Body Shop Technician Level I - First Shift

Cirrus; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with dollar-for-dollar match

Comprehensive health coverage

Generous PTO

Job summary

Cirrus in Duluth, Minnesota, is looking for a skilled Body Shop Technician to prepare aircraft for primer and paint. The role involves applying body fillers, sanding, and using air tools to ensure high-quality finishes. Candidates must have at least one year of relevant experience and a high school diploma or GED. A reliable work ethic and ability to communicate effectively are essential. This position offers additional premiums and a sign-on bonus.

Qualifications

• Minimum one-year related experience using Bondo or other surface filler.
• Ability to read drawings/blueprints and calculate dimensions accurately.
• Must possess a reliable and dependable work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Inspect aircraft components in preparation for body work.
• Apply body filler and sand surfaces to prepare for painting.
• Use air tools for high-volume sanding and grinding.

Skills

Using Bondo or other surface filler

Interpersonal skills

Reliable work ethic

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Basic carpentry tools

Pneumatic tools

Job description

Job Summary

Body Shop Technicians are the beginning of the exterior finishing process, preparing aircraft exterior for primer and painting. The Technician will learn to mask parts, apply body filler, and sand filler materials to prepare parts for primer and paint. The ideal candidate thrives working independently or in a small team in a physical work environment.

Additional $1.00 per hour premium

Additional premium of $1.00 per hour.

Sign-on Bonus

$3K sign‑on eligible until further notice.

Schedule

• First shift: M‑Thurs; 6:00 am – 4:30 pm; overtime as required
• Second shift: M‑Thurs; 4:30 pm – 3:00 am; 10% shift differential; overtime as required

Duties and Responsibilities / Essential Functions

• Develop skills inspecting aircraft components, sub‑assemblies, and composite parts in preparation for body work process
• Identify and communicate defects and/or errors to supervisor when discovered
• Listen and follow instructions, asking questions as needed
• Manually apply body filler per procedures to establish a smooth surface contour and finish
• Use air tools and hand tools for high‑volume sanding
• Adhere strictly to personal protective equipment requirements
• Follow safety data sheets, technical data sheets and hazardous waste disposal procedures
• Use planning documents to ensure accurate completion of job duties
• Spray protective material, such as paint primers, finishing coats, or gel coat, with a spray gun or “dump (gravity‑fed) gun” in a paint booth
• Regulate paint sprayer width and pressure according to knowledge of painting and priming techniques
• Remove excess material from surfaces of manufactured and purchased parts in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, processes, and procedures; achieving a smooth and clean surface matching the surface requirements and shape of the drawings
• Utilize air tools for high‑volume sanding/grinding, fill voids or cavities and dents or repair defects as necessary, manually applying body filler to re‑establish a smooth surface contour and finish
• Repair damaged metal and composite components using pneumatic tools and knowledge of metal and composite repair techniques
• Grind, sand, and finish excess filler to match required surface finish and contour
• Apply masking tape and protective paper or barriers over parts and areas not to be coated. May apply color transfers or registration numbers, or other lettering over the primary paint
• Read, interpret and work from engineering drawings, blueprints, production illustrations and other specifications to determine the identity, location and relationship of aircraft parts
• Fill out work instructions properly, understand the planning flow and be able to adjust and explain the planning procedures
• Understand all process specifications and pertinent reference information
• Be proficient in completing forms necessary to generate work and changes to work orders, pick lists, drawings, and other related documents

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Minimum one‑year related experience using Bondo or other surface filler, drywall - mudding/taping and/or related training required; skills listed in “Qualifications Continued” may also be considered as experience. For individuals who desire to go into this area but don’t have all the required skills, we encourage you to apply to be assessed at the Training Level to gain these skills and knowledge of this position.
• Ability to develop relationships and utilize interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a fast‑paced, team environment
• Must possess the highest level of integrity and have the ability to communicate errors to leadership
• Has the initiative to finish assignments and personal accountability for time management
• Reliable and dependable work ethic and can adapt to changing work requirements
• Has the ability to read drawings/blueprints and can calculate dimensions in a thousandth of an inch
• Has knowledge of basic tools and uses good judgement when selecting the proper tool for the job
• High School diploma or GED

Qualifications continued

• Auto/marine mechanic and/or collision repair: Ability to work on auto/marine items to remove and install components.
• Assembly: Perform basic assembly tasks, such as installing parts and hardware, as required following specific instructions.
• Military: Guard, Reserves and active military experience in a non‑mechanical discipline.
• Surface Preparation: Prep surfaces for adhesives by cleaning, sanding, and masking areas to ensure proper adhesion.
• Carpentry skills: Fine detail carpentry building such as furniture, cabinets, etc.
• Construction/DIY: Building, framing, construction, etc. as well as detailed major home repair.
• Fast paced environments: Work environments like quick oil change, tire change, line cooks, fast food, health care, etc.

Competencies

• Drives Results: Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.
• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Situational Adaptability: Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match shifting demands of different situations.
• Being Resilient: Rebounds from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work beyond 40 hours per week may be required.

Our Benefits

• 401(k) Plan: Dollar‑for‑dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% vesting after one year of employment.
• Employer‑Paid Coverages: Group term life, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, dental, with additional dependent coverage options.
• Free Health Tracking: With rewards for meeting health goals.
• Generous PTO: 100 hours accrued within the first year.
• Employee Referral Bonus: For referring talented candidates.
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and professional growth opportunities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee clubs at various locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Cirrus is dedicated to a drug‑free work environment promoting equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.