Mechanical Associate

CarMax; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation

Holiday pay

Job summary

CarMax in Urbandale, IA is seeking a Mechanical Associate to inspect, diagnose, and repair vehicles to meet safety and quality standards. You will work with a capable team across various vehicle makes and models, supporting customers with reliable service.

The role emphasizes safety compliance, hands-on learning, and growth through ongoing training in a modern facility. CarMax offers competitive hourly pay and benefits while prioritizing customer trust.

Qualifications

• Experience in inspecting, diagnosing, repairing vehicles to meet high standards.
• Strong health and safety compliance focus.
• Ability to lift heavy objects and stand for extended periods.
• Capable of multitasking in a fast-paced setting.
• Excellent communication and attention to detail.
• Valid driver’s license.
• ASE certifications in Steering & Suspension, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical, Engine Repair, Manual Drive Train & Axles, Engine Performance, and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle.

Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair vehicles to meet CarMax’s high standards for quality and safety
• Collaborate with a skilled team to solve technical challenges quickly and effectively
• Gain hands-on experience across domestic and foreign vehicles
• Uphold CarMax’s commitment to customer satisfaction and trust
• Follow CarMax EH&S requirements and maintain a clean and orderly work area.

Skills

Engine repair

Steering and suspension

Brakes

HVAC systems

Health and safety compliance

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Valid driver’s license

Education

ASE Certifications (A4,A5,A7,A6,A1,A3,A8,A2)

Job description

6004 - Des Moines - 10315 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, Iowa, 50322

CarMax, the way your career should be!

Position Overview

As a Mechanical Associate, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring every vehicle meets CarMax’s standards for safety, reliability, and performance. At CarMax, we don’t just repair cars—we restore confidence for our customers. You’ll use your expertise to inspect and/or diagnose, repair, and recondition vehicles, from engines and brakes to steering and suspension systems.

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing training, advanced tools, and a collaborative environment that helps you thrive.

Why CarMax?

At CarMax, we are the nation’s largest retailer of used cars with stores from coast to coast, and we are still growing. We’re rethinking the way people buy cars – and our associates help us do just that. We believe work should feel meaningful and rewarding, with opportunities to make an impact every day. Whether you’re advancing your career or growing your skillset, we are here to drive you forward.

Role Responsibilities

• Inspect, diagnose, and repair vehicles to meet CarMax’s high standards for quality and safety
• Collaborate with a skilled team to solve technical challenges quickly and effectively
• Gain hands-on experience across domestic and foreign vehicles
• Uphold CarMax’s commitment to customer satisfaction and trust
• Follow CarMax Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) requirements and maintain a clean and orderly work area.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Experience in engine repair, steering and suspension, brakes, and HVAC systems, based on the needs of the role
• Strong understanding of health and safety compliance
• Ability to lift heavy objects and work on your feet for extended periods
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
• Valid driver’s license
• Where required by State/Local law, maintain ASE Certifications in Steering and Suspension (A4), Brakes (A5), Heating Air Conditioning (A7), Electrical (A6), Engine Repair (A1), Manual Drive Train and Axles (A3), Engine Performance (A8), and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (A2)
  
  

About CarMax

At CarMax, we revolutionized the used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the process. Our commitment to customer experience, innovation, and community has made us the nation’s largest used car retailer. With over 250 store locations and over 30,000 associates, we are proud to have been recognized as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® and are committed to helping our communities thrive.

As an associate, you are part of an innovative movement to empower the modern customer and drive progress. Your work fuels change—sparking ideas, overcoming challenges, and shaping what’s next. Join us in creating a better future– for our company, our customers, and the communities we call home.

CarMax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Upon an applicant's request, CarMax will consider reasonable accommodation to complete the CarMax Job Application.

The Hourly Rate For This Position Is

$26.00 - $44.15

Benefits

Except as otherwise required by state law, CarMax Associates are entitled to the following paid sick, vacation, and holiday time.

Associates That Are Considered Full-time Hourly Or Commission/incentive Eligible

• To earn up to 48 hours of sick time per year accrued on a per pay period basis and between 80 hours and 200 hours per year of vacation time after a 90 day waiting period depending on years of continuous service with the Company.
• For 8 hours of pay for each of a total of 6 paid scheduled holidays per year plus 1 floating holiday. If such an Associate does work on a scheduled holiday due to business need, they are eligible for Holiday Premium Pay.
  
  

Associates considered full-time salaried are entitled to paid time away with no specified limit as needed for sick, vacation, bereavement, jury duty, holidays, floating holiday, etc. subject to manager approval.

For more details about benefits, please visit our CarMax Benefits website.

Upon an applicant's request, CarMax will consider reasonable accommodation to complete the CarMax Job Application.