Painter I at Kongsberg Protech Systems USA Corporation – Johnstown, Pennsylvania

KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.

Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. in Johnstown, PA is seeking a dedicated Painter I to join our team. In this role, you’ll perform skilled surface preparation and apply high‑quality paint finishes to components that support the Remote Weapon Station program. This is an opportunity to contribute to mission‑critical defense technology while working in a hands‑on, detail‑oriented environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare surfaces with masking/sanding/primer for touch-up/spray during the assembly processing using detailed work processes and guidance from Painter III or Lead.
• Performs processes required to apply coatings as defined in the detailed work processes.
• Maintain equipment associated with the painting processes.
• Manage Limited Life Material (LLM) to minimize material loss.
• Properly use and care for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including air respirators and other protective clothing.
• Document discrepancies in parts or processes using Improve database.
• Participate in cross-training when available.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma/general education degree (GED).

NUMBER OF YEARS AND TYPE OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 1 year experience painting (production manufacturing environment preferred).
• J-STD-001 Certification (Soldering) preferred.
• IPC-620 Technician Certification preferred.

MINIMUM LEARNING TIME FOR THIS POSITION PROVIDED EMPLOYEE HAS NECESSARY EXPERIENCE:

• 6 Months.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB:

• Concentration/attentiveness; high level of recordkeeping; read and comprehend instructions/work orders; bend/reach, hear, lift/move up to 50 pounds, sit, see, use of hands to handle objects, walk, ability to work with fine detail and distinguish color.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

• Limited exposure to chemicals; occasionally work over 40 hours per week; safety glasses (optional); composite toe and Electro Static Discharge (ESD) footwear; Electro Static Discharge (ESD) Smocks; hard hats (crane operation only)

U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENT: “To comply with U.S. national security requirements mandated under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. will consider only applicants who are U.S. Persons for this position.” OR “Applicant must be a U.S. Person within the meaning of United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governing export control.” “A U.S. Person is a United States Citizen or National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Lawful Temporary Resident, Refugee or Asylee.”

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international knowledge-based group that supplies high technology systems and solutions to its customers engaged in oil and gas production, the merchant marine, and the defense and aerospace industries. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. performs final assembly and testing of Remote Weapon Stations. The company also performs repair and overhaul (R&O) of Remote Weapon Stations that come back from field operations. In addition to competitive wages, we provide an excellent package of benefits, which presently include company-paid health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with competitive match, a 9/80 work schedule, life insurance, sick time and paid time off (PTO).

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Sick time off

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Schedule:

Day shift

9/80 Schedule

Overtime

Ability to commute/relocate:

Johnstown, PA 15904: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work

Education:

High school or equivalent

Training:

6 months (+)