Computer Repair Trainer

Department: Repairs Reports To: Operations Manager Location: On-site - New Brighton, MN (Minneapolis/Twin Cities Metro) Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time available Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM or 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (flexible for part-time) FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Why This Role Brand new position - you'll build the training program from the ground up Hands-on technical training role across Chromebook, iPad, MacBook, and Windows hardware Full-time or part-time options available Shape the next generation of computer repair technicians Work for a mission-driven company helping students and schools access technology About Us Gophermods was founded in 2010 in Minneapolis, MN and has grown into a nationwide partner for schools and small to medium-sized businesses. We support every stage of the technology lifecycle — computer repair, device refurbishment, sales, accessories, and professional services. Located in New Brighton, MN, just minutes from downtown Minneapolis in the Twin Cities metro, we're a small company with a big mission, guided by three values: set the standard, be curious, and thrive together. Who This Role Is For The ideal candidate lives at the intersection of technical mastery and human connection. You're the kind of person who can diagnose a failing logic board in the morning and coach a struggling student through their first successful screen repair in the afternoon and find both equally rewarding. You don't just know how to fix devices; you know how to read a room, build trust, and meet people where they are. This is a brand new role at Gophermods. You won't be stepping into someone else's program, you'll be building it. If that excites you more than it intimidates you, keep reading. You'll lead cohort-based training programs, taking people with little or no repair experience and turning them into job-ready computer repair technicians through structured, hands-on instruction. Success in this role is measured by the post-training retention and job-readiness of graduates, making your ability to assess, develop, and genuinely connect with talent critical to our pipeline of future repair technicians. We're looking for someone who: Can break complex hardware repair concepts down into clear, repeatable steps Adapts their teaching style to meet different skill levels and learning styles Is patient, direct, and genuinely invested in student success Gets energized by watching someone go from "I've never opened a laptop" to "I can do this on my own" Wants ownership of a program ,not just a seat in one What You'll Do Train & Facilitate Lead cohort-based training programs (45–60 days per cohort) focused on iPad, Chromebook, and MacBook hardware repair Deliver hands-on instruction covering diagnostics, disassembly, component-level repair, reassembly, and quality assurance Maintain a structured yet supportive classroom and lab environment that mirrors real-world repair workflows Adapt teaching methods to accommodate varying skill levels and learning styles within each cohort Build & Improve the Program Develop, maintain, and continuously improve training curriculum, lesson plans, lab exercises, and instructional materials Create progressive skill-building modules that take students from foundational knowledge to independent repair proficiency Incorporate real-world repair scenarios and common failure modes into training exercises Stay current on new device models, repair techniques, OEM updates, and industry best practices to ensure training content remains relevant Assess, Track & Develop Talent Design and implement competency-based assessments, practical skills evaluations, written tests, and hands-on repair proficiency checks Establish clear, measurable benchmarks and performance standards for each phase of training Provide timely, constructive, and documented feedback to students on their progress and areas for improvement Identify struggling students early and implement targeted intervention strategies to maximize cohort success Evaluate and identify high-potential candidates who demonstrate aptitude for advanced repair work or leadership roles Track cohort performance data - pass/fail rates, competency benchmarks, and post-training retention - and use it to continuously improve the program Collaborate with hiring managers and operations teams to align training outcomes with workforce needs Requirements 2+ years of hands-on experience in hardware repair of Chromebooks, iPads, MacBooks, or similar consumer electronics Demonstrated expertise in soldering, screen replacement, battery replacement, logic board diagnostics, and component-level repair Prior experience in a training, teaching, mentoring, or instructional role - formal or informal Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts in accessible terms Strong understanding of repair tools, equipment, and ESD-safe work practices Patience, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to student success Reliable transportation to New Brighton, MN (on-site Monday–Friday) Able to stand, sit, and move throughout a lab setting, and lift up to 30 lbs Nice to have, but not required: Apple Certified Repair (ACiT/ACMT) or similar certifications Background in workforce development, vocational training, or technical education Experience building training curriculum or instructional materials from scratch Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) or training tracking platforms Experience working with diverse learner populations — career changers, entry-level candidates, or non-traditional students Benefits 401(k) with 4% employer match Health, Dental & Vision insurance (employer pays 50% of employee premium) 100% employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability 10 days PTO + 10 days unpaid time off + 1 floating holiday + major holidays off Parental leave and other legally required leave per applicable law Apply Now If you're a skilled computer repair technician who's ready to teach, mentor, and build a training program from the ground up - we'd love to hear from you. Gophermods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or employment process, please let us know.