Technician II - Paint Tech Prepper - 2nd Shift

Job Description

The Paint Tech Prepper II is an intermediate-level skilled technician responsible for performing detailed surface preparation, cleaning, masking, and support operations on aerospace hardware in preparation for coating applications. This role builds on basic technical fundamentals, with the ability to interpret basic drawings, follow detailed instructions, and contribute to consistent, high-quality prepping work. Technician II works with moderate supervision, supports paint and manufacturing operations, and helps maintain a safe, compliant, and organized work environment while gaining experience to support process efficiency and quality standards.

The Operations Strategic Capabilities Unit plays a fundamental role in enabling efficient business and program execution – from strategic capital investments, industrial operations and an efficient supply chain, to state-of-the-art manufacturing and test operations and top-notch facilities management.

What You’ll Do:

• Key Responsibilities Aerospace Surface Preparation & Support:
  • Perform surface preparation tasks including cleaning, sanding, abrading, chemical treatments, and detailed masking of aerospace hardware.
  • Assist in preparing parts for primers, topcoats, and specialty coatings by ensuring surfaces meet cleanliness and profile requirements per specifications.
  • Operate preparation equipment such as sanders, blast media tools (if applicable), cleaning stations, and associated tooling.
  • Verify surface conditions, masking accuracy, and preparation parameters align with work instructions.
  • Inspect prepared surfaces to ensure readiness for coating and identify basic defects or inconsistencies.
• Technical Interpretation & Documentation:
  • Read and interpret basic mechanical drawings, blueprints, and work instructions to determine preparation and masking requirements.
  • Strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures, detailed work instructions, and controlled process documentation.
  • Maintain accurate records of preparation activities, material usage, and process logs as required.
• Safety, Compliance & Chemical Handling:
  • Safely handle chemicals, solvents, cleaners, and hazardous materials used in surface preparation.
  • Ensure compliance with aerospace, environmental, health, and safety standards.
  • Properly use required PPE, ventilation systems, and hazardous material controls.
• Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement:
  • Maintain clean, organized, and production-ready work areas.
  • Participate in evaluating basic tools and techniques for preparation tasks.
  • Assist in identifying and reporting preparation challenges to support defect reduction and workflow improvements.
  • Contribute to team efforts for efficient operations within the preparation area.
• Cross-Functional Support & Team Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with painters, other technicians, and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth handoff to coating processes.
  • Provide support to related manufacturing areas as needed, including basic assistance in Paint or finishing operations.
  • Foster positive working relationships across departments to support production flow.
  • Contribute to a professional and productive team environment.
• General Responsibilities:
  • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
  • Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• High School diploma or equivalent plus 1 year or more related experience.
• Each higher-level related degree, i.e., Bachelor’s or Master’s, may substitute for two years of related experience. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Entry-to-mid-level experience in aerospace surface preparation, industrial cleaning/masking, or related precision finishing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in surface cleaning, sanding, masking, and basic preparation processes.
• Ability to read and interpret basic engineering drawings and technical instructions.
• Experience working safely with industrial chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Ability to work effectively with supervision while contributing to team goals.

#LI-SW2

A DoW Interim Secret clearance will be required to start work and required to be maintained to continue work. Higher level clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Experience with aerospace-grade preparation processes or military/defense specifications.
• Familiarity with controlled environments, traceability, and quality documentation.
• Prior involvement in basic process improvements or tool evaluations.
• Cross training in related areas such as painting support or Metal Finish operations.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $47614 - $76181

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20 hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.


About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Multiple positions may be available on this opening.

Salary : $47,614 - $76,181