Auto Body Paint Prepper - Experienced

Dent Wizard International; Mount Laurel Township (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k match

Job summary

Dent Wizard International in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, is looking for a Tech - Paint Prepper to support our Paint Technicians and help prepare vehicles for painting. The role emphasizes surface preparation, masking, and priming to ensure clean, high-quality finishes.

You will be part of a team that values safety, efficiency, and attention to detail. The position involves equipment maintenance, adherence to PPE and safety rules, and documentation of processes as SME Technician.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in wheel refurbishing or automotive repair preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of painting and surface preparation techniques beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Inspect surfaces to be painted and assess their condition.
• Prepare surfaces by sanding and smoothing for proper adhesion.
• Mask and tape areas to be painted, protecting surrounding surfaces.
• Apply primer to improve adhesion and corrosion resistance; sand between coats.
• Maintain painting equipment and follow safety protocols.
• Record preparation processes and materials used as SME Technician.

Skills

Teamwork

Customer Focus

Communication Skills

Process and Planning Orientation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

About Dent Wizard

Dent Wizard is the nation’s undisputed leader in automotive reconditioning services and vehicle protection products – and our success is the result of the great people who serve our customers. We’re stable, growing and have a strong business model, with opportunities in 43 states, 2.5 million vehicles repaired every year and more than 3,000 highly skilled employees. Help us reach new heights and receive the respect, rewards and recognition you deserve.

As a Tech - Paint Prepper, your essential job functions include:

Supporting one or more of our Paint Technicians, you will wash vehicles, locate, and remove imperfections on panels and treat scratches and chips with plastic or liquid filler. You’ll tape up the cars, so we paint only the parts of the car that are intended, and smooth rough spots. After painting, you’ll remove the tape, clean the vehicle, and prepare it for buffing.

Perform the following items (60%)

Surface Preparation

• Thoroughly inspect wheels for damage, cracks, bends, or other issues.
• Evaluate the extent of damage to determine the repair or refurbishment required.
• Inspect surfaces to be painted and assess their condition.
• Remove dirt, dust, and contaminants from surfaces using cleaning agents, solvents, and other appropriate methods.

Sanding and Smoothing

• Sand surfaces create a smooth and uniform texture, ensuring proper adhesion for paint.
• Repair minor imperfections or damage in surfaces, such as dents or scratches.

Masking and Taping

• Apply masking tape, paper, or other protective materials to areas that should not be painted.
• Cover windows, trim, or any parts that need to be shielded from paint.

Priming

• Apply primer to surfaces to enhance paint adhesion and corrosion resistance.
• Sand primed surfaces to achieve a smooth finish.

Quality Control and Service Excellence (30%)

• Clean and maintain painting equipment, including spray guns, paint booths, and related tools.
• Follow safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure a safe work environment.
• Handle and dispose of hazardous materials in accordance with safety regulations.

Serve as SME Technician for the Division (10%)

• Maintain records of preparation processes, materials used, and any issues or defects encountered.

Competencies Required

• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Customer Focus
• Communication Skills
• Process and Planning Orientation

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience in wheel refurbishing or automotive repair is preferred but not required
• Previous experience in paint preparation, automotive refinishing, or a related field is advantageous.
• Knowledge of painting and surface preparation techniques.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools.
• Strong work ethic, self-motivation and the ability to work independently
• Toughness and grit to work outside in all kinds of weather
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record

Physical Job Requirements

• Work in well-ventilated automotive repair shops or refurbishing facilities
• Physical stamina to frequently kneel, bend and squat, as well as lift up to 45 pounds

Drug Policy

• All applicants being considered for employment must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

The starting compensation is expected to be:

$22.00-$24.00/hour

Why Dent Wizard:

An amazing opportunity to join a growing organization, built on the efforts of hard working, innovative, and team-oriented people. The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and geographic location. The total compensation package may also include commission, bonus or profit sharing. Sign on bonus is subject to state and local laws, terms and conditions, including employment status and length‑of‑service requirements.

• paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and 401k match (50% on the dollar up to 7% of employee contribution).

For more information on our benefit offerings, please visit our Dealer Tire Family of Companies Benefits Highlights Booklet.

EOE Statement:

Dent Wizard is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act*), or any other legally protected status, with respect to employment opportunities.

*ADA Disclosure: Any candidate who feels that they may need an accommodation to complete this application, or any portions of same, based on the impact of a disability should contact Dent Wizard's Human Resources Department to discuss your specific needs. Please feel free to contact us at [e-mail].