Automotive Prepper

About the role

You take ownership of preparing vehicles for cosmetic paintwork, ensuring every surface is flawlessly prepped before any color is applied. You will be responsible for sanding, masking, taping, and bagging vehicles with precision to protect areas that should not be painted. You will unbag and deconstruct vehicles carefully, removing all contaminants and performing thorough buffing to achieve a perfect surface ready for paint. You will work alongside other specialists to maintain strict quality standards, ensuring each vehicle meets the high expectations of our customers. You will follow established procedures to protect vehicle interiors and glass during the preparation process, safeguarding every component. You will contribute to a clean and organized workspace, supporting the efficiency and safety of the entire inspection center team. You will adhere to all safety protocols and use personal protective equipment correctly to prevent injuries and maintain a secure work environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

Spray and apply masking materials to protect vehicle areas that must remain untouched during the painting preparation process.

Remove old paint, rust, and previous repairs using sanding tools and media blasters to create a clean substrate for new work.

Inspect vehicle surfaces under different lighting conditions to identify imperfections, scratches, and previous blemishes.

Fill dents, scratches, and small imperfections with body filler and compounds, then sand smooth for a seamless finish.

Clean and degrease vehicle panels to ensure proper adhesion of paint and masking materials.

Tape and cover windows, lights, and trim pieces to prevent damage and overspray during aggressive prep activities.

Use air-powered sanding tools and hand sanding blocks to achieve the correct surface profile for refinishing.

Coordinate with other technicians to stage vehicles and move them efficiently through the preparation bays.

Maintain detailed logs of materials used, time spent, and any unusual conditions discovered during the prep process.

Follow all environmental and safety regulations for handling dust, debris, and chemical residues.

Use specialized tools to remove interior components, trim, and fixtures without causing damage to surrounding areas.

Support the team by performing wheel repairs and addressing minor cosmetic issues that affect vehicle appearance.

Requirements

You must possess a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive painting experience to be eligible for this role.

You must be able to perform repetitive physical tasks, including lifting, bending, and reaching for extended periods during the work shift.

You must pass a background check and meet Carvana's standards for trustworthiness and reliability.

You must have a valid driver's license with a clean driving record, as you may be required to transport vehicles within the facility.

You must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship requirements at the time of hire.

You must pass a pre-employment drug screening and workplace safety assessment as part of the hiring process.

You must demonstrate the ability to follow detailed instructions and safety procedures consistently in a fast-paced environment.

You must be comfortable working with sanding equipment, masking materials, and basic automotive preparation tools.

You must be able to stand for long durations and work in varying temperatures within indoor facility areas.

You must communicate effectively with team members to ensure workflow continuity and quality standards are upheld.

You must be willing to participate in ongoing training programs designed to improve your skills and knowledge of automotive finishing.

You must adhere to all company policies, including attendance expectations and safety protocols while on duty.

You must be prepared for mandatory overtime based on business needs to ensure vehicle preparation deadlines are met.

You must maintain a professional attitude and commitment to excellence in every task you complete within the inspection center.