Painter I-III

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life/ADD & Short/Long Disability Ins.

401(k) Savings Plan

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Paid Time-Off (PTO)

Holidays

Education Reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. seeks skilled Painters to apply protective coatings and prepare surfaces for paint on metal and composite products.

Roles vary by level: Painter I–III, with responsibilities including surface prep, spraying, inspection, and adherence to safety and quality standards. The environment emphasizes zero defects, right-the-first-time quality, and strict 5S standards in an on-site production setting.

Qualifications

• High school education or equivalent; 2+ years in automotive/industrial finishing preferred.
• Ability to interpret industry specifications.
• Strong basic math skills.
• Ability to use tape measure.
• Ability to perform dimensional inspection with calipers, dial indicator, thickness gauge.
• Basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Paint production products with enamel, lacquer, polyurethane, and elastomeric finishes.
• Verify paint thickness with wet mil gauge.
• Prepare surfaces by sanding using pneumatic, mechanical and hand methods.
• Operate HVLP spray guns, ovens, booths, pneumatic tools, and scales.
• Handle, apply, store, and dispose of paints and solvents.
• Maintain safety and adhere to 5S standards.

Skills

Communication

Interpret industry specs

Math skills

Tape measure

Dimensional inspection

Computer skills

Education

High school education or equivalent

2+ years experience in automotive/industrial finishing

Tools

HVLP spray guns

Paint booths

Ovens

Pneumatic tools

Scales

Respirator know-how

Job description

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., is a leading defense technology company focused on unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, training, and combat systems. Our customers include the U.S. federal government, foreign governments, commercial enterprises, and state and local government agencies. At Kratos, we prioritize affordability as a cornerstone of our technology. We leverage proven, cutting‑edge methodologies and technology to minimize costs, streamline schedules, and mitigate risks, ensuring timely delivery of cost‑effective solutions to market.

Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems (KUAS), a division of Kratos Defense, is renowned for its expertise in developing, delivering, integrating, and supporting high‑performance, cost‑effective, jet‑powered Unmanned Aerial Systems (Targets and Tactical). As a mid‑tier defense contractor, we've demonstrated agility and innovation in providing aircraft to the US military and global allies and partners. Our track record of delivering top‑notch jet‑powered subscale targets has established us as a go‑to defense contractor capable of delivering capabilities at an affordable price.

At KUAS, we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and growth. Our team collaborates to cultivate a supportive and dynamic workplace, fostering creativity and promoting professional development while honoring personal and family lives. Join our team and help shape the future of unmanned technology within the defense industry today!

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY

Prepare surfaces for paint application. Apply protective coatings to metal and composite based product specifications using spray gun techniques. Remove protective coatings using chemical and mechanical methods.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The duties and responsibilities listed below apply to all levels of Painters. Each level of Painter has additional duties and responsibilities listed.

• Paints production products using enamel, lacquer, polyurethane, elastomeric, and related finishes.
• Uses wet mil gauge for verification of paint thickness.
• Prepares surfaces for paint using pneumatic, mechanical and hand sanding methods.
• Operates shop related machinery to include HVLP spray guns, ovens, paint booths, pneumatic tools, common hand tools, and scales.
• Handles, applies, stores, and disposes of chemical paint removing compounds, paints, smoothing compounds, adhesives, sealants, and solvents.
• Must use a respirator when spraying primer and paints.
• Interprets and follow manufacturing orders and drawings.
• Supports and exhibits the focus of zero defects as well as “right-the-first-time” approach.
• Inspects finished products for conformance to specifications.
• Complies with established safety directives.
• Complies with established QMS procedures.
• Maintains a clean work area and ensures strict adherence to the 5S Standards.
• Assists co‑workers within immediate department as required.
• Assists outside department personnel per Supervisor’s request or approval.
• May occasionally perform common tasks outside the scope of this job description in support of production operations.
  • May be cross trained and utilized to perform technical tasks outside the scope of this job description in support of production operations.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Painter I

• Specific duties and responsibilities for this level include an intermediate level of:
  • Math
  • Documentation
  • Materials Knowledge
  • Tooling/Fixtures/Templates
  • Equipment
  • Process
  • Quality
  • Safety

Painter II

• Applies decals according to specifications and written work instructions.
• Trains less skilled Painters and Grinder/Sanders.
• Specific duties and responsibilities for this level include an advanced level of:
  • Math
  • Documentation
  • Materials Knowledge
  • Tooling/Fixtures/Templates
  • Equipment
  • Process
  • Quality
  • Safety

Painter III

• Works under little to no supervision.
• Works closely with Team Lead to meet production schedules.
• Train painters to apply decals according to specifications and written work instructions.
• Trains less skilled Painters and Grinder/ Sanders.
• Read/ Interpret drawing as it relates to Paint application.
• Understand technical aspect of paint product.
• Ability to restore paint errors and identify root causes to correct future potential errors with minimal time and materials.
• Technically and mechanically inclined in order to maintain equipment.
• Specific duties and responsibilities for this level include an advanced level of:
  • Math
  • Documentation
  • Materials Knowledge
  • Tooling/Fixtures/Templates
  • Equipment
  • Process
  • Quality
  • Safety

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• None.

#LI-Onsite

Experience and Skills

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
• Must be able to interpret and work from industry specifications.
• Must be able to demonstrate accurate basic math skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate the accurate use of a tape measure.
• Must be able to perform dimensional inspection using calipers, dial indicator, thickness gauge.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to navigate around files.

Preferred:

N/A

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Painter I

• Requires high school education or equivalent.
• Preferably 2+ years of hands‑on experience in an automotive or industrial finishing environment.
• Experience with aircraft finish, especially composite airframes a definite plus.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance at the appropriate level (requires U.S. Citizenship).

Painter II

• In addition to Painter I requirements above:
• Preferably 5-7 years of hands‑on experience in an automotive or industrial finishing environment.

Painter III

• In addition to Painter II requirements above:
• Preferably 7+ years of hands‑on experience in an automotive or industrial finishing environment.

Preferred:

N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Standing, walking, and occasionally sitting.
• Exposed to noise and hazardous chemicals.
• Must use respirator when spraying primers and paints. Requires pre‑employment physical exam to certify ability to use both full‑face and half‑face respirator.
• May work extended hours and/or weekends.
• Occasionally lifts and carries up to 35 lbs.
• Employee may generate, handle, manage, or work around hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
• May be required to lift up to 50 pounds in accordance with KUAS General Safety Training guidelines.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

N/A

• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time-Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race,color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Disability Accessibility Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply to our careers site, please send your request to [e-mail] or call 858-964-2916. Any inquiries not related to requesting an accommodation will be discarded.

Pay Transparency

The company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

Job Applicant Privacy Notice

For applicants in the EU and California residents, please review our privacy notice.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc participates in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program, which ADP administers on behalf of the company. Please follow the steps listed below to screen for the WOTC program. We appreciate your cooperation.

• Please answer each question to complete the voluntary screening.
• Eligible applicants will be asked to Electronically Sign and click Submit to complete the screening.
• Ineligible applicants will be asked to click Submit to finish the screening. You will not be asked to electronically sign.

*ADP will contact WOTC eligible new hires via email or text to request proof of age or address documentation, when needed.

This page will redirect to questionnaire in:

10