1

Automotive Recon Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

What You Bring: 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role in automotive, recon, or lean manufacturing environments * Comfortable running a floor day-to-day, not just working a bay * Experience coaching ...

New

Automotive Detailer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

Automotive Detailer Location: San Francisco, CA (Onsite) Salary: $24-$32 per Hour About Ever At ... the recon team. * Prepare vehicles for photography, showroom display, customer delivery, and ...

Automotive Detailer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Automotive Detailer Irvine, California About the Job Location: Irvine, CA (Onsite) Position ... the recon team. * Prepare vehicles for photography, showroom display, customer delivery, and ...

Automotive Detailer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Automotive Detailer Salary: $26-$28 per Hour About Ever At Ever, we're transforming the way people ... the recon team. * Prepare vehicles for photography, showroom display, customer delivery, and ...

Automotive Detailer Salary: $26-$28 per Hour About Ever At Ever, we're transforming the way people ... the recon team. * Prepare vehicles for photography, showroom display, customer delivery, and ...

Automotive Detailer Location: San Francisco, CA (Onsite) Salary: $24-$32 per Hour About Ever At ... the recon team. * Prepare vehicles for photography, showroom display, customer delivery, and ...

Automotive Detailer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Automotive Detailer Salary: $26-$28 per Hour About Ever At Ever, we're transforming the way people ... the recon team. * Prepare vehicles for photography, showroom display, customer delivery, and ...

Lead Automotive Detailer Salary: $36 - $39 per Hour About Ever At Ever, we're transforming the way ... Partner with Recon, Operations, Logistics, and Sales teams to ensure vehicles are completed on ...

Lead Automotive Detailer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$32 - $34/hr

Lead Automotive Detailer Salary: $32 - $34 per Hour About Ever At Ever, we're transforming the way ... Partner with Recon, Operations, Logistics, and Sales teams to ensure vehicles are completed on ...

Lead Automotive Detailer Salary: $32 - $34 per Hour About Ever At Ever, we're transforming the way ... Partner with Recon, Operations, Logistics, and Sales teams to ensure vehicles are completed on ...

Lead Automotive Detailer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$32 - $34/hr

Lead Automotive Detailer Salary: $32 - $34 per Hour About Ever At Ever, we're transforming the way ... Partner with Recon, Operations, Logistics, and Sales teams to ensure vehicles are completed on ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Automotive Recon information

See California salary details

$9

$19

$23

How much do automotive recon jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive recon in California is $19.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is automotive recon?

Automotive recon, short for reconditioning, refers to the process of inspecting, repairing, cleaning, and preparing used vehicles for resale, typically at a dealership. This process can include mechanical repairs, cosmetic fixes, detailing, and quality inspections to ensure the vehicle meets safety and appearance standards. Automotive recon helps maximize a vehicle’s resale value and ensures customer satisfaction by presenting used cars in their best possible condition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive recon?

To excel as an Automotive Reconditioning Technician, you need knowledge of automotive repair, detailing, and inspection processes, often supported by vocational training or relevant experience. Familiarity with tools such as diagnostic scanners, polishing machines, and reconditioning software is commonly required. Attention to detail, time management, and strong problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure vehicles are restored efficiently to high standards, directly impacting customer satisfaction and dealership profitability.

What are the most common challenges faced in an automotive recon role and how can I prepare for them?

Automotive Recon professionals often face challenges such as meeting tight turnaround times, balancing quality standards with speed, and adapting to constantly changing vehicle conditions. Staying organized, developing strong attention to detail, and being flexible with workflow changes are key to success. Working closely with technicians, detailers, and management is essential, as teamwork ensures vehicles are ready for sale efficiently. Gaining familiarity with reconditioning software and staying updated on industry best practices can also help you excel in this role.

What is the difference between Automotive Recon vs Automotive Detailer?

AspectAutomotive ReconAutomotive Detailer
CertificationsNone required, but certifications like I-CAR can be beneficialNone required, but certifications like I-CAR are common
Work EnvironmentCollision repair shops, insurance companies, auto dealershipsCar dealerships, auto shops, independent detailing businesses
Job FocusInspecting, assessing, and documenting vehicle damage for repair or insurance claimsCleaning, polishing, and restoring vehicles to a high standard of appearance

Automotive Recon primarily involves inspecting and documenting vehicle damage for repair or insurance purposes, often requiring knowledge of vehicle structures and damage assessment. Automotive Detailers focus on cleaning and restoring vehicles' appearance. While both roles work in automotive environments, Recon specialists handle damage evaluation, whereas Detailers enhance vehicle aesthetics.

What job categories do people searching Automotive Recon jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Recon jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Recon jobs?

Cities in California with the most Automotive Recon job openings:

Infographic showing various Automotive Recon job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,171 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Assistant Reconditioning Manager

Ever

San Francisco, CA

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

About the Job


Role: Assistant Reconditioning Manager
Location: San Francisco, CA (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Annual Salary: $90,000 - $125,000 per year

About Ever

Ever is building the future of auto retail. As the first AI-native auto retail platform, we are building the next $100B+ automotive business, starting with electric vehicles. Our AI-native product and operations power our full-stack auto retail business, serving EV buyers and sellers across the nation, both online and offline.

Based out of San Francisco and expanding nationwide, we are backed by leading investors and led by former tech & automotive professionals from Uber, Tesla, Rivian, Lithia, Penske, Carvana, Lyft, Meta, J.P. Morgan, BCG, and more. After our recently completed Series A financing, we have raised $100M in total equity and debt funding. We are growing rapidly and actively recruiting exceptional talent to join our mission of building the next-generation auto retail platform.

About the Role

You will run the floor day-to-day under the Reconditioning Manager: keep units moving through the pipeline, hold the quality bar, and coach the technicians doing the work. This is an execution role, not a design-the-system role. You take the workflow and standards the Recon Manager builds and make sure they hold up in real time, shift after shift, and you flag what's not working so the system gets better.

What You'll Own

  • Run day-to-day floor operations for your shift or zone; hit the throughput, quality, and cost targets the Recon Manager sets
  • Hold the quality standard on every unit before it moves to the next stage
  • Directly supervise and coach technicians on the floor; be the first point of contact for questions, blockers, and callouts
  • Execute SOPs as written; flag gaps or inconsistencies back to the Recon Manager instead of freelancing fixes
  • Step in for the Recon Manager on floor coverage, scheduling, and vendor coordination when they're out
  • Run daily standups and shift handoffs so the team knows the priorities for the day
  • Support root-cause problem-solving on defects and delays; don't just patch and move a unit along
  • Enforce health, safety, and compliance standards on the floor without exception

WIP Management

  • Track the active work queue for your shift or zone; know what every unit is waiting on
  • Hold WIP limits per stage and flag to the Recon Manager the moment a stage starts backing up
  • Complete accurate handoff documentation at every pipeline stage (ingress, inspect, repair, detail, photo)
  • Escalate stalled units and vendor SLA misses same-day, not at the next check-in

Team Development

  • Onboard new technicians using the certification path the Recon Manager builds
  • Give real-time, competency-based feedback on the floor, not just at review time
  • Identify skill gaps and close them with targeted coaching, or escalate to the Recon Manager for structured training
  • Support service advisors on documentation standards, communication, and handoff ownership
  • Recognize good work publicly and address gaps directly and promptly

Qualifications & Fit.

What You Bring:

  • 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role in automotive, recon, or lean manufacturing environments
  • Comfortable running a floor day-to-day, not just working a bay
  • Experience coaching frontline technicians; you know the difference between managing and coaching
  • Working knowledge of lean principles (5S, kaizen, WIP limits) and eagerness to run kaizen events
  • Comfortable using data and dashboards to make same-day calls, not just to report on them
  • Valid driver's license with a clean record
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends during launch phase

Technical Skills

  • Knowledge of dealership management systems and inventory software.
  • Understanding of EV systems and high-voltage safety preferred.
  • Ability to analyze operational KPIs and production reports.
  • Lean/Six Sigma experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements

  • Stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Work indoors and outdoors around moving vehicles and shop equipment.
  • Safely operate vehicles throughout the facility.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary 
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • PTO
  • 401(k) plan

Why Ever and this Role?

  • Lead one of the fastest-growing EV reconditioning operations in the U.S.
  • Work with the latest EV brands and technology.
  • Directly influence customer experience and vehicle quality.
  • Help shape the future of automotive retail.

Ever is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.