Vista Aircraft Maintenance Red Wing is seeking to hire an Aircraft Painter & Interiors Specialist  to join our team in in western Wisconsin, less than 45 minutes from the St. Paul area. Vista Aircraft Maintenance is the in-house maintenance provider for Vista Members’ unrivaled fleet of over 300 aircraft worldwide, including light, super mid-size, long-range, and ultra-long-range models, with maintenance hubs strategically located across the U.S. and Europe.

The Aircraft Painter/Interiors Specialist will join a team of experts dedicated to the maintenance and refurbishment of Vista’s fleet. This critical role supports our commitment to delivering the highest quality in private aviation by ensuring consistent design, amenities, configurations, and connectivity across all aircraft. As the exterior specialist, you will lead painting projects and vinyl applications while supporting select interior projects.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, possesses strong technical skills, and thrives in a collaborative environment. Responsibilities include coating applications to meet quality standards, surface preparation, paint mixing, inspections, and close collaboration with engineering and quality teams. This position plays a key role in ensuring all work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards. Candidates must have the ability to see color accurately, as your expertise in applying various coatings, including primers and decorative finishes, will ensure that each part meets stringent quality standards.

This role reports to the Interior Shop Manager and is 100% onsite.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform advanced aircraft exterior painting, including full-body paint jobs, decorative finishes, gradient and blend fades, and decal/vinyl applications
• Lead surface preparation processes including masking, sanding, etching, conditioning, and protective treatments
• Develop paint sequencing and execution plans to support multiple aircraft schedules and quality requirements
• Mix, apply, and control coatings, primers, adhesives, and finishes to meet manufacturer and FAA standards
• Adjust paint viscosity and application methods based on environmental and atmospheric conditions
• Blend and rework finishes while maintaining visual and structural integrity
• Conduct in-process inspections in coordination with Quality Assurance prior to final exterior finishes
• Coordinate with Engineering, QA, and leadership on materials, tooling, and process improvements
• Maintain and calibrate spray equipment, curing systems, and filtration controls
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, hazardous material handling, and FOD prevention programs

Interior Support (as needed between exterior projects):

• Support the interior work on aircraft at the 145-repair station in between painting projects which could include:
• Perform technical upholstery functions within design, customer, FAA, and aircraft specifications.
• Install upholstery, cover panels, using design/engineering drawings and aircraft specifications.
• Complete specific installation and trim tasks in compliance with work order instructions and specifications.
• Fit panels and windows, cabin head liners, upper sidewalls, lower side panels, hatch panels, carpets and bulkheads.
• Wash, clean, dust, restore, stock wax, polish and detail all aircraft.
• Utilize everyday cleaning agents, chemicals and equipment to ensure the aircraft cleanliness meets expectations.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience with paints/coatings.​
• Experience finishing and painting in either Aircraft, Automotive or Marine Industry.​
• Experience using HVLP and or electrostatic spray gun equipment​.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications. ​
• Experience using hand tools and/or hand-held power tools.​
• Experience in handling and disposing of hazardous materials per government regulations.​
• Ability to pass and complete fall protection training and work with heights of seventy feet or more and not exceed weight restrictions.
• Effectively wear eye, hearing, foot, hand, respirator and other personal protective equipment/safety gear at all times.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.  
• 401k program with company matching and 100% vested immediately.  
• Life Insurance and long/short-term disability. 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  
• Empty leg flight benefits.

The affiliated operating partners of Vista are equal employment opportunity employers. The affiliated operating partners of Vista do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. The affiliated operating partners of Vista also prohibit harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories