Painter (Aerospace)

Rock West Composites; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Employer-Paid Medical & Dental

401(k) with 5% Match

Employee Stock Option Program

Tuition Reimbursement up to $2,500

Job summary

Rock West Composites, based in San Diego, CA, seeks a skilled Painter to manage surface preparation and apply coatings to a range of components. This role emphasizes craftsmanship and quality in product finishing, adhering to engineering and safety standards.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of relevant experience and a strong background in manufacturing environments. The position offers competitive hourly pay and comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental coverage.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on painting experience, preferably in aerospace or automotive sectors.
• Experience with surface preparation and finishing processes.
• Ability to apply high-performance coatings to quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare surfaces for painting and apply coatings to specifications.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and safety procedures.
• Maintain painting equipment and work areas.

Skills

Attention to detail

Surface preparation

Painting techniques

Job description

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Painter.

Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. We provide cradle-to-grave services for primary and secondary composite structures. This position is located in our San Diego, CA HQ office and reports to the Production Manager.

Position Summary

This role is responsible for preparing surfaces, mixing and applying coatings, and ensuring finished products meet customer, engineering, and quality requirements. Working closely with Manufacturing and Quality teams, you’ll play a critical role in delivering high-quality components that meet demanding appearance, performance, and durability standards. This is a hands‑on opportunity for a skilled painter who takes pride in craftsmanship, attention to detail, and producing high-quality finished products.

What You’ll Own

• Surface preparation and coating application for composite and metallic components
• Paint mixing, application, and thickness control to specification requirements
• Quality and appearance of finished products
• Compliance with manufacturing processes, work instructions, and safety standards
• Maintenance of painting equipment and work areas

Essential Functions

Surface Preparation & Finishing

• Prepare composite and metallic surfaces through sanding, masking, etching, cleaning, and other required preparation methods
• Apply chemical conversion coatings and surface treatments as required
• Perform water‑break testing and other preparation verification methods
• Support plating, priming, and finishing operations

Paint Application

• Blend and mix paints, coatings, and related materials according to specifications
• Apply coatings to required thicknesses and appearance standards
• Perform touch‑up and rework activities as needed
• Ensure all coating applications meet customer, engineering, and quality requirements

Quality & Process Control

• Follow work instructions, engineering drawings, and manufacturing specifications
• Verify coating thickness and overall finish quality
• Maintain accurate records and support quality documentation requirements
• Identify and communicate quality concerns or process improvement opportunities

Shop Support & Safety

• Maintain painting equipment and work areas in a clean and organized condition
• Support overall shop cleanliness and facility maintenance initiatives
• Follow all safety procedures related to coatings, chemicals, respirators, and personal protective equipment
• Support continuous improvement efforts within the manufacturing team

What You Bring

Experience

• 5+ years of hands‑on painting experience in aerospace, automotive, or related manufacturing environments
• Experience with surface preparation, coating application, and finishing processes
• Experience applying high‑performance coatings and paints to exacting quality standards

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of composite and metallic surface preparation techniques
• Experience with chemical cleaning, etching, priming, coating, and finishing processes
• Ability to read and follow engineering drawings, work instructions, and coating specifications
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• High level of craftsmanship and attention to detail
• Ability to adapt in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and work for extended periods
• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights using approved fall protection equipment
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds
• Ability to pass respiratory clearance for half‑face and full‑face respirator use
• Ability to work in confined spaces and enclosed environments as required

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Range: $30–$35 per hour (based on experience and skillset)
• 100% Employer‑Paid Medical & Dental
• Annual Bonus Program
• 401(k) with 5% Match
• Employee Stock Option Program
• 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
• 8 Paid Holidays + Generous PTO (up to 4 weeks after 5 years)
• $2,500 Tuition Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. EEO is the law. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. Certain positions require meeting the U.S. Person definition in 22 CFR 120.62.

ITAR Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder) as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Rock West Composites will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. Rock West Composites will not seek an export authorization for this role. Rock West Composites maintains a Drug and Alcohol‑Free Workplace. Depending on state law and the nature of the position, candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to complete a drug screening. Rock West Composites may also conduct drug and alcohol testing based on reasonable suspicion, post‑incident, or for safety‑sensitive positions as permitted by law.

Accommodation Notice

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 858‑537‑6260.