CarStar Northwest is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Auto Body Painter to join our dedicated team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for producing high-quality work and a deep understanding of modern automotive paint systems. As an Auto Body Painter, you will be responsible for preparing, painting, and refinishing vehicles to restore them to their pre-accident condition, ensuring a flawless, factory-quality finish. Your expertise will be a critical part of our commitment to customer satisfaction and excellence in collision repair.

Key Responsibilities

• Vehicle Preparation: Prepare vehicles for painting by performing tasks such as cleaning, sanding, masking, and applying primer, sealer, and other necessary undercoats.
• Color Matching: Accurately mix and tint paint to match OEM colors and finishes using computer-controlled mixing equipment, paint codes, and color-matching cameras (spectrophotometers).
• Paint Application: Apply base coats, mid-coats (pearls, metallics), and clear coats using high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) spray guns to achieve a smooth and uniform finish.
• Refinishing: Buff, polish, and detail finished jobs to remove any imperfections, ensuring a high-gloss, factory-quality appearance.
• Quality Control: Inspect all personal work and the work of others to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality before the vehicle is returned to the customer.
• Equipment Maintenance: Clean and maintain all painting equipment, including spray guns, mixing systems, and the paint booth, to ensure proper operation and safety.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to all safety protocols (OSHA, EPA) regarding the handling and disposal of hazardous materials. Consistently use all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators, gloves, and eye protection.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of time, materials used, and work performed on each job order.

Qualifications and Skills

Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience as an auto body painter or refinish technician in a collision repair facility.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in modern paint application techniques, including waterborne and solvent-based systems.
• Expertise in color matching, tinting, and blending.
• Strong knowledge of surface preparation and finishing procedures (sanding, buffing, polishing).
• Ability to operate and maintain standard refinishing equipment.

Certifications (Preferred):

• I-CAR Refinish Technician certification is highly preferred.
• ASE B2 (Painting & Refinishing) certification is a plus.
• Manufacturer-specific training certifications are beneficial.

Personal Attributes:

• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Must own a set of professional-grade tools.
• Physical Demands & Work Environment – Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Requires frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, and lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Work is performed in a body shop environment with exposure to dust, fumes, noise, and other environmental conditions.
• Use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory.

CarStar Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.