Sand/Polish Technician

GLS North America; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

GLS North America seeks a detail- and paint-focused Paint Shop Technician to support automotive finishing, teardown, and body work in a fast-paced shop environment. The role covers multiple disciplines with potential cross-training based on skill and shop needs.

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and capable of working with hand tools, polishing equipment, and paint processes. HS diploma required; entry to mid-level experience acceptable, with training provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; trade/tech cert preferred.
• 0–5+ years in automotive detailing, polishing, teardown, painting or body work.
• Experience with vehicle teardown and reassembly.
• Ability to use automotive hand/power tools, polishing equipment, and shop machinery.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• English reading/writing/speaking required; valid driver's license.
• ASE and I-CAR certs are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Detail interiors and exteriors to meet quality standards.
• Wet sand and polish surfaces to achieve finish quality.
• Prep surfaces for paint, wrap or delivery; remove coverings.
• Perform teardown and reassembly to support painting and finishing.
• Repair sheet metal, fiberglass, and other substrates as needed.
• Assist with paint mixing, priming, tape and painting full vehicles.
• Maintain paint booth cleanliness and operate related equipment.
• Record labor hours and keep shop area organized.
• Collaborate with team to meet daily production goals.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Trade school or technical certification

Experience in automotive detailing, polishing, teardown, painting, body work, or mechanical support

English reading/writing/speaking

Valid driver’s license

Background check and drug screen

ASE and I-CAR certifications (plus)

Tools

Automotive hand tools

Power tools

Polishing equipment

Shop machinery

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.

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.