Senior Automotive Fabricator / Restoration & Performance Technician

Location: Lakeland, Florida Job Type: Full-Time Pay: $28.00+ per hour, depending on experience and skill level Schedule: Monday–Friday, Day Shift Work Location: In Person Job Description: Detroit Muscle Speed Shop is looking for an experienced, highly skilled Automotive Fabricator / Restoration & Performance Technician to join our team in Lakeland, Florida. We specialize in classic American muscle cars, custom builds, restomods, LS swaps, structural restoration, performance upgrades, and custom automotive fabrication. Our projects range from extensive rust and structural repairs on vintage vehicles to complete drivetrain conversions, suspension upgrades, and ground-up custom builds. We are looking for a fabricator first, but we also need someone who knows their way around a vehicle mechanically. The ideal candidate has extensive hands-on experience with automotive metal fabrication, understands vehicle structural integrity, possesses strong mechanical skills, and can confidently handle complex projects with minimal supervision. This is not an entry-level position. We need someone who can assess a problem, develop a solution, and execute quality work efficiently. Primary Responsibilities - Fabrication & Restoration: - Perform extensive structural rust repair on classic cars and trucks. - Fabricate, repair, and replace rocker panels, floor pans, torque boxes, frame rails, body supports, and other structural components. - Perform MIG and TIG welding as required by each project. - Fabricate custom sheet-metal panels, brackets, mounting systems, reinforcements, and structural components. - Accurately measure, cut, shape, fit, and weld automotive sheet metal and structural steel. - Properly brace and support vehicle bodies during structural restoration. - Maintain correct body alignment, panel fitment, and structural geometry throughout repairs. - Repair and modify automotive frames, chassis, and suspension mounting points. - Fabricate replacement components when original or reproduction parts are unavailable. - Perform metal finishing, grinding, and weld preparation to professional standards. - Identify underlying structural damage and determine appropriate repair methods. - Maintain safe fabrication practices and ensure all structural repairs are performed correctly. Secondary Responsibilities - Mechanical & Performance: This position also involves mechanical work on classic and performance vehicles. Applicants should be comfortable performing common mechanical repairs and installations independently. - Perform engine and transmission removal, installation, and drivetrain modifications. - Assist with LS swaps and other engine conversions. - Install aftermarket suspension systems, including tubular control arms, coilovers, air suspension, and related components. - Install and service braking systems, including performance disc brake conversions. - Perform steering system repairs, modifications, and upgrades. - Install rear axle assemblies, differentials, driveshafts, and related drivetrain components. - Install aftermarket performance components and fabricate necessary mounting solutions. - Perform general automotive repairs, troubleshooting, maintenance, and assembly. - Understand proper torque specifications, fastener selection, component clearances, and installation procedures. - Perform basic electrical troubleshooting and wiring repairs. - Identify mechanical issues and communicate necessary repairs or additional work. Required Qualifications: - Minimum 5 years of relevant professional automotive fabrication, restoration, or custom vehicle building experience preferred. - Strong MIG welding skills and experience with automotive sheet metal. - Proven experience with structural rust repair and custom metal fabrication. - Solid general automotive mechanical knowledge and hands-on repair experience. - Ability to independently measure, fabricate, fit, and install custom components. - Strong understanding of vehicle structure, chassis construction, and proper repair methods. - Experience working with classic American cars and trucks. - Ability to operate welders, plasma cutters, grinders, fabrication equipment, and automotive shop tools safely. - Ability to read measurements accurately, interpret technical information, and follow repair procedures. - Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt when unexpected problems arise. - Ability to maintain productivity without compromising workmanship. - Reliable transportation and consistent attendance. - Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with other technicians. Preferred Skills & Experience: The following experience is highly desirable: - TIG welding and advanced metal fabrication. - Custom chassis fabrication and frame modifications. - Unibody structural restoration and repair. - Sheet-metal shaping, bending, and forming. - Custom suspension and air ride installations. - LS engine swaps and drivetrain conversions. - Automotive wiring and electrical troubleshooting. - Custom exhaust fabrication. - Classic muscle car restoration and restomod construction. - Experience using fabrication jigs, measuring equipment, and specialized metalworking tools. - Understanding of aftermarket automotive performance systems. What We Expect: At Detroit Muscle Speed Shop, quality workmanship and consistent productivity go hand in hand. We're a small, specialized shop where every technician plays an important role in keeping projects moving forward. - Take ownership of their work. Be responsible for the quality, accuracy, and completion of assigned tasks. - Work independently. Be capable of planning and completing projects without constant direction. - Maintain productivity. Understand the importance of efficient work, accurate time tracking, and meeting reasonable project expectations. - Pay attention to detail. Do the job correctly, including the work that customers will never see. - Communicate effectively. Identify problems early, discuss solutions, and keep management informed of project progress. - Be dependable. Maintain consistent attendance, arrive ready to work, and follow through on responsibilities. - Keep a professional attitude. Work respectfully with the team, accept constructive feedback, and contribute to a productive shop environment. - Maintain a clean, safe workspace. Respect shop equipment, customer vehicles, and company procedures. We understand that custom automotive work presents unexpected challenges. We're not looking for someone who knows everything. We're looking for someone who has the experience, judgment, and initiative to find the right solution and get the job done. What Makes This Position Different? This isn't a typical general repair shop position. You'll work on a variety of classic and custom vehicles, often involving fabrication and mechanical challenges that require real craftsmanship and problem-solving. Projects may include complete structural restoration of a vintage Lincoln Continental, custom Chevrolet C10 builds, classic muscle car restorations, performance drivetrain conversions, and one-off fabrication work. No two builds are exactly alike. We're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys this type of work and takes pride in turning challenging projects into professionally finished vehicles. Final compensation will be determined by experience, fabrication abilities, mechanical competency, and performance during the hiring process. Application Requirements: To be considered, please provide: 1. A current resume or detailed description of your relevant work experience. 2. A brief summary of your automotive fabrication and mechanical background. 3. Photographs of previous fabrication, structural repair, or custom automotive projects, if available. 4. Examples of the types of projects you have personally completed. Qualified candidates may be asked to complete a paid, hands-on skills assessment to demonstrate fabrication techniques, workmanship, and problem-solving abilities. If you're an experienced automotive fabricator with strong mechanical abilities, take pride in your work, and want to be part of a shop building and restoring classic American muscle, we'd like to hear from you. We're looking for someone who can build it right, fix it right, and take pride in every step of the process. Apply today to join Detroit Muscle Speed Shop in Lakeland, Florida.