Painter I-III

Kratos Unmanned Systems; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., through its Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems division, seeks a skilled Painter to prepare surfaces, apply enamel and polyurethane finishes, and ensure conformance to drawings and work orders.

The role involves sanding, coating application, use of HVLP spray guns, maintaining 5S standards, and coordinating with team leads to meet production schedules while upholding safety and quality.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years hands-on automotive/industrial finishing experience preferred.
• Aircraft finish experience is a definite plus.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance may be required.

Responsibilities

• Paints production products using enamel, lacquer, polyurethane, elastomeric finishes.
• Follows FOD (foreign object prevention) practices.
• Uses wet mil gauge for verification of paint thickness.
• Prepares surfaces for paint using sanding methods and tools.
• Operates HVLP spray guns, ovens, paint booths, pneumatic tools.
• Maintains safety directives and QMS procedures.

Skills

Effective communication

Interpret industry specs

Basic math

Tape measure proficiency

Dimensional inspection tools

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2+ years automotive/industrial finishing experience

Aircraft finish experience

U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance

Tools

Calipers

Dial indicators

Thickness gauge

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.
• Follows FOD (foreign object prevention) practices.
• 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.
• Completes production paperwork, including painting logs.
• Supports and exhibits the focus of zero defects as well as iright-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 Supervisoris 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

• Works under close supervision.
• 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

• Works under minimal supervision.
• 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

Keyword: Surfaces, sanding, composite, paint application, aircraft painter

Required Experience:

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 a 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

From: Kratos Defense