Defender & Classic Vehicle Mechanic (£45k Basic | Bespoke Custom Builds)

Hawk Hiring LTD; Uckfield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Casual dress policy

Full uniform provided

Free on-site parking

Immediate start available

Job summary

Hawk Hiring LTD seeks a Vehicle Technician / Defender Specialist to perform full mechanical rebuilds, complex modifications, and restorations focused on classic Land Rover Defenders. You will diagnose issues, plan bespoke builds, and execute high-precision work with a strong emphasis on safety and quality.

Base is in Nutley/Ashdown Forest area with on-site parking; you must have a UK driving licence and own hand tools.

Qualifications

• Bitesized evidence of formal qualification and hands-on experience required.
• Experience with pre-2016 Land Rover Defenders is highly valued.
• Strong mechanical diagnostic and overhaul capabilities needed.

Responsibilities

• Handle comprehensive mechanical rebuilds and bespoke modifications.
• Perform complex troubleshooting and restorations on classic Defenders.
• Carry out engine overhauls and chassis work with attention to detail.

Skills

Mechanical diagnostics

Defender experience

Engine overhauls

Education

NVQ Level 3 or time-served

Tools

Hand tools

Diagnostic tools

Job description

Pay & Benefits

• Salary: £32,000 – £40,000 basic per annum (up to £45,000 basic for high-level specialists) + annual bonus
• Hours: 40 hours per week with flexible shift patterns (choice of working 4, 5, or 6 days per week)
• Perks: 28 days holiday, casual dress policy, full uniform provided, free secure on-site parking, immediate start available
• Workload: Full chassis rebuilds, bespoke custom modifications, engine swaps, and classic restorations – focused primarily on iconic pre-2016 Land Rover Defenders

About Us

We are a premier, highly regarded vehicle tuning and custom restoration specialist tucked in the East Sussex countryside. Moving away from boring, high-volume retail work, our close-knit, supportive workshop focuses on high-end, bespoke builds and precision craftsmanship.

Role Overview

Seeking a Vehicle Technician / Defender Specialist Mechanic to handle comprehensive mechanical rebuilds, custom modifications, complex troubleshooting, and restorations primarily on classic Land Rover Defenders.

Requirements

• NVQ Level 3 (or time-served equivalent) with strong mechanical diagnostic capabilities.
• Experience working on pre-2016 Land Rover Defenders is a huge plus, but passion and solid mechanical skills matter most.
• Proven ability to execute engine overhauls, chassis work, and bespoke vehicle builds.
• Full UK driving licence & own hand tools.

Location & Commute

• Base: Nutley / Ashdown Forest area (Free on-site parking)
• Road Links: Strategic countryside position directly off the A22, providing quick driving routes north toward East Grinstead and south toward Uckfield and Lewes, as well as easy cross-links via the A26 and A272.
• Public Transport: Rural bus connections operating along the main A22 corridor, with rail links nearby at Crowborough, Uckfield, and East Grinstead stations.
• Commutable From: Uckfield, Crowborough, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, and Lewes.