Paint Prepper

Puget Collision; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Puget Collision in Orange, CA is hiring a Paint Prepper to perform preparation and paint tasks for vehicles under supervision. The role requires accurate paint application, color-matching, masking, and safe equipment handling in a fast-paced shop. Non-Exempt, full-time hourly position with competitive pay.

The candidate will prepare surfaces, ensure quality, follow production schedules, and maintain PPE and shop safety standards to support timely repairs.

Qualifications

• I-CAR Certification within 1 year of hire.
• Understanding of paint application for auto collision repair.
• Ability to read, understand, and perform written instructions accurately.

Responsibilities

• Inspect quality of repairs before painting begins.
• Ensure safe and organized vehicle flow for the Paint department.
• Adhere to paint production schedule as designated by Lead Painter.
• Capable of operating Spray Booth and related paint equipment.
• Mask and protect vehicles appropriately.
• Clean and sand prep area for spraying.
• Accurately mix paints to color code.
• Spot paint and assess color and finish quality.
• Disassemble, clean and reassemble painting equipment.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area with PPE and hazard controls.

Skills

Read and interpret instructions

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Education

I-CAR Certification

Tools

Spray booth operation

Paint mixing equipment

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Paint Prepper

New Hire Orange, Orange, CA, US

Salary Range: $18.00 To $22.00 Hourly

Job Description: Auto Paint Prepper

The Automotive Paint Prepper is responsible for accurate paint application for every vehicle repaired under the supervision of a Lead Painter. The paint helpermust ensure quality in protection of vehicle and paint application while providing a timely delivery to meet repair target dates.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Location: Full Time Hourly

Job Responsibilities:

• Inspect quality of repairs, received by the Body Department before painting begins.
• Ensures safe and organized vehicle flow in and out for the Paint department
• Adhere to paint production schedule as designated by Lead Painter
• Capable of operating Spray Booth & other paint related equipment
• Ability to mask and apply protection for a vehicle appropriately.
• Knowledgeable in cleaning and sand prepping the area for spraying.
• Accurately selects paint materials and mixes paint accurately to color code.
• Ability to spot paint accurately, seeing details at a close range and judging colors accurately.
• Skilled in applying paint that is corrosion resistant and creates a smooth, consistent finish.
• Ability to disassemble, clean and reassemble painting equipment
• Return spray booth and mix room to pre-paint condition after each repair.
• Ensures a clean and safe work area, utilizing PPE equipment effectively, hazardous waste compliance is followed.
• Bring shortages of supplies to the attention of the Lead Painter for replenishment
• Adhere to company standard for paint supplies and product.

Key Performance Metrics

• Paint Gross Profit of 60% or higher with efficient paint usage and limited overuse
• Customer Service Index Score 95+ for Quality, Done on Time, and Net Promoter Score

Skills/Technical Qualifications:

• I-CAR Certification required withing 1 st year of employment.
• Basic understanding of all facets of paint application for automobile collision repair.
• The ability to read, understand, and perform written instructions accurately and consistently and to work independently as well as with others in an organized manner.

Behavioral Excellence Required:

• Perform all assigned responsibilities according to the Company Standard Operating Procedures.
• Participate in training programs as required to maintain the technical and professional skills and techniques necessary for this position
• Maintain a clean, organized work area always, adhering to 5S organization.
• Extend normal working hours as necessary to accommodate workload and customer requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in an automotive collision repair and paint shop environment for extended periods.
• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach while preparing vehicle surfaces for paint.
• Ability to work in various positions, including above shoulder level, below waist level, and in confined spaces.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 25 pounds frequently.
• Ability to use hands and fingers for repetitive sanding, masking, cleaning, taping, buffing, and operation of hand and power tools.
• Ability to safely operate sanding equipment, spray guns, buffers, grinders, and other paint preparation tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions for extended periods while maintaining quality and productivity standards.
• Ability to visually inspect vehicle surfaces for dents, imperfections, contaminants, paint defects, and repair quality, including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision.
• Ability to distinguish colors and color variations for paint preparation and quality control purposes.
• Ability to enter, exit, and maneuver around vehicles of various sizes and configurations.
• Ability to safely navigate around moving vehicles, equipment, tools, and active repair operations.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to noise, dust, paint fumes, solvents, chemicals, and varying temperatures while utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators when necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively with painters, technicians, supervisors, and coworkers regarding repair status, quality concerns, and production needs.
• Ability to maintain a clean and organized work area and follow all safety procedures in a fast-paced production environment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.