Painter​/Mechanical Assembler

As Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) celebrates 50 years of building products that protect our country, protect the individual warfighter, and send rockets into outer space, our growth is creating new opportunities to expand our team with talented individuals who want to shape the next era of mission‑critical innovation.

CED is well situated in Downers Grove, Illinois – a commuter train ride west of Chicago and a short drive from farmland.

CED's current salary range for this role is $20.00 to $26.50 per hour. Compensation may vary based upon education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, location, and geography. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may include participation in a bonus, commission, or incentive program. CED benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance, other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts.

CED follows a 9/80 work schedule, allowing employees to enjoy alternating Fridays off.

The Painter/Mechanical Assembler is responsible for performing production spray operations involving the application of liquid coatings to manufactured products requiring standard finishes. This role ensures consistent, high-quality results through proper surface preparation, accurate equipment use, and adherence to established specifications and safety procedures.

• Prepare surfaces for painting including grit blasting
• Measure film/paint thickness following established instructions
• Mask areas to be protected from paint, including holes or threads
• Mix paint products and primers following standard work instructions
• Apply paint or primer using HVLP spray guns and airbrushes, and perform marking and striping by hand
• Inspect completed work and correct defects
• Clean and maintain spray booths, guns, nozzles, and paint booth filters after use; ensure correct separation of waste materials
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment in line with company housekeeping and HSE policies
• Perform mechanical assembly tasks as required

• Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Ensure 100% compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, BACM, Code of Conduct, and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
• Participate in special projects and other duties/responsibilities as assigned

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 1 year experience in manufacturing or industrial environment; experience with automotive or industrial painting is strongly preferred

• Lawful US person (ITAR restrictions)
• Eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as required by the ATF for all Chemring Energetic Devices employees
• Able to work carefully on small, detailed painted parts that require steady hands and accurate placement
• Strong attention to detail
• Familiarity with different coatings, thinners, and curing methods
• Knowledge of PPE requirements
• Ability to recognize, segregate, and handle hazardous and non‑hazardous waste in compliance with CED’s HSE procedures and regulatory rules
• Ability to read technical drawings and chemical hazard (SDS) labels
• Support the coordination of painting tasks while maintaining quality and meeting expected timelines

Able to sit or stand throughout the shift. Capable of lifting up to 35 lbs without mechanical assistance occasionally, and greater than 35 lbs with mechanical assistance. Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and explosives, with appropriate risk mitigation.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential job functions of this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Employees will be expected to perform other job functions and duties as may be needed and/or required.

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics.

If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to Human Resources at  or call 630‑969‑0620 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.