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 25+ Aircraft Painter jobs
Location: Nashville, TN
Company: NWI Nashville, LLC
Status: Full-time, on-site
This occupation requires the mixing of paint, sanding, masking, painting, lettering and numbering of parts for purposes of finishing the product.
- Determines from specifications the sequence of paint operations and the methods to be used including color, blending and matching required, time allowance between coats, order of application and number required, type and amount of materials needed and areas to be painted.
- Sets up for job by mixing, blending and matching paints to proper color and consistency and performs such typical operations as applying interior and exterior finish coatings, including “shading” and blending, by the use of brush and spray equipment on major assemblies and completed products; matching, spotting and feathering of colors to obtain required blends and contrasts; insignia painting, striping and final “touch-up”. Metal tags parts as required.
- Identify and number the appropriate part per engineering or blueprint requirements.
- Incidental to and in addition to the above described work, performs rework, glazing, stripping, patching, masking, sanding, etc., as required.
- Employee will be responsible for cleaning of paint booths and applying protection coating to walls and/or floors as required.
- Computer proficiency to navigate systems for labor charging, access work instructions, record completion of work, Paycor, MES, PII’s, etc.
- Each employee will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and housekeeping in their work area as directed as well as assuring the accuracy of their work.
Must have been a painter/finisher for two (2) years in a commercial environment or have a certificate/degree in painting from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) or similar accredited institution.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Location: Nashville, TN
Company: NWI Nashville, LLC
Status: Full-time, on-site
This occupation requires the mixing of paint, sanding, masking, painting, lettering and numbering of parts for purposes of finishing the product.
- Determines from specifications the sequence of paint operations and the methods to be used including color, blending and matching required, time allowance between coats, order of application and number required, type and amount of materials needed and areas to be painted.
- Sets up for job by mixing, blending and matching paints to proper color and consistency and performs such typical operations as applying interior and exterior finish coatings, including “shading” and blending, by the use of brush and spray equipment on major assemblies and completed products; matching, spotting and feathering of colors to obtain required blends and contrasts; insignia painting, striping and final “touch-up”. Metal tags parts as required.
- Identify and number the appropriate part per engineering or blueprint requirements.
- Incidental to and in addition to the above described work, performs rework, glazing, stripping, patching, masking, sanding, etc., as required.
- Employee will be responsible for cleaning of paint booths and applying protection coating to walls and/or floors as required.
- Computer proficiency to navigate systems for labor charging, access work instructions, record completion of work, Paycor, MES, PII’s, etc.
- Each employee will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and housekeeping in their work area as directed as well as assuring the accuracy of their work.
Must have been a painter/finisher for two (2) years in a commercial environment or have a certificate/degree in painting from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) or similar accredited institution.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
See All 25 Aircraft Painter Jobs
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Find Aircraft Painter JobsAircraft Painter Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Aerospace & Defense
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?
Gulfstream Aerospace, V2X, and StandardAero are hiring the most aircraft painters right now, with openings concentrated in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 November 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 25 Aircraft Painter Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Aircraft Painter Jobs