Paint Technician

About the Role

As an Aircraft Paint Technician at West Star Aviation, you will transform ordinary aircraft into extraordinary pieces of art, capable of executing everything from standard stripes and colors to highly detailed artwork. This position is ideal for individuals with a creative edge and a passion for working with their hands.

• Shift: Weekend (Friday-Sunday, 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM)
• Shift Incentive: 11.11% shift differential and a 3-day workweek.
• Location: Grand Junction, CO

Key Responsibilities

• Masking and taping aircraft parts to prevent overspray.
• Sanding primer.
• Cleaning aircraft with thinner.
• Washing the paint booth.
• Applying all paint layers, including the top coat.
• Laying out stripe and design schemes.
• Preparing and scuffing paint for trim application.
• Re-masking aircraft and performing detail work.
• Inspecting completed paint jobs.
• Mixing and matching paint.
• Communicating effectively in English (speaking, writing, reading).
• Performing other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred (Not Required): Vo-tech school in paint or on-the-job experience.
• Ideal: A valid driver’s license approved for airline travel and/or a valid passport.
• Work Experience Categories:
• Tech I: 0-2 years of paint experience in aviation, auto, RV, Marine, or related field. Requires close supervision and constant check-ins.
• Tech II: 2-4 years of paint experience in aviation, auto, RV, Marine, or related field. Requires general supervision and instructions.
• Tech III: 4-6 years of experience in aviation, auto, RV, Marine, or related field. Requires limited supervision and can act as a trainer/mentor.
• Master Tech: 6+ years of experience in aviation interiors. Subject matter expert.
• Skills:
• Self-motivated.
• Flexible.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under specific deadlines and time constraints.
• Reliable transportation to work.
• Ability to work in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.
• Ability to follow all company and safety rules.
• Customer-oriented work habits.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform routine walking, bending, squatting, or sitting.
• Ability to work standing on a ladder or scaffold.
• Ability to pass pulmonary physical.
• Ability to pass respiratory fit test (required for protective gear).
• Understanding and implementation of regulations and guidelines (OSHA, haz mat, etc.).
• Ability to logically work with mechanical processes.
• Ability to work with others in a professional manner.
• Good communication skills.
• Equipment Used:
• Air equipment.
• Polisher and sander.
• Stripper pump.
• Electrostatic paint guns.
• Pressure posts.
• Laser level.
• Tugs, power carts, and other engine-powered equipment.

Qualifications

• Must attend work every day as scheduled, including overtime and weekend assignments.
• Must notify supervisor in advance of shift starting if unable to work.
• Must have reliable transportation to get to work each and every day.
• Must perform all work in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines.
• Must assist with painting, painting base coat, and layout.
• Must follow all company and safety rules during performance of duties.
• Must maintain customer-oriented work habits.

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Routine walking, bending and squatting or sitting.
• Work standing on ladder or scaffold.
• Pass pulmonary physical.
• Pass respiratory fit test, as you must wear protective gear.

Mental Requirements

• Understanding and implementation of regulations and guidelines including but not limited to OSHA, haz mat, etc.
• Logically work with mechanical processes.
• Work with others in a professional manner.
• Good communication skills.

Supervision

• Work under supervision of your Team Leader.

Working Conditions

• The majority of work will be accomplished in a heated hangar or shop area.
• Work in aircraft on ramp may occur.
• Varied positions in and around the aircraft.