Automotive Painter

Job Summary

KIMS AUTO BODY | Cupertino is seeking an experienced Lead Painter to oversee the paint department and deliver high-quality finishes on collision repair and refinishing projects. This role combines hands-on painting expertise with leadership responsibilities, ensuring consistent quality, efficiency, and safety across the paint shop.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform surface preparation, priming, color matching, blending, and topcoat/clearcoat application
• Follow manufacturer and industry standards.
• Maintain a high standard for color match accuracy, ensuring seamless blends and customer-ready finishes on every job.
• Achieve and sustain 150%+ efficiency rating on flat-rate hours, consistently meeting or exceeding production targets without sacrificing quality.
• Manage and coordinate the prepper/polisher, assigning tasks, reviewing prep and finish quality, and ensuring smooth workflow through the paint department.
• Inspect vehicles before and after painting to identify and correct any defects or needed touch-ups.
• Act as a team player, fostering a collaborative, positive shop culture and supporting fellow technicians.
• Maintain paint booth equipment, spray guns, and related tools, ensuring proper calibration and cleanliness.
• Manage paint and material inventory, ordering supplies as needed and minimizing waste.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other environmental/safety regulations regarding chemical handling and ventilation.
• Coordinate with estimators, body technicians, and shop management to meet production schedules and delivery deadlines.
• Demonstrate a willingness to continue learning and growing, staying current with new paint technologies, techniques, and industry trends.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as an automotive painter, with at least 2 years in a lead painter
• Proven track record of high efficiency (150%+) in a production environment.
• Expert-level color matching and blending skills across waterborne and solvent-based systems.
• Experience supervising or coordinating prep and polish staff.
• Strong team player with a positive, collaborative attitude and clear communication skills.
• Growth mindset with a genuine willingness to learn new techniques, tools, and technologies.
• Familiarity with estimating software and OEM paint standards is a plus.
• AKZO NOBEL/Sikkens Experience a PLUS
• Valid driver’s license
• I-CAR certification required
• Physical ability to stand for long periods, lift up to 50 lbs, and work safely with hazardous chemicals.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience and efficiency
• Performance incentives/bonuses based on goals and projects
• Health/dental/vision insurance
• Paid time off + Holiday pay
• Tool and equipment allowance (if applicable)
• Opportunities for advancement and continued training/certification support