Bodywork Operator - 1st Shift

Braun-Industries; Decatur (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Braun Ambulances in Van Wert, OH, is seeking a Bodywork Operator for 1st shift to perform high-quality metal finishing and related processes as part of our paint preparation team.

You will sand, prime, foam, apply liners, and inspect finished surfaces, collaborating with weld and paint to ensure strong, safe ambulance bodies. Excellent attention to safety and quality is essential.

Qualifications

• Disassembly and assembly of service vehicles.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of body working techniques and two years prior working experience in automotive bodywork.
• Experience with sanding, priming, foaming operation of the module and/or compartment liners.

Responsibilities

• The bodywork operator performs high quality metal finishing and sub-straight operations including sandblasting, fill work, priming, foaming and compartment lining for final preparation of the module and other assemblies for paint operations.
• Prepare vehicles for painting with appropriate surface treatments and primer applications.
• Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in coating and verify material ratios.
• Detect dents, scratches or breaks in metal and apply body filler where needed.
• Follow safety procedures when handling chemicals and wear PPE as required.
• Inspect final finish bodywork and ensure quality standards are met.
• Receive, review and interpret instructions and prints; plan working procedures and materials.
• Maintain cleanliness and operate equipment safely; pass drug tests as required.

Skills

Disassembly and assembly skills

Bodywork experience

Sanding and priming

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Posted Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 4:00 AM | Expires Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 3:59 AM

Bodywork Operator - 1st Shift

Location: Van Wert, OH

Your Skill. Our Mission. One Exceptional Ambulance at a Time.

Job Title: Bodywork Operator

Department

Bodywork - 550

Role Profile & Pay Grade

Reports to

Location

Van Wert, Ohio

Travel

Limited

Organization

Mission

We make life better, one relationship and one vehicle at a time.

Vision

To be the partner of choice, dedicated to safety and innovation, delivering an exceptional customer experience through empowered employees.

Summary of Responsibilities

The bodywork operator performs high quality metal finishing and sub-straight operations including sandblasting, fill work, priming, foaming and compartment lining for final preparation of the module and other assemblies for paint operations.

Summary of Activities

Responsibilities

Activities

Approx. %

Measure of success (Key indicator)

Use of knowledge of metal finishing techniques

Detect defects, such as dents, scratches, or breaks in metal

20%

Prepare vehicles for painting

Knowledge of filling a variety of sizes of small dents, gaps and scratches with body filler and smooth surfaces

100%

Mix polyester resins and hardeners to be used in coating

Prepare materials according to specifications, verify proper material ratios before use.

Monitor coating mixtures for consistency.

Follow safety procedures when handling chemicals.

50%

Apply caulk and seal seams as needed

Seal joints and seams as required. Apply caulking to prevent leaks and improve durability.

25%

Spray prepares surfaces with specified amounts of primers

Prepare surfaces and apply primer coatings and ensure proper primer coverage on surfaces.

25%

Touch up any surfaces as needed

Verification and inspection of final finish bodywork

25%

Sand vehicles surfaces

Between coats of primer in order to remove flaws and enhance adhesion for subsequent coats

80%

Spray prepared surfaces with foam insulation

Ensure proper foam coverage and thickness. Inspect insulation application for quality and consistency.

20%

Spray prepared compartment surfaces with lining

Ensure even liner coverage on compartment surfaces. Inspect liner application for quality and consistency.

20%

Receive, review and interpret instructions and prints. Plan details of working procedure, tooling and material requirements

10%

Technical Skills/Competencies (technical knowledge, education and experience)

Disassembly and assembly of service vehicles

High School diploma or equivalent

Knowledge of body working techniques and two years prior working experience in automotive bodywork

Experience with sanding, priming, foaming operation of the module and/or compartment liners

Personality Traits / Core Skills

High cooperation with weld and paint departments

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements

Cleanliness and operation of equipment including earplugs, respirators, spray gun and hoses

Ability to pass spirometric testing and physical examinations without restrictions

Complete all work as detailed in the summary of responsibilities of this position profile at acceptable productivity and quality levels

Demonstrate all technical skills/competencies and core skills as referenced in this job specification at acceptable productivity and quality levels

Demonstrate reasonable and reliable attendance

Maintain any required licensures and/or certifications

Operate all job-related equipment or machines at acceptable productivity and quality levels

Successfully pass a post offer drug test, as well as random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug and alcohol test thereafter

Ability to lift and move up to 30 pounds with assistance, regularly require to walk, talk and hear, reach with hands and arms, stand, crouch and kneel; frequently required to use hand to finger dexterity in order to handle objects, tools, and/or controls; occasionally required to stoop or crawl

About Us

At Braun Ambulances, we are committed to building the safest, highest-quality emergency vehicles in the industry. We value teamwork, innovation, and a culture where safety comes first. Braun Ambulances is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a safe and inclusive workplace for all employees.