Department: NIAR Composites

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Typically Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Evenings and weekends may be necessary dependent upon business needs.

Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a "U.S. Person”.

Job Details

Responsible for the spray application of aerospace paints on a variety of substrates including the set up and application of primers and finish coat. Supporting responsibilities include masking, racking, turning, and sanding operations as well as equipment maintenance and paint mixing operations. Perform aerospace coating performance testing and flammability testing as per FAA.

Job Summary

Under direct supervision, trains and coordinates students in the performance of daily laboratory activities covering a variety of technical support services and project implementation tasks. Reviews, tests, repairs, maintains and modifies research and facilities equipment and systems.

Essential Functions

Assists in management, maintenance and monitoring of facilities, equipment, and systems as required to support building operation and daily research activities, ensuring adherence to process standards and established practice. May recommend updates, as appropriate. Under general supervision, trains and advises staff, contractors and students in experimental design, product and material selection, research equipment capacity and utilization, and tool operation and processes. Reviews, establishes and maintains a broad knowledge of laboratory procedures, state-of-the-art research techniques, technology, equipment and systems related research. May fabricate prototypes and other devices related to research using various tools (physical and/or digital); modifies existing equipment and devices to meet changing research requirements.

Job Duties

Select and apply aerospace paint according to documents and specifications.
Dispose of hazardous waste in accordance with environmental laws and company regulations. Observes all safety, environmental and general housekeeping rules and policies.
Documents all work accomplished (a.k.a. sign-off) in a clear, concise and accurate manner.
Surfaces preparation using abrasives, solvents, and brushes or washing tanks to prepare to apply paint.
Knowledge of painting techniques and tools
Prepares aircraft surfaces for removing paint by cleaning, masking, applying stripper, removing stripper
Able to read ASTM, ISO, SAE etc. type of standards to perform aerospace coating performance testing
Flammability Testing as per FAA.
Understanding of conventional high volume/low pressure (HVLP) paint spray equipment in pressure, gravity and siphon-fed variants,
Aircraft or auto body painting experience.
Painting prep includes sanding, masking, surface prep, primer, topcoat.
1-3 years minimum related experience or equivalent technical certificate.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Three (3) years of experience in a research laboratory or related field. Every 30 hours of college coursework can be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Experience with spray applications of pretreatment, primer coats, final topcoat finishes as per specification
Must be able to wear respirator or air breathing apparatus and complete basic painter skill test
Ability to initiate work as a self-starter and to prioritize with time management skills
Demonstrated ability with attention to detail and analytical aptitude
Attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality work
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:

1-3 years of proven experience as a painter, preferably in the aerospace industry.
Knowledge of various coating types, application techniques, and surface preparation methods.
Aerospace coating performance testing
Flammability Testing
Three (3) years minimum related experience or equivalent technical certificate.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to ascend and descend ladders and/or stairs. Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to move, transport, and/or deliver items, supplies, or equipment. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to use tools, equipment, and technology necessary to do the job. This includes dexterity in instrument manipulation.