Panel Beater TT (Thomastown)

Location: Thomas Town, VIC 3079

Full-Time: Immediate start

Reports to: Floor Manager

Job Title: Panel Beater

Salary range: $79,500
- $90,000 + Superannuation – depending on skill level.

Job Closure date: 30 days

About the Role:

This is a hands-on role for a tradesperson who takes pride in foundational vehicle restoration. You will be responsible for the critical structural and body repairs that form the core of the repair process. Working on a diverse range of vehicles, from modern cars to classic restorations, you will use advanced techniques and equipment to meticulously return damaged vehicles to their pre-accident condition. Your work will set the standard for the quality of the final product.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Comprehensive Vehicle Assessment & Disassembly:

• Perform detailed initial inspections and methodically disassemble vehicles by removing damaged body panels, interior trim, and mechanical accessories to conduct a thorough assessment of all damage.

• Diagnose and document both visible and hidden structural damage on vehicle frames and unibody structures, determining the most effective and efficient repair methodology.

Advanced Structural & Panel Repair:

• Expertly utilise hydraulic frame jigs, pulling systems, and specialised measuring equipment to meticulously straighten and realign bent vehicle frames and structural components to factory specifications.

• Employ a range of metalworking techniques, including hammering, dollying, and metal shrinking, to skilfully reshape and restore dented or deformed panels, preserving the original vehicle contours.

Precision Panel Replacement & Welding:

• Perform precise sectioning and replacement of severely damaged panels using new parts or approved recycled components, ensuring a perfect fit and finish.

• Execute high-quality MIG and MAG welding to securely integrate replacement panels, guaranteeing structural integrity, corrosion resistance, and a seamless foundation for refinishing.

Surface Preparation & Body Finishing:

• Meticulously align and adjust all new and repaired panels to achieve perfect door, bonnet, and boot gaps, ensuring flawless flushness and contour alignment across the entire vehicle body.

• Apply body fillers and plastic compounds to minor imperfections, then skilfully file, grind, and sand surfaces to a flawless finish, creating the perfect substrate for painting.

Final Reassembly & Quality Assurance:

• Reinstall all body panels, trims, lights, and hardware components (such as door locks and mouldings), ensuring all parts function correctly and meet the vehicle's original quality standards.

• Conduct a comprehensive final verification of your work, checking panel alignment, component operation, and overall finish to ensure the repair meets the company's premium standards before it moves to the paint department or is presented for delivery.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess:

• A formal trade qualification as a Panel Beater or equivalent.

• A minimum of 1 year of post-apprenticeship experience in a professional panel beating role within the automotive repair industry or similar.

• Proven, hands-on expertise in vehicle structural repair, including the use of frame straightening jigs and measuring systems.

• High proficiency in MIG/MAG welding and a solid understanding of metal finishing techniques.

• A meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to restoring vehicles to manufacturer specifications.

• The ability to work effectively both autonomously and as a collaborative member of a dedicated team.

• A strong understanding and a proven commitment to adhering to all Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) and environmental guidelines.

• A current driver's licence.

If you are a skilled Panel Beater who is passionate about automotive craftsmanship and wants to contribute to a business with an outstanding reputation for quality, we encourage you to apply.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter through the link below. Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3qsmez