Body Shop Prepper

Cox Automotive is seeking a skilled Body Shop Prepper to support our high-volume automotive operations. In this role, you'll prepare vehicle bodies for paint by sanding, masking, and applying primers and sealers to manufacturer and shop standards. You'll inspect surfaces, correct imperfections, and work closely with painters and technicians to ensure a smooth, paint-ready finish. This is an on-site, hands-on position in a fast-paced body shop where safety, quality, and efficiency are paramount.

At Cox Automotive, you'll join a people-first, innovative culture with strong benefits, growth opportunities across our leading brands, and the chance to impact the future of automotive retail and remarketing.

Responsibilities

• Prepare vehicle bodies for paint by sanding, masking, and priming surfaces
• Inspect vehicles for body and surface defects and perform necessary prep repairs
• Mix and apply primers and sealers according to specifications and safety standards
• Use hand and power tools, sanders, and fillers to achieve smooth, paint-ready surfaces
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety of the body shop work area
• Follow repair orders, production schedules, and quality control procedures
• Collaborate with painters, estimators, and technicians to meet cycle time goals
• Document work performed and report issues or delays to supervisors
• Adhere to OSHA, shop safety, and environmental regulations for materials handling
• Care for and maintain personal and shop tools and equipment

Required Skills

• Automotive body prep (sanding, masking, priming)
• Use of body shop hand and power tools
• Surface defect identification and repair
• Automotive refinishing materials and mixing
• Reading repair orders and following procedures
• Shop and OSHA safety compliance
• Time management in high-volume environment
• Basic collision repair knowledge
• Attention to detail and quality control
• Vehicle movement and basic driving skills