Aircraft Painter:

Responsible for independently performing complex painting tasks, applying advanced paint systems and finishes, ensuring adherence to technical drawings and quality standards. Works with minimal supervision and takes lead on troubleshooting, and process improvements.

Key Responsibilities
• Apply complex paint systems, including metallic, high-gloss, specialty, and multi-coat finishes to aircraft structures and components.
• Prepare and finish surfaces to specification: sanding, masking/taping, priming, multi-stage coatings, and final clear coats.
• Operate and maintain advanced spray systems, HVLP/air-assisted equipment, and other specialized application tools safely and effectively.
• Perform detailed touch-ups, refinishing and feathering to match surrounding surfaces and restore finish quality.
• Accurately match and mix colors and tints; adjust application techniques to meet color, gloss, texture and film-thickness requirements.
• Read, interpret, and follow technical drawings, engineering work orders, paint specifications, MSDS, and process documents.
• Conduct and document inspections and quality control checks; ensure all work meets FAA/company standards and acceptance criteria.
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve most problems encountered in the painting process; propose and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain a clean, safe work area and follow environmental and safety procedures for hazardous materials, including proper storage and disposal.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to painting processes, safety, and quality.

Required Skills & Competencies
• Proven competence applying complex paint systems and specialty finishes.
• Strong ability to match colors and produce consistent finishes.
• Proficient with advanced spray equipment, mixing systems, and measuring tools (e.g., wet-film/DFT gauges).
• Solid understanding of paint chemistry and how environmental conditions affect application and cure.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and standard operating procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of inspection methods, quality acceptance criteria, and documentation requirements.
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to make independent decisions to correct process issues.
• Strong coaching and communication skills; able to train and lead less-experienced team members.
• Commitment to safety and regulatory compliance (environmental and company policies).

Qualifications & Experience
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certificate in coatings/painting or related field preferred.
• Minimum 4–6 years of aircraft painting experience, with documented experience applying advanced finishes.
• Familiarity with aviation painting standards and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in training/mentoring junior painters and performing quality inspections.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
• Able to stand, crouch, climb, and work in confined spaces for extended periods.
• Comfortable wearing required personal protective equipment (respirators, gloves, coveralls).
• Capable of lifting and handling painting materials and equipment up to company-specified limits.
• Work may involve exposure to solvents and airborne particulates; strict PPE and safety practices required.

Reporting & Relationships
• Reports to: Paint Shop Supervisor / Team Lead
• Interfaces with: Quality Control/Inspection, Engineering, Production Planning, Safety/Environmental teams

Performance Indicators
• Consistent adherence to paint specifications and quality standards (rework rate).
• Accurate and timely completion of work orders and documentation.
• Compliance with safety, environmental, and procedural requirements.
• Successful troubleshooting and reduction of process-related defects.

PDS Defense, Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please call 1-866-224-2745 to contact us. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

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PDS Defense, Inc. will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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