Machine Shop Lead Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

About the Job

Role: Lead Technician
Location: Irvine, CA (Onsite)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $55-$60 per Hour

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.

As the Lead Technician, you'll serve as the technical leader of Ever's reconditioning operation. This role combines advanced hands-on vehicle repair with leadership responsibilities, helping establish best-in-class shop standards while coaching technicians and improving operational efficiency.

You'll spend a significant portion of your time performing complex repairs and diagnostics while also developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), training technicians, improving quality, and partnering with the Reconditioning Manager to maximize shop throughput, safety, and customer satisfaction.

What You'll Own

• Perform advanced diagnostics, repairs, and vehicle reconditioning on electric and conventional vehicles
• Serve as the technical escalation point for complex mechanical and electrical repairs
• Coach, mentor, and train technicians on repair quality, efficiency, safety, and OEM best practices
• Develop, document, and continuously improve shop SOPs, repair workflows, quality standards, and inspection processes
• Conduct quality control inspections before vehicles are released for sale
• Standardize repair procedures across the shop to improve consistency and reduce rework
• Lead technician onboarding and hands-on skills development
• Assist with workload planning and daily shop prioritization
• Partner with the Reconditioning Manager on productivity initiatives and continuous improvement projects
• Identify process bottlenecks and recommend operational improvements
• Ensure technicians follow OEM repair procedures and Ever quality standards
• Support implementation of lean shop practices, 5S organization, and workplace safety initiatives
• Monitor repair quality, comeback rates, and technician performance trends
• Assist with tooling recommendations and shop equipment improvements
• Document repairs accurately in Ever systems
• Maintain compliance with high-voltage safety procedures and OSHA standards
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing shop culture

Qualifications & Fit

• 5+ years of automotive technician experience with demonstrated technical expertise
• Previous Lead Technician, Shop Foreman, Team Lead, or similar leadership experience preferred
• Experience training, coaching, or mentoring technicians
• Strong diagnostic abilities across electrical, mechanical, and drivability systems
• Experience creating or improving shop processes and repair standards
• Strong communication, organization, and leadership skills
• Passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record (21+ for road testing)

Technical Skills

• Advanced diagnostic skills using OEM and aftermarket scan tools
• Experience with EV platforms (Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, GM, Ford, Hyundai/Kia) preferred
• High-voltage safety certification preferred
• Ability to interpret wiring diagrams and service information
• Experience with brake, suspension, steering, drivetrain, HVAC, and electrical systems
• Experience developing repair documentation and SOPs
• ASE Master Technician and OEM EV certifications are a plus

Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Bend, kneel, squat, crawl, and work underneath vehicles
• Operate lifts, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and shop machinery
• Safely drive and road test vehicles

Benefits

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

Why Ever and this Role?

• Lead the technical direction of a rapidly growing EV reconditioning operation
• Help build scalable shop processes from the ground up
• Mentor the next generation of EV technicians
• Work with the latest EV technology
• Make a direct impact on vehicle quality, operational excellence, and customer experience

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