NIAR Aerospace Painter - Composites

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY is seeking a Full-Time Painter for NIAR Composites at our Wichita, KS campus. This position involves training students in daily lab activities, managing equipment, and performing a variety of tasks including aerospace painting and compliance with safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, relevant experience in a research laboratory, and skills in spray applications and time management. Join our team for a rewarding career with opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 3 years of experience in a research laboratory or related field, or equivalent college coursework.
• Experience as a painter in the aerospace industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in management and maintenance of facilities and equipment.
• Train staff and students on experimental design and tools.
• Document work clearly and accurately.

Skills

Experience with spray applications

Time management skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Equivalent coursework

Tools

HVLP paint spray equipment

Job description

Job Details

Department: NIAR Composites

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Typically Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Evenings and weekends may be necessary dependent upon business needs.

Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a "U.S. Person".

Job Summary

Under direct supervision, trains and coordinates students in the performance of daily laboratory activities covering a variety of technical support services and project implementation tasks. Reviews, tests, repairs, maintains and modifies research and facilities equipment and systems.

Essential Functions

Assists in management, maintenance and monitoring of facilities, equipment, and systems as required to support building operation and daily research activities, ensuring adherence to process standards and established practice. May recommend updates, as appropriate. Under general supervision, trains and advises staff, contractors and students in experimental design, product and material selection, research equipment capacity and utilization, and tool operation and processes. Reviews, establishes and maintains a broad knowledge of laboratory procedures, state-of-the-art research techniques, technology, equipment and systems related research. May fabricate prototypes and other devices related to research using various tools (physical and/or digital); modifies existing equipment and devices to meet changing research requirements.

Job Duties

• Select and apply aerospace paint according to documents and specifications.
• Dispose of hazardous waste in accordance with environmental laws and company regulations.
• Observe all safety, environmental and general housekeeping rules and policies.
• Document all work accomplished (a.k.a. sign-off) in a clear, concise and accurate manner.
• Prepare surfaces using abrasives, solvents, and brushes or washing tanks to prepare for paint application.
• Have knowledge of painting techniques and tools.
• Prepare aircraft surfaces for removing paint by cleaning, masking, applying stripper, and removing stripper.
• Read ASTM, ISO, SAE etc. specifications to perform aerospace coating performance testing.
• Perform flammability testing as per FAA.
• Understand conventional HVLP paint spray equipment in pressure, gravity and siphon-fed variants.
• Aircraft or auto body painting experience.
• Painting prep includes sanding, masking, surface prep, primer, topcoat.
• 1-3 years minimum related experience or equivalent technical certificate.

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of experience in a research laboratory or related field. Every 30 hours of college coursework can be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience with spray applications of pretreatment, primer coats, final topcoat finishes as per specification.
• Must be able to wear respirator or air breathing apparatus and complete basic painter skill test.
• Ability to initiate work as a self-starter and to prioritize with time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability with attention to detail and analytical aptitude.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-3 years of proven experience as a painter, preferably in the aerospace industry.
• Knowledge of various coating types, application techniques, and surface preparation methods.
• Aerospace coating performance testing.
• Flammability testing.
• Three (3) years minimum related experience or equivalent technical certificate.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to ascend and descend ladders and/or stairs.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position.
• Ability to move, transport, and/or deliver items, supplies, or equipment.
• Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.
• Ability to use tools, equipment, and technology necessary to do the job, including dexterity in instrument manipulation.