Paint Prepper

Paint Prepper

LOCATION: Bennington – Elkhart, IN

REPORTS TO: Group Leader/Supervisor

Job Summary

Bennington is the market-leading pontoon boat manufacturer and a wholly owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries, a Fortune 500 company. We pride ourselves on delivering a boating experience that is second to none through our emphasis on innovation, design, product quality, and relentless focus on customer satisfaction. Our team members live that passion every day and have fueled our growth across multiple facilities in Elkhart, IN.

A Paint Prepper provides support to the manufacturing team by preparing components and surfaces for paint application. This position is responsible for sanding, masking, cleaning, inspecting, and preparing parts to ensure proper paint adhesion and finish quality. A successful Paint Prepper works safely and efficiently while maintaining the quality standards expected by Bennington customers.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare boat components and related parts for paint application.
• Sand, clean, mask, tape, and inspect surfaces prior to painting.
• Remove contaminants, imperfections, and defects from painted surfaces.
• Follow established paint preparation procedures and quality standards.
• Verify components meet specifications before moving to paint operations.
• Assist with material movement and workflow between preparation and paint areas.
• Perform minor repairs and surface corrections as needed.
• Maintain tools and equipment in proper working condition.
• Conduct all work within company safety guidelines and requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
• Support multiple roles within the department as needed.
• Participate in continuous improvement and quality initiatives.

Skills & Knowledge

High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Previous manufacturing, body shop, paint prep, or automotive experience preferred. Ability to use hand tools, sanding equipment, and preparation materials safely. Strong attention to detail and quality standards. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Excellent organization and time-management skills. Positive attitude and effective communication skills. Willingness to cross-train and support departmental needs. Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks. Must be able to frequently lift up to 40 pounds. Willingness to work overtime and Saturdays when necessary to meet production demands.