Paint Prepper

VIVE Collision; Nanuet (NY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

VIVE Collision is expanding and seeks a dedicated Paint Prepper to support our paint technicians. You will prep parts for refinishing, mask areas, and assist with priming and surface preparation to ensure a high-quality finish.

You will inspect work, maintain clean and safe work areas, and collaborate with body technicians and production staff to meet deadlines in a fast-paced shop environment. Must be able to wear PPE as required.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• License and clean MVR required.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; auto body cert a plus.
• Basic knowledge of paint prep and refinishing processes.
• Ability to read repair orders and work instructions.
• Strong attention to detail and quality workmanship.
• Excellent teamwork and communication.
• Able to multitask in a fast-paced shop.
• Willing to wear respirator and PPE as required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare vehicles and parts for refinishing, including sanding, cleaning, masking, and removing oils and debris.
• Mask and protect components not receiving paint.
• Assist paint technicians with prep and refinishing activities.
• Apply primers and prep surfaces per OEM standards.
• Buff and polish painted surfaces for high-quality finish.
• Inspect work and correct defects before delivery.
• Move and position vehicles to support workflow as needed.
• Stock paint materials and maintain shop cleanliness and safety.
• Participate in ongoing technical training.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Multitasking

Communication

PPE compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Auto body certification (preferred)

Job description

VIVE Collision is Growing and We Want to Invest in You!

We are disrupting collision repair through People, Process and Passion.

As a Paint Prepper, you will be responsible for supporting our paint technicians. In this position, you will prepare various auto parts for the paint application process and ensure quality work has been completed.

Job Requirements

• Prepare vehicles and replacement parts for refinishing sanding, cleaning, masking, and removing oils, debris, contaminants, and surface imperfections.
• Mask and protect vehicle components that should not receive paint during the refinishing process.
• Assist Paint Technicians with paint preparation and refinishing activities as needed.
• Apply primers and prepare repaired surfaces for paint application in accordance with company and OEM standards.
• Buff, polish, and clean painted surfaces after refinishing to achieve a high-quality finish.
• Inspect completed work and identify defects requiring correction before vehicle delivery.
• Perform minor finishing corrections as directed by the Paint Technician.
• Request paint materials, supplies, and consumables necessary to complete repairs efficiently.
• Maintain paint preparation equipment, tools, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Follow all company policies, OEM repair procedures, and federal, state, local, and company safety regulations.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, while performing refinishing operations.
• Participate in ongoing training to develop technical skills and industry knowledge.
• Work collaboratively with Paint Technicians, Body Technicians, and production staff to meet repair deadlines.
• When applicable, safely move and relocate vehicles in and out of the paint area and throughout the facility and lot to support the repair and refinishing process and maintain an efficient workflow.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support shop operations.

Skills & Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• A valid driver’s license and satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR) are required.
• Previous experience as a Paint Prep Technician or in an automotive collision repair environment preferred.
• High school diploma, GED, or Auto Body Vocational/Technical certification preferred but not required.
• Basic knowledge of automotive paint preparation and refinishing processes preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret repair orders, work instructions, and written estimates.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
• Must be able to wear a respirator and other required personal protective equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stoop, bend, squat, kneel and pull
• Extended periods of kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping to complete or inspect repairs
• Carry and lift heavy objects (up to 80lbs)
• Manual dexterity and eye/hand coordination to operate equipment