Automotive Paint & Blasting Technician

Cherokee Federal•Barstow, CA

6d•$30

About The Position

Automotive Blasting & Paint Technician The Automotive Paint & Refinishing Technician is responsible for complete surface preparation, refinishing, defect correction, and reassembly of government vehicles and components in accordance with manufacturer specifications, industry best practices, and Department of Defense requirements. All work shall be performed in a controlled paint booth environment and in strict compliance with safety, environmental, and security protocols. Compensation & Benefits: Estimated Starting Salary Range for Automotive Blasting & Paint Technician : $30.00/HR Pay commensurate with experience. Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Requirements

Active T1 (Tier 1) Security Clearance required.
Must be eligible for and maintain a valid Common Access Card (CAC).
Minimum five (5) years of documented journeyman-level automotive painting and refinishing experience.
I-CAR or ASE certification in Painting and Refinishing strongly preferred.
Color Expertise: Demonstrated expert-level knowledge of color theory, tinting, blending, and factory color matching techniques.
Advanced proficiency in HVLP spray systems, paint booth operation, air systems, sanding equipment, and refinishing tools.
Proven knowledge of hazardous material handling, PPE requirements, and OSHA/DoD safety compliance.
Ability to stand for extended periods, lift components, and perform repetitive precision work in a controlled shop environment.
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a government, military, or secure facility environment.
Experience refinishing specialty substrates or military fleet vehicles.
Familiarity with OEM and military coating specifications.

Responsibilities

Conduct detailed initial inspections to determine scope of work, substrate material (steel, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass), and condition of existing coatings.
Identify corrosion, previous body repairs, paint failures, and required refinishing procedures.
Remove, label, inventory, and safely store trim, hardware, lighting, and associated components to ensure unobstructed access.
Perform precise color matching using computerized systems, spectrophotometers, and spray-out test panels to achieve factory-level accuracy and seamless blending.
Clean and degrease all surfaces using automotive-grade wax and grease removers to eliminate contaminants (silicone, oil, tar, road debris).
Strip, sand, and feather existing finishes using DA sanders, block sanding techniques, and appropriate abrasives.
Perform minor body repairs including application and shaping of fillers and glazing putties; sand to OEM-level contour standards.
Expertly mask and protect all non-painted areas using professional automotive masking materials to ensure crisp lines and zero overspray.
Operate and maintain a properly ventilated, filtered automotive paint booth.
Select and apply appropriate primers (etching, epoxy, high-build) based on substrate and repair requirements.
Apply guide coat and conduct final block sanding to ensure flatness, adhesion, and readiness for topcoat application.
Apply multiple uniform coats of basecoat using HVLP or equivalent professional spray equipment.
Achieve consistent coverage free of runs, sags, dry spray, or striping.
Apply multi-layer clearcoat systems to ensure durability, gloss, UV protection, and chemical resistance.
Ensure final finish meets OEM and DoD quality standards.
Monitor and manage proper curing processes (air dry or bake cycle) in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
Perform defect correction (“cut and buff”) including wet sanding, compounding, and polishing to eliminate dust nibs, orange peel, or minor imperfections.
Reassemble all components to original specifications.
Conduct final inspection and detailing to deliver a service-ready vehicle.
Properly handle and dispose of hazardous materials (solvents, paint waste, filters) in accordance with federal, state, local, and DoD environmental regulations.
Maintain strict adherence to paint booth safety standards and hazardous material protocols.
Utilize and maintain required PPE, including fit-tested fresh-air respirators.
Maintain a secure work environment in compliance with DoD facility requirements.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned