Paint Technician (Paint Specialist) | Circa £41,690 + excellent benefits | Permanent | Onsite

If you’re an experienced paint professional who takes pride in flawless finishes and enjoys solving technical challenges, this could be the role for you. We’re looking for a Paint Specialist to play a pivotal part in producing, validating and improving paint repair methods and times - supporting safe, cost‑effective repairs across the industry.

In this role, you’ll specialise in all aspects of vehicle body paint, helping to manage and deliver research projects that inform best practice repair processes. You’ll help ensure paint repair data is delivered accurately and on time, aligned to defined processes and high standards.

You’ll work closely with a multi-skilled project team (including Panel, MET specialists and technical authors), and you’ll also collaborate with suppliers, vehicle manufacturers and other partners to deliver work to manufacturer specifications.

What you'll be doing

You’ll have real ownership and variety, including:

• Validating and assuring the quality of paint repair times and raising issues to ensure accurate information is provided to stakeholders and repairers.

• Challenging repair methods to drive process improvements and cost savings, adding value for customers and vehicle manufacturers.

• Supporting the Vehicle Led Research (VLR) process as Lead Paint Specialist - contributing to technical documents, report writing, data capture, quality assurance and risk management.

• Acting as a go-to technical expert for paint application - providing guidance, creating content for learning materials and supporting technical query resolution.

• Managing repair consumables and paint equipment, ensuring safe storage and upkeep in line with Health & Safety expectations.

• Completing pre- and post-quality checks on project vehicles and supporting high-quality repairs to uphold safety and reputation.

• Mentoring and supporting apprentice technicians and wider team members when needed.

Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:

• Several years post‑apprenticeship experience in body and paint repair, with confidence working on modern vehicles and technologies.

• Comprehensive knowledge of paint applications and technology.

• A quality assurance mindset and the ability to identify practical, efficient processes.

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) - able to explain complex technical details and confidently challenge discrepancies.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, organise your workload and consistently meet deadlines.

• Basic IT skills across Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint).

• A formal motor industry qualification (minimum NVQ/City & Guilds/ATA or equivalent) or significant automotive repair sector experience

Did you know...

Research tells us that men are more likely to apply to jobs if they meet only 60% of the criteria, whereas women often hesitate or don't apply unless they meet all of the criteria. This difference in application behaviour can contribute to the gender gap in career advancement and opportunities.

We know the perfect candidate doesn't exist! If you think you have what it takes but don't tick every box, we'd still encourage you to apply - it could be a perfect fit!

Perks & Benefits

Salary - Circa £41,690 dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non-contributory pension

• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays

• Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)

• Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)

• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)

• Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure

• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform

• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)

• Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)

• Reward & Recognition Programme

• Discounted gym membership

• Sports & Social club

• Payroll charitable giving

• Subsidised on-site restaurant

• Free on-site parking

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – part-time hours considered.)

How we work

This role is based on-site, in our Repair Technology Centre.

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our Gamston facility is one of the UK’s leading sites for active safety, trialling and assessing the latest crash avoidance and driver assistance technologies.

Our Values

As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual's authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit. Our journey of growth and understanding is continuous as we actively invest in diversity training, workshops, and partnerships to ensure positive change.

Beyond our partnerships with the Automotive 30% Club and Women in Data (WiD), we collaborate with various organisations to advance equity not only in gender but also across ethnicity, age, disability, social mobility, LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and thinking. Our aspiration is to create an environment where everyone thrives, achieves, and experiences a genuine sense of belonging.

Recruitment process

We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application! We’re continuously striving to improve the candidate journey, and transparency (or communication) is a key area of focus – yes, even with salary & benefits.

What can you expect from our recruitment process?

• Regular updates on the progress / outcome of your application

• An initial telephone screening call with a Talent Acquisition Partner

• First interview with the hiring manager, usually via Teams

• Second/Final interview, in-person at our office (we may give you a role specific task to present on!)

• Personalised feedback following your interview – because everyone deserves that!

• An opportunity to give us your honest feedback in a short survey on all of the above

Check out our post on using AI during your application and interview!

We’re committed to removing barriers. If there are any adjustments we can make to better support you, please let us know when you apply.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.

If you're experiencing any issues with our career site or application from, please let us know here: careers@thatcham.org ⁠