Automotive Restoration & Surface Cleaning Specialist

Overview

Automotive Restoration & Surface Cleaning Specialist Jobs in Kannapolis, NC at Merritt Motor Co LLC

*****ABOUT MERRITT:

We are an innovative, fast-growing small business based in Kannapolis, NC, specializing in advanced cleaning and automotive/industrial surface cleaning. We work with advanced technologies including dry ice blasting and lasers to restore high-end classic and modern vehicles, remove complex coatings, apply new ones, and maintain critical industrial assets.

*****POSITION OVERVIEW:

· As a technician, you will perform a variety of hands-on automotive cleaning/coating and specialized industrial cleaning projects. This role is ideal for individuals with strong body shop, automotive paint preparation, or high-end detailing backgrounds who also possess secondary mechanical skills. If you have an eye for vehicle aesthetics, enjoy working with advanced equipment, and take pride in precision craftsmanship, this is your environment. Your work will take place both in our shop and on-site at various commercial facilities. You will receive on-the-job training for dry ice blasting and laser cleaning.

· Our Ideal Team Member: We are specifically seeking ambitious, self-starting individuals looking for a long-term commitment.

*****KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Vehicle Prep & Undercoating: Preparation of vehicle undercarriages (similar to body shop paint prep) and then apply specialty protective undercoatings.

· Advanced Cleaning & Restoration: Operate specialized dry ice blasting and laser equipment to clean vehicle chassis, delicate components, and industrial machinery.

· Site Preparation & Logistics: Mask, setup, prep, and teardown of vehicles and commercial job sites.

· Equipment Maintenance: Inspect and calibrate specialized equipment before and after each use to ensure proper functioning and safety.

· Workplace Standards: Maintain cleanliness and organization of the work area in our climate-controlled, drug/smoke-free facility.

*****REQUIREMENTS:

· Restoration & Body Shop Experience: 7+ years of pro experience in auto paint prep, body shop repair, vehicle restoration, or high-end detailing. (General mechanical experience is of high value and increases earning potential.)

· Detail Aptitude: Exceptional eye for surface defects and a strong secondary mechanical baseline for troubleshooting tools, machinery, or automotive components.

· Independent Work Ethic: Capacity to work alone, drive restoration projects forward independently, and manage tasks with minimal supervision.

· Procedural Awareness: A mind for details. You understand that cutting corners ruins delicate automotive surfaces and expensive equipment; you naturally verify specs and thresholds.

· Security & Background Clearance: Must be able to pass a background check and drug/alcohol screening to satisfy security compliance at sensitive industrial client facilities.

· Physical Capability: Ability to lift 50+ lbs., work on your feet for extended periods, and handle moderate physical demands.

· Mobility: Valid driver’s license, insurance, and a clean driving record.

· Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel up to 25% for commercial projects with occasional overnight stays. (accommodations/meals provided)

· Language: English (required)

*****JOB TYPE & SCHEDULE:

· Standard Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

· Occasional Mandatory Weekend/Night Work: Required based on industrial project demands.

· Weekday Comp Time: If you choose, matching time off during the week can be provided whenever project schedules permit.

· Work Location: At our Kannapolis shop or at customer manufacturing sites.

*****COMPENSATION & GROWTH:

· Starting Range: $22.00 – $35.00 per hour (commensurate with actual automotive restoration, mechanical, and body prep experience)

· Managerial Track: Earning potential up to $50.00 per hour for proven, reliable techs who take on active team management, customer relations, and operational oversight alongside their restoration projects.

· Overtime Pay: Time-and-a-half for all overtime hours.

· Supplemental Pay: Performance-based and special project bonus opportunities.

*****BENEFITS & PAID TIME OFF:

· Health Benefits*: Health Insurance Allowance (company-funded financial assistance to help cover your health plan premiums)

· Paid Time Off (PTO): 10 days (80 hours) per year

· Paid Sick Leave: 7 days (56 hours) per calendar year

· Paid Holidays: 6 observed holidays annually

· Weather Relief: 1 paid "Weather Relief Day" per calendar year

· Bereavement Leave*: 2 paid days for immediate family loss

· Clothing: Company provided shirts

*Available upon successful completion of 60-day probation period

*****HOW TO APPLY:

· Submit your resume along with a brief description detailing your specific experience working in: mechanical, automotive body shops, paint preparation, vehicle restoration, automotive detailing.

· Do not call the company.

· Due to the competitive pay rate, we receive a very high volume of applications. As a result, we will only send direct responses to applicants who are selected for the interview shortlist.

*****WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Candidates moving to the shortlist will undergo a brief phone screening, followed by an in-person interview.

Pay: $22.00 – $50.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Application Question(s):

• Have you had any traffic violations or accidents in the past 3 years?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• auto prep/painting: 6 years (Preferred)

Language:

• English (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver’s License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Kannapolis, NC 28081 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

Title: Automotive Restoration & Surface Cleaning Specialist

Company: Merritt Motor Co LLC

Location: Kannapolis, NC