Sand/Polish Technician

Suburban Automotive Services, LLC; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Same-day pay

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401K with company match

Paid time off

Growth opportunities

Recognition programs

Job summary

Suburban Automotive Services, LLC is hiring a Paint Shop Technician in Michigan to perform automotive preparation, repair, finishing, and teardown. The role may specialize in detailing, polishing, teardown, painting, body work, or mechanical support, or be cross-trained as needed based on skill and shop demand.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and comfortable in a fast-paced paint and body shop environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; trade school or certification preferred.
• 0-5+ years of experience in automotive detailing, polishing, teardown, painting, body work, or mechanical support.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Detail vehicle interiors and exteriors to meet quality standards.
• Wet sand and polish vehicle surfaces to achieve finish quality.
• Vacuum, wipe, and prep vehicle surfaces for paint, wrap, or delivery.
• Remove coverings, decals, and stickers; ensure vehicles are spotless.
• Perform final finish inspections and minimize rework.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Team collaboration

English proficient

Safety-conscious

Self-starter

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Trade school or certification

Tools

Automotive hand tools

Power tools

Polishing equipment

Shop machinery

Job description

The Paint Shop is the premier destination for vehicle and component coatings and repair solutions. Specializing in the art of precision, our experts are dedicated to delivering superior quality craftsmanship, with each project exhibiting our signature attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

Why Work for Us?

• Stability & Success: 75+ years of family-owned excellence.
• Work-Life Balance: Consistent scheduling so you’ll always know when you’re working.
• Weekly Pay & On-Demand Pay: Get paid every week, with access to same-day pay when you need it.
• Benefits for All Stages of Life: From medical, dental, and vision coverage, to disability and life insurance, we’ve got you covered.
• 401K with Company Match: Plan for your future while working with us.
• Paid Time Off: 2 weeks of PTO starting after just 30 days.
• Recognition Programs: We celebrate your hard work through multiple recognition programs based on service, values, and performance.
• Growth & Leadership Experience: We believe in developing our team and promoting from within.
• Inclusive Work Culture: Work alongside diverse talent with a range of skills and knowledge.
• Community Engagement: We're proud to support our local communities through participation in various events.

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.

Salary Overview

The pay rate for this role starts at $23 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.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.