Senior Aircraft Technician - Paint (Contract)

Airbus Helicopters; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

Airbus Helicopters, Inc. in Columbus, MS is seeking a Senior Aircraft Technician - Paint for a temporary position placed with Airbus in America via a vendor. You will perform painting, touch-up and detail work, including prep, application and post-paint inspection.

The role is onsite with potential travel. Requirements include 6 years in automotive/aviation paint, knowledge of basecoat/clearcoat systems, ability to read sketches, and English communication.

Qualifications

• 6 years of experience in automotive or aviation paint.
• Solid understanding of paint/prep practices.
• Ability to read and interpret sketches/diagrams.
• Ability to train lower level employees.
• Proficient in body work and basecoat/clearcoat painting.
• Effective verbal and written English communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for painting including repairs, sanding, taping and surface prep.
• Perform initial inspection of components before painting.
• Apply stripe layout as specified by customer.
• Use hand tools, power tools and measuring devices.
• Ensure work complies with FAA regulations and specs.
• Mentor and train other employees.

Skills

Aircraft paint

Paint prep

Read sketches/diagrams

Train others

Basecoat/clearcoat

English communication

Tools handling

Tools

Paint guns

Sanders

Buffers

Job description

Airbus is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation to complete your application, please contact us at [e-mail]

• Notice: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
• Notice: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (English)
• Aviso: Transparencia en el Pago No Discriminacio´n (Spanish)

Job Description

Airbus Helicopters is looking for a Senior Aircraft Technician - Paint to join our team based in Columbus, MS.

This position is a temporary (contract) position with no specific time period but could be extended or shortened as needed. Contractors are employed by a 3rd party vendor and placed on assignment to Airbus in America.

You will perform work to support painting, touch‑up and detail parts activities. Tasks included are preparation for paint, painting and post paint inspection.

Meet the team

From building to servicing the next generation of aerospace, our team focuses on quality, productivity and efficiency. We ensure the highest quality of care and safety is built into each aircraft we assemble and maintain. Our team members make it happen.

Your working environment

On the eastern border of Mississippi you’ll find Columbus, home to our Helicopter manufacturing and assembly lines and Center of Excellence for the entire North America region. It’s here that we produce the UH‑72A Lakota Helicopters for the U.S. Army in addition to the H‑125 aircraft for civil and commercial customers.

Your challenges

• Perform preparation for painting to include; repairs, sanding, taping and surface preparation.
• Perform initial inspection of components and parts to ensure all defects are noted prior to painting.
• Perform stripe layout as specified by customer.
• Use a variety of standard and specialized hand tools, power equipment and measuring devices and test equipment.
• Assure that completed work complies with FAA regulations, customer requirements and company specifications.
• Must be able to support and train other employees with technical knowledge and skills.

Your boarding pass

• 6 years of experience in automotive or aviation paint.
• Solid understanding of paint/prep practices.
• Requires the ability to read and interpret sketches and diagrams and apply .standard shop practices. Ability to train lower level employees.
• Must be proficient in body work and painting with basecoat/clear coat systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form in English

Physical Requirements

• Able to use all tools and equipment used in the paint department.
• Able to lift up to 60 lbs. if necessary.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and use ladders as necessary to complete the tasks. Must be able to travel offsite for customer work requirements.
• Onsite or remote: 100% Onsite with possible travel
• Vision: able to see and read computer screens and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents, reports and engineering drawings. Several times a week
• Hearing: able to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds on the production floor including safety warnings or alarms. Daily
• Speaking: able to speak in conversations and meetings, deliver information and participate in communications. Daily
• Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment and some tools including production tools such as hydraulic lifts, paint guns, sanders, buffers, etc. Daily
• Carrying: able to carry documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 60lbs/27kgs.
• Lifting: able to lift documents, tools, drawings, electronic equipment up to 60lbs/27kgs.
• Pushing / Pulling: able to push and pull small office furniture and some equipment and tools. Daily
• Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on the computer. Several times a month
• Squatting / Kneeling: able to squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items stored on low shelving or to accomplish painting or aircraft. Daily
• Standing: able to stand for discussions in offices or on the production floor. Daily
• Travel: able to travel independently and at short notice. Possible, but not likely.
• Walking (include routine walking such as to a shared printer to retrieve documents): able to walk through office and production areas including uneven surfaces. Daily
• Personal Protective Equipment required: Required PPE includes, but is not limited to, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Hearing Protection, Respirators/Masks, and/or Protective Gloves as required by site and/or customer site
• Administrative position only PPE required: Steel‑toed shoes are required for all shop floor visits, appropriate hearing/eye protection may also be required when visiting the shop floor.

Citizenship

• US Person under ITAR definition (U.S. Citizen, green card holder or person covered under our existing ITAR license)

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company

Airbus Helicopters, Inc.

Employment Type

Agency / Temporary

Experience Level

Professional

Remote Type

On‑site

Job Family

Painter

Job Posting End Date: 09.30.2026

Airbus provides equal opportunities to all individuals seeking assignment with Airbus without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in every location in which the company has facilities. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status. This assignment description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.

Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail] .