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Topcoat Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Automotive Painter

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Perform surface preparation, priming, color matching, blending, and topcoat/clearcoat application * Follow manufacturer and industry standards. * Maintain a high standard for color match accuracy ...

Be Seen First

Automotive Painter

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Perform surface preparation, priming, color matching, blending, and topcoat/clearcoat application * Follow manufacturer and industry standards. * Maintain a high standard for color match accuracy ...

Operator

Richmond, CA · On-site

$42.24 - $52.42/hr

Physical capability of performing tasks in 100 degree ambient temperatures while wearing Protective Personal Protection such as Acid Resistant approved PVC rain suit (topcoat, bottom pants, rubber ...

Operator

Richmond, CA · On-site

$52.42/hr

Physical capability of performing tasks in 100 degree ambient temperatures while wearing Protective Personal Protection such as Acid Resistant approved PVC rain suit (topcoat, bottom pants, rubber ...

Physical capability of performing tasks in 100 degree ambient temperatures while wearing Protective Personal Protection such as Acid Resistant approved PVC rain suit (topcoat, bottom pants, rubber ...

Topcoat information

What is a topcoat?

Topcoat jobs involve applying a final layer of paint, coating, or sealant to surfaces such as vehicles, furniture, buildings, or manufactured goods. The purpose of the topcoat is to provide a protective and aesthetically pleasing finish that enhances durability and appearance. Workers in topcoat positions may use various techniques, including spraying, brushing, or rolling, and must have a good eye for detail to ensure a smooth, even finish. These jobs are common in industries like automotive refinishing, construction, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a topcoat (industrial painter), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Topcoat (Industrial Painter), you need expertise in surface preparation, paint application techniques, and a solid understanding of safety regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with spray guns, compressors, protective coatings, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training are common requirements. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to work well independently or as part of a team are key soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality finishes, workplace safety, and efficient project completion in industrial painting environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a topcoat painter in maintaining consistent quality across large projects?

As a Topcoat painter, maintaining consistent finish and color uniformity across large surfaces or multiple components can be challenging, especially when working with different substrates or under varying environmental conditions. Factors such as humidity, temperature, and surface preparation can significantly affect the final result, so attention to detail and frequent quality checks are essential. Collaborating closely with other members of the finishing and prep teams helps ensure smooth workflow and minimizes rework, which is crucial for meeting project deadlines and standards.

What is the difference between Topcoat vs Painter?

AspectTopcoatPainter
Required CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but experience preferredOften requires a high school diploma and apprenticeship or certification
Work EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor painting projects, often on commercial or residential sitesIndoor and outdoor painting, including walls, ceilings, and surfaces
Industry UsageUsed in painting and coating industries for finishing layersUsed broadly in construction, renovation, and maintenance

Topcoat and painter roles both involve painting tasks, but Topcoat typically refers to applying the final layer of paint or coating, often requiring less formal certification. Painters perform a wider range of painting activities and may have more formal training or apprenticeships. Both roles are essential in painting projects, with Topcoat focusing on finishing and painters handling preparation and application.

What are popular job titles related to Topcoat jobs in California?

For Topcoat jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Topcoat jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Topcoat jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Topcoat jobs?

Cities in California with the most Topcoat job openings:

Infographic showing various Topcoat job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Principal/Sr. Principal Materials and Process Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Palmdale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Materials and Process Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Palmdale, CA.
This position can be filled at Principal Engineer Material Process or a Sr. Principal Engineer Material Process level.
As a member of the Palmdale M&P team, you will define, develop, implement, and transition new materials, processes, and technology solutions support the assembly line to increase efficiency, reduce cost, and improve quality. The M&P team supports the implementation and streamlining of various production applications including but not limited to composites fabrication, bonding, liquid shim, part/assembly installation, coatings, etc.
The role requires support of developing test plans, standard repairs, and evaluation of performance of materials and processes to verify their efficiency. The selected candidate will be responsible for analyzing, researching, and developing materials and their related application processes for use in engineering design of and/or application in structures, systems and subsystems. The candidate will apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to investigate material issues and provide solutions. In addition, you will support the production teams to identify and initiate corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure F35 contractual obligations (technical, schedule, and cost) are met and product quality is maintained.
The role will require knowledge of integral fuel tank sealing, bonding with various adhesives, application of primer and topcoat, fairing compounds, fastener fillers, composite rework and repair, material review board, manufacturing executions system, manufacturing plan review, requests for information or change from suppliers, and design support. Tools to be utilized for investigations are PDM, JDL, EMAP, Catia, and VAS.
This role involves interfacing with internal and external customers, program offices, engineering disciplines, and executive management. In addition, the role will require the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic/fast-paced work environment. Project Management skills will be utilized to properly scope and execute assigned work and manage project efforts.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Materials and Processes Engineer:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline with 5 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a Master's Degree in a related STEM discipline with 3 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a PhD in a related STEM discipline with 1 year of relevant engineering experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with material testing and material qualification
  • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Secret clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain clearance and Special Program Access (SAP/SAR)

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Materials and Processes Engineer:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline with 8 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a Master's Degree in a related STEM discipline with 6 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a PhD in a related STEM discipline with 4 years of relevant engineering experience.
  • Demonstrated experience with material testing and material qualification
  • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Secret clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain clearance and Special Program Access (SAP/SAR)

Preferred Qualifications for both levels:
  • Experience with film adhesives, carbon fiber, BMI, sealing aircraft components, primer and topcoat applications, and metallic structures
  • Experience with Supplier Management
  • Experience with low observable material, coating thickness verification, surface preparation, and material reactivation, fairing compounds, and fastener fillers
  • New material integration and interface with production personnel
  • Government and customer interface experience
  • Root cause investigation and corrective action implementation

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,300.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939