Painter Helper – Finishing & Surface Prep

The Painter Helper supports the finishing and plating team by preparing aircraft parts and components for painting, coating, and surface‑finishing processes. This entry‑level role focuses on learning industry‑standard preparation techniques, assisting experienced technicians, and developing the foundational skills needed for advanced finishing and plating work. All tasks are performed under supervision and in accordance with shop procedures, safety requirements, and customer specifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist with surface preparation including cleaning, degreasing, sanding, masking, and basic blasting to ready parts for painting or finishing.
• Support technicians in paint prep activities such as stripping old coatings, polishing surfaces, and organizing parts for finishing.
• Learn proper handling of chemical cleaners, etching solutions, and prep materials while following safety and environmental guidelines.
• Set up work areas, tools, spray equipment, and materials needed for painting or coating operations.
• Help maintain clean, organized workstations and assist with equipment checks, solution levels, and basic maintenance tasks.
• Perform visual inspections of prepared surfaces to ensure cleanliness, proper masking, and readiness for finishing.
• Read and follow work orders, basic drawings, and process instructions with guidance from experienced staff.
• Document completed prep work in shop logs or electronic systems as required.
• Understanding of anodizing, passivation, conversion coating, and electroplating processes.
• Learning how to monitor temperatures, times, and basic process parameters during finishing operations.
• Introduction to thickness measurement tools such as micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
• Building familiarity with FAA repair station standards, quality requirements, and part traceability.

Skills:

• Basic experience with painting, sanding, or surface prep in any industrial, automotive, or marine environment.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work safely around chemicals, coatings, and powered equipment.
• Comfort using hand tools, sanders, grinders, and basic shop equipment.
• Basic math skills for measurements, ratios, and mixing materials.
• Willingness to learn technical drawings, process sheets, and finishing specifications.

Join a stable industry that offers good company benefits. Enjoy the security and professional growth opportunities provided by a reputable company in the aviation sector.

Work Environment

Work takes place in a shop environment where wearing required PPE is mandatory. The standard shift is from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work if needed.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX 77040.

The pay range for this position is $17.00 - $18.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX 77040.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 5, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.