Role summary
The Manual Tack-off Operator is responsible for removing dust, lint, fibers, and minor surface contamination from vehicle bodies prior to primer, basecoat, or clearcoat application. The role ensures paint-ready surfaces by maintaining high cleanliness standards, thereby preventing paint defects and improving first-pass yield. This position plays a critical role in final surface preparation and directly supports appearance quality, defect reduction, and customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities
- Perform manual tack-off vehicle bodies before paint application
- Remove dust, loose particles, fibers, and minor contamination from body surfaces
- Use approved tack cloths, air blowers, and cleaning tools as per work instructions
- Ensure complete coverage of exterior, interior visible areas, edges, and critical zones
- Follow correct tack-off sequence and standard movement techniques
- Ensure body surfaces meet paint-ready cleanliness standards
- Identify and report abnormal contamination such as oil spots, water marks, or paint defects
- Avoid introducing secondary contamination during tack-off operation
- Support appearance quality targets by preventing dirt-related paint defects
- Comply with control plans and inspection criteria
- Follow all safety rules related to paint booth and material handling areas
- Use required PPE such as gloves, masks, coveralls, and safety shoes
- Handle tack cloths and cleaning materials according to safety guidelines
- Maintain clean and organized workstations
- Properly use and maintain tack cloths, air blow guns, and cleaning tools
- Prevent overuse or misuse of tack materials that may cause residue
- Report damaged tools or abnormal conditions immediately
- Support minor housekeeping and equipment checks as required
- Achieve assigned takt time and production targets consistently
- Follow standard work instructions and paint shop discipline
- Participate in shift handovers and daily production communication
- Support line continuity by minimizing delays and rework
- Actively participate in 5S and continuous improvement activities
Qualifications
- High school certificate or equivalent or other certification
- 1-2 years experience in automotive paint shop or surface preparation operations preferred
- Experience in tack-off, paint booth, or appearance quality operations is an advantage
- Basic understanding of safety and cleanliness requirements in paint operation
- Willingness to work in shifts and follow production schedules
Education
High school certificate or equivalent
Experience
1-2 years in automotive paint shop or surface preparation operations
Skills
- Understanding of paint-ready surface requirements
- Ability to identify dust, lint, and surface contamination
- Knowledge of correct tack-off techniques and materials
- Attention to detail and cleanliness
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures
- Strong quality awareness and discipline
- Ability to work in a fast-paced paint shop environment
- Good teamwork and communication skills
- Safety-conscious attitude
- Physical stamina to stand
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life and disability coverage
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Paid sick leave
- 401(k) retirement plan
Education · Experience · Type
High schoolRequires 1+ yearsSalary not stated