Aircraft Paint Technician

About the role

As an Aircraft Paint Technician, you will work under minimum supervision to safely prepare, paint and detail aircraft structure including, but not limited to Inlet Cowls, Fan Cowls and Thrust Reversers according to schedule using internal and external maintenance manuals, quality standards, engineering documents and operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Safely perform structure preparation, painting, and detailing under minimal supervision.
• Cookordination with supervision and inspection to ensure compliance with internal procedures, FAA documentation, signoffs and quality specifications.
• Sand large structures down to primer without damaging underlying composite surfaces.
• Perform wet sanding as required.
• Apply Alodine, primers, protectants, sealants, and multiple aerospace coatings using spray, brush, or roller methods on a variety of substrates and simple-to-complex configurations per Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and internal procedures.
• Apply final topcoat finishes (Base Coat/Clear Coat) to a high visual standard with minimal orange peel and accurately detect and match color differences including shade and brightness variations.
• Follow standard operating procedures when using sealants, paint strippers and corrosion-preventive chemicals and use protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Follow standard operating procedures when using tools and equipment such as dual action sanders, hydraulic lift platforms, paint thickness measuring devices and paint sprayers.
• Properly maintain and care for shop equipment and tools, including performing routine minor maintenance on sprayers, paint guns, etc.
• Comply with safety rules and procedures and address unsafe conditions immediately.
• Use computer systems to create material demand, track squawks, sign-off work and access OEM Portals to retrieve data.
• Move product within the manufacturing work area of the shop, including operating cranes and assisting with movement of large aircraft structures.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities and contribute improvement ideas.
• Apply stencils and decals in accordance with MRO documentation and CMMs
• Select mix and apply paint ingredients according to the TDS, internal paint procedures, and MRO planning documents to create specific finishes.
• Remove grease, dirt, paint, or rust from surfaces using abrasives, solvents, and brushes or washing tanks to prepare to apply paint.
• Perform cosmetic surface repairs on composite aircraft structures using approved fillers (such as Aero Filler and Pin hole filler), sanding, and finishing techniques, ensuring no structural material is removed and all work complies with engineering and OEM specifications.
• Use any equipment (e.g., various paint guns, power and air tools) needed to complete preparation and paint assignments.
• Able to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, drawings as well as maintenance manuals and MRO documentation. Work per such documentation as well as written/verbal instruction.
• Utilize precision measuring equipment (e.g. Zahn Cups, Durometers checkers and scales) to perform self-inspection of in-process and finished work.
• Support the flow of products within the repair process by training and assisting employees.
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials to find the cause of errors, problems or defects.
• Analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems as pertains to the paint process. i.e. Cap and Needle changes.
• Ensure daily logs are completed for air quality prior to paint operations.
• Utilize required safety equipment and procedures such as respirators, air hoods/masks, Tyvek suits, gloves, donning/doffing, footwear, and safety eyewear.
• Responsibilities include masking, racking, turning, media blasting and sanding operations.
• Working knowledge of paint processes and products (lacquers, enamels, epoxies, urethanes, and acrylics) is required.
• Direct and advise lower graded MRO support employees (including Aviation or MRO Painters)
• Assists with planning of paint shop operations with leadership as directed
• Assist with additional repair and maintenance work as assigned

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Vocational Training/Certifications: Certificates in automotive or industrial painting (ACAS/APCS) strongly preferred or able to obtain within directed period of employment.
• Vehicle Top Coating Experience: 5 years (Required)
• Commercial and Private Aircraft Painting: 5 years (Preferred)
• Experience with auto body or industrial painting (Preferred)
• Commercial MRO experience (Preferred)

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
• Must participate in the DOT/FAA Drug and Alcohol Testing Program in accordance with 14 CFR Part 120, including pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing requirements.
• Able to obtain respirator certification.
• Able to climb ladders and stairs, work in small, restricted areas, lift up to 40 pounds, and work any shift.
• Requires a valid driver’s license and successful completion of background testing and drug screening
• Flexibility for various shift work where applicable/as needed

Benefits

• Competitive Healthcare Benefits Package
• 401k Savings Plan
• Annual Pay Increases and COLA pay
• Shift Differential Pay for off shift schedules
• Overtime Opportunities
• Paid-Time Off/Vacation
• Educational Assistance Reimbursement
• Health & Safety Personal Protective Program
• Free Onsite Gym with weekly fitness classes
• On-the-Job Training

Pay

$31.38 – $40.00/hour

Schedule

Various shifts available