Painter (Weapon Systems)

CoAspire (https://www.coaspire.com) is a cutting-edge defense manufacturing leader in Northern Virginia, specializing in the precision assembly of advanced weapons systems. With over twelve years of a legacy of innovation, we're at the forefront of building reliable, affordable mass weapons that protect and empower our nation’s warfighters. Our tight-knit team thrives in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, and work-life balance come first with a focus on professional growth at our new 27,000 sq. ft. facility. Join us to make a tangible impact on mission-critical technology while enjoying Northern Virginia's vibrant community.

Position: You will serve as a coatings and painting specialist for our weapon systems production line. This hands-on role requires expert application of military-specification paints and coatings, such as conductive EMI/RFI shielding paints, primers, topcoats, and specialized environmental protection systems, to ensure hardware meets government and program-specific performance requirements. You will suppory painting operations and drive process improvements in a controlled AS9100D/ISO-9001 environment.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare surfaces (masking, sanding, chemical pretreatment, alodine/chem-film) and apply multi-layer coating systems including EMI-conductive paints (silver/copper/nickel filled), CARC, epoxy primers, polyurethane topcoats, and thermal-control coatings.
• Perform spray application (HVLP, airless, electrostatic) of conductive shielding coatings to achieve specified resistivity, adhesion, and thickness for EMI/RFI performance.
• Apply environmental and corrosion-resistant coatings qualified for programmatic requirements.
• Conduct coating thickness measurements (wet/dry film mil gauges), adhesion testing (tape/cross-hatch), conductivity/resistivity checks, and visual inspections.
• Maintain spray booth operations, mixing rooms, and PPE/respirator programs; ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
• Troubleshoot coating defects (orange peel, runs, fish-eyes, poor adhesion) and lead RCCA for paint-related non-conformances.
• Enforce safety protocols and support and conduct inspection for painted assemblies as needed.
• Support other production line elements (warehousing, parts management, etc…) on an as-needed basis.

Qualifications:

• 1-5 years of hands-on industrial/aerospace painting experience with advanced painting processes or similar grade operations.
• Proficiency with the application of high-grade and/or environmental coatings
• Proficiency with HVLP/electrostatic spray equipment, plural-component systems, and precise masking techniques on complex geometries.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain/maintain a Secret security clearance (or the ability to obtain a clearance).
• Excellent attention to detail, safety mindset, and ability to work in a respirator and PPE for extended periods.

Desired Skills:

• Knowledge of military coating specifications: CARC (MIL-DTL-53072), EMI conductive paints, MIL-PRF-23377/85285, MIL-STD-461/464 shielding effectiveness.
• Experience in AS9100D/ITAR-controlled DoD contractor facilities.
• Certification in CARC application, NACE/SSPC Coating Inspector, or equivalent.
• Experience painting missile bodies, radomes, guidance sections, or loitering munitions.
• Familiarity with low-VOC/waterborne coatings, automated/robotic paint systems, or powder coating.
• Trade school/apprenticeship completion or journeyman status.

What We Offer

Beyond competitive pay, we offer:

• Full benefits from day one: medical, dental and vision.
• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting.
• PTO and Federal holidays

Apply now! We're reviewing applications on a rolling basis. Let's build the future together. No agencies, please.

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