Steel Traditions — Vista, CA 92081
Full-Time | Monday–Friday
Pay: $18–$24 per hour, depending on experience, skill level, reliability, and ability to meet quality standards. Higher end of range reserved for candidates with proven auto-body, Bondo/filler, metal finishing, or industrial paint-prep experience.

About Steel Traditions

Steel Traditions manufactures high-end architectural steel windows and doors for custom residential and commercial projects throughout the country. Our work requires precision, craftsmanship, and accountability at every step.

We are hiring a Metal Finisher / Bondo Surface Prep Technician to help prepare our steel window and door units for paint and final finishing.

This is not basic production work. This role requires a strong eye for detail, pride in craftsmanship, and the ability to consistently produce clean, smooth, paint-ready surfaces.

About the Role

The Metal Finisher is responsible for grinding welds, cleaning up steel surfaces, applying and shaping Bondo/filler where required, removing sharp edges or exposed weld defects, and preparing units for coating.

This role works directly within our QC Gate system. Every unit must be checked and documented before it can move to the next stage. The person in this role must be comfortable following a checklist, taking clear photos, documenting work in real time, and holding the line on quality.

Primary Responsibilities
Grind welds smooth and consistent.
Apply, shape, sand, and finish Bondo/filler where required.
Remove sharp edges, exposed weld defects, and surface imperfections.
Prepare steel surfaces so they are clean, smooth, and ready for coating.
Identify oil, dust, residue, contamination, or other surface prep issues before paint.
Follow shop orders, drawings, and production direction.
Complete QC documentation in real time at the station.
Take required photos showing surface prep, corners, weld seams, and finish quality.
Communicate issues clearly when a unit should be placed on hold.
Maintain a clean, organized, safe work area.
Work with fabricators, painters, QC, and production leads to keep projects moving correctly.

Ideal Background

Strong candidates may have experience in one or more of the following:

Auto body repair or automotive bodywork
Bondo/filler application and sanding
Metal finishing
Industrial painting preparation
Construction painting or prep work
Architectural metalwork
Window and door manufacturing
Precision fabrication environments

Experience with steel windows and doors is a plus, but not required.

Required Skills

Strong attention to detail
Ability to produce smooth, consistent finish work
Ability to use grinders, sanders, hand tools, and basic shop equipment
Ability to follow written procedures and QC checklists
Ability to take clear documentation photos
Ability to work with minimal supervision after training
Coachable attitude and willingness to follow company standards
Basic math and measurement skills
Reliable attendance and punctuality
Preferred Skills
Auto body repair experience
Bondo/filler experience
Industrial paint prep experience
Forklift experience
Experience with windows, doors, or architectural metals
Driver’s license
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift 30–50 lbs as needed
Ability to stand, bend, sand, grind, and work with hand tools throughout the day
Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with noise, dust, moving equipment, electricity, chemicals, and heat
Ability to follow safety requirements, including PPE
What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who takes pride in making things look right. A good fit for this role is someone who notices small defects, does not rush past problems, and understands that poor surface prep creates problems later in paint, QC, and installation.

The right person will be dependable, detail-oriented, coachable, and willing to be held to a high standard.

Schedule

Monday to Friday
Full-time
In person

Location

Steel Traditions
1960 Watson Way
Vista, CA 92081

Reliable commute or relocation before starting work is required.

Pay

$18–$26 per hour, depending on experience and skill level.

Steel Traditions

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Metal Finisher / Bondo Surface Prep Technician