Paint Prep Technician

About the Role

We're looking for a Paint Prep Technician to join our collision and body repair team in Bow, New Hampshire. This is an opportunity to work alongside experienced Body Technicians and Painters while developing the skills to build a long-term career in automotive and heavy-duty refinishing. If you've got some experience, a good eye, and the willingness to learn, we can help you build the rest.

What You'll Do

• Sand and feather-edge repaired surfaces in preparation for primer and paint
• Tape and mask vehicles and equipment to protect trim, glass, adjacent panels, and components
• Perform light body work, including minor dent repair
• Apply and shape body filler when required
• Sand repaired and filled areas to achieve the proper surface
• Clean and degrease surfaces before primer and paint
• Apply primer and guide coats as required
• Use guide coats and visual inspection to identify remaining surface imperfections
• Correct prep issues before handing the job over to the painter
• Assist Painters with booth setup and material staging
• Assist with equipment and work-area cleanup
• Maintain sanding tools, blocks, power sanders, and prep equipment
• Communicate with Painters, Body Shop Technicians, and Shop Leads about job status and surface concerns
• Follow all applicable safety procedures and proper PPE requirements
• Keep prep areas and work bays clean, organized, and safe
• Properly handle dust, solvents, and other materials in accordance with company procedures and applicable regulations

What We're Looking For

• Experience with sanding, taping, and masking in an auto body or paint environment
• Familiarity with surface preparation for primer and paint
• Experience performing light body work, including minor dent and filler work
• Familiarity with different sandpaper grits and their applications
• Experience with sanding blocks, hand tools, and power sanding equipment
• Basic understanding of how prep quality affects the finished paint job
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to follow established processes and instructions
• Willingness to learn from experienced Painters and Body Shop Technicians
• Ability to communicate when you identify a problem or surface concern
• Comfort working around paint, solvents, dust, and typical body-shop conditions
• Commitment to keeping your workspace clean and safe

Preferred Qualifications

• Commercial truck prep experience
• Heavy equipment prep experience
• Trailer refinishing experience
• Primer application experience
• Additional auto body skills
• Advanced blocking and sanding experience
• Previous paint booth experience
• Valid driver's license

Physical Requirements

• Standing for extended periods
• Bending and kneeling
• Reaching across panels and equipment
• Performing repetitive sanding and taping motions
• Lifting and moving up to 50 lbs. as needed
• Wearing required dust and respiratory protection for extended periods
• Working in a professional shop environment with dust, fumes, and noise

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
• Life & Disability Plans
• AFLAC
• 401(k) With Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Hands-On Paint & Refinishing Experience
• Cars, Trucks, Trailers & Heavy Equipment
• Professional Shop Environment
• Hands-On Training & Skill Development
• Clear Path Toward a Full Painter Role
• Career Growth & Advancement Opportunities
• Stable Work With a Growing Operation

Pay & Schedule

$18–$30/hour, based on experience. Full-time employment, benefits eligible.