Junior Painter

Start Date: Immediate JHNA, CTSi, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domain expertise across Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities. The combined organization operates as a multi-entity aerospace and defense technology and tech-enabled services and manufacturing enterprise positioned for scalable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.

OVERVIEW Full-time/Permanent Employee Location: Hollywood, MD Aether Aerospace is currently seeking a Junior Painter to join our growing team in the Hollywood, MD area. The Junior Painter is responsible for supporting daily paint shop operations by assisting with material preparation, surface cleaning, masking, sanding, and general finishing activities. This position works closely with experienced painters and production personnel to ensure manufactured components are properly prepared for painting, coating, and finishing processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES Surface Preparation and Finishing

· Prepare metal and fabricated components for painting and coating operations.

· Perform sanding, grinding, cleaning, and surface preparation as directed.

· Remove dirt, grease, oils, and other contaminants from surfaces prior to painting.

· Mask and protect surfaces, threads, hardware, and other features that do not require coating.

· Assist with preparing parts for primer, paint, and powder coating applications.

· Remove masking materials and assist with post-paint cleanup and finishing.

· Inspect prepared surfaces for cleanliness and visible imperfections before painting.

Paint Shop Operations

· Assist painters with staging, hanging, positioning, and handling components.

· Safely transport parts and materials between production areas.

· Prepare tools, equipment, and work areas for daily painting operations.

· Assist with maintaining paint booths, preparation areas, racks, and related equipment.

· Support the setup and breakdown of painting operations.

· Perform basic visual inspections and identify defects or areas requiring rework.

· Follow work instructions, drawings, and established manufacturing procedures.

· Assist with packaging and protecting finished components to prevent damage.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS Clearance: Ability to obtain Secret clearance

Education and Years of Experience: HS diploma or equivalent and at least 1+ years of relevant experience

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform repetitive tasks throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with assistance or lifting equipment when appropriate.
• Ability to operate basic hand tools, sanding equipment, and other shop equipment after training.
• Comfortable working in an industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and coating materials, with appropriate safety controls.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including respiratory protection when assigned and medically cleared, fit-tested, and trained as required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with sanding, masking, grinding, or surface preparation.
• Familiarity with industrial paint, powder coating, or metal finishing processes.
• Ability to read basic drawings and manufacturing work instructions.
• Experience working in a production or fabrication environment.
• Knowledge of basic workplace safety practices and proper PPE usage.