Auto Body Painter Helper (Union)

Cox Enterprises; Carleton (MI); On-site; USD 24,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

SMCOX is seeking an Auto Body Painter Helper (Union) to support the painting and detailing workflow. You will clean and prep vehicles, document work orders, and prepare surfaces for refinishing while restoring panels to OEM quality and ensuring color match.

Responsibilities include removing residues, inspecting finish quality, moving vehicles as needed, and adhering to safety guidelines. A high school diploma and 1+ year automotive shop experience are preferred.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Auto Body Painter Helper (Union)

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

SMCOX