Jobs › CarMax

Automotive Technician Up to $5,000 Sign on Bonus

CarMax · Chicago, IL · $19.80–$38.90 an hour · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

What engine work are you comfortable doing today, and where would you need more training?

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about their skill level, since tasks are matched to experience.

Tell me about a time you learned a new system or technology on the job.

What they are checking: Whether they keep up with newer vehicle technology instead of relying only on old habits.

Tell me about a time your integrity was tested at work.

What they are checking: Whether they choose honesty when it would be easier to cut a corner.

What does a clean, organized bay do for the quality of your work?

What they are checking: Whether they connect workspace habits to safety and fewer mistakes.

What would you do

You finish a brake job and the pedal feels soft on the test drive. What do you do next?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and fix the issue instead of passing along a possibly unsafe car.

How would you handle a week when the shop has far more cars than usual?

What they are checking: Whether they stay steady and keep quality up when workload spikes.

About the work

Walk me through how you inspect a vehicle from top to bottom when it first comes into the shop.

What they are checking: Whether they have a consistent inspection routine that catches safety and quality problems.

A car comes in with a vibration at highway speed. How do you find the cause?

What they are checking: Whether they can narrow down tires, balance, driveline and suspension in a logical order.

How do you write up your findings so a manager can decide on repair costs?

What they are checking: Whether they document clearly, which helps the store decide what reconditioning is worth.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at CarMax from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by CarMax.

7146 - Hillside - 101 N Wolf Rd, Hillside, Illinois, 60162 CarMax, the way your career should be! **Offering up to a $5,000 sign on bonus. Only external candidates are eligible.* Position Overview As an Automotive Technician, you’ll play a key role in ensuring every vehicle meets CarMax standards for safety, quality, and reliability. This is more than a job-it’s an opportunity to love what you do in a clean, modern, climate-controlled environment designed for success. At CarMax, you’ll use your technical expertise to diagnose, repair, and recondition vehicles, from engines and brakes to steering and suspension systems. Join a team that values integrity, precision, and innovation, and experience a workplace where your growth matters as much as the cars you service. Why CarMax? At CarMax, we are the nation’s largest retailer of used cars with stores from coast to coast, and we are still growing. We’re rethinking the way people buy cars – and our associates help us do just that. We believe work should feel meaningful and rewarding, with opportunities to make an impact every day. Whether you’re advancing your career or growing your skillset, we are here to drive you forward. Role Responsibilities • Inspect, diagnose, and repair vehicles to meet CarMax standards, with tasks aligned to your experience level. • Perform automotive services from basic maintenance to complex mechanical and electrical repairs. • Complete multi-point inspections and accurately document findings and completed work following established processes. • Repair or replace vehicle components such as trim, seals, and panels, supporting reconditioning efforts. • Assist with alignment, suspension, and performance diagnostics, gaining independence as your skills grow. • Uphold CarMax values of integrity, respect, transparency, and accountability while developing technical expertise and collaborate with teammates to meet production goals • Follow CarMax Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) requirements and maintain a clean and orderly work area. Required Qualifications • Basic to intermediate experience in automotive repair, including engines, brakes, suspension, or HVAC systems. • Knowledge of workplace safety protocols and compliance standards. • Ability to multitask in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. • Strong attention to detail with clear verbal and written communication skills. • Physical stamina and manual dexterity, including the ability to lift, walk, and stand for extended periods. • Valid driver’s license required. Preferred Qualifications • Where required by State/Local law, maintain ASE Certifications in Steering and Suspension (A4), Brakes (A5), Heating Air Conditioning (A7), Electrical (A6), Engine Repair (A1), Manual Drive Train and Axles (A3), Engine Performance (A8), and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle (A2) About CarMax At CarMax, we revolutionized the used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the process. Our commitment to customer experience, innovation, and community has made us the nation’s largest used car retailer. With over 250 store locations and over 30,000 associates, we are proud to have been recognized as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® and are committed to helping our communities thrive. As an associate, you are part of an innovative movement to empower the modern customer and drive progress. Your work fuels change—sparking ideas, overcoming challenges, and shaping what’s next. Join us in creating a better future– for our company, our customers, and the communities we call home. CarMax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The hourly rate for this position is: $19.80 - $38.90 Commissions: This position is eligible for commission. Benefits: Except as otherwise required by state law, CarMax Associates are entitled to the following paid sick, vacation, and holiday time. Associates that are considered full-time hourly or commissioned are eligible: • To earn up to 48 hours of sick time per year accrued on a per pay period basis and between 80 hours and 200 hours per year of vacation time after a 90 day waiting period depending on years of continuous service with the Company. • For 8 hours of pay for each of a total of 6 paid scheduled holidays per year plus 1 floating holiday. If such an Associate does work on a scheduled holiday due to business need, they are eligible for Holiday Premium Pay. Associates considered full-time salaried are entitled to paid time away with no specified limit as needed for sick, vacation, bereavement, jury duty, holidays, floating holiday, etc. subject to manager approval. For more details about benefits, please visit our CarMax Benefits website. Upon an applicant's request, CarMax will consider reasonable accommodation to complete the CarMax Job Application .

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