Metal Finisher IV – Aviation

Sierra Nevada Corporation • Hagerstown, MD

1d • $35 - $48

About The Position

The Metal Finisher – Aviation is responsible for preparing and finishing aviation piece parts and performing light touch-up work on aircraft structures. This role involves chemical conversion coating, priming, and painting processes to ensure all components and surfaces meet strict aerospace quality and safety standards. The Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn-key command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial and international customers with years of experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle management across domains – air, land, sea, space and cyber.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of relevant experience. Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Mastery in blueprint reading and technical documentation.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to understand and interpret moderately complex technical schematics, diagrams, blueprints, manuals, and/or publications; ability to complete installations per technical drawings while maintaining edge distance and pitch.
• Advanced experience with structure assembly, minor part fitting techniques and repair and refinishing such as airframe corrosion removal, as applicable.
• Ability to install various fasteners such as rivets and hi-locks.
• Must have own tools in good working order.
• Familiarity with aviation industry standards (such as FAA, EASA, or OEM specifications, including MIL standards) for chemical conversion, priming, and painting.
• Demonstrated skill with aviation-approved chemicals, coatings, and application techniques.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality workmanship and regulatory compliance.
• Strong commitment to workplace and flight safety, including proper handling and storage of hazardous materials.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Technical training in aviation finishing or industrial painting preferred.
• Prior experience in metal finishing or painting within an aerospace manufacturing or MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) environment strongly preferred.
• Ability to assess conformity of surface finishes to drawing and specification requirements for all finishing processes, including Salt Spray specimens, is strongly preferred.
• Associate’s degree in aerospace manufacturing or related discipline.
• Advanced certifications in aerospace manufacturing.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale assembly projects.
• Ability to travel.
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense, or US Military.

Responsibilities

• Prepare aviation piece parts and aircraft surfaces for finishing by cleaning, sanding, grinding, and masking according to aviation standards.
• Perform chemical conversion coating processes (e.g., alodining, chromate conversion) in compliance with aerospace specifications and safety protocols.
• Monitor and adjust chemicals related to chemical conversion coating process in accordance with OEM specifications and SNC requirements.
• Prepare specimens for salt spray testing at specified intervals as required by governing MIL standards.
• Mix, apply, and cure aerospace-grade primers and topcoats using spray equipment, brushes, or other approved methods.
• Conduct light touch-up painting and priming on assembled aircraft or aircraft structures as directed, ensuring minimal disruption to critical components.
• Inspect finished parts and touch-up areas for conformance to technical specifications, documenting and correcting any defects.
• Read and interpret work orders, blueprints, and aircraft maintenance manuals to determine finishing and touch-up requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of materials, processes, and inspection results in accordance with aviation regulatory and company standards.
• Operate and maintain finishing tools, spray booths, ovens, and personal protective equipment, ensuring all are calibrated and in good working order.
• Adhere strictly to environmental, health, and safety regulations regarding hazardous materials, protective measures, and waste disposal in an aviation environment.
• Collaborate with production, quality assurance, and maintenance teams to address finishing concerns and meet aircraft delivery schedules.
• May be required to perform metal finishing tasks outside of normal shift hours, including weekends.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in finishing processes and workplace safety.

Benefits

• SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees