Auto Body Painter Helper (Union)

Cox Enterprises, Inc.; Carleton (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Cox Automotive is seeking an entry-level technician to support detailing and painting operations. With guidance, you will perform cleaning, prep, and finishing tasks, ensuring surfaces are prepped for refinishing and color matches are achieved.

You will document work orders and move vehicles through the workflow while adhering to safety guidelines. You will develop basic mechanical skills, learn automotive paint processes, and maintain attention to detail in a production environment.

Qualifications

• Basic mechanical aptitude is required.
• Willingness to learn automotive paint processes.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Perform vehicle cleaning and preparation, including washing, wheel cleaning, waxing, buffing, and polishing.
• Complete work order documentation and prepare surfaces for buffing/refinishing.
• Inspect panels for color match and finish texture; remove residue after polishing.
• Move vehicles as needed to support detailing and painting workflow.
• Follow safety guidelines and company procedures.

Skills

Basic mechanical aptitude

Willingness to learn automotive paint

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or GED preferred

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Serves as an entry-level technician. With guidance, performs Technician duties, including: Perform vehicle cleaning and preparation, including washing, wheel cleaning, waxing, buffing, and polishing. Completing work order documentation. Prepare vehicle surfaces for buffing and refinishing. Remove imperfections and restore panels to OEM quality standards. Inspect finished body panels to ensure proper color match and consistent finish texture. Remove compound and polish residue from buffed panels. Move vehicles as needed to support workflow throughout the detailing and painting process. Follow all safety guidelines and company procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED preferred. 1+ years of experience in an auto body/paint shop, vocational, or technical school in automotive program. Valid driver’s license and good driving record required. Ability to operate both manual and automatic transmission vehicles. Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn automotive paint processes.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Regularly required to stand, walk, reach, talk, and hear. Frequently required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, squat, and climb. Ability to lift up to 15 pounds (e.g., tools and materials). Ability to perform repetitive motions and maintain manual dexterity in a production environment.

Drug Testing

To be employed in this role, you’ll need to clear a pre-employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre-employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug-free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.

About Us

Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry-leading dealer-facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people-centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox.

Benefits

Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.

Work Authorization

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.

Culture & Vision

Cox brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Cox vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.