Automotive Technician & Program Facilitator

St William Of York School; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City, MO is seeking an Automotive Technician & Program Facilitator to support hands-on automotive training for high school students. This role blends technical repair work with mentorship, guiding students through diagnostics, repairs, and safe shop practices while working with MINDDRIVE staff.

The position emphasizes patient instruction in a collaborative shop, supporting after-school programs and student projects such as Electrathon race cars.

Qualifications

• Experience in automotive repair and mechanical diagnostics.
• Interest in teaching, mentoring, or youth development.
• Able to clearly explain mechanical concepts in a hands-on setting.
• Basic welding or fabrication skills preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and collaborative mindset.
• Patient and enthusiastic to work with students.

Responsibilities

• Support students in learning ASE Maintenance and Light Repair skills, including diagnostics and inspections.
• Assist with diagnosis and repair of client and donated vehicles used in training.
• Guide students through routine automotive services (brakes, suspension, steering, cooling systems, and electrical diagnostics).
• Help students troubleshoot mechanical issues and understand repair processes.
• Reinforce safe shop practices and proper tool usage.
• Support fabrication and mechanical work on student projects (including Electrathon race cars and custom builds).
• Assist with daily shop operations alongside lead technician and instructional staff.
• Support after-school programs and hands-on automotive workshops.
• Participate in program events and mentor students during shop activities.

Skills

Automotive repair

Diagnostics

Teaching

Explain concepts

Fabrication

Problem solving

Patience

Job description

Reports To: Director of Program Administration

Supervised By: Director of MINDDRIVE

Status: Full-Time

Schedule: Program Year: Monday–Thursday 10:30a.m.-7:30p.m., Friday 8:30a.m.-5:30p.m. Summer Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30a.m. – 5:30p.m.

Position Overview

The Ignition Lab is seeking an Automotive Technician & Program Facilitator to support our hands‑on automotive training program for high school students. This role works in partnership with MINDDRIVE staff, blending technical expertise with mentorship, working directly with students as they learn automotive repair, vehicle maintenance, and basic fabrication skills while working on real vehicles.

Students in the program are working toward ASE Maintenance and Light Repair competencies, and this position plays a key role in guiding them through diagnostics, repair processes, and safe shop practices. Beyond repairing vehicles, this role focuses on helping students understand how and why repairs are performed.

This position is ideal for a technician who enjoys problem‑solving, building, and working in a collaborative, education‑focused environment.

Work Environment

A collaborative teaching shop, not a traditional production repair facility. Technicians work alongside students, supporting their learning while completing real vehicle repairs and projects.

Success in this role requires:

• Patience and a teaching mindset
• Curiosity and willingness to explain concepts
• Comfort working in a hands‑on, student‑centered environment

Key Responsibilities

• Support students in learning and practicing ASE Maintenance and Light Repair skills, including diagnostics, inspections, and common service procedures
• Assist with diagnosis and repair of client and donated vehicles used in training
• Guide students through routine automotive services (brakes, suspension, steering, cooling systems, and electrical diagnostics)
• Help students troubleshoot mechanical issues and understand repair processes
• Reinforce safe shop practices and proper tool usage
• Support fabrication and mechanical work on student projects (including Electrathon race cars and custom builds)
• Assist with daily shop operations alongside lead technician and instructional staff
• Support after‑school programs and hands‑on automotive workshops
• Participate in program events and mentor students during shop activities

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Automotive repair experience, technical training, or strong mechanical aptitude
• Familiarity with diagnostics and common repair procedures
• Interest in teaching, mentoring, or youth development
• Ability to clearly explain mechanical concepts in a hands‑on setting
• Basic welding or fabrication experience (preferred, not required)
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and collaborative mindset
• Patience and enthusiasm for working with students

Additional Information

Additional training provided related to:

• Safety curriculum
• Youth mentorship
• Automotive technology

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of an employee.

Operation Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Operation Breakthrough is “At Will”.