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

Cox Automotive Inc.; Grove City (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Bereavement leave

Voting time off

Jury duty leave

Military leave

Parental leave

Job summary

Cox Automotive Inc. is seeking an automotive detailing professional in Grove City, OH. This role focuses on paint correction, color sanding, and high-quality finishing to deliver factory-like results for customers.

The candidate should have 1–2 years in auto detailing or body shop environments, with knowledge of paint systems and safe polishing practices. A fast-paced setting requires attention to detail and teamwork.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of automotive detailing or body shop experience preferred.
• Knowledge of paint systems, clear coats, color sanding, and polishing products.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and lift up to 15 pounds in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Paint correction to remove defects and achieve a factory-like finish.
• Color sanding to prepare surfaces for final finish.
• Operate rotary and dual-action polishers safely.
• Inspect finished work under specialized lighting to ensure mirror-like shine.
• Detailing to remove residue and contaminants before delivery.
• Quality control to meet company and customer standards.
• Collaborate with painters, body technicians, and management to meet schedules.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and properly care for tools.

Skills

Paint systems knowledge

Color sanding techniques

Polishing products

Safe buffer operation

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Tools

Rotary polisher

Dual-action polisher

Polishing pads

Polishing compounds

Job description

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

USD 15.10 - 22.69 per hour

Compensation

Hourly pay rate is in the range of $15.10 - $22.69/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.

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.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.

EOE, including disability/vets