Prep Technician

Aerotek; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Aerotek is hiring a Prep Technician for 1st shift in Texas. The role focuses on preparing flatbeds and utility boxes for painting, including sanding, masking, and disassembly as needed to ensure surfaces are ready for the paint booth.

Ideal candidates have 1–2 years' experience in paint prep, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work safely in a fast-paced auto shop environment.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in paint preparation or a related role.
• Proficient in sanding, prepping, masking metal surfaces for painting.
• Hands-on experience with paint prep processes including masking and sanding.
• Ability to safely operate power sanders and related prep tools.
• Comfort working under trucks and in a dusty auto shop environment.
• Experience with mechanical assembly/disassembly prior to prep.
• Able to follow instructions, safety procedures and timelines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare flatbeds, utility boxes, and metal components for painting by sanding, masking, taping, and cleaning surfaces.
• Operate power sanders and paint prep tools for smooth, paint-ready finishes on parts.
• Perform general labor tasks related to paint preparation and assist with prep equipment.
• Carry out mechanical assembly/disassembly of parts before metal prep.
• Work around trucks to access required prep areas.
• Support custom work on diesel pickups by preparing all surfaces for painting.
• Assist with assembly tasks as needed, following instructions with accuracy.
• Follow safety procedures and wear PPE at all times.
• Maintain a clean, organized work area and manage dust from sanding.
• Collaborate with team members to meet production schedules in a fast-paced shop.

Skills

Paint prep

Sanding

Masking

Power tools

Mechanical assembly

Safety procedures

Detail orientation

Job description

Job Description

Prep Technician: 1st Shift $20hr

40+ hrs

Job Description

The Prep Technician prepares flatbeds and utility boxes for painting by performing detailed sanding, masking, and general paint preparation on custom diesel pickup trucks and related equipment. This role focuses on ensuring all metal components are properly prepped before entering the paint booth, including mechanical assembly and disassembly of parts when needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare flatbeds, utility boxes, and related metal components for painting by sanding, masking, taping, and cleaning surfaces.
• Operate power sanders and other paint prep tools to achieve smooth, paint-ready finishes on small and large parts.
• Perform general labor tasks related to paint preparation, including sanding boxes and flatbeds and assisting with paint prep equipment.
• Carry out mechanical assembly and disassembly of parts prior to prepping metal surfaces, ensuring components are correctly removed and reinstalled.
• Work under and around trucks as needed to access all areas that require preparation.
• Support custom work on diesel pickup trucks by preparing all required surfaces for painting.
• Assist with assembly tasks when required, following instructions and maintaining accuracy and quality.
• Follow safety procedures at all times, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and adherence to shop safety guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, managing dust and debris created by sanding and prep activities.
• Collaborate with team members and other departments to meet production schedules in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in paint preparation or a closely related role.
• Proficiency in sanding, prepping, taping, and masking metal surfaces for painting.
• Hands-on experience with paint prep processes including masking, sanding, and bonding.
• Ability to safely operate power sanders and related paint prep tools.
• Capability to work under trucks and in varied positions to access all required areas.
• Experience with mechanical assembly and disassembly of small and large parts prior to metal prep.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, dusty auto shop environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, paint-ready surfaces.
• Ability to follow instructions, safety procedures, and production timelines reliably.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in an automotive or truck body shop environment.
• Familiarity with preparing flatbeds, utility boxes, or similar equipment for painting.
• Ability to cross-train on additional tasks and functions within the shop.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and adapt to evolving processes and equipment.

Why Work Here?

You join a team that values hands-on skill development and offers clear opportunities for growth. You can cross-train on different tasks and move between departments, expanding your expertise across the operation. As you learn more and take on additional responsibilities, your earning potential increases. The environment rewards initiative, hard work, and continuous learning, providing a solid path for long-term career development in a stable, production-focused setting.

Work Environment

The role is based in an auto shop environment that is fast-paced, dusty, and not climate controlled. You may move between indoor shop areas and outdoor work areas as required by the job. The work involves regular physical activity, including working under trucks and handling both small and large metal parts. You will use paint preparation tools such as power sanders and other shop equipment. Personal protective equipment is required and includes protective glasses, knee pads, steel-toe boots, a hard hat, and gloves, which must be worn as directed to maintain a safe working environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Red Oak, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $20.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for