Automotive Technician Jobs in California
Automotive Technician jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in dealership service departments, independent repair shops, and fleet maintenance operations serving the state's massive commuter and commercial vehicle base. The largest hiring metros are Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, where established employers like Penske Automotive Group, AutoNation, and Hendrick Motorsports maintain major service operations. Demand is strongest for technicians with hybrid and electric vehicle diagnostics experience, diesel specialization, and ASE Master Technician credentials. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 209+ Automotive Technician jobs
Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Automotive Technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in automotive diagnostics and repair, ensuring vehicles are maintained to the highest standards. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, customer service skills, and a commitment to quality workmanship.
Responsibilities
1. Diagnoses operating difficulties on a variety of vehicles and performs operational checks on engines; its major supporting systems, parts, components, assemblies; including emissions systems, electrical, computer and electronic controlled
components.
2. Performs various computerized and electronic diagnostic tests using specialized equipment; interprets trouble codes and other information from electronic scanners and test analyzers; uses reference materials such as service manuals and wiring schematics to determine operational difficulties, drivability problems and evaluates performance efficiency.
3. Conducts visual and auditory vehicle inspections, road calls and road tests before and after maintenance and repairs; annotates vehicle problems on work orders.
4. Provides technical guidance and instructions to mechanics and technicians on more difficult repairs and in the use of specialized computer-aided diagnostic equipment.
5. Performs maintenance and repairs resulting from normal preventive maintenance inspections.
6. Prepares and updates vehicle records, maintains vehicle records; annotates labor time, parts and/or equipment and other pertinent data on work orders.
7. Performs engine tune-ups; removes, replaces, adjusts, cleans parts, components, assemblies and accessories; uses a variety of specialized test equipment to adjust systems and components to prescribed operating tolerances.
8. Troubleshoots malfunctioning vehicles resulting from road calls and identifies improperly functioning part(s) and repairs or replaces.
9. Repairs and replaces major components including transmissions, differentials, brake systems, power assist units, steering and suspension assemblies.
10. Performs other job related duties and responsibilities in support of primary duties.
11. Follows all established safety practices and procedures; complies with all postal, local, state and federal environmental regulations and policies.
Qualifications
- This section is composed of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities which are required to satisfactorily perform the tasks of the position. Knowledge of electrical/ignition systems refers to the terminology characteristics, and operation of such components as alternators, batteries, voltage regulators, starter motors, ignition and lighting systems, indicating devices, electronic computer enhanced components, sensors, and starting aids.
- Knowledge of automotive fuel systems refers to the terminology, characteristics, and operation of fuel delivery systems, and related assemblies, such as fuel pumps, turbochargers, superchargers, inter- coolers, fuel injectors, and the interface of the fuel system with electronic controls.
- Knowledge of automotive emission control systems refers to the terminology characteristics, and operation of emission control systems as they relate to overall engine operation and performance specifications and conformance to environmental quality regulations.
Join our team of professionals who are passionate about delivering quality automotive services while ensuring customer satisfaction!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $32.81 - $36.46 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Automotive Technician to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in automotive diagnostics and repair, ensuring vehicles are maintained to the highest standards. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, customer service skills, and a commitment to quality workmanship.
Responsibilities
1. Diagnoses operating difficulties on a variety of vehicles and performs operational checks on engines; its major supporting systems, parts, components, assemblies; including emissions systems, electrical, computer and electronic controlled
components.
2. Performs various computerized and electronic diagnostic tests using specialized equipment; interprets trouble codes and other information from electronic scanners and test analyzers; uses reference materials such as service manuals and wiring schematics to determine operational difficulties, drivability problems and evaluates performance efficiency.
3. Conducts visual and auditory vehicle inspections, road calls and road tests before and after maintenance and repairs; annotates vehicle problems on work orders.
4. Provides technical guidance and instructions to mechanics and technicians on more difficult repairs and in the use of specialized computer-aided diagnostic equipment.
5. Performs maintenance and repairs resulting from normal preventive maintenance inspections.
6. Prepares and updates vehicle records, maintains vehicle records; annotates labor time, parts and/or equipment and other pertinent data on work orders.
7. Performs engine tune-ups; removes, replaces, adjusts, cleans parts, components, assemblies and accessories; uses a variety of specialized test equipment to adjust systems and components to prescribed operating tolerances.
8. Troubleshoots malfunctioning vehicles resulting from road calls and identifies improperly functioning part(s) and repairs or replaces.
9. Repairs and replaces major components including transmissions, differentials, brake systems, power assist units, steering and suspension assemblies.
10. Performs other job related duties and responsibilities in support of primary duties.
11. Follows all established safety practices and procedures; complies with all postal, local, state and federal environmental regulations and policies.
Qualifications
- This section is composed of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities which are required to satisfactorily perform the tasks of the position. Knowledge of electrical/ignition systems refers to the terminology characteristics, and operation of such components as alternators, batteries, voltage regulators, starter motors, ignition and lighting systems, indicating devices, electronic computer enhanced components, sensors, and starting aids.
- Knowledge of automotive fuel systems refers to the terminology, characteristics, and operation of fuel delivery systems, and related assemblies, such as fuel pumps, turbochargers, superchargers, inter- coolers, fuel injectors, and the interface of the fuel system with electronic controls.
- Knowledge of automotive emission control systems refers to the terminology characteristics, and operation of emission control systems as they relate to overall engine operation and performance specifications and conformance to environmental quality regulations.
Join our team of professionals who are passionate about delivering quality automotive services while ensuring customer satisfaction!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $32.81 - $36.46 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 209+ Automotive Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automotive Technician JobsAutomotive Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automotive Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Monro Auto Service and Tire Centers20
- Goodyear12
- Protech Automotive Solutions12
- Wheel Works11
- CarMax7
Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automotive technician jobs across California.
- ASE certification in one or more areas recognized by California employers
- Valid California driver's license required for moving and test-driving vehicles
- Hands-on experience diagnosing and repairing hybrid or electric vehicle systems
- Proficiency with manufacturer-specific diagnostic software and scan tools
- Ability to perform state-required California smog and emissions inspections
- Own a set of professional hand tools meeting shop standards
Automotive Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automotive technician in California?
California does not require a state-issued license to work as an automotive technician, but employers strongly prefer ASE certifications, which are earned by passing exams and demonstrating hands-on experience. Most technicians enter through a community college automotive technology program or a manufacturer-sponsored apprenticeship. California's Bureau of Automotive Repair licenses smog check technicians separately, and any technician performing emissions inspections must hold a valid BAR smog license.
Which companies hire automotive technicians in California?
California automotive technician roles are posted by Monro Auto Service and Tire Centers, Goodyear, and Protech Automotive Solutions and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's size and high vehicle ownership rate mean dealership groups, fleet operators, and franchise repair chains all maintain consistent technician hiring throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most automotive technician jobs?
San Jose, Tustin, and San Diego have the most automotive technician openings in California. Los Angeles dominates by sheer population and the density of dealerships and independent shops, while San Jose draws demand from fleet and commercial vehicle operators tied to the Bay Area's tech and logistics industries, and San Diego's military and government fleets create steady openings beyond retail dealerships.
Are there remote automotive technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of automotive technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which reflects the hands-on nature of the work. The small share of remote roles typically involves technical support, remote diagnostics consulting, or warranty review positions rather than direct vehicle repair.
How can I get hired as a automotive technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a lube technician or service advisor role at a dealership or franchise shop like Jiffy Lube or Firestone Complete Auto Care, which regularly hire candidates without prior shop experience. California community colleges such as Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and De Anza College offer automotive technology certificates that give candidates a credential employers recognize. Many dealerships affiliated with Toyota, Honda, and Ford also run manufacturer apprenticeships that pair new technicians with mentors on the shop floor.
Where can I find and apply to automotive technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to automotive technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across dealerships, independent shops, and fleet operations. Search for roles that fit your certifications and experience level and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 209+ Automotive Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automotive Technician Jobs