Jobs › Carvana

Auto Body Repair Tech

Carvana · Hoffman Estates, IL · $20.50–$24.50 an hour · Reconditioning

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

You need at least one year of bodywork experience. Tell me about the light repairs you did most often.

What they are checking: Whether their experience matches small-area bodywork, bumper work and plastic repair rather than only prep or detail.

Tell me about a time you had to learn a new repair technique quickly.

What they are checking: Whether they pick up new skills fast, since the posting promises training for growth and expects people to use it.

What would you do

A painter sends a car back saying your repair shows waves under the primer. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they take feedback without getting defensive and fix the work, since paint shows every flaw.

You are behind on your cars for the shift and the next one needs more work than expected. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they flag the extra work to their lead early instead of rushing it or quietly falling further behind.

About the work

Walk me through removing and reinstalling a modern bumper cover. What do you watch out for?

What they are checking: Whether they handle clips, sensors and wiring carefully, since newer bumpers hold parking sensors and cameras.

How do you repair a small crack or tab on a plastic bumper with minor plastic welding?

What they are checking: Whether they know a real plastic repair process, from cleaning and V-grooving to reinforcing and finishing.

Walk me through a small Bondo repair from bare metal to ready for primer.

What they are checking: Whether they know proper filler steps like keeping it thin, shaping and blocking, so the repair does not show later.

How do you check that a repaired area is truly straight before it goes to paint?

What they are checking: Whether they use guide coat, blocking and touch to confirm the panel is flat rather than trusting their eye alone.

How do you buff a panel to remove light scratches without burning through the paint?

What they are checking: Whether they understand pads, compounds and edges well enough to correct paint instead of damaging it.

What safety gear do you use when sanding filler and doing plastic welding?

What they are checking: Whether they protect themselves from dust and fumes, which is a daily risk in body repair work.

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The full job description

As published by Carvana.

We’re looking for Autobody Preppers with a minimum of 1 year of professional automotive bodywork experience to join us at Carvana - the fastest-growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history and one of the four fastest companies to make the Fortune 500. As an Auto Body Repair Technician, you’ll be expected to  perform light bodywork , including: • Prepping, sanding, and buffing vehicles • Removing and installing bumpers • Minor plastic welding • Small area bodywork (including Bondo repair) At Carvana, you’ll receive a  competitive wage and amazing perks – including a 401(k) with Carvana match and even a vehicle purchase discount – all while using state of the art tools in one of our high-tech Inspection Centers ( click here to learn more). If you’re joining us in an entry-level position, we offer training programs to make sure your skills and pay progress along with the company. Pay Range:$20.50 - $24.50 Hourly Other perks of the Job • 100% company-paid healthcare premiums • Generous paid-time off and your birthday is a holiday! • ASE and tool reimbursement programs • Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment   Schedule:  We do everything we can to deliver an exceptional customer experience, and that includes delivering great vehicles when expected. If we're in a pinch, mandatory overtime is one way in which we can follow-through on this commitment to our customers. We're looking for team players who are all in on our mission and are able to work mandatory overtime based on our business needs.  How To Get Started Join the Carvana team by applying on this page , or call one of our recruiters by phone at (888) 690-7853 , Monday through Friday, between 6 AM and 4 PM PT (9AM to 7PM ET). Not a match for this role? We have a variety of prep roles available, depending on your experience - look below to see what you’ll be doing to help us get our low-mileage, late-model cars ready for our customers: • Entry-Level Prepper (min 1 year professional experience): perform light bodywork, including prepping, sanding, and buffing vehicles, removing and installing bumpers, single panel repair (including Bondo repair), and minor plastic welding • Mid-Level Prepper (min 3-5 years professional experience): perform bodywork on multiple panels, including heavy plastic welding, minor metal pulling, roof and rocker panel repair, stud welding, and large area heavy bodywork (including Bondo repair) • Experienced Prepper (min 5 years professional experience): train other autobody technicians and perform extensive bodywork on multiple panels, including plastic welding, metal pulling, roof and rocker panel repair, and stud welding We also have a variety of other automotive roles available in one of our 18 locations across the country – take a look at our  Careers site to apply for one of the following roles: • Auto Body roles: Paint, Prep/Body work, Wheel Repair, Airbrush, Interior Repair, Glass Repair, and PDR (Paintless Dent Repair) roles • Auto Technician/Mechanic roles:  Lube and Oil, Inspection, Brake and Tire, Mechanical Repair / Build, and Master Technician roles • Entry-Level roles: Detailing, Inventory Associate (Car Porters), Photo, Parts Associate, Inspection, and Coordinator/Administrator roles General qualifications and requirements • Ability to physically operate vehicle equipment and tools - must be able to lift up to 60 pounds independently • Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. Some positions may be subject to an Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check • An ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment while sometimes being exposed to excessive weather conditions (heat/cold) • Use of safety equipment that may include but not limited to face shield or goggles, non-slip shoes, gloves, mask, and other protective garments and equipment About Carvana At Carvana, we sell cars but we aren’t car salesmen. Our promise is simple: we won’t sell a car to a customer that we wouldn’t sell to our own Mom. Period. To make sure our cars are in first-rate condition, we’ve built multiple vehicle Reconditioning Centers around the country, where our cars are inspected, perfected, and photographed before reaching the Carvana website. Think you’ve got what it takes to join our team? Apply today! Carvana is an equal employment opportunity employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Carvana also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Hiring is contingent on passing a complete background check. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license. Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.

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