Paint Process Technician SimTech, Inc., recognized as one of the 2026 Best Places for Working Parents, is seeking a Paint Process Technician to join our manufacturing team in Huntsville, AL.The Paint Process Technician is responsible for supporting the complete preparation, handling, inspection, and closeout of parts through the paint and coatings process. This position performs critical pre-paint activities including cleaning, masking, plugging, racking, hanging, identification/part marking, and preparation of components for coating operations. The Paint Process Technician also supports coating inspection, maintains paint-shop materials and consumables, performs end-of-shift equipment cleaning and shutdown activities, and maintains a clean, organized, and production-ready work environment. This position requires strong attention to detail and the ability to consistently follow work instructions, engineering requirements, customer specifications, safety requirements, and quality standards associated with DoD manufacturing. SimTech offers a market-leading compensation and benefits package, work/life balance, an outstanding retirement plan, career growth opportunities, and much more.
Responsibilities
Part Preparation:
Clean and prepare components for painting/coating in accordance with approved procedures.
Perform masking, plugging, taping, and other preparation activities to protect designated surfaces and features.
Inspect parts for cleanliness, surface condition, contamination, and other conditions that could affect coating quality.
Prepare and install racks, hooks, fixtures, and other devices used to safely support parts during the coating process.
Hang and position parts to ensure proper access and coverage during coating operations.
Perform part identification, marking, labeling, and traceability activities as required.
Handle parts carefully to prevent damage, contamination, or loss of identification.
Coating Process Support:
Support painters'/coating applicators before, during, and after coating operations.
Verify parts are properly prepared and presented to the coating operation.
Assist with maintaining proper workflow and part sequencing through the paint area.
Monitor parts for obvious coating defects and notify the appropriate personnel when issues are identified.
Support coating thickness and visual inspection activities as authorized by applicable procedures.
Segregate nonconforming parts and assist Quality personnel with disposition and rework activities.
Materials and Shop Support:
Maintain inventory of paint-shop consumables, including masking materials, plugs, tape, solvents/cleaners, rags, hooks, racks, and other supplies.
Notify supervision of material shortages and assist with maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
Properly identify, store, and handle coating materials and related chemicals in accordance with applicable requirements.
Maintain organized workstations, racks, fixtures, and paint-shop storage areas.
Perform routine housekeeping throughout the paint and coating area.
End-of-Shift Activities:
Clean paint guns, hoses, equipment, tools, and associated work areas.
Complete required equipment cleaning and shutdown activities.
Properly dispose of waste and contaminated materials in accordance with established procedures.
Return tools, fixtures, racks, and materials to designated locations.
Verify the paint area is clean, safe, organized, and ready for the next production shift.
Complete required production, inspection, inventory, and housekeeping documentation.
Quality and Compliance:- Follow applicable work instructions, drawings, specifications, process sheets, and standard operating procedures.
- Maintain product traceability throughout the paint/coating process.
- Follow applicable customer and DoD coating requirements.
- Identify and communicate quality concerns immediately.
- Support corrective action and rework activities as directed.
- Maintain compliance with company EHS requirements and chemical handling procedures.
- Protect government/customer property and controlled materials as applicable.
- Perform other duties assigned in support of this effort.
- Minimum Qualifications & Education Requirements and Desired Skillsets Required
- High school diploma or GED preferred
- Previous manufacturing, paint preparation, industrial coating, body-shop, aerospace, automotive, or related experience preferred.
- Ability to read and follow written work instructions.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to recognize defects or irregularities.
- Ability to work effectively in a production environment.
- Ability to safely handle parts, racks, fixtures, tools, and coating-related materials.
- Ability to wear required PPE and work in a paint/coating environment.
- Ability to maintain accurate part identification and traceability.
- Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a production team.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience in aerospace, defense, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Experience with industrial painting or coating processes.
- Experience with masking and surface preparation.
- Experience with coating thickness measurement.
- Familiarity with military, aerospace, or customer-specific coating specifications.
- Experience working from engineering drawings and manufacturing work instructions.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production documentation.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement principles.
- Experience with chemical handling and paint-shop safety requirements.
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Good hand and eye coordination.
- Ability to distinguish acceptable versus unacceptable surface conditions.
- Ability to follow standardized processes consistently.
- Ability to maintain accurate documentation and traceability.
- Ability to identify and communicate problems before they affect downstream operations.
- Strong housekeeping and organizational habits.
- Ability to prioritize work in a production environment.
- Commitment to quality, safety, schedule, and customer requirements.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach, kneel, and work in various positions.
Ability to lift and move parts and materials consistent with established job requirements.
Ability to safely maneuver racks, fixtures, carts, and production materials.
Ability to work while wearing required PPE, including respirators when applicable.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to paint/coating processes, chemicals, odors, noise, and temperature variations.
Work Environment & Expectations:
The position is primarily performed in a manufacturing paint/coatings environment. Employees may be exposed to industrial coatings, cleaning agents, solvents, dust, noise, and other manufacturing-related conditions. Appropriate PPE and safety controls are required. The position may require overtime, weekend work, or schedule flexibility based on production requirements.
Performance Expectations
Success in this position will be measured by:
Quality of part preparation.
Paint/coating process throughput.
First-Pass Yield.
Proper masking and part identification.
Compliance with work instructions and customer requirements.
Accurate material and consumable control.
Proper equipment cleaning and end-of-shift closeout.
Housekeeping and 5S performance.
Safety and environmental compliance.
Reliable attendance and schedule adherence.
Effective communication with Production, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
About SimTech, Inc.
Founded in 1983, SimTech, Inc. is a Huntsville-based defense contractor providing advanced engineering, modeling and simulation, test and evaluation, cyber, hardware and software, and manufacturing solutions in support of our nation's defense.
SimTech continues to experience significant growth, expanding our workforce, programs, capabilities, and manufacturing operations over the past year.
Recognized as a Best Place to Work and a Best Place for Working Parents from 2022–2026, SimTech offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, exceptional retirement benefits, work/life balance, and opportunities for career growth.
Learn more about SimTech at www.simtechinc.com.Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer
SimTech, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity
