What are the responsibilities and job description for the Aircraft Painter position at AAA USA?
Location: Wichita, Kansas
About the Company
We provide specialized subcontracting and technical assistance services to support clients in the transport and aerospace industries. We work closely with our clients to ensure our solutions meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Our team members are motivated professionals who accomplish remarkable things every day.
AAA United States, Inc. has partnered with a leading aerospace manufacturer in Wichita, Kansas, recognized as one of the world's largest manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial aircraft, defense platforms, and business/regional jets. The company specializes in aluminum and advanced composite manufacturing, producing fuselages, integrated wings and wing components, pylons, and nacelles.
Position Summary
The Aircraft Painter is responsible for applying aerospace coatings to aircraft components and assemblies while ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and safety regulations. This position requires experience with aerospace painting techniques, industrial spray equipment, and manufacturing processes.
Essential Job Functions
- Apply primers, topcoats, and specialty aerospace coatings to a variety of aircraft components and assemblies.
- Perform spray application of multiple aerospace paint systems on simple and complex product configurations.
- Prepare surfaces through masking, sanding, cleaning, and racking operations.
- Mix paints and coatings to meet engineering specifications and color requirements.
- Match and identify differences in colors, shades, and finishes.
- Read and interpret engineering blueprints, drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
- Remove grease, dirt, rust, and existing coatings using approved abrasives, solvents, brushes, and cleaning equipment.
- Apply Alodine, primers, and finish coatings according to engineering planning documents.
- Apply topcoat/final finishes, DYNOL, and MA25 coatings per engineering requirements.
- Perform pickup work, rework, and engineering changes as required.
- Trim excess material and complete finishing operations.
- Utilize hand tools, power tools, air tools, and computers as required.
- Perform self-inspections using precision measuring equipment such as isoscopes and scales.
- Perform routine maintenance on paint guns, sprayers, and related equipment.
- Move materials and products throughout the manufacturing area using approved material-handling equipment.
- Support production flow by assisting and training employees of the same or lower classification.
- Inspect equipment, materials, and painted surfaces to identify defects and determine corrective actions.
- Analyze paint process issues and implement appropriate solutions.
- Complete required air quality logs before paint operations begin.
- Properly dispose of paint waste, hazardous materials, and scrap in accordance with environmental regulations.
- Wear and properly maintain all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, air hoods, Tyvek suits, gloves, safety footwear, and eye protection.
- Comply with all BAC, OSHA, environmental, and customer safety requirements.
- Maintain all required certifications, qualifications, licenses, and permits.
Level AI4 Responsibilities
- Locate paint application areas using engineering planning documents.
- Apply final paint finishes in accordance with work instructions.
- Inspect completed work to ensure compliance with engineering specifications.
- Apply topcoat finishes, DYNOL, and MA25 coatings to completed assemblies.
Required Qualifications
- Previous aircraft painting experience required.
- Experience operating industrial spray guns and specialized paint equipment.
- Ability to work from engineering drawings, blueprints, and written work instructions.
- Ability to distinguish colors, shades, and brightness accurately.
- Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- Ability to perform detailed work at close range.
- Ability to stand, reach, and work with hands and arms for extended periods.
- Ability to work from elevated platforms, including lifts, ladders, and scaffolding.
- Must be willing and able to work any shift.
- Must successfully complete the WorkKeys Assessment or provide proof of a previously passing score.
- Strong commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.