Automotive Lead Technician

Bridgestone Americas; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 36,520 - 67,626; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision from day 1

Paid vacation and holidays

Company-funded ASE certifications

Flexible work schedule

401(k) match

On-demand pay (daily pay)

Job summary

Bridgestone Americas is seeking a Lead Technician in Skokie, Illinois, to utilize your technical knowledge and leadership skills in automotive service. This role emphasizes diagnosing drivability and electrical systems while mentoring team members to enhance customer satisfaction.

Qualified candidates should possess strong technical skills, especially in brakes and suspension, and a valid driver's license. Join a diverse team with a commitment to developing your career through ongoing training and performance incentives.

Qualifications

• Skilled in diagnosis and repair of brakes, suspension, and electrical systems.
• Ability to explain technical issues to non-mechanical individuals.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and math.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair various vehicle systems to specifications.
• Train and mentor other technicians.
• Stay updated with automotive technology through training.

Skills

Brakes diagnosis/repair

Alignment, steering & suspension diagnosis/repair

General automotive maintenance

Tire repair

Technical communication

Education

Valid automobile driver’s license

Current federal, state and local certification/license

Tools

A.S.E. certifications in A1–A8

Job description

Company Overview

Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) is part of Bridgestone Americas and employs over 22,000 teammates in North America. BSRO operates more than 2,200 company‑owned stores, including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus and Wheel Works locations. With locations across North America and more than $4.5 billion in tire and auto service sales, Bridgestone Retail Operations is the right place to build a career. Whatever role you fill, when you represent the Bridgestone name, you are a valued teammate and part of our larger mission to Serve Society with Superior Quality. We start by offering each teammate more than just competitive pay. We provide formal training, performance incentives, paid vacation and holidays, competitive healthcare packages for full‑time and part‑time employees, and a 401k plan to help build toward your future. We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they are allowed to bring their whole self to work and know they are supported. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of. Show us the smart stuff, the tough stuff, the bold, beautiful and brave stuff. Because who you are is what we need.

Job Category

Retail

Position Summary

The Lead Technician position requires your experience and technical expertise to diagnose drivability and electrical systems, while using your leadership and mentoring skills to drive a team toward increased customer care and satisfaction.

Pay and Compensation

Pay Range: $26.51 – $49.09. Our technicians enjoy a performance‑based compensation model known as flat‑rate pay, rewarding them with a predetermined amount for each eligible task. These rates reflect average productivity by region. Bridgestone is committed to fair and lawful compensation practices; all employees receive pay that meets or exceeds applicable minimum wage requirements.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair to specifications—brake and hydraulic, exhaust, primary and/or advanced fuel ignition and electrical, suspension and alignment, air conditioning and computer systems.
• Adequately explain technical diagnoses and needed repairs to non‑mechanical individuals.
• Stay current with rapidly changing automotive technology through continuous paid formal training.
• Assist and train technicians/mechanics in performing technical activities.
• Obtain or maintain A.S.E. certifications in at least five of A1–A8 within the first two years of employment. Tests and registration fees are paid by the company; technicians receive a bonus for each test passed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have a valid automobile driver’s license at all times and be able to drive customer and company vehicles.
• Skilled in brakes diagnosis/repair.
• Skilled in alignment, steering & suspension diagnosis/repair.
• Skilled in general automotive maintenance & tire repair.
• Current federal, state and local certification/license where applicable.
• Ability to communicate technical information to non‑technical people.
• Reading, writing and math skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of any of the following:
• Electrical/electronic systems
• Engine repair
• Engine performance
• Automatic transmission/transaxle
• Manual drivetrain/transmission
• Automotive heating/AC
• 5 years of automotive repair experience, demonstrated skills via third‑party assessments/certifications, or completion of a Vocational‑Technical School Program.
• A.S.E. certification in at least 3 of A1–A8 (L1 can be one of the three; Brakes and Steering & Suspension A.S.E.s preferred).

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision—Starting day 1 for all teammates.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• On‑the‑job training and company‑funded ASE certifications.
• Flexible work schedule.
• 401(k) match.
• On‑demand pay (daily pay) program available.

Values

• Professional Development: No matter where you’re at in your career, we’ve got the resources to help you level up.
• Community Involvement: We pride ourselves on working with our local communities and giving back where we can.
• Integrity & Teamwork: Part of what makes our teams different is our drive to do things right, always, together.

What We Offer

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
• The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
• Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long‑term well‑being.
• A diverse and inclusive team.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I‑9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.