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R E Thompson is opening a new painting section, and we are looking for an experienced Aerospace Painting Specialist to help us set it up, launch it and make it a success.

This is a rare opportunity to build a department from the ground up. You will play a central part in commissioning equipment, establishing processes and gaining the approvals needed to apply high-specification coatings to precision aerospace and defence components. Once the section is running, you will be its technical expert, responsible for the quality of every finish that leaves it.

As the section grows, the role will grow with it. There is genuine potential to progress into leading the department and building a team around you.

Key Responsibilities

Setting up the section

• Help specify, select and commission spray booths, curing ovens, extraction and ancillary equipment
• Plan the layout and workflow of the section, from preparation and masking through to application, curing and inspection
• Write and implement work instructions, process sheets and procedures in line with AS9100 and customer requirements
• Establish COSHH assessments and safe systems of work for hazardous coatings, working alongside our Health & Safety team
• Select paint systems and suppliers, and set up controls for storage, shelf life and batch traceability
• Prepare qualification test panels and support customer approval of our painting processes

Running the section

• Prepare components to specification, including cleaning, abrading and masking to drawings
• Mix and apply primers, topcoats and specialist coatings to aerospace and defence specifications
• Inspect and test finishes, including dry film thickness, adhesion, gloss and colour
• Keep complete, accurate records for every job: batch numbers, mix ratios, cure cycles and booth conditions
• Maintain spray equipment, booths and ovens in first-class condition
• Work closely with production, engineering and quality teams to plan work and resolve non-conformances
• Drive continuous improvement in quality, throughput and cost
• Train and mentor new team members as the section expands

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience painting precision components in aerospace, defence or a similarly regulated sector
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace paint systems, including epoxy primers and polyurethane topcoats
• Ability to work precisely to technical drawings and to customer, OEM and Def Stan specifications
• Hands-on experience of paint quality testing, including DFT measurement and adhesion testing
• Thorough understanding of safe working with coatings, including COSHH, isocyanates, RPE and LEV
• Experience writing or improving work instructions and process documentation
• Meticulous attention to detail and a disciplined approach to traceability
• Self-motivated, with the confidence to take ownership of a new area of the business

Desirable Requirements

• Experience setting up or commissioning a paint shop, spray booth or new coating line
• Experience working within or towards NADCAP Coatings accreditation
• Supervisory or team leadership experience
• Time-served apprenticeship, NVQ Level 3 or equivalent (including RAF Painter & Finisher)
• Knowledge of chromate-free and REACH-compliant coating systems
• Experience of other surface finishes, such as powder coating or dry film lubricants

About Us
R E Thompson is a leading precision aerospace engineering company with over 75 years of experience providing complete manufacturing solutions. Operating from our advanced facilities in Hampshire, we are home to the UK’s most sophisticated automated 5-axis machine shop.

Our state-of-the-art Flexible Manufacturing System enables 24/7 lights-out production, and we hold AS9100, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certifications.

We work with prestigious clients including GE Aviation, BAE Systems, and Ontic, delivering complex precision components for the aerospace, defence, automotive, and electronics industries. Our new painting section is the next step in delivering complete, finished components to our customers under one roof.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary as advertised
• The opportunity to shape and lead a brand-new department
• 25 days holiday plus public holidays
• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• Life Assurance
• Bike2Work Scheme
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• On-site parking at our modern facility
• Team building events

How to Apply
Click ‘Apply Now’ to submit your application. If you have helped set up a paint shop or achieved a special-process approval, please tell us about it in your application. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK to be considered. We will not be sponsoring visas for this role.

We look forward to hearing from you.
Recruitment Team, R E Thompson

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £36,000.00-£44,000.00 per year
Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Life insurance
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Pay: £36,000.00-£44,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Application question(s):

• Which paint specifications have you worked to?

Experience:

• painting aerospace or similar components: 5 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person