STEVEN WAGGONER
Tucson,AZ
Summary
skilled aircraft coating and maintenance professional with extensive experience in surface preparation, corrosion control, abrasive blasting, precision coating application, automotive body repair, painting, and equipment maintenance. experienced in depot-level aircraft maintenance and low observable (LO) coating operations and radar absorbent material operations. knowledgeable in interpreting engineering drawings, technical orders, process specifications, manufacturers' instructions to achieve precise tolerances, coating thickness, surface conditions, and finish requirements. strong background working with composite, and metal substrates using chemical stripping, abrasive blasting, corrosion treatment, sanding, masking, and specialized coating systems. recognized for attention to detail, quality control, safety compliance, technical leadership, and training personnel proper procedure and best practices
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Painter, Blaster
Tyonek Contractors - Davis Monthan AFB
Tucson, Arizona
12.2025 - Current
- Managed installation and removal of radar-absorbing materials, low observable (LO) coating material, contributing to improved performance of F16 project.
- Operated blasting equipment to prepare surfaces for painting.
- Inspected surfaces for defects before and after painting processes.
- Applied primer, sealer, and other undercoats on metal surfaces.
- Prepared surfaces for painting by sanding, cleaning, and masking off areas.
- Monitored environmental conditions such as humidity, temperature throughout the job site.
- Cleaned and maintained painting equipment in safe working order.
- Assisted in processing work orders and technical orders. Recorded materials used in tasks. Followed safety procedures diligently.
- Managed paint preparation and application processes, delivering high-quality finishes on diverse surfaces.
- Oversaw team workflows, improving project completion timelines and optimizing resource allocation.
- Trained junior painters on safety protocols and best practices for tool usage and maintenance.
- Implemented quality control measures to maintain consistency and standardization across projects.
Auto Body Technician
Gerber Collision
Tucson, AZ
09.2022 - 12.2025
- Diagnosed and repaired vehicle body damage using advanced welding and painting techniques.
- Ensured consistent quality control through thorough inspections of completed work before releasing vehicles back to customers.
- Inspected completed work to ensure adherence to quality standards and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with team to streamline repair processes, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Mentored junior technicians in safety protocols and best practices for repairs.
- Trained staff on new technologies and tools, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the team.
- Optimized workshop efficiency by keeping tools organized, maintaining clean workspaces, and promptly addressing equipment issues when necessary.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge through attending workshops, trade shows, and certification courses relevant to the auto body technician field.
Maintenance Technician
Hickman's Egg Ranch
Buckeye, AZ
01.2017 - 01.2019
- I maintained and repaired machinery to ensure efficient operation while minimizing downtime.
- Prioritized safety by adhering to protocols and conducting inspections, effectively reducing risks.
- Managed inventory for maintenance parts and ensured proper storage of hazardous materials to maintain compliance.
- Collaborated to resolve issues quickly in fast-paced environment, enhancing time management and organizational efficiency.
Auto Body Repair Technician
Economy Auto Body and Paint
Tucson, AZ
06.2012 - 01.2017
- Assessed vehicle damage, created detailed repair estimates, and coordinated with insurance companies to ensure timely approvals and fair resolutions for clients.
- Ordered parts and managed inventory while performing high-quality auto body repairs, ensuring all work met safety standards and effectively restored vehicles to pre-accident condition.
- Negotiated repair costs and timelines with customers, vendors, and adjusters, maintaining accurate records and providing exceptional customer service by keeping clients informed throughout the repair process.
Education
High School Diploma -
Downtown Alternative High School
Tucson01-2007
License - Cosmetology
Empire Beauty School
Tucson01-2018
Skills
- Surface preparation
- Paint preparation
- Aerospace painting
- Specialty coatings
- Bodywork repair
- Surface finishing
- Quality control
- Damage assessment
- Attention to detail
- Decision-making
- Team collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Computer literacy
- Structural Framing
Timeline
Painter, Blaster
Tyonek Contractors - Davis Monthan AFB
12.2025 - Current
Auto Body Technician
Gerber Collision
09.2022 - 12.2025
Maintenance Technician
Hickman's Egg Ranch
01.2017 - 01.2019
Auto Body Repair Technician
Economy Auto Body and Paint
06.2012 - 01.2017
High School Diploma -
Downtown Alternative High School
License - Cosmetology
Empire Beauty School