to stand for full shifts and lift up to 40 lbs.
• Bilingual skills (English / Spanish).

Responsibilities

• Sand, trim, and deburr composite components using work instructions to remove flash, smooth edges, and break sharp corners.
• Perform edge finishing on machined panels and structural assemblies using hand tools, belt sanders, and pneumatic tools.
• Clean, degrease, and prepare part surfaces for paint or final delivery.
• Fill minor surface voids and pinholes using approved filler materials following standard shop procedures.
• Apply masking tape and protective coverings to areas that must not be sanded or painted.
• Conduct visual self-checks for cosmetic defects (such as scratches, fiber breakout, or uneven edges) before passing parts to Quality Control.

Skills

Deburring experience

Attention to cosmetic detail

Follow safety protocols

Tools

Hand tools

Belt sanders

Orbital sanders

Pneumatic tools

Job description

**Position Overview**We are seeking an entry-level Finishing Operator to join our production team in Poway, CA. Finishing is the final hands-on production step before quality control, setting the edge quality, surface finish, and cosmetic appearance of completed products. We provide paid training for motivated candidates looking to build a career in aerospace and defense composite manufacturing.¨NBSP;**Key Responsibilities**Sand, trim, and deburr composite components using work instructions to remove flash, smooth edges, and break sharp corners.Perform edge finishing on machined panels and structural assemblies using hand tools, belt sanders, and pneumatic tools.Clean, degrease, and prepare part surfaces for paint or final delivery.Fill minor surface voids and pinholes using approved filler materials following standard shop procedures.Apply masking tape and protective coverings to areas that must not be sanded or painted.Conduct visual self-checks for cosmetic defects (such as scratches, fiber breakout, or uneven edges) before passing parts to Quality Control.**Required Qualifications**0–6+ months of experience in sanding, deburring, trade work, or general manufacturing (entry-level candidates welcome).Ability to follow basic work instructions and safety protocols.Comfort using hand tools and power sanding equipment (belt sanders, orbital sanders, pneumatic grinders).Attention to cosmetic detail and surface quality.Ability to wear a respirator and full required PPE in a shop environment.Physical ability to stand for full shifts and lift up to 40 lbs.**Preferred Qualifications**Prior experience finishing carbon fiber, fiberglass, or plastic composites.Background in automotive body work, marine finishing, woodworking, or aerospace surface prep.Exposure to AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems.Bilingual skills (English / Spanish).You should be proficient in:Deburring ExperienceAutomotive Manufacturing SystemsExperience in a Manufacturing Environment