Automotive Technician

Penn State is searching for a full‑time Automotive Technician – Grade 3 to join the team.

• Service and repair automobiles, trucks, and various road, farm, lawn, and golf course equipment
• Locate problems accurately; determine extent of repairs needed; perform needed repairs
• Select and order necessary replacement parts or assemblies
• Remove, disassemble, repair, reassemble, reinstall, test, and adjust equipment and/or component parts such as gasoline and diesel engines, standard and automatic transmissions, alternators, generators, carburetors, electrical systems, drive shafts and differentials, brake systems, etc.
• Perform minor repairs, as well as major overhauls on automobiles, trucks, and other equipment under qualified supervision, as required
• Detect unusual conditions or defective materials and report to supervisor
• Diagnose problems which occur with automobile climate control systems
• Identify the problem, using various types of diagnostic equipment including pressure gauges, compression testers, etc.
• Determine how to correct the problem, extent of repair work needed, and select and order replacement parts
• Remove, disassemble, repair, reassemble, install, test, and adjust air conditioning compressors, condensers, receiver/dryers, expansion valves, evaporators, throttle valves, and other component parts of climate control systems
• Replace rotary valves, reed valves, pistons, or otherwise overhaul automotive air conditioning compressors, condensers, receiver/dryers, expansion valves, evaporators, throttle valves, or repair component parts when possible
• Inspect vehicles according to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Inspection regulations
• Maintain work areas in a clean and orderly condition
• Requisition parts from stock room and record same
• Occasionally answer questions for and direct the work of lower‑grade employees
• Occasionally perform minor body repair to vehicles
• Operate various pieces of testing and repair equipment, such as an analyzer, wheel aligners, wheel balancers, and other equipment necessary to determine extent, and repair vehicles
• Maintain record of inspections performed on vehicles

Work Schedule:

3:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Days Off:
Saturday, Sunday

Requires the use of advanced shop mathematics, complicated drawings, specifications, charts, tables, handbook formulas, adjusting instruments, and broad training in a recognized trade or craft. Equivalent to a complete accredited, indentured apprenticeship or to a high school diploma plus a 2‑year technical college education. Includes work from complex drawings and precision measuring instruments.

• 2 to 3 years of effective experience

• Environmental Protection Agency Section 609 Technician Certification – EPA‑approved certifying organization
• Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License Class A without Restriction L
• Pennsylvania Emissions Inspector Certification – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation approved certifying organization/program
• Pennsylvania Safety Inspector Certification with Categories 1 and 3 – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation approved certifying organization/program

Employment requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with university policies. A valid driver’s license and motor‑vehicle records check will be required. This position is subject to federal Department of Transportation testing for alcohol and controlled substances (49 CFR Part 40) and to physical examination requirements as per PA CODE 231.85.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time); and a generous 75 % tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Penn State is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, and opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

Company:
The Pennsylvania State University