Job Description

Job Description

The Metal Finish Technician II is a skilled technician responsible for performing surface treatments, chemical processing, and mechanical finishing on aerospace hardware. This role requires a solid understanding of chemical finishing fundamentals—specifically P2 Etch and Chromate processes—and the ability to follow precise technical instructions to ensure parts meet strict aerospace specifications. The Technician II works under moderate supervision, supporting manufacturing operations and maintaining a safe, compliant chemical environment.

The Operations Strategic Capabilities Unit plays a fundamental role in enabling efficient business and program execution – from strategic capital investments, industrial operations and an efficient supply chain, to state-of-the-art manufacturing and test operations and top-notch facilities management. 

What You’ll Do:
 

• Key Responsibilities Metal Finishing & Surface Treatment:
  • Execute precision chemical processing, including P2 Etch and Chromate processes, ensuring times and temperature controls.
  • Perform mechanical surface preparation using Grit Blast equipment to achieve required surface profiles and cleanliness.
  • Prepare surfaces for finishing through degreasing.
  • Operate chemical baths and Grit blast equipment.
  • Monitor and maintain chemical concentrations and pH levels to ensure process stability and consistent finish quality.
  • Inspect finished parts for quality, and compliance with surface finish specifications.
• Technical Interpretation & Documentation:
  • Read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications to determine the specific process (e.g., P2 Etch vs. Chromate) and masking requirements.
  • Strictly adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and controlled process documentation.
  • Maintain detailed production logs, including immersion times, chemical lot numbers, and Grit Blast specifications.
• Safety, Compliance & Chemical Handling:
  • Safely handle, mix, and dispose of hazardous chemicals, acids, bases, and solvents associated with P2 Etch and Chromate.
  • Ensure full compliance with environmental regulations, hazardous waste protocols, and safety standards.
  • Properly utilize specialized PPE, fume hoods, and respiratory protection required for grit blast and chemical processing.
• Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement:
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and production-ready chemical.
  • Identify process deviations and report them to leadership for correction.
  • Support efforts to reduce scrap and improve the first-pass yield of finished parts.
• Cross-Functional Support & Team Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with quality assurance and engineering teams to validate finishing processes.
  • Support other manufacturing areas, including Paint Lab, Tetra Etch lab and Printed Circuit operations, as needed.
  • Maintain professional working relationships across departments to ensure timely production flow.
  • Contribute to a safe and productive team environment.
• General Responsibilities:
  • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
  • Perform other duties as necessary.

 

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Working Conditions:
 

• Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor. 

Required Skills and Education

• High School diploma or equivalent plus 1 years or more related experience. 
• Each higher-level related degree, i.e., Bachelor’s or Master’s, may substitute for two years of related experience. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education. 
• Mid-level experience in Metal Finish, chemical processing, or precision surface preparation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in chemical handling, P2 Etch, Chromate application, and Grit blast.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical work instructions.
• Proven experience working safely with chemicals.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.

#LI-AD2           

A DoW Interim Secret clearance will be required to start work and required to be maintained to continue work. Higher level clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.  

Preferred Skills and Education

• Experience with aerospace-grade finishes and military/defense specifications.
• Experience performing chemical titrations or basic lab analysis.

Typical Education and Experience

Typically a High School Diploma and 1 year work experience or equivalent experience

About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Multiple positions may be available on this opening.