Metal Prep Technician

Job Title:

Metal Prep Technician -

Sanding/Grinding Shift:

5:30am-4pm Mon-Fri (Overtime available Friday/Saturday)

Pay:

$17.00/hr

Location:

Ocala, FL (34474) Job Description This role prepares large, custom, special-purpose vehicles for welding, assembly, and paint by sanding, grinding, mounting, and repairing components to meet strict cosmetic and structural specifications. You will work from detailed instructions and drawings to ensure all surfaces and structures meet quality standards before moving to the next stage of production. Responsibilities Sand and grind parts or bevel edges in preparation for welding, ensuring surfaces meet specified requirements. Feather, flute, flat, and level grind components to remove severe corners, reduce surface stress areas, and address conditions subject to fatigue fractures. Remove sharp edges and burrs, and identify dents, holes, and substrate defects that require repair. Work from process sheets, shop orders, blueprints, schedules, pick-lists, and written instructions to complete assigned tasks accurately and on time. Blow off and wipe down components or units to remove grit, grease, and other contaminants before further processing. Inspect cabs, bodies, and component structures for defects such as dents in panel sections, rough weld beads, fractures, undulations, wavy surfaces, and other irregularities. Repair surface defects by applying fillers, filing, and sanding areas to achieve required surface finish and cosmetic standards. Apply primer over corrected areas and exposed aluminum as directed to prepare surfaces for paint or further finishing. Wire brush welds to remove smoke and residue, grind and remove excess weld beads, and smooth weld areas to meet cosmetic and structural criteria. Recognize and report weld defects such as fractures, voids, porosity, and distortion to ensure quality and safety. Identify part surfaces that require smooth finishes, sand them appropriately, and apply polishing compounds and buff surfaces as required. Select and change grades of abrasives or compounds to achieve the desired finish for both intermediate and final surface preparation. Clean and buff surfaces such as tread plates and remove scratches on non-painted surfaces to meet final finish standards. Remove doors or other components from units, place them on work stands or fixtures, and mount hinges and backing components as required. Perform flat surface sanding on specified pieces, adjusting pressure on the sander to achieve symmetrical patterns and consistent cosmetic appearance. Use hand tools and powered tools such as grinders, sanders, files, and other finishing equipment safely and effectively. Follow shop orders and paint preparation instructions to ensure components are properly finished prior to painting or assembly. Maintain a clean and organized work area and handle materials, tools, and equipment with care. Collaborate with team members, support others as needed, and contribute to a positive, safety-focused work environment. Demonstrate reliable attendance, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude while consistently striving to learn and improve. Essential Skills Ability to read a tape measure accurately to 1/16 of an inch. Ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics to perform work according to specifications. Proficiency with hand tools and powered tools, including grinders, sanders, files, and other finishing equipment. Experience using spraying equipment, including basic primer or coating application as directed. Ability to operate or work around forklifts, fixtures, and other material-handling equipment safely. Comfort working from shop orders, process sheets, and pick-lists in a production environment. Strong attention to detail in inspecting surfaces for dents, rough welds, fractures, undulations, and other defects. Capability to perform sanding, grinding, paint preparation, and finishing tasks with consistency and quality. Reliable attendance and punctuality to support production schedules. Strong work ethic and a positive, professional attitude. Ability to work effectively in a team environment and support coworkers as needed. Self-motivation and the ability to work with minimal supervision once trained. Willingness and ability to learn new processes, tools, and techniques. Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort working in a manufacturing setting. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience reading and working from detailed shop drawings, prints, and schedules. Familiarity with finishing and polishing compounds and the ability to select appropriate abrasives for different surfaces. Experience in paint preparation or automotive/body finishing environments. Comfort working with large, custom, special-purpose vehicles or similar large-scale products. Ability to recognize weld defects such as fractures, voids, porosity, and distortion and escalate them appropriately. Experience working with tape measures, squares, and other layout tools for accurate measurement and alignment. Prior exposure to open-air or industrial manufacturing facilities. Interest in progressing through structured skill levels, from entry-level to advanced and master-level roles. Why Work Here? You will join a stable manufacturing organization that offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan to support your long-term financial goals. The company provides a structured advancement path with defined levels and pay increases, allowing you to grow from entry-level to master-level roles based on your skills and performance. You receive practical perks such as an annual footwear voucher for steel or composite shoes, free coffee, and a breakroom with a convenient market area. The organization values internal growth and offers opportunities to move between multiple facilities in the local area, creating clear pathways for advancement and development. A four-day workweek with voluntary overtime options supports both work-life balance and the ability to increase earnings when desired. Work Environment The role is based in an open-air manufacturing facility where temperatures vary with the seasons, so it can be hot during the summer and cold during the winter. You will work on a first-shift schedule, typically from 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, supporting a four-day workweek. Overtime is voluntary but commonly available, usually on Fridays and/or Saturdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with occasional opportunities to stay late during the week. The environment involves working around large, custom vehicles using hand and powered tools such as grinders, sanders, files, spraying equipment, and forklifts, as well as fixtures and measuring tools like tape measures and squares. Appropriate work attire and protective footwear are required, and the facility provides designated break areas, including a breakroom with a market area and free coffee. 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 26, 2026. About Aerotek Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK. 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.