Paint Prep Technician Apprentice Painter

Join the Kniesels Collision Family!

Company Overview:Kniesels Collision has proudly served Northern California for over 58 years as a family-owned and operated leader in collision repair. With 13 state-of-the-art locations across El Dorado Placer Sacramento and Yolo Counties were known for delivering exceptional craftsmanship and a customer experience that stands above the rest.
When you join Kniesels youre not just taking a job youre building a career with a team that values your expertise invests in your growth and supports you every step of the way. Be part of a company where quality matters people come first and your future has room to grow.

Position Available: Paint Prep Technician / Apprentice Painter
Location: Kniesels Collision Rocklin 4680 Pacific St. Rocklin CA 95677

Position Summary:
Kniesels Collision is seeking a motivated Paint Prep Technician who wants to build a long-term career in automotive refinishing. This role is ideal for candidates with previous paint prep detailing body shop or other hands-on trade experience who are ready to develop into a professional Automotive Painter.

Working alongside experienced refinish technicians you will receive hands-on training in OEM repair procedures PPG paint systems advanced color matching blending techniques and modern refinishing practices while contributing to high-quality repairs. This is the first step in a defined career path with one of Northern Californias largest family-owned collision repair companies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Assist painters with vehicle preparation including washing sanding masking priming and cleaning surfaces.
Follow OEM PPG and Kniesels Collision repair and refinish procedures to restore vehicles to pre-accident condition.
Assist with paint mixing color matching blending and material preparation.
Learn and properly operate paint equipment spray guns paint booths and related tools.
Follow repair plans and work orders to ensure quality accuracy and efficiency.
Perform quality checks and adhere to Kniesels Quality Control (QC) standards.
Maintain a clean organized and safe work environment.
Comply with all safety environmental and hazardous waste disposal regulations.
Support production flow by moving vehicles parts and materials as needed.
Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure repairs meet manufacturer specifications.
Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities.
Demonstrate a commitment to Kniesels Collisions core values quality standards and customer service expectations.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.

• Previous automotive paint prep detailing body repair or similar experience is preferred
• Strong mechanical aptitude attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship.
• Experience using DA sanders masking materials pneumatic tools or spray equipment is preferred
• Trade school or automotive technical education is a plus
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to a fast-paced environment
• Ability to effectively communicate with others
• Ability to read and understand instructions on written estimates work orders and SOPs
• Reliable attendance and a desire to build a long-term career in collision repair
• Must be able to fluently read English
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a valid drivers license
• Ability to lift and move boxes and furniture up to 20 pounds
• Maintains a well-groomed professional appearance

Career Development:

Build your career through hands-on training in:
OEM-approved repair and refinishing procedures
PPG paint systems and advanced color matching
Blending waterborne paint technology and paint booth operations
Spray gun setup maintenance buffing and polishing
Quality control and industry best practices
I-CAR training and continuous professional development
Advancement opportunities from Paint Prep Technician to Automotive Painter with future leadership potential through Kniesels Management Trainee Program

Why Kniesels
Sacramentos largest family-owned collision repair company
Supportive team-oriented culture focused on craftsmanship and continuous learning
OEM-certified repair facilities with industry-leading equipment
Over 58 years of repair excellence
State-of-the-art repair facilities
Industry-leading equipment and training
Career advancement opportunities
Stable year-round workload

Our Core Values:
The ideal candidate reflects Kniesels core values:
1. WOW Customer Service
2. Integrity
3. Humility
4. Family
5. The Golden Rule
6. Quality

What We Offer:
Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
Paid Holidays Paid Sick Time and Paid Personal Time (PTO)
Competitive 401(k) Savings program with a company contribution
Life Insurance EAP Travel Assistance
Additional Life LTD AFLAC options available
Opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company.

Pay Range: Competitive hourly pay ($18.00 - $35.00/hour DOE)

Equal Opportunity Employer
Kniesels Collision is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and dignity. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex gender identity sexual orientation national origin age disability veteran status or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal state or local laws.