NIAR Aerospace Painter - Composites

Job Summary

Responsible for the spray application of aerospace paints on a variety of substrates including the set up and application of primers and finish coat. Supporting responsibilities include masking, racking, turning, and sanding operations as well as equipment maintenance and paint mixing operations. Perform aerospace coating performance testing and flammability testing as per FAA.

Under direct supervision, trains and coordinates students in the performance of daily laboratory activities covering a variety of technical support services and project implementation tasks. Reviews, tests, repairs, maintains and modifies research and facilities equipment and systems.

Essential Functions

• Assists in management, maintenance and monitoring of facilities, equipment, and systems as required to support building operation and daily research activities, ensuring adherence to process standards and established practice. May recommend updates, as appropriate.
• Under general supervision, trains and advises staff, contractors and students in experimental design, product and material selection, research equipment capacity and utilization, and tool operation and processes.
• Reviews, establishes and maintains a broad knowledge of laboratory procedures, state-of-the-art research techniques, technology, equipment and systems related research.
• May fabricate prototypes and other devices related to research using various tools (physical and/or digital); modifies existing equipment and devices to meet changing research requirements.

Job Duties

• Select and apply aerospace paint according to documents and specifications.
• Dispose of hazardous waste in accordance with environmental laws and company regulations.
• Observes all safety, environmental and general housekeeping rules and policies.
• Documents all work accomplished (a.k.a. sign-off) in a clear, concise and accurate manner.
• Surfaces preparation using abrasives, solvents, and brushes or washing tanks to prepare to apply paint.
• Knowledge of painting techniques and tools.
• Prepares aircraft surfaces for removing paint by cleaning, masking, applying stripper, removing stripper.
• Able to read ASTM, ISO, SAE etc. type of standards to perform aerospace coating performance testing.
• Flammability Testing as per FAA.
• Understanding of conventional high volume/low pressure (HVLP) paint spray equipment in pressure, gravity and siphon-fed variants.
• Aircraft or auto body painting experience.
• Painting prep includes sanding, masking, surface prep, primer, topcoat.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent. Three (3) years of experience in a research laboratory or related field. Every 30 hours of college coursework can be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with spray applications of pretreatment, primer coats, final topcoat finishes as per specification.
• Must be able to wear respirator or air breathing apparatus and complete basic painter skill test.
• Ability to initiate work as a self-starter and to prioritize with time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability with attention to detail and analytical aptitude.
• Attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• 1-3 years minimum related experience or equivalent technical certificate.

Schedule

Typically Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Evenings and weekends may be necessary dependent upon business needs.