Painter Finisher (Aerospace) Apprenticeship - A16A0

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

The Boeing Company has an exciting opportunity, through our IAM/Boeing Joint Apprenticeship Program, for Painter Finisher (Aerospace) Apprentice in the Puget Sound region in Washington State!

This comprehensive 4-year training program consists of 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and essential classroom education, designed to equip you with the skills needed to excel. The program begins with a 20% probationary period, allowing you to acclimate to the role while gaining valuable hands-on experience. You will attend school for at least 144 unpaid hours per school year (four hours each week), registered through a local Community and Technical College. Your wages as an apprentice will be defined in Article 17 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the International Association of Machinists District 751 and The Boeing Company, with progression to a higher wage step for every 1,000 hours of recorded on-the-job training until completion. Upon graduation, you will be placed in the target job at the maximum rate and receive a journey-worker certificate and card recognized worldwide.

As a Painter Finisher (Aerospace) Apprentice, you will learn: You will be integral to our commitment to delivering high-quality finishes on aircraft components. Candidates must have the ability to see color accurately, as your expertise in applying various coatings, including primers and decorative finishes, will ensure that each part meets stringent quality standards. You will have the opportunity to develop and implement precise painting processes, control paint viscosity, and blend finishes to achieve flawless results. Your attention to detail will be essential as you prepare surfaces, conduct thorough inspections, and collaborate with engineering and quality assurance teams to incorporate necessary changes. This role allows you to make a significant impact on our operations, ensuring that all work is completed safely and efficiently.

Application Instructions:

To ensure your application is complete, all required assessments and courses must be finalized before submitting your application. Follow these guidelines:

Documentation: At the time of the request, documentation for all course completions, test challenges, certificate and/or degree programs must be provided by the specified due date.

Applicant Eligibility: Applicants must not have previously enrolled in or completed an IAM/Boeing Joint Apprenticeship program.

Assessment and Course Completion: For English and/or math assessments, please include your assessment score and the corresponding course placement results (course number and title).

Proficiency in math and English must be verified through one of the following:

• Completing Intermediate Algebra or a higher-level math course within the last 5 years.

• Completion of an English course with a grade of 90 or better.

Qualification for Blueprint Reading: You can meet the qualifications through one of the following methods, which will be verified via your resume, work history, and transcripts:

Vocational Courses:

• Basic Blueprint Reading or equivalent

Vocational Degrees and Certificates:

• Auto Body Technician

• Automotive Collision Technician

• Autobody Repair & Refinishing

Relevant Work Experience: A minimum of one year of work experience in a similar field, such as:

• House Painter

• Industrial Painter

• Automotive Painter

• Commercial Painter

• Marine Painter

• Sign Painter

• Aircraft Painter

Position Responsibilities:

• Fabricate details and assemblies by hand or mechanical means to support production and airline A.O.G. or critical spares requirements.

• Develop and fabricate complex temporary shop aid templates and tools when prints or templates are unavailable, including forming compound curvatures and angles.

• Utilize obsolete blueprints, advanced shop math, trigonometry, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing to accomplish fabrication tasks.

• Collaborate with Engineering to redesign production and spare parts, including cross-section cuts and flat pattern development using manual or computer-aided methods.

• Operate various machinery (drill presses, saws, mills, etc.) to fabricate parts as required.

• Create templates, tools, and splash molds from obsolete drawings and sample parts from existing aircraft.

• Utilize CATIA for part configuration definition and layout and lofting as necessary.

• Ensure that detail and assembly fabrication meet drawing configurations and tolerances.

• Perform riveting, bonding, and sealing as required during assembly processes.

• Obtain work orders and drawings and determine the necessary materials and fasteners for each job, checking material against work orders for correct quantity and quality assurance acceptance.

• Develop three-dimensional aids using sheet metal practices and shop mathematics, including layout and lofting methods.

• Cut, bend, punch, and dimple sheet metal parts, ensuring proper dimensions and preparation for installation.

• Assemble parts using rivets and bolts, employing the correct tools and techniques as specified by engineering requirements.

• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials in an approved manner and obtain supplies for applying finishes such as alodine, primer, sealant, and adhesives.

• Conduct first part checks for conformance to specifications, mark parts as required for identification, and leave oral or written tie-ins for following shifts.

• Rework and incorporate changes to assemblies to meet engineering specifications and coordinate with engineering to address manufacturing challenges.

• Maintain personal and tool certifications as required.

Physical Demands and Potential Hazards:

• Perform physical tasks that include lifting weights ranging from 10-15 lbs to 15-35 lbs.

• Engage in various movements such as reaching, handling, turning, twisting, lifting, lowering, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and squatting.

• Work in environments that may involve contact with metals, solvents, and coolants.

• Operate in proximity to moving parts and tools, sharp cutters, and potential slipping hazards.

• Adapt to varying noise levels and atmospheric conditions.

• Utilize personal safety gear to protect face/eyes, hands/arms, and feet while performing job duties.

This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 is required. “US Person” includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

Basic qualifications/requirements:

• Experience doing jobs or tasks where you had to apply math skills such as: algebra, geometry and/or trigonometry.

• Experience reading engineering blueprints and drawings.

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.

Preferred experience:

• 1+ years of experience do you have with spray painting machines such as High-Volume, Low-Pressure (HVLP) sprayers (on the job or in an educational environment)

• Ability to pass and complete fall protection training and work with heights of seventy feet or more and not exceed weight restrictions.

• Effectively wear eye, hearing, foot, hand, respirator and other personal protective equipment/safety gear at all times.

Education & Experience:

High School Graduate or the equivalent. Proof of successful completion is required.

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift Work Statement:

This position is for shift 1; however, it may require some training on other shifts

Other Relevant Information & Requirements:

This is an hourly position governed by the IAM Collective Bargaining agreement.

Total Rewards & Pay Transparency:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay: $44.53/hour, with potential to earn up to $59.47/hour in accordance with the relevant collective bargaining agreement.

Additional information Links: WebSite,  Standards of Apprenticeship,  Prep Pack.

Applications for this position will be accepted until Nov. 18, 2025

Language Requirements

English Preferred

Relocation

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for variable shift

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

Experience Level
Hourly
Contingent Upon Program Award
No, this position is not contingent upon program award

Schedule
Full time

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.