Technician III

Job Description

Aerospace Painter - Technician III is a mid-career skilled painter responsible for performing advanced surface preparation, masking, coating application, and finishing operations on aerospace hardware. This role requires technical painting fundamentals plus the ability to independently interpret drawings, support process improvements, and contribute to efficient, high-quality production.

The Technician III works with minimal supervision, supports cross-functional manufacturing operations, and helps maintain a safe, compliant, and organized paint environment while contributing technical experience to improve processes, tooling, and operational performance.

The Operations Strategic Capabilities Unit plays a fundamental role in enabling efficient business and program execution - from strategic capital investments, industrial operations and an efficient supply chain, to state-of-the-art manufacturing and test operations and top-notch facilities management.


What You'll Do:

• Key Responsibilities - Aerospace Painting & Surface Preparation:
  • Perform surface preparation, cleaning, detailed masking, paint mixing, coating application, and curing operations.
  • Apply primers, topcoats, and specialty aerospace coatings in accordance with technical specifications and process instructions.
  • Operate paint booths, spray equipment, curing ovens, and associated tooling.
  • Verify material usage, mix ratios, and application parameters meet required standards.
  • Inspect completed work to ensure coating quality, coverage, and specification compliance.
  • Technical Interpretation & Documentation:
  • Read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, and engineering documentation to determine masking, preparation, and coating requirements.
  • Follow Standard Operating Procedures, work instructions, and controlled process documentation.
  • Maintain accurate production records, material tracking, and process logs as required.
• Safety, Compliance & Chemical Handling:
  • Safely work with chemicals, solvents, acids, bases, paints, and hazardous materials.
  • Ensure full compliance with aerospace, environmental, health, and safety standards.
  • Properly use PPE, ventilation systems, and hazardous material controls.
• Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement:
  • Maintain clean, organized, and production-ready work areas.
  • Support investigation and evaluation of new tools, equipment, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
  • Assist in improving efficiency, reducing defects, and enhancing workflow within the paint operations.
  • Identify process challenges and recommend practical improvements.
• Cross-Functional Support & Team Collaboration:
  • Work with cross-functional teams to implement efficient manufacturing processes.
  • Support other manufacturing shops and service centers when needed, including Printed Circuit operations and Metal Finish Lab.
  • Maintain working relationships across departments to ensure smooth production flow.
  • Contribute to a positive, professional, and productive team environment.
• General Responsibilities:
  • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
  • Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.

Required Skills and Education

• High School diploma or equivalent plus 2 years or more related experience.
• Each higher-level related degree, i.e., Bachelor's or Master's, may substitute for two years of related experience. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Mid-level experience in aerospace painting, industrial coating, or precision finishing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in surface prep, masking, spray application, and curing processes.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical instructions.
• Experience working with industrial chemicals and hazardous materials safely.
• Attention to detail and quality workmanship.
• Ability to work independently while supporting team objectives.
• Ability to work in a team environment with engineers, technicians, leads, supervisors, customers and auditors.
• Basic computer skills and ability to maintain records according to compliance requirements

#LI-SW2
A DoW Interim Secret clearance will be required to start work and required to be maintained to continue work. Higher level clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.


About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Multiple positions may be available on this opening.