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Car Mechanic Helper Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Car Wash Specialist

Escanaba, MI · On-site

$15 - $20.30/hr

Car Wash Specialist: Kwik Trip is seeking energetic, outgoing, and positive people to make a ... to help others • Maintain a clean and inviting store • Mechanically Inclined • Ability to ...

Mechanic

Wayne, MI

$25 - $30/hr

Our long-term goal is to become a leader in classic car restoration and custom builds, but right ... Since we are a growing shop, we need someone with the drive to help us set up the "basics." This ...

Our goal is to become a powerhouse in classic car restoration and a trusted dealer for late-model ... We need your experience to help us establish the "basics" of a smooth-running shop. You'll take the ...

Mechanic

Kentwood, MI · On-site

$21.75/hr

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

Mechanic

Wyoming, MI · On-site

$21.75/hr

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

Mechanic

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$21.75/hr

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

Mechanic

Grandville, MI · On-site

$21.75/hr

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

Mechanic

Caledonia, MI · On-site

$21.75/hr

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

Mechanic

Jenison, MI · On-site

$21.75/hr

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

Auto Mechanic

Jenison, MI · On-site

$21.75/hr

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

Auto Mechanic

Wyoming, MI · On-site

$21.75/hr

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

Automotive Mechanic

Wyoming, MI · On-site

$21.75/hr

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

Auto Mechanic

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$21.75/hr

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

Auto Mechanic

Caledonia, MI · On-site

$21.75/hr

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and our associates help us do just that. We believe work ... used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the ...

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Car Mechanic Helper information

What is a car mechanic helper?

Car Mechanic Helpers assist automotive mechanics by performing basic tasks such as handing tools, cleaning parts, and maintaining the work area. They help with routine maintenance jobs, like changing oil, rotating tires, and checking fluid levels. Their role is essential for ensuring that the main mechanic can focus on more complex repairs and diagnostics. Car Mechanic Helpers also gain valuable hands-on experience, which can help them advance to higher positions in the automotive repair industry.

What does a car mechanic helper do?

As a Car Mechanic Helper, your daily responsibilities often include preparing tools, cleaning workspaces, and assisting in vehicle inspections and repairs under the supervision of a lead mechanic. You may help with tasks such as changing oil, rotating tires, handing over tools, and maintaining parts inventory. This support allows the lead mechanic to focus on more complex diagnostics and repairs while you gain hands-on experience. Working closely with the team, you’ll learn industry standards and safe practices, which can help you advance to higher-level roles over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a car mechanic helper?

To thrive as a Car Mechanic Helper, you need a basic understanding of automotive systems, manual dexterity, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with common hand tools, diagnostic devices, and automotive repair software is often required. Strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, and effective communication help you work efficiently under supervision and as part of a team. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, quality repairs, and smooth workflow in a fast-paced automotive environment.

What is the difference between Car Mechanic Helper vs Automotive Technician?

AspectCar Mechanic HelperAutomotive Technician
CertificationsNone typically required, on-the-job trainingASE certification often preferred or required
Work EnvironmentAuto repair shops, garagesAuto repair shops, dealerships, service centers
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist mechanics, perform basic repairs, maintenance tasksDiagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles independently

The main difference is that a Car Mechanic Helper assists experienced automotive technicians and performs basic tasks, while an Automotive Technician is responsible for diagnosing and repairing vehicles independently. The helper role is often entry-level, focusing on support, whereas the technician role requires more skills, certifications, and experience.

How much do car mechanic helpers make in the US?

Car mechanic helpers in the US typically earn an average hourly wage of around $12 to $15, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $31,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and whether they work full-time or part-time, often requiring basic mechanical skills and safety knowledge.

What are the most commonly searched types of Car Mechanic jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Car Mechanic jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Car Mechanic Helper jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Car Mechanic Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Car Mechanic Helper job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Canadian National Railway rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 365 rated logistics


Job description

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you're part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely-helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary 

When stationed at a main terminal, the Supervisor, Mechanical (Car) leads the day-to-day operations through unionized staff to ensure railcar inspection maintenance and repair work is performed safely and efficiently. The Mechanical Supervisor may also be an on-call position that reports to remote locations (line points) and supervises the maintenance, inspection and repair of railcars and locomotives when required outside of main terminals (line points). Ultimately, leading the day-to-day operations of a 24-7 function, the role is critical to ensuring availability, reliability and dwell targets are achieved in order for CN to meet its commitments to its customers.  

Main Responsibilities 

Safety Orientation, Compliance and Enforcement 

  • Coach and train Mechanical employees on safe and productive work procedures 

  • Accountable for Online Failure Investigation and follow-up to include corrective action 

  • Build safety compliance and improve safety results through regular efficiency tests and safety walkabouts and provide feedback (positive and constructive) to subordinate and take action on non-compliant behaviour 

  • Response to dangerous good incidents and leaks in a yard 

  • Liaise with Dangerous Goods Officer and ensure employee and public well-being is upheld 

  • Create, train, audit, and implement of standard operating procedures 

  • Ensure safe operation as measured by accidents, incidents and employee injuries 

  • Spearhead the onboarding and training activities of new employees and supervisors 

  • Ensure Performance Monitoring Reporting Compliance (PMRC) targets, expectations and objectives are met 

  • Monitor completion and compliance accordingly 

  • Be responsible for preventative maintenance plans and execution on yard vehicles and equipment 

  • Meet audit and compliance requirements (Association of American Railroads (AAR) inspections, chain inspections, qualification recertification, equipment)  

  • Ensure an active involvement in Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) as well as ensuring the subsequent follow-up 

  • Ensure an active involvement in Apprentice Committee Workplace Location Joint Apprentice Committee (WLJAC) 

Problem Solving and Decision Making 

  • Control wrecking response to yard and line outages, working with Transportation and Engineering and direct reports to efficiently restore service to the operation  

  • Use CN data to analyze car inspection and repair productivity  

  • Establish actions to improve fleet reliability as well as efficient inspection and repair processes 

  • Maintain teamwork and order amongst staff, contractors, and internal clients by acting with a sense of urgency to respond to issues as they may arise 

Planning and Organizing Workload

  • Ensure Shift Supervisors utilize crews effectively by inspecting cars and testing air brakes 

  • Certify that car inspection and productivity standards are maintained to ensure train arrival and departure in accordance with the service plan 

  • Against multiple demands, establish the best opportunity to repair cars to reduce bad-order counts and dwell times in order to increase availability  

  • Drive freight car fleet reliability as measured by bad order status, percentage of cars available and initial terminal delay 

  • Ensure overall utilization is maximized, as measured by productivity, attendance and labour costs 

  • Maintain inventory such as personal protective equipment (PPE), parts, etc. 

General Leadership and Supervision of both Union & Non-Union Workforce 

  • Communicate company goals and policies to create clear understanding of direction and expectations  

  • Lead earnings per share (EPS) process: evaluate supervisor and employee performance and review performance expectations, actual performance, and overall performance ratings for reports and ensure EPS accountability for both Union and non-Union reports and completion 

  • Conduct investigations per collective agreement and issues discipline in collaboration with function's leadership team 

  • Develop and sustain the right employee behaviours with feedback, recognition, reinforcement and coaching 

  • Responsible for the administration of payroll and time of requests 

  • Lead account payable responsibilities: paying and authorizing invoices 

Working Conditions 

The Mechanical Shop operates 24/7 in all weather conditions. The Supervisor Mechanical (Car) works on rotating shifts (days, afternoons, midnights) covering the 24/7 operation. The Supervisor spearheads the day-to-day operations of the Shop through unionized staff to ensure maintenance and repair work on locomotives is performed safely and efficiently. 

Requirements 

Experience 

Electrical and Mechanical  

  • Electrical and Mechanical experience  

  • Minimum 4 years supervisory experience of both union and non-union Employees* 

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in railroad Mechanical Shopcraft or comparable position* 

*Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset 

Education/Certification/Designation 

  • High School Diploma  

  • Valid Driver's Licence  

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering* 

  • Technician or Technologist Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical* 

*Any designation for these above would be considered as an asset 

Competencies

  • Influence others with impactful communications and adapts well to its audience 

  • Offer tailored solutions to customers' problems, while considering our operational imperatives 

  • Assess needs and opportunities to create value and customer loyalty 

  • Make informed and timely decisions to succeed 

  • Share timely information within and across functions to get things done effectively  

  • Collaborate with key internal stakeholders to enable higher productivity 

  • Engage with external stakeholders to achieve beneficial outcomes 

  • Identify risks and anticipate impacts to ensure a safe and secure environment 

  • Improve processes on a continuous basis to enhance safety, security and to reduce CN's environmental footprint 

  • Follow safety procedures, information security instructions and ESC principles to lead by example 

  • Apply analytical thinking to make recommendations that pursue sustainable performance  

  • Bilingualism: French and English*
    *Any skills/attributes for these above would be considered as an asset

Technical Skills/Knowledge 

  • Time management 

  • Good computer skills: working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word), SRS, SAP, PAP and with applications such as RTBI, DataCity, SmartYard   

  • Comprehensive knowledge of car construction and operation, inspection and repair, operating rules, Transport Canada, AAR, and mechanical railroad operations measure 


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