Body Shop Buffer/Paint Correction Tech - $2,500 New Hire Bonus

CAI Cox Automotive Corp Svcs., LLC; Grove City (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off and holidays

Healthcare insurance (medical, dental,

401(k) retirement plan

Parental leave / PTO

Job summary

Cox Automotive is seeking an Auto Body Repair Technician I to perform paint corrections, color sanding, and final detailing at a Cox location in Ohio. You will operate polishers and inspect finishes to ensure a high-quality, factory-like appearance, while collaborating with the body shop team to meet daily production goals.

Ideal candidates have 1–2 years of body shop experience, knowledge of paint systems, and strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in automotive body shop or related setting.
• Knowledge of automotive paint systems, clear coats, color sanding, and polishing.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 15 pounds.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet production deadlines.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Buff and polish freshly painted panels to remove defects and achieve a mirror finish.
• Wet sand clear coats and painted surfaces to prep for final finishing.
• Safely operate rotary and dual‑action polishers with various pads and compounds.
• Inspect repaired panels under lighting to ensure factory‑matched finish.
• Detail and remove residue, overspray, and contaminants before delivery.
• Collaborate with painters, body technicians and management to meet schedules.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and care for tools.

Job description

Company Cox Automotive - USA Job Family Group Vehicle Operations Job Profile Auto Body Repair Technician I Management Level Individual Contributor Flexible Work Option No remote option; must work at a specified Cox location Travel % No Work Shift Day Compensation Hourly base pay rate is $15.10 - $22.69/hour.

Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.

Core Responsibilities

• Paint Correction: Buff and polish freshly painted panels to remove orange peel, dust nibs, runs, sanding marks, and swirl marks.
• Color Sanding: Wet sand clear coats and painted surfaces to eliminate imperfections and prepare panels for final finishing.
• Equipment Operation: Safely operate rotary and dual-action polishers, utilizing various pads, compounds, and polishing systems to achieve high-quality results.
• Quality Inspection: Inspect completed repairs under specialized lighting to ensure a factory-matched finish and mirror-like shine.
• Final Detailing: Remove compound residue, body dust, overspray, and other contaminants from repaired vehicles prior to delivery.
• Final Quality Control: Verify that all repaired panels meet company and customer quality standards before final sign-off.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with painters, body technicians, and management to meet production schedules and quality expectations.
• Work Area Maintenance: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while properly caring for tools and equipment.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: 1 to 2 years of experience in an automotive body shop, collision center, reconditioning facility, or professional detailing environment preferred.
• Technical Skills: Knowledge of automotive paint systems, clear coats, color sanding techniques, cutting compounds, polishing products, and safe buffer operation.
• Attention to Detail: Strong ability to identify paint defects and consistently deliver high-quality finishes.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, kneel, reach, and lift up to 15 pounds.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize work, meet production deadlines, and maintain quality standards in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Ability to work effectively with team members and follow verbal and written instructions.

SMCOX 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.

Benefits

• Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
• 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.

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.

Equal 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.

EOE, including disability/vets

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

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.

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).