Composite Sand, Paint & Prep Technician

About the role

We are seeking a Composite Sand, Paint & Prep Technician to join our team in Fort Erie. The role involves end‑to‑end surface preparation, masking, coating and inspection of composite and metallic panels in compliance with Airbus Helicopters specifications.

Key responsibilities

• Apply primer and top‑coat using spray guns inside the paint booth, following defined processes.
• Maintain the paint booth daily, including floor wetting, fault reporting and equipment upkeep.
• Sand composite panels with air‑powered orbital sanders, sanding blocks and sandpaper to required tolerances.
• Mix and apply filling compounds to eliminate pinholes and surface defects.
• Clean panels with compressed air and solvent solutions to remove contaminants before masking.
• Execute precise masking and demasking using tape, paper and utility knives according to templates.
• Load and unload components, and perform visual inspections for defects such as fish eyes, solvent pops and dry paint.
• Measure paint thickness with specialized gauges and report results.
• Support 5S and safety standards, keeping the workspace clean and FOD‑free.

Required profile

• 3–5 years of experience in composite or metal panel painting, sanding or aerospace surface preparation.
• Ability to work rotating 6:00 am‑2:30 pm or 3:00 pm‑11:30 pm shifts.
• Familiarity with Airbus Helicopters (AH) and AHCA specifications is a plus.

Required skills

• Spray gun operation and booth maintenance.
• Air‑powered orbital sanding and use of sanding blocks.
• Mixing and applying filler compounds.
• Masking tape and paper application, utility knife cutting.
• Use of paint thickness gauges.
• Cleaning with compressed air and solvent‑based solutions.