Aerospace Coatings and Finishing Manager

Organization: AirCorps Aviation

Date Posted: March 2, 2026

Date Needed: April 6, 2026

Location: Bemidji, Minnesota, United States

Primary Category: Management/Exec

Additional Categories:

• Quality
• Skilled Positions

Salary Range: $36.00 - $46.97 Per Hour

Position Type: Full-Time

Education Required: Bachelor's Degree

Experience Required: 5 - 10 Years

Job Description:

Position Overview The Finishing Processes Manager is a hands-on leadership role responsible for building, managing, and continuously improving AirCorps Aviation’s internal aerospace finishing operations. This position serves as the company’s subject matter expert in high-performance aerospace coatings and chemical processing, driving the development of in-house capabilities to reduce external processing costs, improve quality control, increase throughput, and support long-term growth. The role combines technical expertise, process engineering, team leadership, vendor management, and regulatory compliance to deliver superior finishes that meet stringent aerospace standards and customer expectations. Key Responsibilities Process Development & Operations Management Design, document, and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all finishing processes, including: Paint (primer and topcoat systems) Sulfuric anodizing (with potential for other types) Cadmium plating Chem film (Alodine and non-chromated equivalents) Magnadine Parkerizing Passivation Establish and manage the finishing production line, including workflow layout, equipment utilization, material flow, and daily scheduling. Make strategic decisions on internal vs. outsourced processing to optimize cost, quality, and delivery. Quality & Compliance Lead pursuit and maintenance of process accreditations (e.g., NADCAP for chemical processing and coatings). Ensure full compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations (OSHA, EPA, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) related to hazardous materials, emissions, and waste management. Team Leadership & Development Directly supervise, mentor, and train finishing team members. Provide hands-on support during peak demand or capacity constraints (e.g., painting, masking, or process execution). Foster a culture of safety, precision, and continuous improvement. Vendor & Equipment Management Manage relationships with external vendors and perform periodic audits. Evaluate, justify, and implement new finishing equipment and technologies to enhance capability and efficiency. Performance & Continuous Improvement Monitor key metrics including throughput, rework rates, waste, external processing costs, and on-time delivery. Drive cost reductions, quality improvements, and expanded market capabilities through internal process mastery. Collaborate with engineering, fabrication, quality, and leadership teams to align finishing operations with overall company goals. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related technical field (or equivalent practical experience). Minimum 5+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace finishing/coatings, with proven subject matter expertise in the listed processes. Ability to perform technical finishing tasks when needed (especially high-detail aerospace painting). Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills. Passion for aviation, historic aircraft, or precision manufacturing is highly desirable. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and willingness to learn company-specific tools. Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with occasional travel for vendor audits or industry events. Preferred Qualifications Experience pursuing and achieving process certifications (e.g., NADCAP). Demonstrated success in production line setup, process development, and team leadership in a manufacturing environment. Strong knowledge of aerospace finishing specifications, quality standards, and regulatory compliance for hazardous materials (cadmium, chromates, etc.). AirCorps Aviation offers a unique opportunity to shape and lead a best-in-class finishing department within a respected leader in vintage and modern aircraft restoration. Join our passionate team in Bemidji, Minnesota, and help preserve aviation history while building the future of high-quality aerospace finishing.

How To Apply: https://www.aircorpsaviation.com/aerospace-coatings-and-finishing-manager/