Body Shop Buffer/Paint Correction Tech - $2,500 New Hire Bonus

Auto Body Repair Technician I

Company: Cox Automotive - USA

Job Family Group: Vehicle Operations

Management Level: Individual Contributor

Flexible Work Option: No remote option; must work at a specified Cox location

Travel %: No

Work Shift: Day

Compensation: Hourly base pay rate is $15.10 - $22.69/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.

Job Description

Core Responsibilities

• Paint Correction: Buff and polish freshly painted panels to remove orange peel, dust nibs, runs, sanding marks, and swirl marks.
• Color Sanding: Wet sand clear coats and painted surfaces to eliminate imperfections and prepare panels for final finishing.
• Equipment Operation: Safely operate rotary and dual-action polishers, utilizing various pads, compounds, and polishing systems to achieve high-quality results.
• Quality Inspection: Inspect completed repairs under specialized lighting to ensure a factory-matched finish and mirror-like shine.
• Final Detailing: Remove compound residue, body dust, overspray, and other contaminants from repaired vehicles prior to delivery.
• Final Quality Control: Verify that all repaired panels meet company and customer quality standards before final sign-off.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with painters, body technicians, and management to meet production schedules and quality expectations.
• Work Area Maintenance: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while properly caring for tools and equipment.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: 1 to 2 years of experience in an automotive body shop, collision center, reconditioning facility, or professional detailing environment preferred.
• Technical Skills: Knowledge of automotive paint systems, clear coats, color sanding techniques, cutting compounds, polishing products, and safe buffer operation.
• Attention to Detail: Strong ability to identify paint defects and consistently deliver high-quality finishes.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods, bend, kneel, reach, and lift up to 15 pounds.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize work, meet production deadlines, and maintain quality standards in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Ability to work effectively with team members and follow verbal and written instructions.

Drug Testing: To be employed in this role, you'll need to clear a pre-employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre-employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug-free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.

Benefits: Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.

About Us: Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells or simply uses cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry-leading dealer-facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people-centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.EOE, including disability/vetsApplicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.