Travel Per Diem Spray Painter

Aerotek; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO / Vacation or Sick Leave

Job summary

Aerotek in Baltimore, MD is seeking a Spray Painter to apply marine coatings in shipyard and naval environments. You will use spray guns, brushes and rollers to achieve precise coating thickness, while working in confined spaces and at heights and following strict safety protocols.

The role requires extensive hands-on experience with epoxy and non-epoxy coatings, familiarity with NAVSEA/NSTM standards, and the ability to prepare surfaces, read technical instructions, and maintain a clean,

Qualifications

• 13+ years of experience applying marine coatings including epoxy and non-epoxy paints.
• Proficient with brushes, rollers and spray applicators to maintain coating thickness.
• Hands-on spray painting in marine or shipyard environments.
• Surface prep and paint prep to support adhesion and finish quality.
• Comfort in confined spaces and at heights.
• Ability to use half-face and full-face respirators safely.
• Knowledge of marine coating standards (NSTM 631/ NAVSEA 009-32).
• Ability to follow detailed order-specific spray painter certifications.

Responsibilities

• Apply marine coatings to surfaces in shipyard and naval environments.
• Use spray applicators to achieve uniform coating thickness.
• Prepare surfaces by cleaning, masking and other prep activities.
• Operate spray guns and related equipment safely.
• Work in confined spaces on ships and in shop environments.
• Perform painting tasks at heights, using ladders and stairs.
• Use respiratory equipment correctly in accordance with safety standards.
• Follow applicable marine coating standards and guidelines.
• Meet order-specific spray painter certification requirements.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area and handle materials safely.

Skills

Marine coatings

Spray painting

Surface prep

Safety compliance

Work in confined spaces

Work at heights

Respiratory equipment use

NAVSEA/NSTM standards

Certification following

Tools

Spray guns

Paint applicators

Respiratory equipment

Job description

Job Title: Spray Painter

Job Description

This role focuses on applying marine coatings in a shipyard and naval environment, using a variety of application methods to achieve precise coating thickness and high-quality finishes. The Spray Painter works in physically demanding conditions, including confined spaces and elevated areas, while adhering to strict safety and certification standards.

Responsibilities

• Apply marine coatings, including epoxy, high-solids epoxy, and non-epoxy paints, to a variety of surfaces in shipyard and naval environments.
• Use brushes, rollers, and spray applicators to apply coatings while consistently maintaining the required coating thickness in mils.
• Prepare surfaces prior to painting, including cleaning, masking, and other paint prep activities to ensure proper adhesion and finish.
• Operate spray guns and related equipment safely and effectively to achieve uniform coverage and quality results.
• Work in confined spaces on board naval ships and in shop environments, following all safety procedures and protocols.
• Perform painting tasks at heights, including climbing ladders and stairs to access work areas as needed.
• Use half-face and full-face respiratory equipment correctly and consistently in accordance with safety and certification requirements.
• Follow applicable marine coating standards and guidelines, including those referenced under NSTM Chapter 631, Section 11.5, and NAVSEA Standard Item 009-32.
• Comply with order-specific spray painter certification requirements, confirming applicable standards for each assignment.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, properly handle and store paints, coatings, and equipment, and support overall shipyard safety and housekeeping practices.

Essential Skills

• At least 13 years of experience applying marine coatings, including epoxy, high-solids epoxy, and non-epoxy paints.
• Proficiency in applying coatings using brushes, rollers, and spray applicators while maintaining required coating thickness in mils.
• Hands-on experience with spray painting in marine or shipyard environments.
• Ability to perform surface preparation and paint prep activities to support high-quality coating application.
• Comfort working in physically demanding environments, including confined spaces and at heights.
• Ability to climb up and down ladders and stairs repeatedly during the workday.
• Experience using half-face and full-face respiratory equipment safely and effectively.
• Understanding and application of marine coating standards referenced under NSTM Chapter 631, Section 11.5, and NAVSEA Standard Item 009-32.
• Capability to follow detailed technical instructions and order-specific spray painter certification requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a shipyard or naval ship environment.
• Background in marine painting, spray painting, and surface preparation.
• Familiarity with spray guns and related painting equipment.
• Ability to adapt to varying certification requirements based on specific spray painter orders (including C-12 Spray Painter orders).
• Strong attention to detail in maintaining coating thickness and finish quality.
• Reliability and readiness to work in both onboard ship and shop environments.

Why Work Here?

This opportunity offers hands-on, technically challenging work in a dynamic marine environment where safety, craftsmanship, and quality are highly valued. You will work with established standards and procedures, develop specialized skills in marine coatings, and gain experience that is recognized across the industry. The culture emphasizes professionalism, adherence to safety practices, and continuous improvement, providing a solid foundation for long-term career growth in the marine and shipyard sector.

Work Environment

The work takes place in a physically demanding marine and shipyard setting, including confined spaces on board naval ships and in a shop environment. You will frequently climb ladders and stairs and work at heights to access various areas of the vessel or facility. The role requires regular use of half-face and full-face respiratory equipment and adherence to strict safety protocols. Work is hands-on, with daily interaction with spray guns, paints, coatings, and surface preparation tools, in an environment that prioritizes safety, quality, and proper handling of materials.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Baltimore, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $21.36 - $27.31/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Baltimore, MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Baltimore,MD.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.