Inspector Apprentice (Manheim)

CAI Cox Automotive Corp Svcs., LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 18,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Manheim, a Cox Automotive company, is hiring an Inspector Apprentice in Houston, TX. No prior experience required; comprehensive training will be provided as you learn through hands-on inspection of vehicles and document their condition.

You'll verify VIN and vehicle details, inspect exterior and interior conditions, and enter data into our inspection system. This role offers growth with an iconic automotive brand and a stable career path.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Valid driver’s license is required; safe driving is essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to drive standard and automatic transmission vehicles preferred.
• 1 year of body shop, mechanical, claims adjuster or estimating experience preferred.
• Experience in navigating handheld and other documentation devices.

Responsibilities

• Learn the inspection process and create accurate vehicle records.
• Verify VIN, year, make, model, and mileage in the inspection system.
• Inspect vehicle equipment and document damage, repairs, and issues.
• Evaluate exterior and interior condition, including tires, frame, and mechanical components.
• Complete and verify data entry; assist with moving and photographing vehicles.

Skills

Excellent communication

Safe driving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Company Cox Automotive - USA Job Family Group Vehicle Operations Job Profile Inspector Apprentice Management Level Individual Contributor Flexible Work Option No remote option; must work at a specified Cox location Travel % No Work Shift Day Compensation Hourly base pay rate is $13.70 - $20.53/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.

Job Description As an Inspector Apprentice at Manheim, a Cox Automotive company, you’ll receive hands‑on training from experienced team members as you inspect vehicles and document their condition. This is an opportunity to build valuable skills and career stability with an iconic automotive brand. Ready to drive your automotive career forward? No previous experience or education is required. We’ll provide the training you need to succeed.

What You’ll Do

You’ll learn about the inspection process and create accurate vehicle records that support daily operations.

• Verify vehicle identification and enter information into the inspection system, including VIN, year, make, model, subseries and mileage.
• Inspect vehicle equipment and options, documenting results such as damage, previous repairs, structural issues and missing or inoperable items.
• Evaluate and record the exterior condition of vehicles, including but not limited to tires, frame, glass, body panels and mechanical components.
• Document the interior condition of vehicles, including but not limited to seats, dashboard and vehicle options.
• Complete and verify data entry.
• Perform other duties as needed, including jump‑starting, moving and photographing vehicles.

Who You Are

You enjoy learning new skills and are committed to doing quality work.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Generally, less than 2 years of experience.
• Safe driver’s needed; valid driver’s license required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to drive standard and automatic transmission vehicles
• Minimal knowledge of automotive body and mechanical work
• 1 year of body shop, mechanical, claims adjuster or estimating experience
• Experience in navigating handheld and other documentation devices
• Ability to pass Inspector Certification Exam within 90 days

Physical Requirements

Frequently required to crouch, bend and kneel to inspect sides and underside of vehicles. Must be able to lift a hood or trunk and reach inside or underneath vehicles as needed. Requires near‑vision abilities to identify dings, scratches, paint work, hail damage, frame or unibody damage and other interior and exterior defects. Must be able to identify interior and exterior colors. Ability to work effectively under various lighting conditions, including indoor and outdoor settings and natural and artificial light.

Work Environment

This role involves frequent exposure to varying outdoor weather conditions.

Drug Testing

To be employed in this role, you’ll need to clear a pre‑employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre‑employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug‑free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.

Benefits

• Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
• Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
• Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO).

About Us

Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry‑leading dealer‑facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people‑centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page.

Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.

EOE, including disability/vets Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.

Cox brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Cox vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.