Composite Sand, Paint & Prep Technician

Job Description:

WE'RE LOOKING FOR A COMPOSITE SAND, PAINT & PREP TECHNICIAN

POSITION LOCATION: FORT ERIE, ON

SHIFT: 6:00AM-2:30PM/3:00PM-11:30PM (ROTATES WEEKLY)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Composite Sand, Paint & Prep Technician is responsible for the end-to-end surface preparation, masking, finishing and painting. Operating in compliance with Airbus Helicopters (AH) predefined specifications, this role ensures all components are free of imperfections, accurately masked, expertly coated, and thoroughly inspected before final Quality Assurance stages.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Paint Application & Coating

• Primer & Top Coat Application: Perform professional spray-painting inside the paint booth using spray guns to apply primer and topcoat to composite/metallic panels following predefined processes.

• Booth Maintenance: Prepare and manage the spray booth daily, including wetting/hosing down floors between runs, and reporting technical faults to Facilities Maintenance.

• Equipment Maintenance: Clean and maintain spray guns and breathable air hoods, replacing filters and worn parts as required.

Surface Preparation & Sanding

• Sanding Operations: Sand composite panels utilizing air-powered orbital sanders, sanding blocks, and sandpaper in accordance with AH and AHCA specifications.

• Defect Rectification: Mix filling compounds according to manufacturer specifications and apply filler using a spatula/putty knife to eliminate pinholes and surface imperfections (repeating steps to ensure a flawless finish).

• Contaminant Removal: Clean, spray, and wipe composite panels using compressed air and designated solvent-based solutions to completely remove dust, debris, and contaminants prior to masking and painting.

• Supply Maintenance: Maintain accurate consumption levels of cleaning products and solutions, communicating low supply levels to the Lead Hand.

Precision Masking & De-Masking

• Masking Execution: Apply masking tape and paper to cover areas that do not require primer or paint, strictly following templates and individual component contour lines.

• Contour Shaping: Utilize utility knives to delicately cut and shape paper precisely along established contour lines.

• De-Masking & Loading: Assist with loading and unloading components from the paint booth and delicately de-mask painted components to preserve fine edge and paint quality.

Inspection & Departmental Involvement

• Defect Inspection: Inspect dried/cured panels for imperfections such as fish eyes, solvent pops, dry paint, pinholes, and structural defects.

• Thickness Verification: Perform precise paint thickness measurements utilizing specialized thickness gauges and communicate results/defects to the Lead Hand or QA.

• 5S & Safety Compliance: Maintain a clean, neat, and FOD-free workspace in alignment with 5S standards. Actively participate in workplace health, safety, and troubleshooting for process or ergonomic improvements.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Experience

• 3–5 years of industrial paint experience or auto body work is highly preferred; direct asset experience in sanding, surface preparation, and precision masking. Aerospace industry background is an asset.

Annual Medical

• Must pass an annual medical exam (required for paint/respirator safety).

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities

• Proficient with tools including air-powered orbital sanders, manual sanding blocks, precision utility knives, thickness gauges, and paint spray guns.

• High attention to detail with mechanical aptitude and the ability to strictly follow technical drawings, standardized work instructions, and predefined specifications.

• Team player with strong organizational, time-management, and independent problem-solving skills.

• Systems & Language: SAP experience, Microsoft Office/Google Suite proficiency, and bilingualism (French/English) are considered strong assets.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Must wear all mandated PPE including a Tyvek suit, breathable air hood/respirator, steel-toe footwear, safety glasses/goggles, face shields, protective gloves, and hearing protection.

AHCA is committed to inclusivity; therefore, accommodations can be made available for all applicants, except where a bona fide occupational requirement applies.

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

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