Grinder/sander Operators

Finisher / Paint Prep Technician Job Description 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. Responsibilities 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. Essential Skills 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. Additional Skills & Qualifications 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. Why Work Here? You join a growing manufacturing organization that invests in your development and long-term career. The company offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan to support your financial future. You receive a yearly voucher toward steel or composite safety shoes, free coffee, and access to a breakroom with a convenient market area. A clearly defined advancement path allows you to progress from Level 1 through Level 3 to a Master-level role, with pay increases at each level based on your skills and performance. The four-day workweek structure supports work-life balance, and additional voluntary overtime provides opportunities to increase your earnings. Multiple facilities in the same area create additional avenues for growth and internal mobility. Work Environment The role is based in an open-air manufacturing facility where conditions will be hot during the summer and cold during the winter, so you should be comfortable working in a non-climate-controlled environment. You work primarily on a first shift schedule, Monday through Thursday, from 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Overtime is voluntary but frequently available, typically on Friday and/or Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with occasional opportunities to stay late during the week. The environment is hands-on and fast paced, using equipment such as hand and power tools, spraying equipment, forklifts, fixtures, sanders, grinders, tape measures, squares, and files. Standard industrial attire and appropriate safety footwear are expected, and personal protective equipment is provided and used according to safety guidelines. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ocala, FL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $16.50 - $21.50/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Ocala,FL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 2, 2026. About Aerotek We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry - from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies' construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow. Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.