What are the responsibilities and job description for the 1ST SHIFT PAINTER- JOB #1157 position at Enstrom Helicopter?
1ST SHIFT PAINTER - JOB #1157
Bring Precision to Every Surface. Put Your Craft on an Aircraft.
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is seeking a Painter to prepare, paint, and finish helicopter surfaces, parts, and other products according to specifications.
This is a hands-on role for an experienced automotive painter who takes pride in careful preparation, consistent paint application, and a quality finish. You’ll use your painting skills in an aviation manufacturing environment, working with helicopter components and complete aircraft.
Location: Menominee, Michigan
Status: Full-Time, On-Site, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Shift: 1st Shift, Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM
What You’ll Do
Bring Precision to Every Surface. Put Your Craft on an Aircraft.
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is seeking a Painter to prepare, paint, and finish helicopter surfaces, parts, and other products according to specifications.
This is a hands-on role for an experienced automotive painter who takes pride in careful preparation, consistent paint application, and a quality finish. You’ll use your painting skills in an aviation manufacturing environment, working with helicopter components and complete aircraft.
Location: Menominee, Michigan
Status: Full-Time, On-Site, Hourly, Non-Exempt
Shift: 1st Shift, Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM
What You’ll Do
You’ll support Enstrom’s painting and finishing operations by:
- Preparing surfaces through masking, sanding, stripping, and related preparation methods.
- Removing existing paint using paint removers, scrapers, and related equipment.
- Mixing paint according to instructions and specifications.
- Applying urethane finishes using brushes, siphon guns, high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) spray guns, and related equipment.
- Under instruction from the Finishing Painter, laying out and painting stripes, insignia, identifying letters, and numerals.
- Performing final touch-up work and buffing finished paint surfaces.
- Performing minor bodywork and applying putty to fiberglass composite surfaces.
- Operating sandblast equipment as required.
Work With Specialized Equipment and Finishes
Quality painting starts with careful preparation and properly maintained equipment.
You’ll:
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical specifications, and paint scheme designs.
- Adjust spray painting equipment for the materials and work being completed.
- Apply shop mathematics when preparing materials and completing assigned tasks.
- Maintain painting equipment and air masks.
- Check your work for color, coverage, surface flaws, and finish quality.
- Follow safety requirements for painting, chemical handling, sandblasting, and respiratory protection.
- Train other workers and serve as a resource for painting methods and techniques.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
Successful candidates will bring:
- A high school diploma or GED.
- At least five years of automotive painting experience.
- Knowledge of spray, brush, and dip painting techniques, including surface preparation.
- Experience with HVLP spray systems and urethane finishes.
- Knowledge of masking, sanding, stripping, and finishing methods.
- The ability to mix paint according to instructions and apply urethane finishes using spray and brush methods.
- The ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical specifications, and paint scheme designs.
- The ability to adjust spray painting equipment and operate sandblast equipment.
- Working knowledge of shop mathematics.
- Close attention to detail.
- Knowledge of safety practices for painting equipment and chemicals.
- The ability to work independently, solve problems, and collaborate with others.
- The ability to meet personal tool requirements.
Even Better If You Have
- Previous aerospace painting or finishing experience.
Why Enstrom?
At Enstrom, you’ll be part of a close-knit team where your work is seen and valued. As a proud U.S. manufacturer of FAA-certified rotorcraft, we build nearly 90% of each helicopter in-house, giving you the opportunity to see how your craftsmanship contributes to the finished aircraft.
Our team works in a clean, growth-focused environment with a Monday-through-Friday schedule. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Menominee/Marinette area offers access to outdoor recreation and waterfront communities.
If you enjoy hands-on work, careful craftsmanship, and seeing a finished product take shape, we’d like to hear from you.
Physical Requirements
This position includes work in aircraft painting and manufacturing environments.
The role requires the ability to:
- Stand for extended periods and frequently bend, kneel, crouch, and reach.
- Occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Wear required respirators and personal protective equipment for extended periods.
- Work in confined spaces and elevated areas.
- Perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
- Distinguish colors and identify surface flaws.
- Work safely around paint fumes, dust, noise, and changing temperatures.
Compensation Note: Pay within the posted range is based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and relevant skills.
Salary : $21 - $30