1St Shift Painter

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is seeking a Painter to prepare, paint, and finish helicopter surfaces, parts, and other products according to specifications.

This is a hands‑on role for an experienced automotive painter who takes pride in careful preparation, consistent paint application, and a quality finish. You’ll use your painting skills in an aviation manufacturing environment, working with helicopter components and complete aircraft.

Location: Menominee, Michigan

Status: Full-Time, On-Site, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Shift: 1st Shift, Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM

• Preparing surfaces through masking, sanding, stripping, and related preparation methods.
• Removing existing paint using paint removers, scrapers, and related equipment.
• Mixing paint according to instructions and specifications.
• Applying urethane finishes using brushes, siphon guns, high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) spray guns, and related equipment.
• Under instruction from the Finishing Painter, laying out and painting stripes, insignia, identifying letters, and numerals.
• Performing final touch-up work and buffing finished paint surfaces.
• Performing minor bodywork and applying putty to fiberglass composite surfaces.
• Operating sandblast equipment as required.

Quality painting starts with careful preparation and properly maintained equipment.

You’ll:

• Read and interpret blueprints, technical specifications, and paint scheme designs.
• Adjust spray painting equipment for the materials and work being completed.
• Apply shop mathematics when preparing materials and completing assigned tasks.
• Maintain painting equipment and air masks.
• Check your work for color, coverage, surface flaws, and finish quality.
• Follow safety requirements for painting, chemical handling, sandblasting, and respiratory protection.
• Train other workers and serve as a resource for painting methods and techniques.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Successful candidates will bring:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• At least five years of automotive painting experience.
• Knowledge of spray, brush, and dip painting techniques, including surface preparation.
• Experience with HVLP spray systems and urethane finishes.
• Knowledge of masking, sanding, stripping, and finishing methods.
• The ability to mix paint according to instructions and apply urethane finishes using spray and brush methods.
• The ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical specifications, and paint scheme designs.
• The ability to adjust spray painting equipment and operate sandblast equipment.
• Working knowledge of shop mathematics.
• Close attention to detail.
• Knowledge of safety practices for painting equipment and chemicals.
• The ability to work independently, solve problems, and collaborate with others.
• The ability to meet personal tool requirements.

• Previous aerospace painting or finishing experience.

At Enstrom, you’ll be part of a close-knit team where your work is seen and valued. As a proud U.S. manufacturer of FAA-certified rotorcraft, we build nearly 90% of each helicopter in‑house, giving you the opportunity to see how your craftsmanship contributes to the finished aircraft.

Our team works in a clean, growth-focused environment with a Monday‑through‑Friday schedule. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, the Menominee/Marinette area offers access to outdoor recreation and waterfront communities.

If you enjoy hands‑on work, careful craftsmanship, and seeing a finished product take shape, we’d like to hear from you.

This position includes work in aircraft painting and manufacturing environments.

The role requires the ability to:

• Stand for extended periods and frequently bend, kneel, crouch, and reach.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Wear required respirators and personal protective equipment for extended periods.
• Work in confined spaces and elevated areas.
• Perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Distinguish colors and identify surface flaws.
• Work safely around paint fumes, dust, noise, and changing temperatures.

Compensation

Note:

Pay within the posted range is based on the selected candidate’s experience, qualifications, and relevant skills.