Surface Finishing Technician (Auto Body Background)

LF Studios / LifeFormations; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A design and specialty fabrication studio in Cincinnati seeks a Surface Finishing Technician. The role involves preparing and refinishing surfaces for animatronic figures and scenic elements. Candidates should possess automotive bodywork experience and be familiar with various surface preparation techniques. Strong communication skills are essential as collaboration with teams is required. The studio values creativity and quality, offering an exciting environment for those who want to join a dynamic team working on unique projects.

Qualifications

• Must have automotive bodywork experience with surface finishing work portfolio.
• Knowledge of surface preparation techniques and methods.
• Dependable with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and finish surfaces on animated figures and scenic pieces.
• Collaborate with sculptors and painters to troubleshoot challenges.
• Maintain a safe working environment and adhere to quality standards.

Skills

Automotive bodywork experience

Surface preparation techniques

Communication skills

Knowledge of fiberglass work

Experience with electric and pneumatic tools

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Sanding tools

Grinders

Airbrushes

Spray equipment

Job description

LifeFormations is hiring a full-time Surface Finishing Technician at our Cincinnati location for high-quality animatronic and scenic element fabrication work in theme parks, museums, and immersive experiences worldwide. This position is responsible for preparing and refinishing surfaces on animated figures and scenic pieces to achieve flawless, production-ready finishes. The ideal candidate must have automotive bodywork experience including surface preparation, sanding, primer application, and match-plating, which will be applied to working with materials such as fiberglass, resins, foam, and silicone. Candidate must be a team player, problem solver, self-motivated to achieve superior quality and efficiency, curious, and have a critical eye for bringing complex creative elements to life with museum-quality finishes.

Responsibilities

• High quality surface finishing and preparation for animatronic figures and scenic elements destined for theme park installations.
• Learn and build upon the team's knowledge of entertainment industry materials and surface finishing methods as required on a project-by-project basis.
• Ability to problem-solve issues that may arise in the finishing of complex sculptural forms and multi-material assemblies.
• Ability to recognize surface imperfections and be motivated to problem-solve through them to achieve flawless finishes.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with sculptors, painters, and mechanical teams to preemptively identify and troubleshoot surface finishing challenges.
• Must be efficient and adaptable to changing creative processes and priorities in a fast-paced studio environment.
• Produce technically excellent work; high quality of craft and attention to detail is a must.
• Maintain a safe working environment.
• Ability to stay focused and productive throughout the day.
• Adhere to studio Quality Assurance standards and client specifications for themed entertainment projects.

Requirements

• Automotive bodywork experience with a portfolio of surface finishing work to support.
• Working knowledge of surface preparation techniques, sanding methods, and primer systems that can be adapted to entertainment industry materials.
• Knowledge of fiberglass work, composite materials, and various fabrication techniques.
• Experience with both electric and pneumatic tools including sanders, grinders, airbrushes, and spray equipment
• Dependable.
• Strong communication skills.
• Driver's license required.
• High school diploma required.
• This position is full-time; must have flexibility in your schedule to allow for extended hours as needed during project deadlines and installation periods.
• Advanced experience with automotive surface preparation techniques that can be applied to sculptural forms.
• Ability to read technical drawings and sculptural plans.
• Basic knowledge of animatronic mechanisms and themed entertainment construction.
• Experience with specialty coatings and weathering techniques.

LF is an eclectic, fast-paced studio full of artists, craftspeople, engineers, and builders who create unique, custom creations that are featured around the world in theme parks, museums and entertainment complexes. We celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and welcome any challenges thrown our way. In short, we make the seemingly impossible possible and are looking to continue to build our team with those who want to join us.

About LF Studios

LF Studios (Formerly LifeFormations) is design and specialty fabrication studio dedicated to telling stories, making people laugh and creating lasting memories for the world's leading attractions, exhibits, branded spaces and IP based products. We specialize in animatronics, static figures and specialty scenic. For more information about LF Studios, please visit www.lfstudios.com.