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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off (min 16 hours per month)

Seven paid holidays

Bereavement leave

Voting time off

Jury duty leave

Volunteer time off

Military leave

Parental leave

Job summary

Cox Automotive in Ohio is seeking an Automotive Detail Technician to perform paint correction and color sanding, ensuring a factory-matched finish on repaired panels. You will operate rotary and dual-action polishers, inspect quality under specialized lighting, and collaborate with painters and body technicians to meet production schedules.

Candidates typically have 1–2 years in a body shop or detailing environment.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in an automotive body shop, collision center, reconditioning facility, or professional detailing environment preferred.
• Knowledge of automotive paint systems, clear coats, color sanding techniques, cutting compounds, polishing products, and safe buffer operation.
• Strong ability to identify paint defects and consistently deliver high-quality finishes.

Responsibilities

• Buff and polish freshly painted panels to remove defect marks and swirl marks.
• Wet sand clear coats and painted surfaces to prepare for final finishing.
• Safely operate rotary and dual-action polishers with various pads and compounds.
• Inspect completed repairs under lighting to ensure factory-matched finish and mirror-like shine.
• Remove residue and contaminants from repaired vehicles prior to delivery.
• Verify all repaired panels meet quality standards before sign-off.
• Collaborate with painters, body technicians, and management to meet production schedules and quality expectations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and care for tools.

Skills

Paint correction

Color sanding

Equipment operation

Quality inspection

Final detailing

Final quality control

Team collaboration

Work area maintenance

Tools

Rotary polishers

Dual-action polishers

Pads & compounds

Specialized lighting

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