Apprentice Aircraft Paint Technician

Description

Pilatus is hiring an Apprentice Aircraft Paint Technician to join our program in Broomfield, CO. In this role, you will perform painting of aircraft exteriors and components such as fuselage, wings, fairings, horizontals, verticals, and flight controls in accordance with all technical data and unique customer specifications. Under direct supervision, you will also perform paint inspections, painting, sanding, priming, masking according to approved process specifications and FAA/FOCA requirements for our market-leading business aircraft, the PC-12 single-engine turboprop and the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet. 

In this program, you are paid to learn valuable trade skills while attending related courses at Front Range Community College. If like us, you have a keen attention to detail, you will be right at home with a team of people who help bring our customers’ dreams to life. 

An apprenticeship at Pilatus will open the door to a wide choice of career opportunities. This dual-track model allows for both work-based and classroom-based instruction. The program starts in August 2026, and the duration is 3 years. Apprentices are eligible to earn a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship from the U.S. Department of Labor.

 Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs customer-facing, finish-grade painting in accordance with applicable specifications by fabricating patterns, stencils, templates and operating spray equipment to apply finish coats 
• Prepares aircraft surfaces by sanding, masking, and priming surfaces for final layout and painting
• Maintains accurate records and documents and complete signoffs in a timely manner 
• Ensures all work is performed according to applicable regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and established quality standards and procedures and notifies appropriate personnel of any deviations
• Follows safety policies and uses required personal protective equipment in accordance with company and government regulations and guidelines

  Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Works with and accepts guidance from Leads and higher skilled technicians to develop and refine skills and techniques
• Performs all assigned tasks in accordance with Pilatus quality standards
• Preps aircraft using sandpaper and masking materials
• Maintains a clean, safe, and healthy work area
• Assists coworkers and other departments to successfully perform job tasks when needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Lead or Director

Requirements

Skills/Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent 
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail
• Patience to learn new skills in an on-the-job training environment
• What We Offer
• Paid tuition, class fees, and books when taking technical based classes or approved programs for the entire program
• 11 paid holidays a year, plus 6 days of paid personal time, and 15 days of paid vacation time to start, with an increase to 4 weeks of paid vacation time after 5 years
• 90% of medical, dental, and vision premiums paid for single coverage and 80% for family coverage, averaging $9,600 annually
• Monthly health savings account (HSA) contributions totaling $2,250 for single coverage and $3,000 for family coverage annually
• 401(k) retirement plan matching up to 6%
• Life and long-term disability insurance premiums paid in full 

Apprentice Start Date & Salary

This position will begin in August 2026, with a starting pay rate of $18.00 per hour and a progressive wage schedule per the program guidelines for years 2 and 3. 

We are actively interviewing and encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted through July 24, 2026, or until the position is filled.  

With over 3,000 employees and about 200 apprentices at its headquarters in Stans, Switzerland, completion center in Broomfield, Colorado, and multiple service centers across Westminster, MD, Rock Hill, SC, Chamblee, GA and Sarasota, FL, the Pilatus family unites people from over 40 countries. We offer a secure, innovative, international, and sustainable work environment. Courage, vision, and outstanding performance have made us a strong company. 

Our culture is shaped by a high level of quality awareness, close customer relationships, and a high degree of employee commitment.

Pilatus Aircraft USA Ltd. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.