Aircraft Painter Jobs
Aircraft Painter jobs are open across commercial aviation, defense contracting, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facilities, with specializations in structural painting, composite coating, and military livery, from entry-level prep work to lead painter and inspector roles. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Aircraft Painter JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 33+ Aircraft Painter jobs
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for an Aircraft Painter Entry/ Level 1 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail, top focus on quality and excellent people skills.
This is a full time position located in sunny Palmdale, CA. If you are intrigued by this opportunity keep reading below.
The selected candidate will paint aircraft interior, exterior and piece parts.
Essential Functions:
Prepares for painting by masking, stripping, washing aircraft sections and components.
Blends and mixes paints, inks, and coatings to proper spraying consistency.
Must be able to perform detailed touch-ups.
Coordinates processes for painting production parts.
Required ability to be certified for a half & full-face respirator.
Basic Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 months of experience/Training painting/surface prep experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing and/or maintenance environment
High School diploma or GED
Must be able to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include: bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 35 pounds, and working overhead
Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment
Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation in order to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirator fitting requirements
Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to start.
Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret or Top Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
The ability to utilize a computer for basic functions (including navigating through windows operating systems, getting online, executing online training modules and ability to be trained using on the job software.
The ability to work 1st “5 AM – 3:30 PM” or 2nd shift “4:12 PM – 2:42 AM” and any work schedule
Preferred Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 months of experience/Training painting/surface prep experience in an aerospace
Completion of Lost Angels 12-week course.
Completion of Antelope Valley College Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Technician courses
Completion of Low Observables Pathway/Certification Program at the College of the Canyons
Completion of A&P Certification.
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for an Aircraft Painter Entry/ Level 1 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail, top focus on quality and excellent people skills.
This is a full time position located in sunny Palmdale, CA. If you are intrigued by this opportunity keep reading below.
The selected candidate will paint aircraft interior, exterior and piece parts.
Essential Functions:
Prepares for painting by masking, stripping, washing aircraft sections and components.
Blends and mixes paints, inks, and coatings to proper spraying consistency.
Must be able to perform detailed touch-ups.
Coordinates processes for painting production parts.
Required ability to be certified for a half & full-face respirator.
Basic Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 months of experience/Training painting/surface prep experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing and/or maintenance environment
High School diploma or GED
Must be able to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include: bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 35 pounds, and working overhead
Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment
Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation in order to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirator fitting requirements
Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to start.
Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret or Top Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
The ability to utilize a computer for basic functions (including navigating through windows operating systems, getting online, executing online training modules and ability to be trained using on the job software.
The ability to work 1st “5 AM – 3:30 PM” or 2nd shift “4:12 PM – 2:42 AM” and any work schedule
Preferred Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 months of experience/Training painting/surface prep experience in an aerospace
Completion of Lost Angels 12-week course.
Completion of Antelope Valley College Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Technician courses
Completion of Low Observables Pathway/Certification Program at the College of the Canyons
Completion of A&P Certification.
See All 33 Aircraft Painter Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Aircraft Painter JobsAircraft Painter Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in aircraft painter jobs.
- Two or more years of experience applying aerospace coatings on fixed-wing or rotary aircraft
- Proficiency with HVLP and conventional spray equipment in temperature- and humidity-controlled paint booths
- Ability to read and follow aircraft maintenance manuals, work orders, and technical data sheets
- EPA or state-level spray operator certification and NESHAP compliance training
- Physical ability to work on elevated platforms, scaffolding, and in confined spaces while wearing full PPE
- High school diploma or GED, with vocational training in automotive, aerospace, or industrial painting preferred
Tips for Your Aircraft Painter Job Search
List every coating system you know
Recruiters filter resumes by material type, so name the specific primers, topcoats, and sealants you've applied, such as epoxy, polyurethane, chromate, or Skydrol-resistant coatings. Vague terms like 'industrial paint' won't get you past automated screening.
Earn your NESHAP and spray certifications early
Many aviation painting postings require proof of NESHAP compliance training and EPA spray equipment certification before your first interview. If you don't have both, check your local community college or trade association for short certification courses before applying.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists aircraft painter openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Tailor your resume to defense versus commercial
Defense contractors want to see CAGE codes, DD Form 250 familiarity, and security clearance eligibility, while commercial MRO shops prioritize FAA repair station experience. Running the same resume to both without adjusting almost always results in a rejection.
Prepare a photo record of your finished work
Hiring managers in aviation painting frequently ask candidates to show examples of masking quality, edge coverage, and color-match results. A phone gallery of before-and-after shots on actual aircraft surfaces is far more convincing than a written description.
Negotiate shift differential, not just base pay
Aircraft painting is heavily second- and third-shift work because hangars run around the clock. Ask about overnight and weekend differential rates during the offer stage, since those adjustments can make a significant difference to your total compensation.
Aircraft Painter Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most aircraft painters?
Northrop Grumman, SEGULA Technologies, and Boeing are hiring the most aircraft painters right now, with openings concentrated in Kansas, Texas, and Arizona, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Defense MRO contractors and large commercial airline maintenance operations tend to post the highest volume of openings year-round.
How many aircraft painter jobs are remote?
About 0% of aircraft painter openings are fully remote or hybrid as of August 2026, because most of the work requires physical access to aircraft in hangars or paint facilities. Roles with any remote component are typically limited to technical writing, quality documentation review, or paint process engineering positions rather than hands-on application work.
How do you become an aircraft painter?
Start by completing a vocational program in automotive, industrial, or aerospace finishing to learn spray technique, surface prep, and coating chemistry. Then apply for entry-level positions at MRO shops or aviation ground support facilities to build hands-on aircraft experience. Pursue EPA spray certification and NESHAP compliance training as soon as possible, since most aviation employers require both before they'll assign you to aircraft. Progressing to lead or inspector roles typically requires demonstrating consistent finish quality and familiarity with technical data sheets.
Can you get hired as an aircraft painter with little or no experience?
Yes, some MRO shops and regional maintenance facilities hire entry-level painters for prep work like sanding, masking, and surface cleaning, which is how most aircraft painters break into the field. Automotive body shop or industrial spray experience transfers well and gives you a concrete starting point on your resume. Getting your EPA spray certification before applying removes one common barrier that causes employers to pass on candidates who are otherwise trainable.
What does the aircraft painter interview process look like?
Most aircraft painter interviews begin with a phone or video screen focused on your coating experience and certifications, followed by an in-person interview at the facility. Expect a tour of the paint booth and questions about specific materials you've worked with, your approach to masking complex geometry, and how you handle finish defects. Some employers, particularly defense contractors, include a practical skills assessment where you demonstrate spray technique or surface preparation on a test panel before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to aircraft painter jobs?
You can find and apply to aircraft painter jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from facilities across the United States. Search the available roles, find the listings that match your experience and location, and apply directly to each one that fits. New postings are added regularly, so checking back frequently gives you the best shot at catching openings as soon as they go live.
See All 33 Aircraft Painter Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Aircraft Painter Jobs