Metal Finish Technician

About us

LAEPPLE Automotive is a leading supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in high-quality components and systems for body components manufacturing. Our innovative technologies and efficient production processes set benchmarks in the industry. To grow our team in Detroit, we are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Metal Finish Technician to support our Class A body parts manufacturing operation. This role performs advanced metal finishing and precision repairs with no filler usage while ensuring that all products meet or exceed customer quality requirements and industry standards. The ideal candidate is a master craftsman who combines strong technical expertise with process discipline, a collaborative team-oriented mindset, and ability to self-motivate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Inspect assembled body parts to assess damage and determine required repairs.
• Perform advanced metal straightening, dent removal, reshaping, sanding/polishing on steel and aluminum automotive body panels.
• Repair damage using hammer-and-dolly techniques, shrinking methods, and welding as needed.
• Achieve finished panels that require no body filler prior to refinishing.
• Ensure repairs meet or exceed customer standards and quality guidelines.
• Mentor and support trainees in metal finishing techniques.
• Collaborate with production and logistics teams to ensure efficient workflow and quality outcomes.
• Inspect completed repairs for accuracy, safety, and cosmetic excellence.
• Perform repairs using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment.
• Follow safety standards at all times.
• Document inspection results and repairs made and communicate clearly with Quality and Production teams regarding findings.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Keep up to date with evolving repair procedures, materials and tools.
• Adhere to all procedures, regulatory requirements, and department/company policies.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in auto body metal repair and finishing required.
• 5-10 years of experience in a Tier I automotive manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of steel and aluminum repair techniques, tools and materials.
• Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, MIG welding equipment, and measuring systems.
• Strong understanding of OEM repair procedures and tolerances.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and quality craftmanship.
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Leadership and mentoring capability.
• Time management and ability to meet production deadlines.
• Team orientation with excellent communication skills.
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Proven reliability and exceptional attendance record.
• Ability and willingness to work any shift and overtime as may be required to meet business objectives.

Physical and Mental Requirements of the Position:

• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, use hands to handle, manipulate, or feel objects, utilize tools for extended periods, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk and hear.
• Employee must be able to lift or move up to 50 pounds.
• While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand
• The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted