Aerospace Painter

Aerospace Paint Prep and Production Technician

This role supports aerospace manufacturing by preparing metal parts for painting, working in the priming booth, and handling components throughout a fast-paced production line. You will ensure parts are properly prepped, racked, and moved through the finishing process while maintaining high accuracy and quality standards in an industrial painting environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare aerospace parts for painters, including cleaning, masking, and surface preparation according to written instructions and established procedures.
• Start in the priming booth and learn the priming process, including setup, basic operation, and safe handling of coatings and equipment.
• Move, stage, and rack parts throughout the shift to support continuous production flow and minimize bottlenecks.
• Handle and lift parts weighing up to 50 pounds safely and consistently during the shift.
• Work accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced production line environment while meeting quality and productivity targets.
• Follow written instructions, work orders, and process documentation to ensure correct preparation and processing of each part.
• Assist with general shop duties beyond warehouse tasks, including cleanup, organization, and basic support activities as needed.
• Operate production and machine equipment as required, using safe operating practices and reporting any issues promptly.
• Collaborate with painters, production staff, and supervisors to coordinate workflow and resolve any processing issues.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and follow all safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment.

Essential Skills

• Ability to read and follow written instructions accurately.
• Previous experience working in a fast-paced production facility.
• Willingness to perform additional shop duties outside of warehouse tasks, including cleanup and general support.
• Machine operator experience in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Ability to safely lift and handle parts weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Attention to detail and accuracy while working on a production line.
• Comfort working in an industrial painting or manufacturing setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing or production environments, particularly in aerospace or metal finishing.
• Background in industrial painting, aerospace painting, or related coatings work.
• Familiarity with paint preparation processes such as cleaning, masking, and surface treatment.
• Exposure to HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) spray systems or similar painting equipment.
• Interest in learning advanced metal finishing processes such as plating, anodizing, and specialized coatings.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a continuous improvement and lean manufacturing environment.

Why Work Here?

The company offers a stable and long-standing operation with more than 70 years in the metal finishing industry, providing a secure and reliable workplace. You can grow your career locally and nationally, with clear opportunities to advance within a large, well-established organization. The culture emphasizes continuous improvement and lean manufacturing, giving you the chance to develop new skills and contribute to ongoing process enhancements. You will be part of a leading metal finishing provider recognized as one of the largest in the United States, supporting a wide range of industries and customers.

Work Environment

The role is based in a spacious, modern plating and finishing facility that provides a full range of processing services in one location, simplifying logistics and reducing lead times for customers. The operation supports mechanical processes such as shot peening, polishing, and abrasive blasting; aluminum processing including multiple anodize chemistries, chemical conversion coating, and hard anodize; and electrolytic plating such as chrome, titanium cadmium, cadmium, zinc-nickel, and other finishes. Coatings and paints include primers, fuel tank coatings, topcoats, dry lubricants, and intumescent coatings, as well as non-destructive testing methods like fluorescent penetrant, magnetic particle, and nital etch. Additional capabilities include zinc spray, magnesium processing, and passivation. The facility follows lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices, creating a structured, process-driven environment. Work is performed in a fast-paced production setting with industrial equipment, coatings, and metal finishing processes, serving aerospace, defense, commercial, recreational, industrial, and electronics markets across North America and Europe. Appropriate industrial attire and personal protective equipment are required to safely perform duties in this manufacturing environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kent, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Kent, WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.