user avatar

Aircraft Painter A

PDS Defense Inc.

Posted today

Job Requirements

Mesa, AZ
Secret Polygraph Unspecified
Career Level not specified
Salary not specified
Join Premium to unlock estimated salaries

Job Description

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking an Aircraft Painter A, in Mesa, AZ. Job ID#218398

Job Description:

An experienced 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.

Education / Experience: High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certificate in coatings/painting or related field preferred.

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
group id: 9117PDSD
Network Employers
user avatar
About Us
PDS Defense offers talent acquisition and SOW/Engineering solutions in the aerospace, defense, machinery, communications, energy, technology, and service industries. We’re focused on developing strong, lasting relationships with our customers to deliver creative and comprehensive solutions that support their talent acquisition strategies. Our flexible business model allows us to provide not only solutions for contract and direct opportunities, but also offload engineering design services, SOW projects, and more. Consistently ranked among the nation’s top firms, PDS Defense ensures fulfillment of your human capital needs by delivering quality talent in minimal time. We also have one of the best records for contractor longevity among staffing agencies. That translates into more stable workforces, smoother operations, and better results for our customers. If you’re looking for a talent acquisition partner that is as focused on your success as you are, PDS Defense is the answer.
job ad2 image

PDS Defense Inc. Jobs


Clearance Level
Secret