Automotive Technician – Brown’s Automotive, Chapel Hill, NC
$75,000–$95,000/year
4-Day Work Week

Ever worked somewhere the owner would go to bat for you in front of a customer instead of throwing you under the bus?

That is Brown’s Automotive.

Since 1980, Brown’s Automotive has been one of the most trusted independent shops in Chapel Hill. Today the shop is led by Tonnika Haynes, a second-generation owner who grew up in the business and has become a respected voice in the automotive aftermarket. She serves on the ASTA board, mentors future technicians through local high school automotive programs, speaks throughout the industry, and hosts her own podcast, Downshift with Tonnika, where she talks leadership, shop culture, the future of the industry, and the real challenges shop owners and teams face every day.

Right now, Brown’s Automotive is looking for an experienced automotive technician who wants to be part of a modern, organized, fast-moving shop.

The Kind of Shop You’re Walking Into

• Four-day work week. Every single week.
• Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM–5:30 PM. Three-day weekends are the norm here, not a rare perk.
• No working on weekends. Ever.
• Your time outside the shop matters.
• Leadership that is present
• Tonnika is in the building, involved with the team, and deeply invested in protecting the culture that has made Brown’s successful for decades.
• Busy, productive, and we stay organized and maintain a clean workspace.
• This is a high-performing shop that runs on communication and process, not panic. Morning huddles, clear communication with service advisors and teammates, digital workflow systems, DVIs, and clear expectations keep the day moving.
• Strong culture with long-term employees, several technicians have been here 7–9 years. That says a lot.
• The environment is collaborative, low ego, clear communication and team focused. People help each other here.
• If life happens, the team works together and supports each other. You are treated like a person, not a number.
• In addition to major paid holidays, the shop closes for extended break around Christmas so the team can genuinely recharge.

Pay + Benefits

• $75,000–$95,000/year
• Hourly pay structure plus bonus opportunities
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• PTO after 90 days
• Paid holidays plus extra days around Christmas week
• Uniforms provided

What You’ll Be Working With

Brown’s Automotive is a modern independent shop that invests heavily in equipment, systems, and workflow efficiency.

You’ll work on primarily domestic and Asian vehicles with some European mixed in. This is real diagnostic and repair work, not just maintenance and quick services.

Shop systems and equipment include:

• Tekmetric with digital vehicle inspections
• Matco scan tools
• TPMS tools
• Smoke machines
• Battery testers
• Alignment equipment
• AllData & Indentifix
• Detect Auto workflow systems
• Modern diagnostic and specialty equipment

You bring your primary tools. The shop supplies specialty and diagnostic equipment.

What Makes Someone Successful Here

You’ll probably fit in well if you:

• Take pride in quality work
• Stay calm and productive in a fast-paced environment
• Communicate well with advisors and teammates
• Like learning and improving
• Want to be part of a team instead of working on an island
• Believe honesty and transparency matter
• Want stability, consistency, and leadership you can trust

Bonus points if you have:

• Strong diagnostic ability
• Electrical testing and wiring diagram experience
• ASE certifications or desire to earn them
• Experience with DVIs and shop management systems

How the Team Operates

The communication here is one of the biggest differences technicians notice.

Advisors and techs stay connected throughout the day. Problems are solved through conversation instead of blame. Expectations are clear. New hires are supported, not thrown to the wolves.

And when the shop wins, the team celebrates together. That might mean lunches, bonuses, team outings, or even beach trips with spouses and families.

One band, one sound.

This is a shop that believes technicians deserve respect, support, good systems, and a life outside of work. Sound like your kind of place? Let's chat!

Questions? Contact hiring@autoignitemanagement.com Please do not contact the shop directly, thank you!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Professional Automotive Repair: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chapel Hill, NC 27517 (Required)

Work Location: In person