Collection Chief Mechanic - Indianapolis - MacAllister Machinery Co., Inc.

Description

This position exists to maintain, repair, transport and support a mixed fleet of vintage, classic and historic motor vehicles in Indianapolis. This is a National Search. Will consider assisting candidate with relocation to Indianapolis. The position reports directly to the Collection Owner and is responsible for a staff of mechanics. Close collaboration is required with the Collection Curator who also reports to the Collection Owner. Successful execution is dependent upon high quality workmanship, acute attention to detail, competition preparation and track side support that result in high levels of reliability and performance, great emphasis on returning to or maintaining vehicles in original period configuration and a synergistic, empathetic relationship with the Owner. Overnight travel is expected 3-5 weekends annually.

Major Responsibilities:

• Hire, manage and retain a staff of mechanics and fabricators.
• Maintain, repair and prepare historic road-racing cars for use at 3-5 events annually.
• Repair and maintain a collection of historic motorcycles.
• Maintain and repair multiple antique, brass, classic, and post-war automobiles for immediate and occasional use.
• Maintain workshop in a professional, efficient, effective manner.
• Transport vehicles and parts as necessary; e.g. to competition events, pick up newly acquired vehicles, pickup/deliver vehicles and parts for repair work, etc. Manage all aspects of tow vehicles and trailers.
• Occasional assistance of grounds and facility maintenance crews when required.
• Work with Collection Owner to prioritize work and fine tune individual vehicles so that they look and perform optimally.

Skills and Experience required

• 2-year technical degree in automotive mechanics or comparable training in basic electrical systems, engine, driveline, suspension, auto body, etc. Exceptional natural mechanical inclination and ability honed by formal training and experience. Able to produce high quality work in reasonable timeframe. Versatile, resourceful, innovative, practical.
• 5 years experience as a chief mechanic or crew chief with a professional auto racing organization. Able to perform excellent car preparation, provide trackside support and extract maximum performance from historic racing cars. Can routinely solve performance and reliability problems.
• 10 years experience in vintage and historic auto restoration/repair. Must be a stickler for preserving, maintaining or returning vehicles to period configuration. Able to deliver high quality fit and finish that works reliably and well. Knowledgeable about period interiors, bodywork and paint, electrical and fuel systems, complete drivelines, etc.
• Fundamental fabrication skills and experience; i.e. welding of all types, metal forming and shaping, basic lathe/mill work, basic engineering, etc. Some carpentry, body repair and painting skills and experience a plus.
• Excellent diagnostic skills and experience. Able to assess a vehicle's operating condition quickly, identify current or potential problems and eliminate same. Perceptive, sympathetic with the iron, proactive.
• Knowledge and experience maintaining, operating and repairing racing engines, competition gearboxes and passenger car transmissions, drivelines; half shafts, CV joints, suspensions, steering and electrical systems.
• Extensive competition car chassis knowledge and experience. Able to set up and tune suspension components of all sorts, diagnose problems, rebuild, repair and maintain. Knowledgeable about shock absorbers, sway bars, caster, camber, bump steer, toe in/out, ride height, corner weights, etc.
• Experience driving truck/trailer rigs, vehicle loading/unloading, securing, transport. Hires drivers with appropriate licenses and driving record.
• Efficient, productive, acts with a sense of urgency, frugal without being cheap. Able to complete tasks in reasonable timeframes, self directed and motivated. Able to product high quality results in a reasonable time.
• Well connected in the collector vehicle trade, knowledgeable of suppliers, information resources, spare parts, rebuilders and other resources. Knows where to find parts and supplies, repairs, information and advice.
• Neat, tidy, well organized, clean, professional in attitude, work and appearance. Pays much attention to detail; delivers very high quality results that last.

The duties and responsibilities described here are not a comprehensive list, and the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.

All MacAllister Machinery companies are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including Disabled and Veteran applicants.