Paint Protection Film Application Technician

Gilder Search Group; Twinsburg (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group seeks an experienced Paint Protection Film (PPF) Application Technician to deliver flawless film installations on luxury and exotic vehicles. You will handle surface prep, precision cutting, and seamless film application in a climate-controlled workshop, reporting to the Shop Manager.

The role requires 3–5 years of PPF experience, proficiency with XPEL/SunTek/STEK/3M, and a sharp eye for detail.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional experience installing PPF in automotive environments.
• Proficiency with major film brands: XPEL, SunTek, STEK, 3M.
• Strong eye for detail and alignment accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Apply PPF to full and partial vehicle wraps and high-impact areas.
• Prepare surfaces with cleaning, clay bar, and paint correction.
• Use plotters and cutting software to generate vehicle templates.
• Hand-trim film directly on vehicles with precision to avoid paint damage.
• Inspect finished installations to ensure ultra-high quality standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reliability

Punctuality

Tools

Plotters

Cutting software

Heat guns

Squeegees

Torches

Trimming knives

Job description

Title: Paint Protection Film (PPF) Application Technician

Shift: Day shift, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Salary: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour, plus performance bonuses, dependent on experience

Paint Protection Film (PPF) Application Technician Role:

The PPF Application Technician exists to deliver flawless, high-end film installations on luxury and exotic vehicles while ensuring the highest standards of quality control and workshop efficiency. This role is responsible for complete surface preparation, precision cutting, and seamless film application to protect and enhance client vehicles.

Paint Protection Film (PPF) Application Technician Responsibilities:

• Apply PPF to various vehicle surfaces including full wraps, partial wraps, and high-impact areas
• Perform meticulous surface preparation including deep cleaning, clay bar treatment, and paint correction
• Utilize computerized cutting software and plotters to output vehicle templates
• Hand-trim bulk film directly on the vehicle with extreme precision without damaging paint
• Inspect completed vehicles to ensure installations meet ultra-high standards of excellence
• Post-heat film edges and troubleshoot any lifting or alignment issues
• Maintain a clean, organized, and dust-controlled cleanroom workspace
• Manage film inventory and track material waste to minimize shop costs
• Interface with clients to explain the installation process and provide post-care instructions

Paint Protection Film (PPF) Application Technician Reporting Relationships:

The candidate will report directly to the Shop Manager and will not have any direct reports.

About You:

• Possess 3–5 years of professional experience specifically installing PPF in the automotive industry
• Demonstrate proficiency with major film brands including XPEL, SunTek, STEK, and 3M
• Exhibit an uncompromising eye for detail with the ability to spot minor paint defects and alignment errors
• Master the handling of squeegees, heat guns, torches, and precision trimming knives
• Maintain the physical stamina to stand for long periods, bend, kneel, and work with hands above the head
• Hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record to safely move client vehicles
• Display strong reliability, punctuality, and a professional work ethic

Additional Information:

• Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
• This position requires working in a climate-controlled automotive workshop environment and involves physical demands such as lifting up to 50 pounds, repetitive hand motions, and prolonged periods of standing.

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