Grinder​/sander Operators

Job Title

Finisher / Paint Prep Technician

This role prepares large, custom, special-purpose vehicle components for welding, assembly, and paint by performing detailed sanding, grinding, surface repair, and finishing work. You use hand and power tools to bring parts and assemblies to precise cosmetic and structural specifications, working from shop documentation and collaborating with a production team in a busy manufacturing environment.

• Sand and grind parts, components, and assemblies to prepare them for welding, assembly operations, or paint, following established specifications and procedures.
• Bevel edges in preparation for welding and perform feathering, fluting, flattening, and leveling of surfaces to remove severe corners and reduce surface stress areas subject to fatigue fractures.
• Remove sharp edges, burrs, and burns from parts and detect dents, holes, and other substrate irregularities that require repair.
• Work from process sheets, shop orders, blueprints, prints, schedules, pick-lists, schematics, and written or verbal instructions to complete assigned tasks accurately and on time.
• Blow off and wipe down components or units to remove grit, grease, and other foreign material prior to further processing or paint.
• Inspect cabs, bodies, and components for obvious defects such as dents in panel sections, rough weld beads, fractures, undulations, wavy surfaces, and similar conditions.
• Repair surface defects by applying filler, filing, sanding, and blending areas to meet required cosmetic and surface finish standards.
• Apply primer over corrected areas and exposed aluminum as required to prepare surfaces for subsequent coatings.
• Wire brush welds to remove smoke and residue, grind and remove excess weld beads, and smooth weld areas to meet cosmetic criteria and specifications.
• Identify and call attention to weld defects such as fractures, voids, porosity, and distortion so they can be addressed appropriately.
• Select and change grades of abrasives and compounds to meet specific finishing requirements for different materials and surfaces.
• Polish and buff surfaces, including tread plates and non-painted surfaces, to remove scratches and achieve required cosmetic appearance.
• Flat-surface sand specified pieces, adjusting sander pressure to obtain a symmetrical pattern across the surface and meet cosmetic standards.
• Remove doors or other components from units as needed, place them on work stands or fixtures, and mount hinges and backup bars in place according to instructions.
• Use hand tools and power tools, such as grinders, sanders, files, and other finishing equipment, safely and effectively throughout the finishing process.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, including proper handling and storage of tools, equipment, and materials.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working in an open-air manufacturing facility, including the proper use of personal protective equipment.
• Collaborate with team members, assist others as needed, and contribute to a positive and productive team environment.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance, strong work ethic, and a self-motivated approach to learning and taking on new tasks.

• Ability to read and interpret tape measures accurately to 1/16 of an inch.
• Proficiency using hand and power tools, including grinders, sanders, files, and other finishing tools.
• Experience working with spraying equipment, fixtures, and other common manufacturing tools.
• Ability to read and work from blueprints, schematics, shop orders, process sheets, and related documentation.
• Strong attention to detail in detecting dents, holes, weld defects, and other surface imperfections.
• Capability to perform sanding, grinding, beveling, buffing, and polishing operations to meet cosmetic and structural specifications.
• Reliable attendance and consistent work ethic in a production environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and willingness to help others.
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision once trained.
• Willingness and ability to learn new processes, tools, and techniques.
• Comfort working in an open-air manufacturing environment with varying temperatures.

• Experience operating forklifts in a manufacturing or warehouse setting.
• Familiarity with paint preparation processes, including surface cleaning, priming, and basic paint prep techniques.
• Experience working with large vehicle bodies, custom fabrications, or similar heavy manufacturing products.
• Ability to use measuring tools such as squares and other layout tools for accurate part preparation.
• Previous experience in metal finishing, bodywork, or automotive refinishing is beneficial.
• Comfort working with various grades of abrasives and polishing compounds to achieve different finishes.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and production schedules.

You join a growing manufacturing organization that invests in your development and long-term…