Automotive Blasting & Paint Technician

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed initial inspections to determine scope of work, substrate material (steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass), and condition of existing coatings.
• Identify corrosion, previous body repairs, paint failures, and required refinishing procedures.
• Remove, label, inventory, and safely store trim, hardware, lighting, and associated components to ensure unobstructed access.
• Perform precise color matching using computerized systems, spectrophotometers, and spray-out test panels to achieve factory-level accuracy and seamless blending.
• Clean and degrease all surfaces using automotive-grade wax and grease removers to eliminate contaminants (silicone, oil, tar, road debris).
• Strip, sand, and feather existing finishes using DA sanders, block sanding techniques, and appropriate abrasives.
• Expertly mask and protect all non-painted areas using professional automotive masking materials to ensure crisp lines and zero overspray.
• Operate and maintain a properly ventilated, filtered automotive paint booth.
• Select and apply appropriate primers (etching, epoxy, high-build) based on substrate and repair requirements.
• Apply guide coat and conduct final block sanding to ensure flatness, adhesion, and readiness for topcoat application.
• Apply multiple uniform coats of basecoat using HVLP or equivalent professional spray equipment.
• Achieve consistent coverage free of runs, sags, dry spray, or striping.
• Apply multi-layer clearcoat systems to ensure durability, gloss, UV protection, and chemical resistance.
• Ensure final finish meets OEM and DoD quality standards.
• Monitor and manage proper curing processes (air dry or bake cycle) in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
• Perform defect correction (“cut and buff”) including wet sanding, compounding, and polishing to eliminate dust nibs, orange peel, or minor imperfections.
• Reassemble all components to original specifications.
• Conduct final inspection and detailing to deliver a service-ready vehicle.
• Properly handle and dispose of hazardous materials (solvents, paint waste, filters) in accordance with federal, state, local, and DoD environmental regulations.
• Maintain strict adherence to paint booth safety standards and hazardous material protocols.
• Utilize and maintain required PPE, including fit-tested fresh-air respirators.
• Maintain a secure work environment in compliance with DoD facility requirements.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Active T1 (Tier 1) Security Clearance required.
• Must be eligible for and maintain a valid Common Access Card (CAC).
• Minimum five (5) years of documented journeyman-level automotive painting and refinishing experience.
• I-CAR or ASE certification in Painting and Refinishing strongly preferred.
• Ability to wear a respirator is a mandatory requirement.
• Must be able to pass a Star4D test and maintain a yearly certification.
• Color Expertise: Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of color theory, tinting, blending, and factory color matching techniques.
• Advanced proficiency in HVLP spray systems, paint booth operation, air systems, sanding equipment, and refinishing tools.
• Proven knowledge of hazardous material handling, PPE requirements, and OSHA/DoD safety compliance.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift components, and perform repetitive precision work in a controlled shop environment.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a government, military, or secure facility environment.
• Experience refinishing specialty substrates or military fleet vehicles.
• Familiarity with OEM and military coating specifications.

Skills

• Color Expertise: Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of color theory, tinting, blending, and factory color matching techniques.
• Advanced proficiency in HVLP spray systems, paint booth operation, air systems, sanding equipment, and refinishing tools.
• Proven knowledge of hazardous material handling, PPE requirements, and OSHA/DoD safety compliance.

Benefits

• Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided.
• Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Pay

• Estimated Starting Salary Range for Automotive Blasting & Paint Technician: $30.00/HR
• Pay commensurate with experience.

Schedule

• Full time.