The English-language job board for Spain

Senior Surface Treatment Operator

On-site in Cartagena·Added 8 days ago

Navantia

178 open roles

Apply

Overview

Job details

Permanent contract
Per the ad.

Requirements

Have the right to work in Spain
No sponsorship mentioned, and this kind of work is rarely sponsored in Spain.
Work on-site in Cartagena
No relocation package mentioned.
Have senior-level experience
Senior-level role.

This job was automatically translated to English.

Requirements

Nice to have

Occupational risk prevention.
Surface treatments on vessels.
NACE.
FROSIO.

Education & certifications

The following Vocational Training degrees from the Professional Family knowledge group will be valued:

Higher Technician in Analysis Laboratory and Quality Control
Technician in Chemical Plant
Higher Technician in Industrial Chemistry
Machining Technician
Technician in Bodywork
Technician in Recreational Craft Maintenance

The following link is provided to consult equivalencies: Ciclos Formativos y Cursos de Especialización por Familias Profesionales - TodoFP | Ministerio de Educación, Formación Profesional y Deportes

The role

What you'll do

Execute surface preparation tasks, including washing, blasting, sanding, and the application of coatings and paint schemes.
Interpret blueprints, technical specifications, and regulations applicable to surface treatment processes.
Identify, analyze, and correct defects and incidents during the execution of processes.
Participate in the organization, coordination, and monitoring of surface preparation and treatment work.
Perform control and monitoring of planning, reporting progress and detecting possible deviations in coordination with area managers.
Verify and control the quality of blasting and painting processes, ensuring compliance with the technical, regulatory, and finish requirements established for each treatment.
Manage records, controls, and inspection point plans, as well as collaborate in the performance and monitoring of tests.
Perform surface treatment inspections in accordance with current regulations and the requirements of certification bodies.
Participate in masking, painting, passivating, phosphating, anodizing, and other chemical and surface treatment operations.
Comply with and ensure compliance with occupational risk prevention, quality, and environmental regulations applicable to the work performed.

How you'll work

Entry level: Minimum E8

Contract type: Permanent

In the event that any candidate has problems with the platform, they must send an email to the address rrhh_portal@navantia.es mentioning their incident.

Hiring process

The application period will end on 13/10/2026 at 12:00 hours.

At the following link: Bases personal fijo: GP3/GP4 Senior you will find the access requirements, documentation to be provided (mandatory), and other relevant information regarding the selection process.

To participate in the selection process, the following supporting documentation must be attached to the candidate profile:

ID (DNI)
Curriculum Vitae
Employment history or negative employment history/negative affiliation report
Academic qualifications
Proof of training related to the position to be filled
Documentation proving the merits listed in Annex I of the call

About Navantia

Navantia is a Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company and a key player in the global defense and naval engineering sector. It designs, builds, and integrates a wide range of military and civilian vessels, including frigates, submarines, and offshore patrol vessels, as well as providing lifecycle support services for naval platforms. The company operates several shipyards across Spain and is a major contractor for both the Spanish Navy and international clients, positioning itself as a strategic partner in European defense programs.

Navantia's headquarters are in Madrid, with its main production facilities in the Bay of Cádiz (Puerto Real, San Fernando) and the Ría de Ferrol in Galicia. As a Spanish state-owned company, it offers international professionals the opportunity to work in a highly technical, engineering-driven environment with a strong focus on naval architecture, systems integration, and defense innovation. For international hires, the company provides a unique entry point into Spain's industrial and defense ecosystem, with roles often requiring security clearance and a high level of technical expertise.

Industry: Defense and Shipbuilding
Founded: 1947
Employees: 4,000–5,000
Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
In Spain: Madrid, Cartagena, Ferrol and 2 more
Website: navantia.es

Good to know if you are moving

State-owned company: offers the stability and benefits of a public-sector employer, with a formal, structured HR environment.
International hires are common in engineering and project management roles, and English is often the working language in technical teams.
The company is a key player in the European defense industry, offering exposure to high-profile, long-term naval programs (e.g., F-110 frigates, S-80 submarines).
Relocation to Spain is typically required, as most roles are based at the shipyards in the Bay of Cádiz or the Ría de Ferrol, not in Madrid.
Given the nature of the work, roles may require EU citizenship or nationality and security clearance (SECRETO).