Auto Body Prepper and Taper Technician

Cox Automotive is seeking an Auto Body Prepper and Taper Technician to support our high-volume remarketing operations. In this role, you'll prepare, sand, and mask vehicle surfaces for refinishing, ensuring consistent, high-quality results that meet shop and OEM standards. You'll mix and apply fillers and primers, tape and protect non-painted areas, and inspect work before it moves to paint. Working in a collaborative, people-first environment, you'll follow safety and environmental guidelines while helping deliver reliable, ready-for-sale vehicles to our dealer and commercial clients.

Responsibilities

• Prepare vehicle surfaces by cleaning, sanding, and masking for paint and refinishing
• Mix, apply, and smooth fillers and primers to repair imperfections
• Tape and mask vehicles with precision to protect non-painted areas
• Inspect bodywork and prep quality, correcting defects before paint
• Follow work orders, repair standards, and OEM guidelines
• Use sanding, grinding, and finishing tools safely and efficiently
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and equipment
• Collaborate with painters, estimators, and technicians to meet cycle-time goals
• Document work performed and follow Cox Automotive quality procedures
• Adhere to safety, environmental, and PPE requirements

Required Skills

• Auto body surface preparation
• Vehicle masking and taping
• Sanding and grinding tools
• Filler and primer application
• Automotive refinishing processes
• Reading repair orders
• Shop safety and PPEDetail and quality inspection
• Time and cycle-time management
• Basic hand and power tools