Automotive Technician
Job Description
This hands-on role focuses on installing pre-made and pre-assembled truck equipment for municipal fleets, government vehicles, and commercial clients, as well as performing repairs and service work on equipment originally installed by the organization. You work directly on trucks and specialty vehicles, using your mechanical aptitude, proficiency with hand and power tools, and strong commitment to safety and quality to ensure each installation meets technical specifications and operates reliably.
Responsibilities- Install pre-assembled truck bodies, lift gates, van interiors, dump bodies, snow removal equipment, and other specialty truck equipment according to specifications.
- Perform hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical connections to ensure proper functionality of installed equipment.
- Conduct repairs, adjustments, and service work on equipment previously installed by the organization.
- Read and interpret work orders, technical manuals, diagrams, and installation instructions to plan and complete tasks accurately.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues on installed equipment and perform corrective actions.
- Collaborate closely with team members to meet project deadlines and client specifications.
- Use a wide range of hand tools, power tools, specialty tools, and measuring tools safely and effectively during installations and repairs.
- Learn and apply cutting and welding techniques with tools such as oxy-acetylene torches and MIG welders as needed for specific projects.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop environment, including proper storage and care of tools and equipment.
- Follow all safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment to ensure a safe work area for yourself and others.
- 1–3 years of basic to advanced mechanical experience in installation, repair, or automotive-related work.
- Ability to use and maintain a range of hand tools, including socket wrenches, ratchets, screwdrivers, pliers, and adjustable wrenches.
- Proficiency with power tools such as drills, impact drills/drivers, angle grinders, reciprocating saws, and circular saws.
- Experience performing mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical connections on vehicles or equipment.
- Knowledge of 12–24V automotive electrical systems and the ability to use multimeters for electrical testing.
- Basic knowledge of air and hydraulic systems used in truck and specialty equipment installations.
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to build, assemble, and install components accurately.
- Ability to read and interpret work orders, technical manuals, and installation instructions.
- Effective troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and adjusting installed equipment to resolve performance issues.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team to meet deadlines and client specifications.
- Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment at all times.
- Ownership of a basic mechanic’s toolbox and personal tools preferred; you may also use shop-provided tools.
- Welding knowledge is a plus; training is provided for cutting and welding tools such as oxy-acetylene torches and MIG welders.
- Experience with specialty tools, including torque wrenches, hydraulic crimpers, wire strippers, and multimeters.
- Familiarity with fastening tools such as rivet guns, clamps, hammers, and mallets.
- Ability to use measuring and marking tools including tape measures, calipers, levels, chalk lines, and squares.
- Comfort working in a shop environment with occasional overtime when required.
- Strong attention to detail and quality in all installation and repair work.
You join an established, specialized truck upfitting operation with a long-standing reputation for quality service to municipalities, government agencies, and private fleets. The organization offers stability, hands-on technical work, and opportunities to learn new skills such as cutting and welding. Health insurance is provided with employee-only coverage at no cost and options for family coverage at an additional cost. You work in a collaborative environment where craftsmanship, safety, and continuous learning are valued, and where your mechanical skills directly contribute to building reliable, purpose-built work trucks.
Work EnvironmentThis position is based in a shop setting focused on custom truck upfitting and equipment installation. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with a 30-minute lunch and two 15-minute breaks. Occasional overtime may be required, and flexibility is expected when workload demands it. You work around trucks and specialty vehicles using a variety of tools, including hand tools, power tools, specialty tools, fastening tools, and measuring instruments. Cutting and welding tools such as oxy-acetylene torches, MIG welders, and cutoff wheels are used as needed, with training provided. Personal protective equipment is standard, including gloves, safety glasses, steel-toe boots, and hearing protection, supporting a safety-focused, organized, and professional shop environment.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Portsmouth, VA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Portsmouth,VA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.
About AerotekAerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
