Advanced Automotive Diagnostic Technician

Job Description

Job Description

ASE L1 Certification Required.

Competitive Wages + Performance Bonuses | Monday-Friday | No Weekends.

Jim Brangham Auto Repair is looking for an experienced Advanced Automotive Diagnostic Technician with a current ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist certification and strong, recent hands-on experience using professional automotive scan tools.

This is an important position within our shop. As a California STAR Smog Test and Repair Station, we are seeking an advanced technician whose diagnostic knowledge, engine performance experience, and ASE L1 certification will support our continued commitment to accurate emissions diagnosis and quality automotive repair.

This is not an entry-level position or a career-change opportunity. Candidates must have recent professional automotive repair experience and should currently be working in the automotive industry or have worked as a professional automotive technician within the past year.

We are specifically looking for an experienced automotive diagnostic technician—not a residential or commercial HVAC technician. A/C experience for this position means hands-on experience diagnosing and repairing automotive air conditioning systems , including R-134a and R-1234yf.

Required Qualifications:

• Current ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist certification.
• Minimum 5 years of professional automotive diagnostic and electrical repair experience.
• Recent hands-on experience working professionally in the automotive repair industry.
• Advanced experience using professional automotive scan tools for diagnosis—not simply reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes.
• Ability to interpret live data, freeze-frame data, fuel trims, Mode $06 data, and other diagnostic information.
• Strong automotive electrical diagnostic skills.
• Ability to confidently read automotive wiring diagrams and perform electrical testing.
• Experience diagnosing check engine lights, drivability concerns, emissions failures, intermittent electrical problems, and vehicle performance issues.
• Experience diagnosing CAN Bus networks, module communication faults, charging systems, and starting systems.
• Hands-on experience diagnosing and repairing automotive A/C systems.
• Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record.

• Current ASE A6 and A8 certifications and a valid California Smog Check Repair Technician license are required.
• Hybrid and Electric Vehicle diagnostic experience is a strong plus.

What You'll Do:

• Diagnose complex check engine light, emissions, drivability, electrical, A/C, and vehicle performance concerns.
• Use professional automotive scan tools, factory information systems, wiring diagrams, and proven testing procedures.
• Analyze diagnostic trouble codes, live data, fuel trims, freeze-frame information, and test results.
• Develop and follow a logical diagnostic strategy to identify the root cause of vehicle concerns.
• Perform advanced electrical testing and repairs.
• Diagnose intermittent electrical and communication problems.
• Diagnose and repair automotive A/C systems.
• Accurately document diagnostic testing, results, and repair recommendations.
• Complete thorough Digital Vehicle Inspections with clear photos and detailed technician notes.
• Communicate findings clearly with our Service Advisors.
• Assist other technicians with difficult diagnostic concerns when needed.
• Participate in ongoing technical education and training.

More Than Reading Trouble Codes:

• We're looking for an advanced technician who understands that a diagnostic trouble code is the beginning of the diagnostic process—not the final answer.
• The right technician will know how to analyze vehicle data, develop a testing strategy, verify the cause of the concern, and recommend the correct repair rather than replacing parts based solely on a trouble code.

No Flat-Rate Pressure:

We believe in accurate diagnostics, quality repairs, and giving our technicians the time, resources, and support they need to fix vehicles correctly the first time.

We are looking for a technician who can work efficiently and produce consistent billed hours while maintaining a high standard of diagnostic accuracy and workmanship.

What We're Looking For:

Our ideal technician:

• Enjoys solving difficult diagnostic problems.
• Takes pride in finding the root cause of a vehicle concern.
• Tests before recommending or replacing parts.
• Produces consistent billed labor hours without sacrificing quality.
• Can clearly document and explain the diagnostic process.
• Works well with Service Advisors and fellow technicians.
• Is willing to share knowledge and assist other technicians.
• Is dependable, professional, organized, and honest.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area.
• Wants to continue learning as automotive technology evolves.

What We Offer:

• Competitive wages plus performance bonuses.
• Paid Vacation.
• Paid Holidays.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan.
• Ongoing paid automotive education and technical training.
• Monday-Friday schedule.
• No weekends.
• A stable, family-owned business serving the Coachella Valley since 1994.
• A supportive team environment.
• A workplace that values accurate diagnostics and quality repairs over rushing vehicles through the shop.

Before You Apply:

Please apply only if you have:

• A current ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist certification.
• Recent professional automotive repair experience.
• At least 5 years of advanced automotive diagnostic and electrical experience.
• Hands-on experience using professional automotive scan tools for advanced diagnosis.

This position is not intended for entry-level technicians, residential or commercial HVAC technicians, general maintenance technicians without advanced diagnostic experience, or candidates looking to transition into the automotive industry without prior professional experience.

If you're an experienced, L1-certified automotive diagnostic technician looking for a shop where your knowledge is respected, your continued education is supported, and you're given the resources to perform quality work, we'd like to hear from you.