Automotive Technician (Early Career) - Arlington Heights, IL

Automotive Technician / Auto Mechanic

K Auto, a GreatWater Garage

Shop Address: 1804 W Northwest Hwy, Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Shop Hours: M-F: 7AM-5PM CST

$45,760 - $76,960+ annually depending on productivity

Join a shop where your skills and integrity matter

We're looking for an experienced automotive technician who takes pride in performing quality inspections, maintenance, and repairs while helping customers keep their vehicles safe and reliable. If you enjoy performing thorough inspections, diagnosing issues accurately, and being part of a team that values integrity and teamwork, we'd love to meet you.

We combine the personal culture of a neighborhood shop with the advanced tools, training, and support of the GreatWater network. Our team values honesty, craftsmanship, and doing the job right the first time.

What you'll do:

• Perform oil changes and scheduled maintenance services
• Complete digital vehicle inspections (DVI) to identify vehicle needs
• Perform tire service, rotations, repairs, and TPMS service
• Install and service wipers, bulbs, filters, and fluids
• Perform flush services including cooling system, brake fluid, and transmission services
• Inspect and repair steering and suspension systems
• Inspect and repair brakes and braking systems
• Perform basic electrical system diagnostics and repairs
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment

What you can expect:

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience
• Paid training and professional development
• ASE certification incentives
• Modern tools and equipment
• Supportive team environment
• Career advancement opportunities
• Stable workflow and professional shop environment

Training & growth opportunities:

At GreatWater, we believe in helping technicians develop their skills and grow their careers. We believe in investing in our people and creating clear career paths for technicians who want to grow.

• Maintain ASE A4 and A5 certifications
• Obtain ASE A6 Electrical Systems certification
• Obtain ASE A7 Heating and Air Conditioning certification
• Achieve and maintain a minimum of 75% labor productivity when comparing attendance hours to invoiced hours

Requirements:

What we're looking for:

• 1 or more years automotive technician experience or a combination of experience and training to be an automotive technician.
• Possess required state and local certifications to be able to legally perform the work, including a current and valid driver's license, as well as, a satisfactory motor vehicle report (MVR)
• Technician (C) should have the below ASE certifications:
• ASE A4 Suspension and/or
• ASE A5 Brakes certification
• Strong attention to detail and pride in quality workmanship
• Experience performing inspections and maintenance services
• Ability to accurately identify repair needs through DVI inspections
• Knowledge of basic electrical systems and vehicle components
• Positive attitude and team-first mindset
• Willingness to earn ASE certifications and work towards being a B Level automotive technician, strongly preferred

Work environment & physical requirements:

• Physical demands:
• Must be able to get into and out of various vehicles without assistance.
• Must be able to drive a motor vehicle with passengers.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lbs without assistance.
• Ability to view a monitor, and use touch screens, mice, and keyboards.
• Ability to climb up/down and over/under work platforms and lifts to access vehicles for repair
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to perform major and fine motor skill movements using body to perform the necessary actions to complete a repair, service, vehicle inspection, or shop cleaning activity.
• Ability to reach overhead, push, pull, bend over/down, stoop, and other major body movements frequently
• This job operates in an environment with extensive exposure to an automotive repair shop environment. The job will have exposure to a moderate noise level, adverse weather conditions, chemicals, odors, dirt, and dust. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers & scanners.
• Ability to work flexible hours/days including evenings and if shops are open, weekends; additional time may be required depending on business needs.

Supporting employees beyond the work:

At GreatWater, we believe a rewarding career should come with support that goes beyond the shop floor. From strong health coverage and paid time off to training, career growth, and programs that invest in your future, our benefits are built to help you thrive at work and at home.

(Benefits begin the date of hire, except for 401k which begins on the 90th date of employment.)

• Front loaded PTO + 6 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave (1 week)
• Teammate discounts on services
• 401(k) match: 100% of first 3% + 50% of next 2%
• Health, dental & vision insurance
• HSA match up to $15 per paycheck
• Company paid life insurance & AD&D ($25,000)
• Employee assistance program (24/7, free)
• Voluntary benefits: STD, LTD, accident, critical illness, life
• Training & tuition reimbursement, including ASE test fee reimbursement
• LEARN to EARN program: Technician pay growth tied to ASE certifications