Company Overview
[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]
Role Overview
[$COMPANY_NAME] is hiring a Lead Auto Technician to own advanced vehicle diagnostics, repair strategy, and shop-level technical leadership at our facility in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. In this role you will lead troubleshooting and repair of complex powertrain, chassis, electrical, and ADAS systems across ICE, hybrid and electric vehicles; define standard repair procedures; manage technician workflows; and drive continuous improvement in first-time-fix and throughput metrics. This is a hands-on, technical leadership position that combines expert-level diagnostic skills with people management, process design, and vendor coordination.
Responsibilities
- Lead diagnostics, root-cause analysis, and repair of complex systems including engine/transmission, high-voltage hybrid/electric systems, ADAS (camera/LiDAR/radar) calibration, advanced driver assistance failures, and vehicle network (CAN/LIN/FlexRay) issues.
- Operate advanced diagnostic tools and software: OEM factory-level scan tools, J2534 pass-thru programmers, oscilloscopes, multimeters, scope probes, and CAN-bus analyzers to reproduce, isolate, and remediate faults.
- Develop and maintain technical repair procedures, troubleshooting trees, and architecture decision records for recurring failure modes; standardize best practices across the shop.
- Coach, mentor, and certify junior and mid-level technicians; run formal training sessions, certify performance to ASE and manufacturer standards, and maintain skills matrices.
- Manage repair workflows and bay scheduling to optimize throughput, reduce cycle time, and maximize first-time-fix rate; enforce quality gates and post-repair validation protocols.
- Owner of parts / vendor escalation for warranty and OEM-sourced components; coordinate with OEM technical support and warranty teams to validate complex remedies and software calibrations.
- Ensure safe handling and compliance for high-voltage systems, refrigerants, and hazardous materials; maintain shop safety programs, PPE standards, and EPA/OSHA documentation.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives: analyze repair data, create corrective actions, track KPIs (repair cycle time, return rate, warranty cost per repair), and present results to operations leadership.
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Required:
- Minimum 7+ years of professional automotive repair experience, including 3+ years in advanced diagnostics and 2+ years in a lead or senior technician role.
- ASE Master Technician certification or equivalent manufacturer master-level certifications.
- Proven experience diagnosing and repairing powertrain, transmission, electrical, and ADAS subsystems on modern vehicles.
- Hands-on experience with OEM factory scan tools, J2534 programming, oscilloscope-based diagnostics, CAN-bus analysis, and live-data interpretation.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor technicians, run training sessions, and create technical repair documentation.
- Valid driver's license and ability to test drive vehicles for diagnostic validation.
Preferred:
- Manufacturer-specific certifications (Toyota, Ford, GM, VW, Tesla, etc.) for hybrid/electric and ADAS calibration.
- High-voltage safety certification for EV/HEV systems and formal training in battery pack diagnostics and repair procedures.
- Experience with fleet operations, warranty administration, and parts/vendor escalation processes.
- EPA 609 refrigeration certification and experience servicing HVAC systems.
- Experience using shop management systems (DMS), parts catalogs, and digital repair order workflows.
Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies
- Deep proficiency with OBD-II, SAE J1979/J1939 diagnostics, and manufacturer-specific communication protocols.
- Experience with CAN/LIN/FlexRay network troubleshooting and using CAN sniffers/analyzers.
- Skill with ADAS calibration equipment, lidar/camera/radar alignment tools, and calibration verification procedures.
- Familiarity with EV/HEV high-voltage systems, battery management systems (BMS), inverter/charger diagnostics, and isolator testing tools.
- Competency with OEM factory software, J2534 pass-thru programming, and ECU reflash workflows.
- Proven use of oscilloscopes, multimeters, injection flow testers, smoke machines, and diesel diagnostic tools (if applicable).
Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
- Technical leadership: track record of leading shop-level decisions, authoring repair protocols, and resolving escalations with clear technical rationale.
- Communication: clear, concise documentation skills for repair orders, ADRs (architecture/diagnostic records), and technical bulletins; ability to present findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Coaching and talent development: demonstrable experience mentoring technicians and improving team skill levels.
- Data-driven mindset: use shop KPIs and failure-mode analysis to prioritize improvements and quantify impact.
- Accountability and reliability: consistent delivery on warranty targets, turnaround SLAs, and safety compliance.
Benefits and Perks
Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with employer contributions.
- 401(k) with company match and retirement planning resources.
- Paid time off, paid training and certification reimbursement (ASE, OEM), and stipend for tools/diagnostic equipment.
- Company vehicle or vehicle allowance for test-driving and vendor visits where applicable; fuel and maintenance reimbursement policy.
- Performance bonuses tied to shop KPIs (first-time-fix rate, warranty cost reduction, throughput improvements).
- Career progression paths to Shop Manager, Technical Trainer, or Field Service Lead roles.
Equal Opportunity Statement
[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those who may not meet every listed qualification to apply.
Location
This is an on-site position based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. Candidates should be able to work scheduled shop hours, participate in occasional after-hours diagnostics or emergency repairs, and be present for in-person training and calibration events.
How to Apply
If this role aligns with your experience, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your most complex diagnostic case and leadership experience. We encourage applicants who meet many—but not necessarily all—of the qualifications to apply; if you have strong technical aptitude and a growth mindset, we want to hear from you.