Independent Automotive Mechanic / Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Independent Automotive Mechanic / Technician

American Auto LLC / Expo Auto Group
Painesville, Ohio
Position Type: Independent Contractor — To Start

American Auto LLC and Expo Auto Group are looking for an experienced Independent Automotive Mechanic / Technician to assist with the inspection, diagnosis, repair, and reconditioning of vehicles in our used-vehicle inventory.

This position will begin as an independent contractor opportunity. We are looking for someone who already has automotive repair experience, can work independently, accurately diagnose problems, and complete authorized repairs efficiently.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced mechanic looking for consistent automotive work without stepping immediately into a traditional employee position.

The Work

Our dealerships acquire vehicles from auctions, trade-ins, and other sources. Vehicles frequently require mechanical diagnosis, maintenance, or repair before being offered for sale.

Contract work may include:

• Pre-sale mechanical inspections
• Check-engine-light diagnosis
• Drivability diagnosis
• Brake repairs
• Steering and suspension repairs
• Wheel bearings and hubs
• Cooling-system repairs
• Starting and charging systems
• Electrical diagnosis
• Engine repairs
• Transmission and drivetrain diagnosis
• Fluid leaks
• Tune-ups and maintenance
• Exhaust repairs
• HVAC diagnosis and repair when within the contractor’s capabilities
• Battery, starter, and alternator replacement
• Other mechanical repairs agreed upon before work begins

Diagnostics Matter

We’re looking for someone who can diagnose vehicles—not simply replace parts until the problem disappears.

Our inventory includes many different makes and models, so the right person should be comfortable researching unfamiliar systems and using appropriate diagnostic procedures.

This may include:

• Scan-tool diagnosis
• Diagnostic trouble-code analysis
• Live-data interpretation
• Electrical testing
• Mechanical testing
• Visual inspection
• Road testing when authorized
• Technical repair information

If you’re unsure about a repair, we would rather have clear communication than unnecessary parts replacement.

Vehicle Inspections

Contractors may also be asked to inspect vehicles and provide management with an assessment of:

Immediate Safety Concerns
Brakes, tires, steering, suspension, wheel bearings, major leaks, lighting, and similar safety-related items.

Mechanical Concerns
Engine performance, transmission operation, warning lights, cooling system, electrical problems, abnormal noises, vibrations, and drivability issues.

Maintenance Needs
Fluids, filters, belts, hoses, ignition components, and other appropriate maintenance items.

We want straightforward recommendations identifying what requires attention now, what is recommended, and what can reasonably be monitored.

How Contract Work Will Operate

This opportunity is intended to begin as an independent contractor relationship rather than regular employment.

Individual vehicles, repairs, diagnostic work, or projects may be offered to the contractor based on dealership needs.

Before performing significant repairs, the contractor should communicate:

• Diagnosis
• Recommended repair
• Parts required
• Estimated labor
• Any additional problems discovered
• Any work outside the originally discussed scope

Additional work should be approved before proceeding.

Specific compensation terms, project authorization, invoicing/payment procedures, tool and equipment responsibilities, and other contractor terms will be established in the contractor agreement.

What We’re Looking For

We’re interested in someone who:

• Has meaningful hands-on automotive repair experience
• Can work independently
• Has strong diagnostic ability
• Understands automotive electrical systems
• Is comfortable working on multiple makes and models
• Produces quality work
• Communicates clearly when additional repairs are discovered
• Can accurately estimate what is required to complete a repair
• Keeps parts and work areas organized
• Treats dealership vehicles responsibly
• Can distinguish between necessary repairs and optional repairs
• Has their own basic professional automotive tools
• Takes responsibility for the quality of their work

Previous dealership, independent repair shop, fleet, or professional automotive repair experience is strongly preferred.

ASE certification is welcomed but not required.

Tools & Equipment

Contractors should have their own normal automotive hand tools and equipment appropriate for the work they accept.

Certain dealership-owned or shared specialty equipment may be available depending on the repair and arrangement.

Specific responsibilities regarding tools, diagnostic equipment, lifts, shop equipment, consumables, and specialty equipment will be established as part of the contractor relationship.

Quality Standards

We are not looking for someone to rush through vehicles or cover up problems.

Repairs should be performed professionally and safely.

Completed work should be verified whenever reasonably possible before the vehicle is considered finished.

If an authorized repair does not resolve the original concern, we expect the contractor to communicate that immediately so the vehicle can be properly reevaluated.

Initial 60-Day Evaluation Period

The dealership intends to evaluate the working relationship during the first 60 days.

This period allows both the contractor and dealership to determine whether the arrangement is a good long-term fit.

We will primarily consider:

• Quality of completed work
• Diagnostic ability
• Turnaround time
• Communication
• Reliability
• Accuracy of repair recommendations
• Organization
• Care of dealership vehicles and equipment
• Frequency of comeback or rework issues
• Overall working relationship

Continued contract work will depend on dealership needs, work availability, quality, and the success of the relationship.

Potential Future Opportunity

This position is being offered as an independent contractor opportunity to start.

As our service and reconditioning operation grows, there may be an opportunity to discuss a different long-term working arrangement if it makes sense for both parties.

No future employment or minimum amount of work is guaranteed by the initial contractor relationship.

Why Work With American Auto / Expo Auto Group?

American Auto and Expo Auto Group are locally operated dealerships with a growing used-vehicle operation.

For the right mechanic, that means access to a steady variety of automotive repair and diagnostic opportunities without being buried inside a large corporate service department.

You’ll work directly with dealership management, allowing mechanical problems, repair recommendations, parts needs, and authorization decisions to be communicated efficiently.

Our inventory also provides variety. One project may involve suspension work on a domestic SUV while the next involves electrical diagnosis on a European vehicle or drivability work on an import.

We value mechanics who can think, diagnose, communicate, and solve problems.

As our dealerships and service operation grow, contractors who consistently provide quality work may have opportunities to take on additional projects and responsibilities.

Interested?

Please provide a brief description of your automotive background, including:

• Years of automotive experience
• Types of repairs you regularly perform
• Diagnostic experience
• Whether you have your own tools
• ASE or other certifications, if applicable
• Previous dealership or repair-shop experience
• General availability

American Auto LLC / Expo Auto Group
2761 N. Ridge Rd.
Painesville, OH 44077