Job Description This role is a great fit for someone with strong mechanical aptitude who wants to build a long-term technical career. You’ll start by learning our paint lab processes — masking, prep, materials, and precision finishing — and after six months of hands-on training, you’ll transition into operating and maintaining our automated paint robot systems. We’ll teach you robotics, 3D scanning, and 3D printing, giving you a skillset that’s in high demand across modern manufacturing. If you take pride in detailed work and enjoy learning new technology, this is an excellent opportunity to grow.
The Operations Strategic Capabilities Unit plays a fundamental role in enabling efficient business and program execution – from strategic capital investments, industrial operations and an efficient supply chain, to state-of-the-art manufacturing and test operations and top-notch facilities management.
What You’ll Do:
- Spend the first 6 months cross-training in the paint shop.
- Mask and prepare parts/units for high‑precision paint application.
- Learn paint materials, mixing, prep, and finish quality requirements.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated paint robot systems.
- Follow all process documentation, specifications, and technical work instructions.
- Inspect paint quality, finish accuracy, and consistency.
- Learn and support 3D scanning workflows for measurement and digital modeling.
- Learn and operate 3D printers for part fabrication and tooling.
- Document work, maintenance, and any process adjustments.
- Support root cause analysis for paint defects or automation issues.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Work safely within paint booth environments using appropriate PPE.
- Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
- Perform other duties as necessary.
On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills - High School diploma or equivalent plus 1 year or more related experience.
- Each higher-level related degree, i.e., Bachelor’s or Master’s, may substitute for two years of related experience. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
- Solid mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to read and follow technical documents, specs, and instructions.
- Extreme attention to detail.
- Willingness to learn industrial painting processes.
- Interest in growing into paint robotics, 3D scanning, and 3D printing.
#LI-AD2A DoW Interim Secret clearance will be required to start work and required to be maintained to continue work. Higher level clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills - Industrial masking, painting or automotive/aerospace finishing experience.
- Experience with robotic paint systems or industrial automation.
- Experience in manufacturing, trades, assembly, or mechanical repair.
Pay InformationFull-Time Salary Range: $47614 - $76181
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
