Painter

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Full Time Manual Labor Brea, CA, US

16 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $20.00 To $25.00 Hourly

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role is part of our Space and Launch business, which has contributed to the nation’s space programs for decades by delivering complete solutions from concept to flight. We enable successful space operations with mission-critical technology supporting every step from first launch to final landing, including launch vehicle subsystems, propulsion systems, aerodynamic and interstage systems, and payload protection and deployment. Our high-performance solutions are engineered to operate in the most extreme environments and meet precise mission requirements.

In this role, you will apply aerospace paint finishes to ensure components meet precise drawing and specification requirements. You will prepare, mask, mix, and apply coatings using a variety of spray equipment, working closely with manufacturing and quality teams to deliver compliant, high‑quality parts that support mission‑critical space systems. Your expertise in paint processes, materials, and equipment will help ensure consistent finishes and reliable performance within a fast‑paced production environment.

• Uses a variety of spray-painting equipment, including high‑volume low‑pressure (HVLP) spray guns, pressure pots, siphon cup guns, and gravity feed cup guns to apply finishes that meet drawing and specification requirements.
• Interprets and executes masking requirements using methods that conform to specifications.
• Prepares surfaces and applies aerospace paints, primers, and coatings according to mixing, handling, and curing specifications.
• Uses measuring devices such as mil‑thickness gauges, calipers, tape measures, and squares to verify paint application accuracy.
• Reads and interprets aerospace blueprints, drawings, and specifications to plan required steps and ensure compliance.
• Uses material‑handling equipment to move parts through the painting process and to subsequent operations.
• Maintains required environmental documentation and records to support compliance.
• Performs prep work using hand tools and ensures work areas remain clean and organized.
• Communicates effectively with manufacturing management and quality assurance representatives to resolve issues and achieve required results.
• Applies all applicable safety requirements while working in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.

• High school diploma or equivalent; candidates with significant relevant work experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• One year of experience or equivalent trade‑school training using hand and spray equipment, hand tools, and basic masking methods (“C” Painter level).
• Three years of experience or equivalent knowledge in mixing multi‑component aerospace paints, operating HVLP and airless equipment, keeping environmental compliance records, and interpreting aerospace documentation (“B” Painter level).
• Five years of experience or equivalent knowledge in aerospace painting; full understanding of aerospace paints and primers; ability to interpret manufacturer…