LEAD AUTOMOTIVE PAINT & BODY TECHNICIAN
4 days ago
Phoenix
Job Description LEAD AUTOMOTIVE PAINT & BODY TECHNICIAN ABOUT THE FLEET SHOP The Fleet Shop is a growing commercial fleet repair and body shop in Phoenix, Arizona, serving fleets of all sizes. We specialize in comprehensive maintenance and repair services for passenger vehicles, light-duty through Class 8 heavy-duty trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles. Our team takes pride in delivering high-quality workmanship that keeps fleets safe, reliable, and road-ready. We’re looking for skilled, motivated professionals who want to build a long-term career in a modern, fleet-focused shop with unwavering commitment to quality work and customer satisfaction. POSITION SUMMARY We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Automotive Paint & Body Technician who combines master-level craftsmanship with proven leadership abilities. This is a critical role where you'll oversee collision repair and paint operations while providing technical expertise, mentorship, and quality control to our body shop team. You'll be responsible for performing complex structural repairs, precision paint work, and custom fabrication while ensuring all work meets manufacturer specifications and customer expectations. If you're a detail-oriented technician who takes pride in flawless finishes, can restore damaged vehicles to like-new condition, and enjoys leading a team to excellence—this role is for you. WHO YOU ARE You're a master-level paint and body technician with extensive collision repair experience who takes immense pride in your craftsmanship. You have an eye for detail and won't settle for anything less than a perfect finish. You're confident working with modern paint systems, structural repair equipment, and computerized measuring systems. You understand that great bodywork requires both technical skill and artistic ability—especially when it comes to color matching and blending. Despite your expertise, you're a team player who enjoys mentoring others and sharing your knowledge. You're comfortable managing workflow, ensuring quality standards, and keeping the shop running efficiently. WHAT YOU WILL DO • Perform structural and non-structural collision repairs on fleet vehicles including frame straightening, panel replacement, and metal fabrication, • Execute precision paint and refinishing work including surface preparation, masking, priming, base coat application, clear coat application, and color matching/blending, • Operate body shop equipment including frame machines, welders, spray guns, sanders, grinders, and computerized measuring systems, • Remove and refit damaged components, trim, bumpers, door panels, and body parts, • Perform metal straightening, dent removal, and body filler application to achieve smooth surfaces, • Mix paints according to manufacturer specifications and match colors precisely, • Apply protective coatings, undercoating, vinyl graphics, and fleet markings to vehicles, • Conduct MIG/TIG welding, cutting, and fabrication work on various metals including steel, aluminum, and high-strength materials, • Remove rust, prepare surfaces, and apply corrosion protection treatments, • Inspect painted surfaces for quality including checking for runs, sags, orange peel, and coverage issues, • Perform wet sanding, buffing, and polishing to achieve showroom-quality finishes, • Review damage reports and estimate repair costs, materials needed, and time requirements, • Road test and conduct quality checks on completed repairs, • Operate forklifts and other equipment to move vehicles and materials safely Leadership & Supervision Responsibilities: • Supervise and coordinate daily activities of paint and body technicians, • Assign work, set priorities, and monitor productivity to ensure efficient workflow, • Provide hands-on training, mentoring, and technical guidance to team members, • Conduct quality inspections of work in progress and upon completion, • Ensure all repairs meet manufacturer specifications, industry standards, and customer expectations, • Lead by example in demonstrating craftsmanship, safety practices, and professional conduct, • Assist shop manager with estimating, scheduling, and workflow management, • Serve as technical expert and escalation point for complex or challenging repairs, • Foster a culture of quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement, • Monitor technician performance and provide constructive feedback Safety, Compliance & Shop Operations: • Maintain clean, organized work area and ensure proper housekeeping standards, • Ensure proper use, storage, handling, and disposal of all hazardous materials including paints, thinners, solvents, and chemicals, • Comply with EPA, OSHA, and local environmental and safety regulations, • Maintain all paint booth equipment, spray guns, compressors, and tools in proper working condition, • Monitor and manage paint supply inventory levels including paints, primers, clear coats, thinners, masking materials, and abrasives, • Wear and enforce use of all required personal protective equipment including respirators, • Coordinate with vendors for specialty repairs, glass replacement, and upholstery work, • Complete detailed documentation on repair orders including materials used, labor hours, and work performed, • Maintain vehicle history and repair records in fleet management system, • Report equipment issues, safety concerns, or theft to management immediately Customer Service: • Communicate repair findings and recommendations clearly to non-technical customers, • Provide accurate estimates on repair costs and completion timelines, • Build and maintain strong relationships with fleet customers and insurance adjusters, • Handle customer concerns professionally and in accordance with company standards MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Experience & Certifications: • 7+ years of hands-on collision repair and automotive painting experience (or 5+ years with technical degree/certification), • Proven experience in a lead technician, team lead, or supervisory role, • Demonstrated expertise in both structural/non-structural body repair AND paint/refinishing, • Valid Driver's License required, • I-CAR certifications preferred (Non-Structural, Steel Structural, Refinish, or other relevant certifications), • ASE certifications in collision repair preferred (B2-B6 series) with minimum of three (3) certifications strongly preferred, • PPG, Sikkens, or other manufacturer paint system training preferred, • Experience with commercial fleet vehicles, trucks, or specialty equipment preferred, • Current DOT medical card or ability to pass DOT physical (if applicable) Technical Skills: • Master-level proficiency in collision repair techniques including frame straightening, panel replacement, and structural repairs, • Expert-level paint and refinishing skills including surface preparation, spray gun operation, color matching, and blending, • Advanced welding capabilities including MIG, TIG, and spot welding on various metals, • Proficiency with computerized measuring systems (e.g., Car-O-Liner, Chief) for frame and unibody alignment, • Knowledge of automotive paint systems, mixing ratios, application techniques, and curing processes, • Experience with paint mixing and matching software and equipment, • Skilled in using pneumatic tools, plasma cutters, hydraulic equipment, grinders, sanders, and hand tools, • Ability to read and interpret collision repair estimates, technical manuals, and manufacturer specifications, • Understanding of modern vehicle construction including aluminum, high-strength steel, and composite materials, • Knowledge of automotive electrical systems and trim removal/installation Leadership & Communication: • Proven ability to lead, train, and motivate technicians, • Strong organizational and time management skills, • Excellent communication skills with ability to explain technical issues to customers and team members, • Customer service-oriented with professional demeanor, • Detail-oriented with commitment to quality workmanship, • Ability to work independently and make sound decisions Physical Requirements: • Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds regularly, • Stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, squat, and climb frequently throughout the day, • Work in various positions including overhead, underneath vehicles, and in confined spaces, • Reach, grip, and perform repetitive hand motions using tools and equipment, • Enter and exit vehicles frequently, • Work at elevated levels (up to 15 feet when installing equipment), • Wear respirator and other personal protective equipment as required, • Close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus (critical for paint matching), • Ability to distinguish colors accurately for wiring and paint matching, • Detect sounds and communicate in noisy shop environment Other Requirements: • Must own set of paint and body hand tools (specialty equipment provided), • Reliable attendance—regular, full attendance is essential, • Ability to work safely in fast-paced environment with paints, chemicals, and hazardous materials, • High school diploma or GED required, • Willingness to attend ongoing training and certification programs, • Must pass pre-employment drug screening and background check, • Ability to work overtime, weekends, or varied shifts as needed WHAT WE OFFER Compensation & Performance: • Competitive Pay: $32.00 - $45.00+ per hour based on experience, certifications, and productivity, • Performance-based earning potential that rewards efficiency and expertise, • Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday; occasional weekends and overtime., • Company-Paid Holidays, • Paid Vacation and Sick Time Work Environment & Perks: • Uniforms provided with laundry service, • Professional, high-performance culture rooted in trust and team success, • Environment where your voice, ideas, and craftsmanship matter Job Type: Full-time