Collision Paint Prep Technician

Department: Collision Center

Reports To: Collision Center Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Position Summary

The Collision Paint Prep Technician is responsible for preparing vehicles and replacement parts for the refinishing process by performing cleaning, sanding, masking, and surface preparation. This position assists the Paint Technician throughout the refinishing process and performs final denibbing, buffing, and polishing to ensure repaired vehicles meet dealership, manufacturer, and customer quality standards prior to reassembly and delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare repaired vehicles and replacement parts for refinishing by cleaning, degreasing, sanding, feather edging, and masking.
• Remove contaminants and prepare all surfaces to ensure proper paint adhesion.
• Mask and protect adjacent panels, trim, moldings, glass, and vehicle interiors before refinishing.
• Assist Paint Technicians throughout the refinishing process to maximize production efficiency.
• Perform denibbing, color sanding, buffing, polishing, and final finish correction after paint application.
• Inspect painted surfaces for defects, imperfections, or contamination and notify management or the Paint Technician of any issues.
• Remove masking materials and prepare completed vehicles for reassembly.
• Maintain paint booths, preparation areas, tools, and equipment in a clean and organized condition.
• Safely handle paints, primers, solvents, and other hazardous materials in accordance with OSHA, EPA, dealership, and manufacturer guidelines.
• Follow OEM repair procedures and collision center quality standards.
• Operate dealership vehicles safely while moving vehicles within the facility.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous automotive collision or paint preparation experience preferred.
• Knowledge of automotive paint preparation techniques including sanding, masking, buffing, and polishing.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, polishers, and sanding equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced collision repair environment.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach throughout the workday.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Work around paint products, chemicals, dust, noise, and varying temperatures while wearing required personal protective equipment.
• Possess sufficient manual dexterity to operate tools and equipment safely.

Working Conditions

• Automotive collision repair facility.
• Exposure to paint products, solvents, fumes, dust, and shop equipment.
• Required use of respirators, eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, and other personal protective equipment.