Automotive Paint & Blasting Technician

Cherokee Federal; Barstow (CA); On-site; USD 34,095 - 48,560; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K

Job summary

Cherokee Federal in Barstow, California, is seeking an Automotive Blasting & Paint Technician responsible for the complete surface preparation and refinishing of government vehicles. The role entails conducting inspections, ensuring adherence to quality standards, and managing hazardous materials while complying with safety protocols.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of five years of automotive painting experience, an Active T1 Security Clearance, and expertise in color matching and HVLP systems. The position offers full-time benefits including medical, dental, and vision.

Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years of documented journeyman-level automotive painting experience.
• Active T1 Security Clearance required.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial inspections and determine scope of work.
• Perform precise color matching and achieve factory-level accuracy.
• Ensure final finish meets OEM and DoD quality standards.

Skills

Active T1 (Tier 1) Security Clearance

Documented journeyman-level automotive painting experience

Expert-level knowledge of color theory

Advanced proficiency in HVLP spray systems

Proven knowledge of hazardous material handling

Education

I-CAR or ASE certification in Painting and Refinishing

Tools

HVLP spray systems

Sanding equipment

Job description

Automotive Blasting & Paint Technician

The Automotive Paint & Refinishing Technician is responsible for complete surface preparation, refinishing, defect correction, and reassembly of government vehicles and components in accordance with manufacturer specifications, industry best practices, and Department of Defense requirements. All work shall be performed in a controlled paint booth environment and in strict compliance with safety, environmental, and security protocols.

Compensation & Benefits

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $30.00/HR. Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed initial inspections to determine scope of work, substrate material (steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass), and condition of existing coatings.
• Identify corrosion, previous body repairs, paint failures, and required refinishing procedures.
• Remove, label, inventory, and safely store trim, hardware, lighting, and associated components to ensure unobstructed access.
• Perform precise color matching using computerized systems, spectrophotometers, and spray-out test panels to achieve factory-level accuracy and seamless blending.
• Clean and degrease all surfaces using automotive-grade wax and grease removers to eliminate contaminants (silicone, oil, tar, road debris).
• Strip, sand, and feather existing finishes using DA sanders, block sanding techniques, and appropriate abrasives.
• Perform minor body repairs including application and shaping of fillers and glazing putties; sand to OEM-level contour standards.
• Expertly mask and protect all non-painted areas using professional automotive masking materials to ensure crisp lines and zero overspray.
• Operate and maintain a properly ventilated, filtered automotive paint booth.
• Select and apply appropriate primers (etching, epoxy, high-build) based on substrate and repair requirements.
• Apply guide coat and conduct final block sanding to ensure flatness, adhesion, and readiness for topcoat application.
• Apply multiple uniform coats of basecoat using HVLP or equivalent professional spray equipment.
• Achieve consistent coverage free of runs, sags, dry spray, or striping.
• Apply multi-layer clearcoat systems to ensure durability, gloss, UV protection, and chemical resistance.
• Ensure final finish meets OEM and DoD quality standards.
• Monitor and manage proper curing processes (air dry or bake cycle) in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
• Perform defect correction (“cut and buff”) including wet sanding, compounding, and polishing to eliminate dust nibs, orange peel, or minor imperfections.
• Reassemble all components to original specifications.
• Conduct final inspection and detailing to deliver a service-ready vehicle.
• Properly handle and dispose of hazardous materials (solvents, paint waste, filters) in accordance with federal, state, local, and DoD environmental regulations.
• Maintain strict adherence to paint booth safety standards and hazardous material protocols.
• Utilize and maintain required PPE, including fit-tested fresh-air respirators.
• Maintain a secure work environment in compliance with DoD facility requirements.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Active T1 (Tier 1) Security Clearance required. Must be eligible for and maintain a valid Common Access Card (CAC).
• Minimum five (5) years of documented journeyman-level automotive painting and refinishing experience.
• I-CAR or ASE certification in Painting and Refinishing strongly preferred.
• Color Expertise: Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of color theory, tinting, blending, and factory color matching techniques.
• Advanced proficiency in HVLP spray systems, paint booth operation, air systems, sanding equipment, and refinishing tools.
• Proven knowledge of hazardous material handling, PPE requirements, and OSHA/DoD safety compliance.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift components, and perform repetitive precision work in a controlled shop environment.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a government, military, or secure facility environment.
• Experience refinishing specialty substrates or military fleet vehicles.
• Familiarity with OEM and military coating specifications.

Company Information

Cherokee Nation Government Solutions (CNGS) is a part of Cherokee Federal – the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CNGS, visit cherokee-federal.com.

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations.