Marine Painter

Marine Painter - Naval Base San Diego - 1st Shift

Job Description

• This role supports high‑priority U.S. Navy corrosion mitigation and ship repair projects in San Diego. Marine Painters perform shipboard preservation work, including painting, sanding, surface preparation, coating application, cleanup, and assisting senior technicians aboard active Navy vessels. The position contributes directly to NAVSEA corrosion mitigation and composite component installation efforts, helping maintain fleet readiness through large‑scale shipboard modernization and repair activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform painting, touch‑ups, and preservation on shipboard structures, including interior and exterior surfaces.

• Carry out sanding, grinding, chipping, masking, and cleaning to properly prepare surfaces for coatings and preservation materials.

• Apply coatings, primers, and preservation materials inside ship tanks, bilges, voids, and other compartments in accordance with marine coating processes.

• Assist technicians with coating application, material handling, and setup of painting and preservation equipment.

• Work aboard ships, piers, dry docks, and industrial marine facilities while adhering to strict safety protocols and NAVSEA standards.

• Follow confined space entry procedures and tank preservation practices when working in enclosed or restricted areas.

• Operate basic pneumatic and electric tools used for industrial painting, blasting, and coating removal as needed.

• Support blasting or ultra‑high‑pressure water jetting activities related to corrosion control and surface preparation, where applicable.

• Maintain cleanliness of work areas, perform masking and cleanup activities, and ensure proper handling and storage of materials.

• Read and follow work instructions and schedules to complete assignments on time in a high‑tempo, project‑driven environment.

• Comply with Navy base and shipyard security requirements, including DBIDS access procedures and onsite security protocols.

• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members, reporting progress, issues, and safety concerns promptly.

• Demonstrate strong attendance, reliability, and follow‑through to meet project timelines and client expectations.

• Work overtime and weekends as required to support project milestones and fleet readiness objectives.

Essential Skills

• Shipboard painting experience, with 2+ years of marine or industrial paint experience preferred.

• Proficiency in paint preparation, industrial painting, spray gun use, and paint application in a marine or shipyard environment.

• Ability to perform preservation tasks including coating, sanding, prepping, masking, and cleanup on Navy vessels.

• Understanding of marine coating processes, including surface preparation, grinding, sanding, masking, and proper cleanup procedures.

• Experience with marine coatings, including knowledge of temperatures, cure times, and mixing requirements.

• Capability to apply coatings, primers, and preservation materials inside tanks, bilges, voids, and other confined shipboard compartments.

• Prior experience in shipyard, ship repair, or industrial/manufacturing environments strongly preferred.

• Ability to work safely in confined spaces, at heights, and in shipboard industrial environments.

• Comfort working in active industrial areas, including piers, dry docks, and waterfront facilities.

• Physical ability to lift 50+ pounds, stand for extended periods, and operate basic pneumatic and electric tools.

• Knowledge of NAVSEA Standard Items and adherence to Navy and shipyard safety and quality standards.

• Experience with marine blasting or coating removal techniques.

• Familiarity with confined space entry procedures and tank preservation practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.

• Experience working on Navy platforms such as CVNs, DDGs, LCS, or Amphib ships.

• Experience with ultra‑high‑pressure water jetting for corrosion control and surface preparation.

• Firewatch or tank watch experience in shipboard or industrial environments.

• OSHA‑10 or OSHA‑Shipyard certification.

• Familiarity with Navy ship systems layouts and general shipboard configuration.

• Immediate availability for deployment to active projects is highly advantageous.

• Prior exposure to large‑scale defense or government maritime projects is a plus.

Why Work Here?

• Employees support a long‑term strategic Navy project with high visibility and direct impact on fleet readiness and mission‑critical operations. The organization offers opportunities for overtime and clear pathways for career progression into higher trade tiers, allowing motivated individuals to grow their skills and responsibilities over time. Team members gain specialized expertise in corrosion control, composite installation, and ship systems maintenance while working for a respected defense contractor with a strong industry reputation. The culture emphasizes safety, professionalism, and teamwork in a dynamic, project‑driven environment where contributions are valued and recognized.

Work Environment

• Work takes place in Navy shipboard and shipyard industrial environments in and around active waterfront facilities. Employees work aboard ships, piers, dry docks, and other marine locations under high‑tempo, project‑driven schedules. Standard hours are supplemented by frequent overtime opportunities to meet mission and project deadlines. The environment includes confined spaces, heights, and active industrial areas with ongoing ship repair and modernization activities. Personal protective equipment is required and provided, and work is performed in a team‑based setting with onsite supervision and adherence to strict safety and NAVSEA standards.

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 $20.00 - $25.00/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 position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 2026.

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.