Used Car Technician/Mechanic

Swickard Auto Group; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Career growth

Employee discounts

Job summary

Swickard Auto Group's Audi Oakland location seeks a dependable Used Car Technician to perform comprehensive safety inspections on pre-owned vehicles, complete light repairs, and ensure every vehicle meets high standards before it reaches guests. SMOG inspections are required for applicable vehicles, with a focus on accuracy and efficiency in a high-volume luxury dealership.

The role emphasizes quality inspections, documenting findings, and coordinating with the used vehicle manager to determine

Qualifications

• Proven automotive technician experience, dealership or independent shop accepted.
• California SMOG certification highly preferred and valuable in rate.
• Strong attention to detail influences vehicle market readiness.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive safety inspections on pre-owned vehicles across multiple makes and models.
• Complete light mechanical repairs as needed to meet dealership standards.
• Perform SMOG inspections and emissions testing when required.
• Document inspection findings clearly and thoroughly with reconditioning recommendations.
• Conduct road tests to assess performance and repair quality.
• Coordinate with the used vehicle manager on reconditioning priorities and approvals.
• Maintain accurate repair order documentation and safe work area.

Skills

Pre-owned vehicle inspection

SMOG certification

Auto repair quality

Attention to detail

Time management

Job description

Oakland, CA | Audi | Luxury brand | Hospitality | Used Car Technician | Pre-owned | Safety inspection | SMOG | Flat-rate | Bay Area | Veterans encouraged to apply | $33 - $45/hr flat rate

IS THIS YOU?

• You're a dependable technician with a thorough eye -- you can work through a pre-owned vehicle efficiently and accurately without missing what matters
• You hold your work to a high standard and move with pace -- flat-rate means both quality and efficiency show up in your paycheck
• You have SMOG certification or are actively pursuing it -- and you're ready to put that credential to work at a high-volume luxury dealership

WHO WE ARE

Swickard Auto Group is a hospitality company that happens to sell and service cars. We believe the best guest experiences start with the best employee experiences. That's why we've grown to 40+ rooftops across the West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii while maintaining a culture built on one simple idea: do right by people, every time.

At Audi Oakland, every pre-owned vehicle we put on the lot goes through a thorough inspection process before it reaches a guest. The Used Car Technician is the person who makes that standard real -- performing safety inspections, completing light mechanical repairs, and ensuring every vehicle we sell is something we stand behind.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Perform comprehensive safety inspections on pre-owned vehicles across multiple makes and model years -- evaluating brakes, tires, suspension, steering, lighting, fluids, belts, hoses, and all major vehicle systems
• Complete light mechanical repairs as approved -- addressing safety and operational items identified during inspection to bring vehicles to dealership standards
• Perform SMOG inspections and emissions testing on applicable vehicles -- SMOG certification required for this function
• Document inspection findings accurately and thoroughly -- preparing clear reconditioning recommendations that support used vehicle management decisions
• Conduct road tests to evaluate vehicle performance and confirm repair quality
• Coordinate with the used vehicle manager on reconditioning priorities, timelines, and approval for repairs
• Maintain accurate repair order documentation for all inspection and reconditioning work performed
• Work efficiently within a fast-paced dealership environment -- throughput and accuracy both matter in this role
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation throughout every shift

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Proven experience as an automotive technician -- dealership or independent shop experience both considered
• California SMOG certification highly preferred -- this credential is a significant advantage and will be recognized in your rate
• Strong attention to detail -- your inspection reports directly influence what vehicles go to market
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment without sacrificing accuracy or quality
• Multi-brand experience a strong plus -- used vehicle reconditioning covers a wide range of makes and model years
• ASE certifications a strong plus
• Dependable, punctual, and self-directed -- the reconditioning operation depends on consistent, quality output every day
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record

WHAT WE OFFER

• $33 - $45/hr flat rate -- SMOG certification and demonstrated experience reflected in your rate
• A focused, consistent workflow -- reconditioning provides steady flat-rate hours with predictable volume
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and supplemental coverage options
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Career growth within the Swickard organization -- strong technicians grow into senior tech, shop foreman, and service management roles
• Employee vehicle purchase and service discounts

WHY AUDI OAKLAND

• A high-volume luxury dealership with a robust pre-owned operation -- consistent reconditioning work and steady flat-rate hours
• SMOG certification is recognized and rewarded in your rate -- it's a valued credential here, not just a checkbox
• A focused role with clear scope -- safety inspections, light repairs, and SMOG work without the unpredictability of a full service drive
• Oakland and the greater Bay Area represent one of the strongest pre-owned vehicle markets in the country
• Swickard is one of the fastest-growing dealer groups in the country -- ranked Top 5 in North America for reputation in the automotive industry
• Our HEART values -- Honor, Engage, Anticipate, Respond, Thank -- shape how we treat our team just as much as our guests
• Leadership that values the technicians who protect the store's reputation through quality inspection work

Every pre-owned vehicle Audi Oakland sells passes through this role first. The Used Car Technician's inspection is the standard that protects both the guest and the store -- and doing it right, efficiently and consistently, is what makes this role valuable. It's focused work at a high-volume operation with a rate structure that rewards your credentials and your output.

If you're a dependable technician with a sharp eye, strong work ethic, and SMOG certification -- we'd like to meet you. #T4