Head of Automotive Operations

Principle Machines; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 105,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous equity

Performance bonus

Job summary

Principle Machines is seeking a Founding Head of Automotive Operations to launch our first location and scale to 1,000s of shops. You will lead hands-on vehicle work, manage technicians, and shape daily shop operations while partnering with engineering to deploy automation that transforms automotive service.

This ground-floor leadership role offers meaningful equity, opportunities to open additional shops, and a path to senior leadership as we grow.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of automotive service and repair experience, with hands-on mechanical work.
• Experience managing an auto repair shop, including technicians and operations.
• Knowledge of brakes, tires, alignments, fluids, and routine repairs.
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on mindset with willingness to start the business.
• Willingness to relocate to launch state and travel as the network expands.

Responsibilities

• Launch our first shop: oversee facility setup, staffing and day-to-day operations.
• Perform automotive services: personally perform and supervise maintenance and repairs.
• Build and manage the team: recruit, train and lead technicians and future shop managers.
• Own shop performance: manage service quality, safety, customer experience, productivity, inventory and profitability.
• Develop technology workflows: work with engineers to demonstrate tasks, identify automation opportunities, test systems.
• Scale the business: identify new markets, open locations, establish standardized processes for 10+ shops.

Skills

Automotive service experience

Shop management

Diagnostics and repairs

Entrepreneurial mindset

Relocation travel willingness

Startup leadership

Team building

Education

ASE certification

Job description

Location: U.S. — Flexible (relocation required)

Type: Full-time

Compensation: $105k - $145K base + performance bonus + generous equity

About Us

We're building the next generation of automotive repair and maintenance shops, powered by automation and AI.

Our ambition is to build the largest automotive repair and maintenance company in the world.

About the Role

We're looking for a Founding Head of Automotive Operations to help launch our first location and scale the business to 1,000s of shops and beyond.

This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll initially work directly on vehicles, manage technicians, and oversee daily shop operations. As we expand, you'll help open new locations, build operational processes, and lead our growing network of shops.

You'll also work closely with our engineering team to develop and deploy software & systems that transform how automotive service work gets done.

Responsibilities

• Launch our first shop: Oversee facility setup, equipment, staffing, and day-to-day operations.
• Perform automotive services: Personally perform and supervise maintenance and repairs, including oil changes, brakes, tires, alignments, fluids, belts, and general vehicle maintenance.
• Build and manage the team: Recruit, train, and lead technicians and future shop managers.
• Own shop performance: Manage service quality, safety, customer experience, productivity, inventory, and profitability.
• Develop technology workflows: Work alongside engineers to demonstrate automotive tasks, identify automation opportunities, and test automation systems.
• Scale the business: Help identify new markets, open additional locations, and establish standardized processes to support 10+ shops.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of automotive service and repair experience, including hands-on mechanical work.
• Experience managing an automotive repair or maintenance shop, including technicians, operations, and financial performance.
• Strong knowledge of general automotive services, including brakes, tires, alignments, fluids, and routine repairs.
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on mindset with a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the business off the ground.
• Willingness to relocate to our selected launch state and travel as we expand.

Preferred:

• Experience as a General Manager, District Manager, Regional Manager, or Director of Operations at a multi-location automotive service business.
• Experience opening new shops or scaling automotive service operations.
• Background at Monro, Pep Boys, Firestone, Midas, Meineke, Sun Auto, or similar automotive service chains.
• ASE certification or equivalent technical experience.

Why Join Us?

This is a ground-floor opportunity to help build a potentially category-defining automotive service company. You'll work directly with the founding team, shape our technology and operations, and have the opportunity to grow into a senior leadership role as we scale.

We're offering competitive compensation, meaningful equity, and the chance to help build something from the ground up.