Automotive Journeyman Technician (Rim Repair Specialist) 

Reports to: Service Manager / Shop Foreman
Employment type: Full-time 
Location: Langley, BC

Role Summary

We’re seeking a licensed Automotive Journeyman (Red Seal or provincial equivalent) with advanced expertise in alloy/steel wheel inspection, straightening, structural and cosmetic repair, and refinishing. You’ll diagnose wheel damage, determine repairability to OEM/industry standards, complete precision repairs (including TIG welds where approved), and return wheels to safe, roadworthy condition with a high-quality finish.

Key Responsibilities (Job Scope)

• Inspect wheels for lateral/radial runout, cracks, porosity, flat spots and heat damage; document before/after measurements and photos on the RO.

• Determine repair vs. replace in line with OEM/industry guidance and safety limits; escalate non-repairable cases and advise customers accordingly.

• Perform wheel straightening using hydraulic straightening equipment with controlled heat input and runout monitoring.

• Execute TIG (GTAW) crack/gouge repairs on aluminum wheels where permitted; machine, blend and finish to spec; replace if structural limits are exceeded.

• Complete cosmetic repairs (curb rash, gouges, corrosion) including filling, sanding, priming, base/clear refinishing or powder coating.

• Operate CNC/diamond-cut lathes for factory-style face finishes; set up programs and verify surface finish and geometry.

• Colour match using spectrophotometer/colorimetry; maintain paint/powder recipes and booth/oven logs.

• Restore bead seats and sealing surfaces; treat corrosion; verify leak-free seating.

• Mount/demount tires, perform dynamic/road-force balancing, TPMS service, and torque wheels to spec.

• Communicate technical findings and estimates to customers, service advisors, insurers, and dealer partners.

• Maintain, calibrate, and perform basic repairs on straighteners, lathes, balancers, ovens, spray equipment, and measurement tools.

• Adhere to OH&S/WSIB/WCB and WHMIS requirements (respiratory protection, ventilation, hazardous materials handling); keep SDS up to date.

Qualifications

• Licensed Automotive Service Technician — Red Seal or provincial equivalent (e.g., 310S in Ontario).

• 3–5+ years in wheel/rim repair, refinishing, or precision machining; dealership or high-volume rim shop experience is an asset.

• Proven skill with hydraulic wheel straighteners, dial indicators, runout gauges, IR thermometers, and CNC/diamond-cut lathes.

• Proficient with TIG welding (aluminum); CWB certification (GTAW/MIG) considered an asset.

• Strong understanding of wheel metallurgy, heat control, and OEM safety limits; knows when to refuse unsafe repairs.

• Experience with powder coating and automotive refinishing (HVLP); spectrophotometer/color-matching preferred.

• TPMS handling and tire service best practices.

• Valid Class 5 driver’s licence (or provincial equivalent) with clean abstract.

• Comfortable lifting up to 25 kg; able to use respirators and work in paint/powder environments.

Tools & Technology You’ll Use

• Hydraulic wheel straightener, dial indicators/runout gauges, CNC/diamond-cut lathe, road-force balancer, tire machines.

• Media blasting cabinets, powder coating guns/ovens, HVLP spray equipment, spectrophotometer, colour scales.

• OEM/aftermarket service information systems; shop management/RO software; digital photo & measurement capture.

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• First-pass yield: High quality with minimal rework/comebacks.

• Runout after repair: Within OEM/industry tolerance.

• Cycle time: Meets shop SLAs (cosmetic vs. structural tiers).

• Safety & compliance: Zero recordable incidents; clean audit results.

• Customer satisfaction: Positive NPS/CSI and partner feedback.

Working Conditions

• Combination of bench work, machine operation, and refinishing booth/oven areas.

• Occasional mobile/on-site service at dealers, body shops, or fleet yards.

• PPE required (eye/ear protection, gloves, respirator as applicable).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay

Paid vacation and statutory holidays; opportunities for overtime.


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