Aircraft Painter

Job Description Job Title: Production Painter Job Description This role supports the paint and wet chemistry department by painting and priming a variety of aerospace structures. The Production Painter applies protective and decorative coatings to parts, assemblies, and finished products, ensuring high-quality finishes that meet aerospace standards and specifications. Responsibilities Apply protective and decorative coatings such as paint, varnish, enamel, lacquer, dope, or stain to parts, assemblies, and finished products using spray equipment. Select, mix, and prepare coating materials according to specifications and required finish characteristics. Coat areas that are inaccessible to spray equipment using brushes or rollers to ensure complete coverage. Review and interpret drawings and work instructions to determine masking requirements and paint/primer application details. Perform basic surface preparation using abrasive blast media to achieve proper adhesion of coatings. Monitor and verify coating quality in accordance with statistical process control or other quality control procedures. Handle and move parts and materials, including lifting items up to 50 pounds, in a safe and efficient manner. Use and maintain a half-face respirator and other required personal protective equipment once certified. Support wet chemistry processes as needed, including tasks related to etching, chemical baths, and bonding preparations, when qualified. Follow all safety, environmental, and housekeeping guidelines in the paint and wet chemistry areas. Essential Skills Ability to review and interpret drawings for correct application of masking and paint/primer. Hands-on experience in the application of aerospace coatings. Proficiency in basic surface preparation using abrasive blast media. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds safely and repeatedly as part of daily work. Capability to obtain certification for use with a half-face respirator. Practical skills in painting, priming, and blasting operations. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in etching aluminum surfaces using P2 or FPL etchant. Experience in mixing chemical etchant baths for aerospace applications. Experience performing chemical titration and etchant analysis. Extensive experience in the application of chemical treatments and surface preparations for bonding purposes. Familiarity with wet chemistry processes used in aerospace manufacturing environments. Why Work Here? You will contribute directly to the creation of structural components that support spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and launch vehicles, working in a highly technical and impactful aerospace environment. The schedule offers a 9/80 structure with a first-shift assignment, supporting work-life balance through regular daytime hours and a compressed workweek. You will gain experience with advanced coatings and wet chemistry processes, providing valuable growth opportunities and exposure to specialized aerospace manufacturing practices. Work Environment This role is based in a manufacturing facility dedicated to designing and producing structural components for spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and launch vehicles. Work is performed on the first shift with a 9/80 schedule, offering a compressed workweek and regular daytime hours. The environment includes paint booths, spray equipment, abrasive blasting systems, and wet chemistry areas where chemical etchants and baths are prepared and used. Team members use respirators and other personal protective equipment as required, and follow strict safety and quality procedures typical of aerospace production operations. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $29.00/hr. 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 #J-18808-Ljbffr Aerotek