Skilled Spray Operator

Job Title: Skilled Spray Operator

Location: Samlesbury

Working pattern: Shift-based (days, nights and weekends as required)

Salary: £36,703

Requirement: Interviews will take place on 3rd November 2026. Attendance on this date will be required to be considered for a role.

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.

Job Description:

As an Associate Skilled Spray/Treatments Operative, you will support the production of advanced aircraft components through a range of surface preparation, finishing and treatment activities. Depending on business requirements, roles may focus on preparing components for processing or carrying out paint, coating and specialist treatment operations. Working within a quality-driven aerospace manufacturing environment, you’ll follow approved processes to ensure components meet stringent safety, quality and performance standards, contributing to the successful delivery of our aircraft programmes.

Core duties:

• Carry out surface preparation activities, including cleaning, masking, abrading and sanding components prior to treatment or finishing.
• Apply paints, primers, sealants, coatings and specialist surface treatments using approved methods, equipment and processes.
• Follow engineering specifications, manufacturing instructions and quality requirements to ensure products are completed to the required standard.
• Conduct visual inspections and quality checks, identifying and escalating any defects or non-conformances.
• Operate spray equipment, hand tools and associated application equipment safely and effectively.
• Maintain a safe, compliant and efficient working environment while contributing to team safety, quality, cost and delivery objectives.

Essential Skills:

• Specific qualification levels are not necessarily required; however, you should be able to demonstrate experience within a manufacturing, production, finishing, paint, engineering or workshop environment, with exposure to surface preparation, spraying, coatings or treatment processes.
• Ability to follow detailed work instructions and quality standards, with a considerable focus on safety, attention to detail, visual inspection and producing high-quality finished products.

The Air Sector Manufacturing Team:

Embedded within Air Sector Manufacturing, you’ll play an integral part in delivering high‑quality mechanical outputs that underpin programme performance. You’ll work to defined standards and approved methods, placing a high emphasis on safety, quality and consistency, while contributing to continuous improvement at shop‑floor level. The role sits within a fast‑moving and evolving area, providing opportunities to influence ways of working, strengthen operational discipline and build broad experience across Air Sector operations.

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: 19th October 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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