Marine Painter

Aerotek; California (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Marine Painter for Navy vessel projects in San Diego. The role involves shipboard painting, surface preparation, coating application, and adherence to NAVSEA standards on active vessels and facilities.

Responsibilities include painting, sanding, masking, cleanup, and working with senior technicians in a fast-paced naval environment. Overtime and weekend work may be required to support fleet readiness.

Qualifications

• Experience in shipboard or industrial paint environments preferred.
• Ability to perform surface preparation, masking, and coating application.
• Familiarity with NAVSEA safety and quality standards.
• Comfort working in confined spaces and at heights.

Responsibilities

• Paint shipboard structures, interior and exterior surfaces.
• Prepare surfaces: sanding, grinding, masking, cleaning.
• Apply coatings and primers per marine coating processes.
• Assist with coating application and material handling.

Skills

Marine painting

Surface prep

Coating application

Safety compliance

NAVSEA standards

Team collaboration

Heavy lifting

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Spray gun

Pneumatic tools

Water jetting

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Marine Painter - Naval Base San Diego - 1st Shift

Job Description

• This role supports high-priority U.S. Navy corrosion mitigation and ship repair projects in San Diego. Marine Painters perform shipboard preservation work, including painting, sanding, surface preparation, coating application, cleanup, and assisting senior technicians aboard active Navy vessels. The position contributes directly to NAVSEA corrosion mitigation and composite component installation efforts, helping maintain fleet readiness through large-scale shipboard modernization and repair activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform painting, touch-ups, and preservation on shipboard structures, including interior and exterior surfaces.
• Carry out sanding, grinding, chipping, masking, and cleaning to properly prepare surfaces for coatings and preservation materials.
• Apply coatings, primers, and preservation materials inside ship tanks, bilges, voids, and other compartments in accordance with marine coating processes.
• Assist technicians with coating application, material handling, and setup of painting and preservation equipment.
• Work aboard ships, piers, dry docks, and industrial marine facilities while adhering to strict safety protocols and NAVSEA standards.
• Follow confined space entry procedures and tank preservation practices when working in enclosed or restricted areas.
• Operate basic pneumatic and electric tools used for industrial painting, blasting, and coating removal as needed.
• Support blasting or ultra-high-pressure water jetting activities related to corrosion control and surface preparation, where applicable.
• Maintain cleanliness of work areas, perform masking and cleanup activities, and ensure proper handling and storage of materials.
• Read and follow work instructions and schedules to complete assignments on time in a high-tempo, project-driven environment.
• Comply with Navy base and shipyard security requirements, including DBIDS access procedures and onsite security protocols.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members, reporting progress, issues, and safety concerns promptly.
• Demonstrate strong attendance, reliability, and follow-through to meet project timelines and client expectations.
• Work overtime and weekends as required to support project milestones and fleet readiness objectives.

Essential Skills

• Shipboard painting experience, with 2+ years of marine or industrial paint experience preferred.
• Proficiency in paint preparation, industrial painting, spray gun use, and paint application in a marine or shipyard environment.
• Ability to perform preservation tasks including coating, sanding, prepping, masking, and cleanup on Navy vessels.
• Understanding of marine coating processes, including surface preparation, grinding, sanding, masking, and proper cleanup procedures.
• Experience with marine coatings, including knowledge of temperatures, cure times, and mixing requirements.
• Capability to apply coatings, primers, and preservation materials inside tanks, bilges, voids, and other confined shipboard compartments.
• Prior experience in shipyard, ship repair, or industrial/manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
• Ability to work safely in confined spaces, at heights, and in shipboard industrial environments.
• Comfort working in active industrial areas, including piers, dry docks, and waterfront facilities.
• Physical ability to lift 50+ pounds, stand for extended periods, and operate basic pneumatic and electric tools.
• Knowledge of NAVSEA Standard Items and adherence to Navy and shipyard safety and quality standards.
• Experience with marine blasting or coating removal techniques.
• Familiarity with confined space entry procedures and tank preservation practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience working on Navy platforms such as CVNs, DDGs, LCS, or Amphib ships.
• Experience with ultra-high-pressure water jetting for corrosion control and surface preparation.
• Firewatch or tank watch experience in shipboard or industrial environments.
• OSHA-10 or OSHA-Shipyard certification.
• Familiarity with Navy ship systems layouts and general shipboard configuration.
• Immediate availability for deployment to active projects is highly advantageous.
• Prior exposure to large-scale defense or government maritime projects is a plus.

Why Work Here?

• Employees support a long