Industrial Spray Painter / Composite Finisher

Position Overview

Our client is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Composite Finishing Painter to join our production team in Poway, California. In this role, you will be responsible for surface preparation, primer application, and high-quality spray painting of composite parts, structures, and assemblies (such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and advanced resin systems).

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with HVLP spray equipment, polyurethane/epoxy coatings, cosmetic body filling, and sanding to meet strict cosmetic and structural tolerances.

Key Responsibilities
Surface Preparation & Fairing: Inspect, clean, degrease, sand, and mask raw composite components. Apply body fillers, glazes, or gel coats to smooth pinholes, weave patterns, parting lines, and cosmetic flaws. Paint Mixing & Setup: Calculate ratios, mix multi-part coatings (epoxy primers, topcoats, urethanes, clear coats), and adjust viscosities according to technical data sheets (TDS) and customer specifications. Spray Application: Operate HVLP, conventional spray guns, and pressure pots in a regulated spray booth environment. Maintain uniform Mil thickness (wet/dry film thickness) without runs, sags, orange peel, or fisheyes. Curing & Post-Finish Detailing: Manage flash-off times, cure cycles (air dry and bake booth ovens), and execute final finishing tasks including wet sanding, compounding, buffing, and polishing. Equipment Maintenance: Clean, disassemble, rebuild, and maintain spray guns, fluid lines, booth filters, and breathing apparatuses. Quality & Compliance: Conduct visual and instrumental inspections (adhesion testing, gloss levels, Mil thickness gauges). Maintain hazardous waste logs, monitor paint usage, and follow San Diego Air Pollution Control District (SDAPCD) / California Cal/OSHA environmental standards.

Qualifications & Requirements
Experience: 2+ years of industrial spray painting, automotive refinishing, marine painting, or aerospace composite finishing. Technical Skills: Proficiency in prepping and painting composite materials (carbon fiber, fiberglass, prepregs, or resin-infused parts). Working knowledge of single-stage, base/clear, polyurethane, epoxy, and conductive/specialty coatings. Experience using dual-action (DA) sanders, spray equipment, and film thickness gauges.

Safety & Physical Requirements: Must be able to pass a respirator medical clearance evaluation and fit test. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand, bend, or crouch for extended periods. Familiarity with chemical handling, SDS protocols, and proper PPE usage.

Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience working in an ISO 9001, AS9100, or aerospace/defense composite manufacturing facility. Experience with custom color matching, tinting, and stencil/marking applications. Familiarity with composite repair processes (fiberglass patch/resin fill).
Compensation / Pay Rate (Up to): $25.00 - $32.00