Automotive Technician

Circa £40,000 negotiable + excellent benefits | Permanent | On-site | (Internal job title: MET Specialist)

The future of automotive collision repair is evolving. As the technologies used in automotive body repair advance, we play an industry leading role in re-shaping vehicle repair data in the UK. Want to be involved? Come and join us as an MET Specialist working in our state-of-the-art Research Technology Centre (RTC).

Working at the forefront of automotive repair, and with the very latest automotive designs and technologies, you’ll be responsible for applying your Mechanical, Electrical and Trim (MET) expertise to conduct research that delivers risk management and vehicle repair data that influences safe, cost-effective repair for our member insurers and commercial customers.

If you have a passion for the automotive industry, coupled with hands-on experience as an Automotive Technician or similar role and are excited by the prospect of working with cutting edge, new vehicle technology then this could be the role for you!

What you'll be doing:

• Validate and analyse vehicle repair methods, raising any issues to ensure accurate information.
• Challenge and improve repair methods for better efficiency and cost savings.
• Plan and prepare for repair research projects, ensuring timely execution.
• Conduct controlled MET strips of project vehicles, minimizing component breakages.
• Perform quality checks, including road tests and diagnostic evaluations.
• Be the technical expert for MET across the business, liaising with internal and external stakeholders to offer your expertise and advice.
• Maintain repair consumables and equipment, adhering to H&S guidelines.
• Support high-quality repairs of vehicles that are returned to use on roads following research projects.
• Offer guidance and support to apprentice technician throughout their learning journey.

Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:

• Previous experience working in vehicle repair, with knowledge of automotive MET processes
• Relevant qualification within the motor industry to a minimum of Level 3 (e.g. Apprenticeship / VCQ / NVQ / IMI Accreditation, City & Guilds or Equivalent).
• Basic skills in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint).
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbally, with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Broad experience working with motor vehicles and familiarity in working with modern vehicles and technologies.

Desirable qualifications on entry or willing to obtain in role:

• Level 3 Electric Vehicle or willing to work towards, before being able to work with Electric vehicles.
• Level 4 Award in the Diagnosis, Testing and Repair of Electric/Hybrid Vehicles and Components (VRQ) or be willing to work towards the qualification.

Perks & Benefits

Salary - Circa £40,000 negotiable dependent on skills & experience.

• 10% non-contributory pension
• 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
• Group Life Assurance (equal to 3 x basic salary)
• Group Income Protection (after 2 years’ service)
• Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)
• Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
• Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
• Benenden Health Care (opt-in benefit)
• Reward & Recognition Programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Sports & Social club
• Payroll charitable giving
• Subsidised on-site restaurant
• Free on-site parking

When we work

Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45

How we work

This role is based on-site, working in our Repair Technology Centre (RTC) in Berkshire.

What we do

At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair. With an on-site Crash Laboratory, Repair Technology Centre and Training Academy, our research expertise is driving some of the very latest automotive developments in technology, materials and standards in this fast moving and highly technical industry.

Our active safety track site is one of the leading accredited Euro NCAP testing facilities, trialling and assessing the very latest developments in vehicle safety and assistance technologies.

All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.