Autobody Paint Prep Technician — Path to Painter

VIVE Collision; Mount Laurel Township (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

VIVE Collision in Mount Laurel Township, NJ is seeking a Paint Prep Technician who helps prep vehicles and components for refinishing. The role supports Paint Technicians, ensuring surfaces are clean, masked, and ready for paint, while upholding safety standards.

The position offers an hourly rate of $18.00–$22.00, full-time hours, and opportunities to grow into painting with ongoing training and hands-on experience in a fast-paced collision repair environment.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• A valid driver’s license and satisfactory MVR required.
• Prior experience as a Paint Prep Technician or in automotive collision repair preferred.
• High school diploma, GED, or Auto Body Vocational/Technical certification preferred but not required.
• Basic knowledge of automotive paint preparation and refinishing processes preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret repair orders, work instructions, and written estimates.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
• Must be able to wear a respirator and other required personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare vehicles and replacement parts for refinishing: sanding, cleaning, masking, removing oils and debris.
• Mask and protect vehicle components that should not receive paint during refinishing.
• Assist Paint Technicians with paint preparation and refinishing activities as needed.
• Apply primers and prepare repaired surfaces for paint application per standards.
• Buff, polish, and clean painted surfaces after refinishing to achieve a high-quality finish.
• Inspect completed work and identify defects requiring correction before vehicle delivery.
• Perform minor finishing corrections as directed by the Paint Technician.
• Request paint materials, supplies, and consumables needed to complete repairs efficiently.
• Maintain paint preparation equipment, tools, and work areas clean, organized, and safe.
• Follow all company policies, OEM procedures, and safety regulations.
• Wear PPE, including respirators, during refinishing operations.
• Participate in ongoing training to develop technical skills.
• Work with Paint Technicians, Body Technicians, and production staff to meet deadlines.
• Safely move and relocate vehicles as needed to support workflow.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support shop operations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication & teamwork

Multitasking in production

Read repair orders/instructions

Education

High school diploma/GED or Auto Body cert

Job description

VIVE Collision in Mount Laurel Township, NJ is seeking a Paint Prep Technician who helps prep vehicles and components for refinishing. The role supports Paint Technicians, ensuring surfaces are clean, masked, and ready for paint, while upholding safety standards.

The position offers an hourly rate of $18.00–$22.00, full-time hours, and opportunities to grow into painting with ongoing training and hands-on experience in a fast-paced collision repair environment.