Surface Finish Technician

To prep and spray various panels and helmets to support the refurbishment of aircraft support equipment.

Being mindful of the scrutiny on Public Sector pay and in accordance with Civil Service Terms and Conditions, salary on appointment is normally at the minimum point of the salary range and this should therefore be the expectation. Existing Civil Servants will be appointed in line with the normal Civil Service pay rules.

The Surface Finish Technician prepares and refinishes a wide range of equipment including ground equipment, woodwork, aircraft components, aircrew helmets and airborne gas cylinders.

Restore and finish specialist coatings to equipment to a high standard, according to approved requirements and work instructions, using specific tools and equipment, such as pneumatic, airless and electrostatic systems.

Responsibilities:

1. Comply with regulatory and organisational requirements including Health and Safety legislation.
2. Carry out checks on breathing air and plant to ensure safe working.
3. Understand and comply with statutory, quality and organisational requirements for aviation including safety, documentation and occupational health and safety whilst in an aviation environment.
4. Ensure materials are stored safely, order and rotate stock, maintain batch controls and that time expired stock and waste products are disposed of correctly.
5. Measure and record the usage of Volatile Organic Compounds, air movement and temperatures in Spray Bays, surface thickness of coatings and the viscosity of mixed paint where required.
6. Ensure that the correct usage of hand operated tools with regard to Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) is recorded and limits are never exceeded
7. Prioritise and coordinate the flow of work and tasks through the Paint Section in conjunction with Team Leaders and team members.
8. Certify that tasks are carried out in accordance with work instructions.
9. Assist other team members when required.
10. Act as an ambassador for DECA when dealing and communicating with a customer.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week with some overtime if required.

Essential Criteria:

Engineering Apprenticeship, Armed Forces equivalent such as RAF Trade Group 13 Painter and Finisher, or equivalent industry approved standard such as ICATS (Industrial Coatings Application Training Scheme).

Skilled in the use of paint spraying equipment.

Trained in the use of shot-blasting booths and plastic media cabinets.

Knowledge of preparation including degreasing, pre-treatments, masking, filling and sanding.

Knowledge of fiberglass and body filler repairs.

Understand the health and safety requirements of the various materials and equipment used and the need for compliance.

Understand the need to work safely in a hazardous area using the correct RPE (Respiratory Protective Equipment).

A flexible approach and attitude is needed in order to manage workload.

Ability to read, interpret and understand engineering data, drawings, specifications, manuals, documentation and computer generated information.

IT literate including Microsoft Office.

GCSE Grade C/4 in Mathematics or equivalent.

Desirable Criteria:

Trained in the use of Dry Powder application using electrostatic equipment and the operation of ovens.

Fork Lift Truck trained. (Counter balance)

Knowledge of creating – manufacture and application vinyl graphics.

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Knowledge of safe use and application of spray paints.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension 
• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday

Job contact :

• Name : Kent Peters
• Email : Kent.Peters@DECA.MOD.UK

Recruitment team

• Email : Michael.Boyle@DECA.MOD.UK