Paint Technician - 991

West Star Aviation Inc.; East Alton (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) match

Paid holidays & PTO

Flexible schedules

Weekly pay

Shift differential

Bonus opportunity

Career advancement

Job summary

West Star Aviation Inc. in East Alton, IL is seeking an Aircraft Paint Technician to join our on-site team. You will prepare, mask, paint, and finish aircraft surfaces, applying multiple coats and detailed designs with accuracy.

The role requires 0–6+ years in aviation or related paint fields and offers a structured path from Tech I to Master Tech, with benefits starting on day one and a focus on safety and quality in a heated hangar environment.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of paint experience in aviation or related field for Tech I.
• 2–4 years for Tech II; broader knowledge with some supervision.
• 4–6 years for Tech III; full knowledge with limited supervision.
• 6+ years in aviation interiors for Master Tech.

Responsibilities

• Masking and taping aircraft parts to avoid overspray.
• Sanding primer and cleaning surfaces before painting.
• Applying all layers of paint including top coat.
• Layout stripe and design schemes and paint matching.
• Inspect completed paint jobs and ensure quality.

Skills

English communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vo-tech paint program preferred

Tools

Air equipment

Polisher

Sander

Electrostatic paint guns

Laser level

Job description

Your Experience

Full Time
On-Site
East Alton, IL, USA
Posted 30+ days ago

West Star is the fastest growing maintenance repair organization in the industry and we recognize this is the result of our talented team of trusted employees working together to deliver customer service excellence. We are committed to providing our employees with personal and professional growth opportunities while fostering a culture of respect and well-being with a small company feel.

When you join our team we don’t think you should have to wait for your benefits to kick in. That’s why when you start, they start with you! This includes medical, dental, 401K match, time off accruals, weekly pay days and much more. We don’t want you to live to work, we want you to work and live.

What you can expect as an Aircraft Paint Technician at West Star

As a Paint Technician you will have the opportunity to help change the ordinary into the extraordinary. Our paint technicians can paint anything from standard stripes and colors to highly detailed art work. If you have a creative edge and a desire for working with your hands, then this is the position for you.

You Will Be ESSENTIAL To Many FUNCTIONS Including

• Masking and taping aircraft parts to avoid overspray
• Sanding primer
• Blowing and cleaning aircraft with thinner.
• Washing the paint booth.
• Applying all layers of paint to include top coat.
• Laying out stripe and design schemes.
• Prep and scuff paint to get ready for trim.
• Re-masking aircraft and detail work
• Inspect completed paint jobs.
• Paint mixing and paint matching
• Effectively and clearly communicate (i.e., speak, write, read) in English
• Any other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

Your Education

What you will need to bring with you

A high school diploma or equivalent. Vo-tech school in paint or on-the-job experience is preferred but not required.

A valid driver’s license approved for airline travel and/or a valid passport is ideal.

Your Experience

Tech I

0-2 years of paint experience in aviation, auto, RV, Marine or related field.

These technicians have very limited to no knowledge of the position.

This level requires close supervision and constant check ins on work performance.

Tech II

2 -4 years of paint experience in aviation, auto, RV, Marine or related field.

Considerable knowledge of the job with a broad understanding of detailed aspects.

Will need general supervision and instructions.

Tech III

4-6 years of experience in aviation, auto, RV, Marine or related field.

Full knowledge of the job and complete understanding of detailed aspects.

Limited supervision is required.

No instruction needed and can act as a trainer or mentor to other technicians.

Master Tech

6+ years’ experience in aviation interiors.

Exclusive knowledge in all areas of the job.

This technician is a subject matter expert with a wide and comprehensive knowledge of the job.

Your Initiative

We’re looking for team players who are self-motivated, flexible and good with working in a fast paced environment where working under specific deadlines and time constraints will be common.

Your Sense Of Responsibility

Attend work every day as scheduled to include overtime and weekend assignments.

Notify supervisor in advance of shift starting if unable to work.

Must have reliable transportation to get to work each and every day.

Perform all work in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.

Assist with painting, painting base coat and layout.

Follow all company and safety rules during performance of duties.

Maintain customer oriented work habits.

Other Particulars

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Routine walking, bending and squatting or sitting.
• Work standing on ladder or scaffold.
• Pass pulmonary physical.
• Pass respiratory fit test, as you must wear protective gear.

Mental Requirements

• Understanding and implementation of regulations and guidelines including but not limited to OSHA, haz mat, etc.
• Logically work with mechanical processes.
• Work with others in a professional manner.
• Good communication skills.

Supervision

Work under supervision of your Team Leader.

Working Conditions

The majority of work will be accomplished in a heated hangar or shop area.

Work in aircraft on ramp may occur.

Varied positions in and around the aircraft.

Equipment Used

• Air equipment, polisher and sander.
• Stripper pump, electrostatic paint guns, pressure posts, and laser level.
• Tugs, power carts and other engine powered equipment.

For Hourly Positions

Compensation & Benefit Information

The following information is disclosed according to state specific requirements. If the position applied to is not in a state with these requirements, the following information may not apply. The hourly rate for this position generally ranges between $18-$30. Actual hourly rate will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience and performance. Additional compensation in the form of a shift differential will be provided if the employee is assigned to an alternate shift. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package. Other forms of compensation include a semi-annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) company match and employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA).

West Star Aviation’s Benefits

• Benefits Effective Day One for Eligible Employees
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage with Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Life Insurance, Disability Benefits & Supplemental Benefits
• 401(k) Plan with Employee Contributions & Employer Match
• Paid Company Holidays & Weekly Paid Time Off Accruals
• Flexible Work Schedules include 5x8, 4x10 and 3x12
• Weekly Competitive & Industry Leading Pay means you are paid more often
• Bonus Opportunity based on Company and Site Performance
• Internal Mobility & Career Advancement opportunities

Company Description

With over 78 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, we offer comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, Missouri; and Statesville, NC as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis and Chicago. Our extensive capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the country, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide.

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