Aircraft Painter Entry

United States-California-PalmdalePosted Jul 28, 2026

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for an Aircraft Painter Entry/ Level 1 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail, top focus on quality and excellent people skills.

This is a full time position located in sunny Palmdale, CA. If you are intrigued by this opportunity keep reading below.

The selected candidate will paint aircraft interior, exterior and piece parts.

Essential Functions:

  • Prepares for painting by masking, stripping, washing aircraft sections and components.
  • Blends and mixes paints, inks, and coatings to proper spraying consistency.
  • Must be able to perform detailed touch-ups.
  • Coordinates processes for painting production parts.
  • Required ability to be certified for a half & full-face respirator.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 3 months of experience/Training painting/surface prep experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing and/or maintenance environment
  • High School diploma or GED
  • Must be able to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include: bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 35 pounds, and working overhead
  • Must be able to access small, confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment
  • Ability to pass medical/respiratory evaluation in order to obtain and maintain necessary respirator clearance and compliance with all respirator fitting requirements
  • Must be able to pass a New Hire Physical prior to start.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret or Top Secret Clearance as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
  • The ability to utilize a computer for basic functions (including navigating through windows operating systems, getting online, executing online training modules and ability to be trained using on the job software.
  • The ability to work 1st “5 AM – 3:30 PM” or 2nd shift “4:12 PM – 2:42 AM” and any work schedule

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 3 months of experience/Training painting/surface prep experience in an aerospace
  • Completion of Lost Angels 12-week course.
  • Completion of Antelope Valley College Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly Technician courses
  • Completion of Low Observables Pathway/Certification Program at the College of the Canyons
  • Completion of A&P Certification.

Primary Level Salary Range: $23.00 - $27.25

Secondary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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