Sand/Polish Technician

The Paint Shop Technician role encompasses a broad range of automotive preparation, repair, finishing, and teardown responsibilities. Technicians may specialize in one functional area—such as detailing, polishing, teardown, painting, body work, or mechanical support—or be cross-trained to perform multiple disciplines based on skill level and shop needs.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring vehicles meet quality, appearance, and performance standards prior to delivery, display, or release. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on paint and body shop environment.

Salary Overview:
The pay rate for this role starts at $23 per hour based on experience.

Hours:

The hours for this role are Monday through Friday 6:30am to 3pm.

Paint Shop Technician Responsibilities Include:

Detailing, Polishing & Surface Preparation

• Clean and detail vehicle interiors and exteriors to meet quality standards.
• Wet sand and polish vehicle surfaces to achieve the required finish quality.
• Vacuum, wipe, and prep vehicle surfaces for paint, wrap, or delivery.
• Remove plastic coverings, decals, and stickers; ensure vehicles are spotless.
• Perform final finish inspections and minimize rework.

Teardown, Assembly & Installation

• Perform vehicle teardown and reassembly to support paint and finishing processes.
• Disassemble and reassemble body parts, trim, and related components.
• Remove and install paint protection film (PPF), vinyl wraps, and window tint with precision.
• Identify parts needed and communicate supplemental repair or replacement needs.

Body Work & Repair Support

• Perform sheet metal, fiberglass, and other substrate repairs as applicable.
• Apply filler and smooth surfaces to OEM standards.
• Support body repair and finishing tasks based on skill level and training.

Painting & Finishing Support

• Assist with mixing and preparing paint to precise formulas (as applicable).
• Prime, tape, and paint full vehicles or components based on experience.
• Maintain paint booth cleanliness and related equipment.

Mechanical & Technical Support

• Perform basic mechanical repairs, diagnostics, or support work as needed.
• Use automotive hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment safely.
• Support surface preparation and finishing operations across the shop.

Team Collaboration & Workflow Support

• Collaborate with paint shop staff to meet daily production goals and deadlines.
• Accurately record labor hours per vehicle and maintain tracking documentation.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of tools, equipment, and work areas.
• Follow all established processes, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Support overall shop operations and assist other departments as needed.
• Train or mentor junior team members when applicable.

Paint Shop Technician Qualifications and Skills:

• High School Diploma or GED required; trade school or technical certification preferred.
• 0–5+ years of experience in automotive detailing, polishing, teardown, painting, body work, or mechanical support (depending on area of focus).
• Basic to advanced automotive background with familiarity in vehicle teardown and reassembly.
• Experience using automotive hand tools, power tools, polishing equipment, and shop machinery.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship.
• Self-starter with strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based shop environment.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must meet company background check and drug screen requirements.
• ASE and I-CAR certifications are a plus.