Body Shop Technician in Chesapeake, Virginia at Sonny Merryman Inc

About Company:

About the Role:

The Body Shop Technician plays a critical role in ensuring vehicle meet quality standards before delivery. This position involves diagnosing damage, detailed inspections of various vehicle types, identifying and correcting paint and body defects, verifying operational components, installing cutomer-specified equipment and performing structural repairs, and refinishing surfaces to meet industry standards and customer expectations. The technician will also perform minor repairs and ensure all enhancements meet company and customer expectations. Attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are paramount to maintain the integrity of each vehicle serviced. Ultimately, the role contributes to the overall operational efficiency and reputation of the organization by delivering high-quality workmanship.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven experience as a body shop technician or in a similar automotive repair role.
• Knowledge of vehicle body repair techniques, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret repair manuals, blueprints, and technical diagrams.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• General knowledge of body repair techniques and painting application.
• Basic understanding of vehicle operations and components.
• Proficient with basic hand tools and equipment.
• Basic computer skills and data entry.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work with a team.
• Willingness to learn, troubleshoot and expand product knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification from a recognized automotive body repair program (e.g., I-CAR, ASE).
• Experience working with a variety of vehicle makes and models, including commercial vans and buses.
• Familiarity with computerized estimating systems and repair documentation software.
• Strong welding skills and experience with frame straightening equipment.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including overtime when necessary.

Responsibilities:

• Follow the Body Shop PDI checklist tailored to each vehicle type.
• Conduct thorough visual inspections of exterior panels for dents, dings, creases, and paint flaws.
• Verify correct placement of reflective tape and decals.
• Inspect windshields and windows for chips or cracks.
• Identify potential water leaks, missing seam caulking, or gaskets.
• Test functionality of doors, windows, emergency exits, and hood mechanisms.
• Inspect interior components including seat covers, flooring, and paneling for damage.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills:

The required skills enable the technician to accurately diagnose and repair vehicle body damage using specialized tools and techniques, ensuring repairs meet safety and quality standards. Proficiency in reading technical documents and repair manuals supports precise execution of complex repairs. Preferred skills such as welding and experience with computerized estimating systems enhance efficiency and the ability to handle diverse repair scenarios. Effective communication and teamwork skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and customers, ensuring transparency and satisfaction. Attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are consistently applied to maintain a safe work environment and deliver superior results.

Expectations/Successes:

A successful body shop PDI Technician should be detail oriented and thorough in their inspections with the necessary means to make minor body and paint repairs. A PDI Technician should be able to review a delivery schedule and communicate with the PDI team to achieve completion of delivery goals. They must be flexible with changing tasks throughout the day, including tasks that may develop outside of their normal daily duties. Success can be measured by completing vehicles with zero comebacks in an efficient time, making necessary repairs and completing accurate documentation.