Painter & Surface Preparation Operator

Job Title: Painter & Surface Preparation Operator

Location: Sheffield, On site

Shift Pattern: Our shift arrangements in Sheffield are alternating weeks, days and back shift. This attracts a fixed 15% shift premium. There will be requirement (although not mandatory) for overtime.

Day Shift – Monday – Friday (0600-1430 Monday-Thursday, 0600-1100 Friday)

Back Shift – Monday – Thursday (1400-1145)

Salary: £42,754

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job description:

Within the Weapon Systems UK Operations team, you will play a critical role in the manufacture of defence products at our new production facility. Working as part of a skilled, multi-disciplined team, you will be responsible for surface preparation, shotblasting, paint mixing and the application of specialist coatings to required specifications. Following detailed work instructions, you will ensure quality, safety and production targets are met, while conducting inspections, maintaining equipment and supporting colleagues with less experience where required.

Core duties:

• Prepare components and assemblies for painting, including cleaning, masking, sanding, and other surface preparation activities
• Apply primers and industrial coatings using Air-Assisted Airless (AAA) and Airless spray equipment to meet specification and quality requirements
• Interpret and follow engineering drawings, work instructions, and coating specifications to ensure work is completed to the required quality standards
• Conduct visual inspections and coating quality checks, identifying, reporting, and resolving defects or non-conformances as required
• Work closely with Production and Quality teams to deliver work safely and efficiently, meeting manufacturing schedules while maintaining SHE (Safety, Health and Environment) standards and implementing corrective actions where necessary.ractice

Essential skills:

• Completed a time-served Engineering Modern Apprenticeship, formally certified by a recognised national awarding organisation
• Apprenticeship trade papers/certificates must be uploaded with the application and presented at interview
• Proficient experience within industrial painting, coating and surface preparation environments
• Ability to read, understand and follow engineering drawings, manufacturing instructions and work procedures
• Knowledge of paint and coating mixing, application methods and process controls
• Understanding of coating quality requirements, inspection processes and defect identification

The Weapon Systems UK team:

As part of BAE Systems Platforms and Services sector, Weapon Systems (UK) designs, develops, manufactures and supports artillery systems, naval guns, and provides engineering capability to the wider BAE Systems business. Our global reach brings our customers a depth and breadth of expertise that meet critical needs in the air, on land, and at sea. Our mission strives for us to be our customer’s trusted and affordable weapons provider, delivering enhanced effects on target and complete mission solutions. We are looking for innovation, commitment and drive to help define the future of Weapon Systems capabilities.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 4th September 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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