Lead Automotive Diagnostic Technician

$150K Earning Potential | Monday–Friday | No Weekends | Technical Leadership

At Martin Auto Service and Journey Auto Repair, we believe in providing an auto repair experience our customers can trust while creating a place where good people can build a career, not just have a job.

We’re looking for an experienced Lead Automotive Diagnostic Technician who thrives on solving difficult problems, has genuine mastery of automotive diagnostics and electrical systems, and wants to help other technicians become better at what they do.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role, not a desk job. You’ll continue diagnosing and repairing vehicles while serving as a technical resource for the shop, helping guide production, and developing the next generation of technicians.

If you’re the technician other people turn to when they’re stuck, and you take pride in figuring out the why behind a vehicle concern instead of simply replacing parts, we’d like to talk with you.

What You’ll Do

Advanced Diagnostics and Technical Production

• Diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, drivability, network-related, and intermittent vehicle concerns.
• Use scan tools, wiring diagrams, service information, testing procedures, and a systematic diagnostic process to identify root causes accurately.
• Take ownership of difficult repairs from initial diagnosis through final verification.
• Perform complex repairs to manufacturer specifications and company quality standards.
• Produce your own billed hours while maintaining a high standard of diagnostic accuracy and repair quality.
• Perform thorough vehicle inspections and identify needed maintenance and repairs based on vehicle condition.

Technical Leadership and Shop Production

• Serve as the shop’s primary technical resource for challenging diagnostics and repairs.
• Partner with the General Manager to distribute sold work according to technician skill, workload, and shop priorities.
• Help identify production bottlenecks, solve technical roadblocks, and keep vehicles moving through the shop.
• Communicate proactively about difficult repairs, delays, parts concerns, and technician development needs.
• Help maximize completed billed hours without sacrificing workmanship or customer trust.

Coaching and Developing Technicians

• Mentor and coach newer and developing technicians.
• Teach effective diagnostic strategies, testing procedures, and repair techniques.
• Help technicians become more independent, confident, productive, and accurate.
• Demonstrate proper procedures instead of simply giving someone the answer.
• Provide constructive feedback and help identify opportunities for additional training.
• Lead by example through technical competence, professionalism, accountability, and integrity.

Quality and Customer Trust

• Help prevent comebacks through accurate diagnosis, thorough testing, and proper repairs.
• Perform quality-control checks as needed and take ownership of the quality of work leaving the shop.
• Work with the General Manager and advisors to communicate accurate technical findings.
• Explain difficult vehicle concerns clearly and professionally when customer communication is needed.
• Never recommend unnecessary work or compromise customer trust to achieve a sales goal.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for more than an experienced technician. We’re looking for a technical leader who makes the entire shop better.

The right person:

• Has strong, demonstrated diagnostic and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Can work through complex problems methodically rather than relying on guesswork or parts swapping.
• Is comfortable using wiring diagrams, scan data, diagnostic equipment, and repair information.
• Can work independently on difficult repairs and take responsibility for the outcome.
• Enjoys teaching others and helping developing technicians improve.
• Knows how to balance mentoring with personal production.
• Holds themselves and others accountable to high standards.
• Communicates clearly, stays solution-oriented, and works well with the front office.
• Understands that leadership is about serving the team, not simply having a higher title.

Required Qualifications

• At least 3 years of professional automotive technician experience, with diagnostic ability appropriate to a lead-level role.
• Demonstrated advanced diagnostic and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, drivability, and vehicle systems.
• Ability to use scan tools, wiring diagrams, service information, and structured testing procedures.
• Ability to perform complex repairs and verify the quality of completed work.
• Ability and willingness to coach and develop other technicians.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use computers, diagnostic equipment, and automotive repair information systems.
• Valid driver's license and ability to qualify under the company's insurance policy.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of an automotive repair position, including lifting, bending, standing, and working overhead.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASE certifications.
• Manufacturer-specific or advanced diagnostic training.
• Previous experience as a Lead Technician, Master Technician, Foreman, or similar technical leader.
• Experience mentoring technicians and improving shop production.
• Advanced experience with electrical, network, drivability, and intermittent concerns.

What We Offer

• $150K earning potential for a technician whose skill, productivity, and performance support that level of earnings.
• Monday–Friday schedule with no weekends.
• Benefits and opportunities for continued technical development.
• The opportunity to help shape the technical standards and culture of a growing, family-owned independent repair business.
• A team that values quality workmanship, integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• A place to build a long-term career, not just work another job.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Lead Technician consistently produces strong personal billed hours, accurately diagnoses difficult vehicles, helps other technicians become more capable, reduces unnecessary diagnostic time and comebacks, and keeps work moving through the shop.

Most importantly, they earn the team's trust through competence, consistency, and character.

The goal isn't simply to have the best technician in the shop. It's to have a technician who makes the entire shop better.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform the physical activities necessary to inspect, diagnose, service, repair, and maintain passenger vehicles. Activities include standing for extended periods, lifting more than 50 pounds, bending, kneeling, reaching, working overhead, pushing and pulling, using hand and power tools, operating diagnostic equipment, and entering and exiting vehicles.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or requirements. Duties and responsibilities may change based on the needs of the business.

Pay: $95,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to work M-F, 7a-5p?

Experience:

• Automotive: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• South Elgin, IL 60177 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $95,000 - $180,000