Preparation Painter

New Flyer; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading heavy-duty transit bus manufacturer in Winnipeg is looking for a Preparation Painter to join their Paint Shop team. The successful candidate will ensure vehicles have a professional finish through surface preparation, sanding, and masking. Experience in paint prep techniques and strong attention to detail is essential. Competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement are offered in an inclusive workplace environment.

Benefits

Competitive wages

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid holidays and vacation

401K with company match

On-the-job training

Advancement opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience with surface preparation required.
• Solid understanding of sanding, priming, and masking techniques.
• Ability to read and follow blueprints and work instructions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare vehicle surfaces for paint by sanding, polishing, priming, and masking.
• Use hand and power tools to achieve a clean, even surface.
• Inspect and report any surface defects before painting.

Skills

Attention to detail

Hand-eye coordination

Surface preparation techniques

Tools

Sanders

Polishers

Masking equipment

Job description

New Flyer is North America’s heavy-duty transit bus leader, providing sustainable mobility solutions through transit buses, technology, and infrastructure. New Flyer is a subsidiary of NFI Group, a leading independent bus and coach manufacturer and a leader in electric mass mobility solutions. Building on its 90+ year legacy of innovation, New Flyer is the only manufacturer offering all three types of zero-emission transit buses, with over 1,900 zero-emission buses delivered to date. Proudly serving all 25 of the largest transit agencies in North America, New Flyer actively supports over 35,000 heavy-duty transit buses currently operated by approximately 500 agencies.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Are you passionate about precision and craftsmanship? Do you take pride in delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? As a Preparation Painter on our Paint Shop team, you will play a vital role in ensuring our vehicles have a flawless, professional finish. You will be responsible for surface preparation, sanding, polishing, and masking while following strict quality and safety standards. Your attention to detail will help us maintain our reputation for excellence, and your work will be essential in delivering a premium final product.

WHY JOIN US:

• Be a part of a team leading the world’s electrification of mass mobility
• Competitive Wages and comprehensive benefit package with Immediate benefit eligibility
• Paid holidays and vacation
• 401K with generous company match / or Registered pension plan with generous company match)
• Be part of a team creating a better product, a better workplace, and a better world
• Inclusive workplace culture that values and empowers team members.
• On-the-job training in a continuous learning environment (we’ve invested 10.9 million in 2023)
• Advancement opportunities within our family of companies

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Prepare vehicle surfaces for paint by sanding, polishing, priming, and masking as needed.
• Use hand and power tools—including palm sanders, polishers, and masking equipment—to achieve a clean, even surface.
• Follow detailed prep techniques to ensure first-time quality and reduce the need for rework.
• Work closely with painters and the production team to keep workflow on track and meet deadlines.
• Read and follow blueprints, process sheets, and instructions to meet exact prep specifications.
• Keep your work area clean, organized, and in compliance with safety standards.
• Inspect and report any surface defects or inconsistencies before painting begins.
• Adhere to all company safety policies and ensure proper handling of tools and materials.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Experience with surface preparation—whether through formal education, training, or hands-on work—is required.
• Solid understanding of sanding, priming, and masking techniques used in paint prep.
• Ability to read and follow blueprints, process sheets, and work instructions.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on delivering consistent, high-quality results.
• Good hand-eye coordination and comfort working with precision tools.
• Familiarity with hand tools and power equipment commonly used in surface prep.
• Physically able to stand for extended periods, lift, bend, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while contributing to a team.
• Bonus: Experience with wraps, decals, or paint protection film (PPF) is a valuable asset.

New Flyer is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, ensure equitable experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment reflective of the communities we operate. Accommodations are available at all stages of the recruitment process, at the candidates’ request.

New Flyer is part of NFI Group, a leading independent global bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass transportation solutions. News and information are available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.arbocsv.com, www.alexander-dennis.com, www.carfaircomposites.com and www.nfi.parts.