Technician III

Job Description

The 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. Silicone Paint 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:

• Aerospace Painting & Surface Preparation:
  • Perform surface preparation, cleaning, detailed masking, paint mixing, coating application, and curing operations for silicone and other aerospace coatings.
  • Apply primers, topcoats, and specialty aerospace coatings, including silicone coatings, in accordance with technical specifications and process instructions.
  • Operate paint booths, spray equipment, curing ovens, and associated tooling, including robotic paint application systems.
  • Verify material usage, mixed ratios, and application parameters meet required standards for silicone and other coatings.
  • 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 for silicone and other coatings.
  • Follow Standard Operating Procedures, work instructions, and controlled process documentation for silicone and other coatings.
  • 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, including silicone coatings and related 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 Paint Shop.
• 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, preferably with silicone coatings.
• Demonstrated proficiency in surface prep, masking, spray application, and curing processes for silicone and other coatings.
• 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.

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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.


Preferred Skills and Education

• Experience with robotic paint application systems and paint guns for silicone coatings.
• Familiarity with controlled manufacturing environments and traceability requirements.
• Experience supporting process improvements or equipment evaluations.
• Certification in paint application or a related field, such as silicone coatings application.

About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems

BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

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.