Automotive Class‑A Panel Metal Finisher

Job Description

Job Description

Pay

$27.00 – $27.50 per hour

About the Role

Express Employment Professionals is hiring an Automotive Class‑A Panel Metal Finisher for a Detroit-area automotive manufacturing partner. Your craft will be on display every day as you restore sheet metal to flawless Class‑A condition—without relying on body filler—so vehicles leave the line meeting demanding OEM standards.

A Day in the Life

You begin by reviewing the day’s build schedule and quality notes. With calipers and straightedges in hand, you walk the line, inspecting steel and aluminum panels for waves, dings, and subtle distortions. You map out a repair plan, then work the metal with hammer-and-dolly precision, employ controlled shrinking, and, when needed, weld to correct form. Each piece is rechecked for geometry, surface integrity, and finish before you document work in the ERP system and sync with Quality. Along the way, you coach a junior tech on a tricky crown and keep your bay spotless and safe.

What You’ll Handle

• Diagnose panel damage and select the right repair approach for steel and aluminum.
• Execute advanced straightening, reshaping, dent removal, sanding, and polishing to Class‑A standards—no body filler.
• Apply hammer-and-dolly work, shrinking techniques, and MIG welding when required.
• Validate appearance, dimensional accuracy, and structural soundness before release.
• Use hand/power tools, precision measuring gear, and welding equipment safely and effectively.
• Record inspections and repairs accurately and communicate findings across production and quality teams.
• Support onboarding and skill-building for less experienced technicians.
• Keep the workspace organized and uphold all safety and quality procedures.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 5+ years of hands-on automotive metal repair/finishing experience (required).
• Background in Tier I automotive manufacturing preferred.
• Proficient with steel and aluminum body panels.
• ERP familiarity (SAP preferred) and comfort with Microsoft Office are a plus.

Core Skills

• Expert knowledge of automotive metal finishing and restoration methods.
• Competence with hand tools, power tools, MIG welding, and precision measuring instruments.
• Fluency in OEM repair procedures and quality expectations.
• Able to read/interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and specs.
• Meticulous attention to detail, quality-first mindset, and strong problem-solving.
• Independent, reliable, and collaborative with leadership/mentoring aptitude.
• Clear communication and effective time management; dependable attendance.
• Willingness to work various shifts and overtime as needed.

Physical Demands

• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and use hand tools throughout the shift.
• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Work in a manufacturing setting with moderate noise and variable temperatures.
• Good vision (close/depth/color) and sustained focus for repetitive tasks.

Ready to Craft Perfection?

If you take pride in flawless surfaces and exacting standards, we want to meet you. Apply today with Express Employment Professionals.

Work Location: In person