Paint Preparations Technician (Weapons System)

CoAspire; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

401(k) with company match

PTO and Federal holidays

Job summary

CoAspire, a defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, is seeking a Preparation Specialist for our weapon systems production line. You will receive, clean, mask, sand and jig parts to be ready for coating, support painting operations, and help drive process improvements in a controlled AS9100D/ISO-9001 environment.

The role requires 1-3 years of hands-on industrial experience, familiarity with drills, sanders and PPE, and the ability to lift over 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of hands-on industrial, manufacturing or fabricating experience.
• Familiarity with hand tools such as drills, saws, and sanders.
• Willingness and aptitude to train in High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) spray application.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance (or the ability to obtain a clearance).
• Excellent attention to detail, safety mindset, and ability to work in a respirator and PPE for extended periods.
• Ability to lift heavy objects, greater than 50lbs.

Responsibilities

• Receive, dismantle and inspect assets
• Prepare asset components for coatings by cleaning surfaces, masking, applying pre-treatment, sanding and jigging parts
• Work with adhesives, coatings and chemicals
• Conduct coating thickness measurements (wet/dry film mil gauges), adhesion testing (tape/cross-hatch), conductivity/resistivity checks, and visual inspections post painting.
• Enforce and follow safety protocols
• Contribute to yield improvements and cost reductions in coating processes
• Operate company vehicles and forklift as needed
• Re-assemble and pack assets after coatings have cured
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment

Skills

Industrial experience

Hand tools

HVLP spray training willingness

Attention to detail

Lift >50 lbs

Education

Trade school / apprenticeship or journeyman status

Tools

HVLP spray equipment experience

Coatings handling experience

Job description

CoAspire is a cutting-edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. With over twelve years of a legacy of innovation, we're at the forefront of building reliable, affordable mass weapons that protect and empower our nation’s warfighters. Our tight-knit team thrives in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, and work-life balance come first with a focus on professional growth at our new 27,000+ sq. ft. facility. Join us to make a tangible impact on mission-critical technology while enjoying Northern Virginia's vibrant community.

What you will do:

You will serve as a preparation specialist for our weapon systems production line. This hands-on role encompasses the receiving, cleaning, masking, sanding and jigging of manufactured parts in order to be ready for coating. You will support painting operations and drive process improvements in a controlled AS9100D/ISO-9001 environment.

Responsibilities:

• Receive, dismantle and inspect assets
• Prepare asset components for coatings by cleaning surfaces, masking, applying pre-treatment, sanding and jigging parts
• Work with adhesives, coatings and chemicals
• Conduct coating thickness measurements (wet/dry film mil gauges), adhesion testing (tape/cross-hatch), conductivity/resistivity checks, and visual inspections post painting.
• Enforce and follow safety protocols
• Contribute to yield improvements and cost reductions in coating processes
• Operate company vehicles and forklift as needed
• Re-assemble and pack assets after coatings have cured
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment

Basic Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of hands-on industrial, manufacturing or fabricating experience
• Familiarity with hand tools such as drills, saws, and sanders
• Willingness and aptitude to train in High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) spray application
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance (or the ability to obtain a clearance).
• Excellent attention to detail, safety mindset, and ability to work in a respirator and PPE for extended periods.
• Ability to lift heavy objects, greater than 50lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with the application of coatings
• Experience in AS9100D/ITAR-controlled DoW contractor facilities
• Experience painting missile bodies, radomes, guidance sections, or loitering munitions
• Familiarity with low-VOC/waterborne coatings, automated/robotic paint systems, or powder coating
• Trade school/apprenticeship completion or journeyman status
• NACE, SSPC, or equivalent coatings certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience with masking techniques for precision aerospace components

What We Offer:

Beyond competitive pay, we offer:

• Full benefits beginning first of month following hire: medical, dental and vision
• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting
• PTO and Federal holidays

The anticipated salary range for this position is $20 - $28 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.

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