Sand/Polish Technician

Suburban Automotive Services • Sterling Heights, MI

1d

About The Position

The Sand/Polish Technician role encompasses automotive preparation, repair, finishing, and teardown responsibilities. Technicians may focus on detailing, polishing, teardown, painting, body work, or mechanical support, or may be cross-trained across multiple disciplines based on their skills and shop needs. The role helps ensure vehicles meet quality, appearance, and performance standards before delivery, display, or release. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and comfortable in a fast-paced, hands-on paint and body shop environment.

The pay rate starts at $20 per hour, based on experience. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 0–5+ years of experience in automotive detailing, polishing, teardown, painting, body work, or mechanical support, depending on area of focus.
• Basic to advanced automotive background with familiarity in vehicle teardown and reassembly.
• Experience using automotive hand tools, power tools, polishing equipment, and shop machinery.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship.
• Self-starter with strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based shop environment.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must meet company background check and drug screen requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Trade school or technical certification preferred.
• ASE and I-CAR certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Clean and detail vehicle interiors and exteriors to meet quality standards.
• Wet sand and polish vehicle surfaces to achieve the required finish quality.
• Vacuum, wipe, and prepare vehicle surfaces for paint, wrap, or delivery.
• Remove plastic coverings, decals, and stickers, and ensure vehicles are spotless.
• Perform final finish inspections and minimize rework.
• Perform vehicle teardown and reassembly to support paint and finishing processes.
• Disassemble and reassemble body parts, trim, and related components.
• Remove and install paint protection film (PPF), vinyl wraps, and window tint with precision.
• Identify parts needed and communicate supplemental repair or replacement needs.
• Perform sheet metal, fiberglass, and other substrate repairs as applicable.
• Apply filler and smooth surfaces to OEM standards.
• Support body repair and finishing tasks based on skill level and training.
• Assist with mixing and preparing paint to precise formulas, as applicable.
• Prime, tape, and paint full vehicles or components based on experience.
• Maintain paint booth cleanliness and related equipment.
• Perform basic mechanical repairs, diagnostics, or support work as needed.
• Use automotive hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment safely.
• Support surface preparation and finishing operations across the shop.
• Collaborate with paint shop staff to meet daily production goals and deadlines.
• Accurately record labor hours per vehicle and maintain tracking documentation.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of tools, equipment, and work areas.
• Follow established processes, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Support overall shop operations and assist other departments as needed.
• Train or mentor junior team members when applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED