Sand/Polish Technician

Suburban-Automotive-Services-; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Suburban-Automotive-Services- is seeking a Paint Shop Technician to handle automotive preparation, repair, finishing, and teardown across detailing, polishing, body work, painting, and mechanical support. The role requires detail orientation and safety awareness in a fast-paced shop.

Starting pay is $20/hour with opportunities to grow; hours are Monday–Friday 6:30am–3pm, with potential overtime based on workload.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; trade school or certification preferred.
• 0–5+ years in automotive detailing, polishing, teardown, painting, body work or mechanical support.
• Basic to advanced automotive background with teardown/reassembly familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Detailing and surface preparation to meet quality standards.
• Wet sand and polish surfaces to achieve required finish quality.
• Disassemble and reassemble body parts for paint/finish operations.
• Install paint protection film, vinyl wraps, and window tint with care.
• Perform basic mechanical repairs and use shop tools safely.
• Collaborate with team to meet daily production goals and track hours.

Skills

Automotive detailing

Polishing

Teardown

Painting

Body work

Mechanical support

Team collaboration

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Trade school or technical certification

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Polishing equipment

Job description

The Paint Shop Technician role encompasses a broad range of automotive preparation, repair, finishing, and teardown responsibilities. Technicians may specialize in one functional area - such as detailing, polishing, teardown, painting, body work, or mechanical support - or be cross-trained to perform multiple disciplines based on skill level and shop needs.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring vehicles meet quality, appearance, and performance standards prior to delivery, display, or release. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on paint and body shop environment.

SalaryOverview:

The pay rate for this role starts at $20 per hour based on experience.

Hours:

The hours for this role are Monday through Friday 6:30am to 3pm.

Paint Shop Technician Responsibilities Include:

Detailing, Polishing & Surface Preparation

• Clean and detail vehicle interiors and exteriors to meet quality standards.


• Wet sand and polish vehicle surfaces to achieve the required finish quality.


• Vacuum, wipe, and prep vehicle surfaces for paint, wrap, or delivery.


• Remove plastic coverings, decals, and stickers; ensure vehicles are spotless.


• Perform final finish inspections and minimize rework.

Teardown, Assembly & Installation

• Perform vehicle teardown and reassembly to support paint and finishing processes.


• Disassemble and reassemble body parts, trim, and related components.


• Remove and install paint protection film (PPF), vinyl wraps, and window tint with precision.


• Identify parts needed and communicate supplemental repair or replacement needs.

Body Work & Repair Support

• Perform sheet metal, fiberglass, and other substrate repairs as applicable.


• Apply filler and smooth surfaces to OEM standards.


• Support body repair and finishing tasks based on skill level and training.

Painting & Finishing Support

• Assist with mixing and preparing paint to precise formulas (as applicable).


• Prime, tape, and paint full vehicles or components based on experience.


• Maintain paint booth cleanliness and related equipment.

Mechanical & Technical Support

• Perform basic mechanical repairs, diagnostics, or support work as needed.


• Use automotive hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment safely.


• Support surface preparation and finishing operations across the shop.

Team Collaboration & Workflow Support

• Collaborate with paint shop staff to meet daily production goals and deadlines.


• Accurately record labor hours per vehicle and maintain tracking documentation.


• Maintain organization and cleanliness of tools, equipment, and work areas.


• Follow all established processes, procedures, and safety guidelines.


• Support overall shop operations and assist other departments as needed.


• Train or mentor junior team members when applicable.

Paint Shop Technician Qualifications and Skills:

• High School Diploma or GED required; trade school or technical certification preferred.


• 0-5+ years of experience in automotive detailing, polishing, teardown, painting, body work, or mechanical support (depending on area of focus).


• Basic to advanced automotive background with familiarity in vehicle teardown and reassembly.


• Experience using automotive hand tools, power tools, polishing equipment, and shop machinery.


• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship.


• Self-starter with strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a team-based shop environment.


• Ability to read, write, and speak English.


• Valid driver's license required.


• Must meet company background check and drug screen requirements.


• ASE and I-CAR certifications are a plus.