Electrostatic Spray Painter (Painter IV)

Summary

The MIL Corporation is seeking an experienced Electrostatic Spray Painter (Painter IV) to support engineering, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and production activities at NAWCAD Webster Outlying Field (WOLF), St. Inigoes, Maryland. The selected candidate will perform advanced surface preparation, electrostatic spray painting, coating application, and finishing operations on a variety of project articles, support equipment, structures, and prototype systems.

The Electrostatic Spray Painter applies specialized knowledge of electrostatic coating systems, paint mixing, environmental controls, technical specifications, and safety requirements to ensure high-quality finishes meet engineering, customer, and mission requirements. This position requires the ability to independently plan and execute work from drawings, technical documentation, and coating specifications while maintaining compliance with applicable environmental, safety, and hazardous material regulations.

This position currently requires an onsite schedule and is eligible for Compressed Work Schedule (CWS). Schedule is subject to change based on company/contract requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day guidance, direction, training, mentorship, and technical support to less experienced technicians.
• Prepare, clean, mask, sand, and prime metal, composite, fiberglass, and other surfaces for coating applications.
• Operate cone, disk, nozzle-type, and other electrostatic spray-painting equipment to apply coatings in accordance with engineering and customer specifications.
• Apply aircraft, aerospace, industrial, general-purpose, and specialty coatings using approved procedures and techniques.
• Adjust pressure regulators, spray patterns, paint flow rates, and equipment settings to achieve required coating quality and finish characteristics.
• Mix paints, primers, topcoats, and specialty coatings to manufacturer and engineering specifications, using appropriate measuring instruments and viscosity controls.
• Monitor and maintain paint temperatures, coating consistency, and environmental conditions within coating facilities.
• Inspect completed work for coating thickness, adhesion, coverage, runs, sags, contamination, and other defects.
• Perform touch-up and corrective painting activities as required.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, technical publications, work instructions, Technical Data Sheets (TDS), and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Support fabrication, assembly, modification, and repair efforts associated with prototype and production systems.
• Maintain paint booths, spray equipment, tools, hoses, tanks, and associated coating systems.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, DoD, and Navy hazardous material handling and disposal requirements.
• Perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and maintain required tool inventories.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job training to junior painters and support personnel.
• Collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, artisans, production personnel, and customer representatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of customer and mission requirements.

Travel

Local and limited CONUS travel may be required in support of customer requirements, testing activities, training, or program objectives.

Travel is expected to be less than 10% of working time.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in industrial, aircraft, aerospace, automotive, marine, or electrostatic spray-painting operations
• Demonstrated experience operating electrostatic spray paint systems and associated coating equipment
• Experience preparing, priming, painting, and finishing a variety of surfaces including aluminum, steel, composites, fiberglass, and fabricated assemblies
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and technical publications
• Knowledge of coating application techniques, paint chemistry, surface preparation methods, and finishing processes
• Experience using Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Knowledge of OSHA, EPA, HAZMAT, and workplace safety requirements
• Ability to identify coating defects and implement corrective actions
• Skilled in the use of precision hand tools, measuring devices, and coating application equipment
• Ability to lift, carry, climb, bend, and work in confined spaces, elevated platforms, and paint booth environments while utilizing required PPE
• Valid driver''s license
• Strong teamwork, communication, and customer-service skills
• U.S. Citizenship required

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting NAVAIR, NAWCAD, Department of Defense, or other federal programs
• Formal training in electrostatic painting, aircraft finishing, aerospace coatings, or industrial coating operations
• Experience with powder coating and specialty coating systems
• Fabrication, sheet metal, mechanical assembly, or repair experience
• Forklift and overhead crane operation experience
• Ability to develop process improvements and workflow efficiencies
• Experience working in engineering prototype, research and development, or low-volume production environments
• Previous experience mentoring or leading junior personnel
• Familiarity with quality assurance inspection standards and coating thickness measurement equipment

Education

High School Diploma or GED required

Completion of a vocational, trade, military, apprenticeship, or technical training program in painting, coatings technology, manufacturing, aviation maintenance, or a related field is preferred

Clearance

All applicants for this position must possess a current Secret clearance; please note that the clearance process takes into account financial background aspects.

Compensation

The SCA (Service Contract Act) role at The MIL Corporation is subject to the regulations and guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Labor. As an SCA position, it is classified as a service contract and is subject to specific wage determinations and benefit requirements mandated by the government.

The compensation and benefits for the SCA role at The MIL Corporation will be in accordance with the prevailing wage rates and benefits specified by the Department of Labor for the specific job classification and location. The current rate is $32.00 - $43.81 per hour. Final salary for this position is determined based on factors such as individual qualifications, education, experience, and contractual limitations.

Why MIL?

The MIL Corporation (MIL) is a dynamic workforce of industry professionals who deliver world-class solutions in cyber, engineering, financial management, and information technology - and we are looking for candidates like you! Whether you're fresh out of college, the military, or well into your professional services career, MIL has great job opportunities that might be a great fit.

Here at MIL, we pride ourselves on the family-like environment instilled amongst our team. Our employees love working here, and it truly shows through our various recognitions & awards. Some of our most recent awards include:

• 2021-2024, Top Workplaces USA award (Energage)

• 2017-2024 Top Workplaces Award, Greater Washington Area (The Washington Post)

• 2018-2025 Certified Great Workplace, Great Place to Work

• 2021 - 2024, Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services

• 2021 Fortune Best Workplaces for Millennials

• 2018 Fortune, Great Place to Work: Best Place to Work for Diversity

• 2020- 2024, 2017, Top Workplace Award, South Carolina (Greenville Business Magazine, Columbia Business Monthly, and Charleston Business Magazine)

• 2024 Patriot Award,  Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Department of Defense

• 2022 Freedom Award, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Department of Defense

• 2018, Above & Beyond Award, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Department of Defense

The MIL Corporation is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.