Aircraft Painter

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Air New Zealand is seeking a permanent full-time Aircraft Painter in Auckland to bring automotive painting expertise into aviation. You will prepare and repaint aircraft components in modern spray booths, finish aluminium and composite surfaces, and work at height with precision while following procedures. The ideal candidate holds a Level 4 NZQA Automotive Painter or Level 4 NZQA Aircraft Engineering Specialist Painter, with solid surface prep experience, a sharp eye for detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a team. To apply, tailor your CV to aviation, highlight transferable skills and proven finishes, and include a brief cover letter about your motivation; apply online by 24 February 2026. Benefits include staff travel and development opportunities.

Job Description

Kia ora!

This is your chance to apply your automotive painting expertise to world-class aircraft, working on assets that connect Aotearoa to the world and carry millions of customers every year.

Based within our Auckland Production Support team, this permanent, full-time Aircraft Painter role sits at the heart of Air New Zealand Engineering. You’ll be part of a skilled whānau that takes pride in precision, safety, and doing the basics brilliantly. Whether you are an experienced aircraft painter or an automotive painter ready to transition into aviation, you’ll be supported to grow your capability in a highly specialised environment with industry-leading standards.

The role you will play:

• Prepare and repaint aircraft components using modern spray booth facilities to exacting aviation standards
• Complete spray painting and paint touch-up work on aircraft within the hangar environment
• Prepare aluminium and composite surfaces, including filling and sanding, to achieve high-quality finishes
• Operate gravity feed spray equipment with consistency and precision
• Work safely from mobile platforms and at elevated heights
• Follow documented maintenance procedures and quality processes, with full training provided

What we’re looking for:

• A Level 4 NZQA Automotive Painter qualification, or a Level 4 NZQA Trade Certificate in Aircraft Engineering, Specialist Painter
• Strong surface preparation experience across aluminium and composite materials
• Proven experience using gravity feed spray equipment
• A sharp eye for detail and pride in delivering high-quality workmanship
• The ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines
• A positive, team-first attitude with clear communication skills

Experience painting large surfaces or working in industrial environments is an advantage, but not essential. If you bring most of this experience, along with transferable skills and the drive to grow, we’d love to hear from you.

What’s in it for you:

• Discounted staff travel for you and your whānau, with access to standby travel across many international airlines
• A strong learning culture with hands-on training, mentoring, and development to support your transition into aviation
• FlexiLeave, giving you the option to purchase up to four additional weeks of leave each year
• Superannuation options through KiwiSaver and FlexiSaver, with matching contributions of up to 4 percent
• Access to a wide range of work perks, including discounts on hotels, activities, retail, and more

Your journey starts here:

If you’re ready to take your painting career further and be part of an iconic airline with a proud engineering legacy, we’d love to hear from you. Apply online with your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in transitioning into aviation.

Applications close 24th February 2026

Additional Information

At Air New Zealand, we are proudly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and believe in creating a truly inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves and thrive. Our people are our greatest asset – because while everything else we do in our operation can be replicated by our competitors, it is our people that truly set us apart. We are firm believers in celebrating the differences and diversity of thought our people bring to their roles.

Whāia te pae tawhiti kia tata. Ko te pae tata whakamaua, kia tina.

"Seek to bring distant horizons closer. Once near, seize them and make them your reality."