What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automotive Technician & Program Facilitator position at Operation Breakthrough?
Status: Full-Time
Reports To: Director of Program Administration
Supervised By: Director of MINDDRIVESchedule: Program Year: Monday–Thursday 10:30a.m.-7:30p.m., Friday 8:30a.m.-5:30p.m.
Summer Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30a.m. – 5:30p.m.
Position Overview
The Ignition Lab is seeking an Automotive Technician & Program Facilitator to support our hands-on automotive training program for high school students. This role works in partnership with MINDDRIVE staff, blending technical expertise with mentorship, working directly with students as they learn automotive repair, vehicle maintenance, and basic fabrication skills while working on real vehicles.
Students in the program are working toward ASE Maintenance and Light Repair competencies, and this position plays a key role in guiding them through diagnostics, repair processes, and safe shop practices. Beyond repairing vehicles, this role focuses on helping students understand how and why repairs are performed.
This position is ideal for a technician who enjoys problem-solving, building, and working in a collaborative, education-focused environment.
Work Environment
A collaborative teaching shop, not a traditional production repair facility. Technicians work alongside students, supporting their learning while completing real vehicle repairs and projects.
Success in this role requires:
- Patience and a teaching mindset
- Curiosity and willingness to explain concepts
- Comfort working in a hands-on, student-centered environment
Key Responsibilities
- Support students in learning and practicing ASE Maintenance and Light Repair skills, including diagnostics, inspections, and common service procedures
- Assist with diagnosis and repair of client and donated vehicles used in training
- Guide students through routine automotive services (brakes, suspension, steering, cooling systems, and electrical diagnostics)
- Help students troubleshoot mechanical issues and understand repair processes
- Reinforce safe shop practices and proper tool usage
- Support fabrication and mechanical work on student projects (including Electrathon race cars and custom builds)
- Assist with daily shop operations alongside lead technician and instructional staff
- Support after-school programs and hands-on automotive workshops
- Participate in program events and mentor students during shop activities
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
- Automotive repair experience, technical training, or strong mechanical aptitude
- Familiarity with diagnostics and common repair procedures
- Interest in teaching, mentoring, or youth development
- Ability to clearly explain mechanical concepts in a hands-on setting
- Basic welding or fabrication experience (preferred, not required)
- Strong problem-solving abilities and collaborative mindset
- Patience and enthusiasm for working with students
Additional Information
Additional training provided related to:
- Safety curriculum
- Youth mentorship
- Automotive technology
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of an employee.
Operation Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Operation Breakthrough is “At Will”.