Overview
Automotive Master Technician / Diagnostic Specialist Jobs in Waukee, IA at Willard Garage
Automotive Master Technician / Diagnostic Specialist
Willard Garage | Waukee, Iowa
Full-Time | Monday-Friday | $95,000-$140,000+ Annually
Willard Garage is building something uncommon in Waukee: a growing independent repair shop with the facility, equipment, workload, and leadership to support a truly advanced technician.
Brian Willard spent 20 years as an aircraft technician and inspector before he and his wife, Peggy, opened Willard Garage in 2014. What began with the two of them in a leased space has grown into a premium 15-bay repair center with seven technicians, two service advisors, and plans to keep growing.
The standards that built the shop have not changed. Honesty matters. Quality matters. Details matter. The team calls it MAD: Meticulous Attention to Detail.
Willard Garage is now looking for a Master Technician and Diagnostic Specialist who can bring that same standard to complex drivability, electrical, intermittent, and advanced repair work.
What This Opportunity Looks Like
This is an all-makes, all-models position, excluding exotics. The current workload is primarily Domestic and Asian, with European, light-duty diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles also coming through the shop.
European experience is highly valued, but this is not a European-only position.
The work will generally include:
- Approximately 40% testing and diagnostics
- Approximately 45% mechanical repair
- Approximately 15% maintenance
- Complex drivability and intermittent concerns
- Electrical testing using wiring diagrams, DVOMs, oscilloscopes, pressure transducers, and other advanced tools
- CAN, LIN, module, sensor, actuator, starting, and charging-system diagnostics
- Advanced engine diagnostics and repair strategy
- Timing components and internal engine repairs
- Brakes, steering, suspension, cooling systems, and driveline work
- Complete digital vehicle inspections with clear testing results and recommendations
The goal is not to replace parts until something works. We’re looking for someone who can gather information, develop a testing strategy, confirm the cause, complete the repair, and verify the result.
What You Will Have Available
We have invested in the equipment and information needed to do advanced work correctly, including:
- Advanced Autel scan tool with Remote Expert assistance
- CarDAQ 3 programming equipment
- OEM subscriptions for GM, Ford, FCA, Honda, Toyota, and others
- Multiple additional bi-directional scan tools
- ProDemand and Identifix
- Electrical testing equipment
- Specialty engine timing and drivetrain tools
- Two R-1234yf A/C machines and one R-134a machine
- BG fluid-service equipment
- Flush-mounted alignment equipment
- 40-ton hydraulic press
- Technician computers and mobile devices for Tekmetric DVIs
- ADAS calibration capabilities being added as the shop continues to grow
The shop is clean, heated, genuinely air-conditioned, and equipped with modern lifts and specialty tools. Technicians are expected to have a professional personal tool selection appropriate for their experience level, but they should not have to purchase every specialty tool needed to complete the job correctly.
Compensation – Hybrid not just flat rate
The realistic earning range for this position is $95,000-$140,000+ annually.
Compensation includes:
- $35-$45 per flagged hour, based on experience and ability
- Up to an additional $6 per flagged hour for ASE certifications (.50/hr/certification, plus .50/hr for Master Tech, plus 1.50/hr for L-1 Cert. Total, up to 6.00/hr)
- Team performance bonus paid every two weeks
- Bonus opportunity ranging from approximately $50-$550 per pay period
- Annual pay reviews
- Additional consideration for strong European experience and expertise
The team bonus is based on the shop’s total gross profit for the pay period. Individual participation is influenced by production, skill, and tenure. The complete compensation structure will be explained during the interview process so candidates can clearly understand the opportunity.
What Willard Garage Offers
- Monday-Friday schedule
- Technician hours 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- No weekends
- $2,340 annual tax-free tool reimbursement
- Health insurance with three plan options
- Willard Garage pays 50% of the employee’s health insurance premium
- Spouse, child, and family coverage available
- Dental and vision insurance
- Insurance eligibility beginning the first of the month after 60 days
- 401(k) with a 100% company match up to 5% of employee pay
- 401(k) eligibility after six months
- Paid time off accrued each pay period
- Six paid holidays
- Company-provided uniforms with laundry service
- Paid technical training
- Employees are paid for their time spent in training
- ASE certification support and increased pay for certifications
- We attend training such as VISION in Kansas City and other local, online, and in-house training opportunities
What Will Make Someone Successful Here
We are looking for someone who is fully independent in both diagnostics and repair. Five or more years of strong professional experience is preferred, but demonstrated ability matters more than a specific number of years.
The right person will bring:
- Advanced diagnostic and electrical ability
- Strong mechanical repair skills
- Accurate, complete documentation
- Good computer and typing skills
- The ability to maintain strong production without sacrificing quality
- A professional tool selection
- Reliable attendance and follow-through
- Pride in first-time-fix results
- A willingness to collaborate with other experienced technicians
- Confidence without ego
- The ability to remain teachable, even at an advanced level
ASE certifications are strongly preferred and financially rewarded. Master Technician, L1, and European experience are especially valuable.
What It Feels Like to Work Here
Willard Garage is professional, fast-paced, and collaborative. Technicians work independently, but they are not left alone when a difficult vehicle needs another perspective. The team shares information, offers second opinions, and helps when another set of hands is needed.
Brian and Peggy are present in the business and accessible to the team. Feedback is encouraged, expectations are clearly communicated, and employees are trusted with responsibility and the authority needed to carry it out.
The standards are high because Willard Garage is serious about building one of the premier repair teams in Iowa. In return, technicians receive the equipment, training, compensation, and support needed to meet those standards and build a strong career.
If advanced diagnostics, honest work, strong earning potential, and Meticulous Attention to Detail sound like the right combination, we can’t wait to meet you!
License/Certification:
- Valid driver’s license required
- ASE certifications preferred
- ASE Master Technician or L1 preferred
Questions? Contact [email protected]
Please do not contact the shop directly.
Pay: $95,000.00 – $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
Application Question(s):
- Please rate your diagnostic skill level on a scale of 1 – 10 with 10 being expert level and 1 being entry level
- Please rate your electrical skill level on a scale of 1 – 10 with 10 being expert level and 1 being entry level
Experience:
- Professional Automotive Repair: 4 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- ASE Certification (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Waukee, IA 50263 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Title: Automotive Master Technician / Diagnostic Specialist
Company: Willard Garage
Location: Waukee, IA
Category:
