Bud's Diesel is seeking a hands-on Master Diesel Shop Foreman to lead our service team and drive excellence in our growing shop. This leadership position is ideal for an experienced diagnostic expert who thrives in a specialized environment focused on Ford Power Stroke and light/medium-duty trucks. You'll handle advanced diagnostics, guide technicians, manage workflow, ensure top-tier quality, and help maintain our reputation for reliable, no-BS repairs—allowing the owner and team to focus on customer service and business growth.
As the shop floor leader, you'll be the key communicator between technicians, service advisors (or direct customer interactions), and parts, ensuring every job is diagnosed accurately, repaired efficiently, safely, and documented clearly to prevent comebacks.
Compensation & Perks (Based on shop standards and industry norms)
- Competitive pay: $100,000–$120,000/year (DOE).
- Potential for performance bonuses or profit-sharing in a high-volume, reputable shop
- Paid training and ongoing development in specialized diesel systems
- Employee referral incentives
- Opportunity for real impact in a family-owned business with strong community reputation
- Work in a positive, high-morale environment with experienced crew and state-of-the-art tools
- Focus on light/medium-duty work (less heavy commercial trucking stress)
Key Responsibilities
Diagnostics & Technical Leadership (Hands-On)
- Lead advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting on Ford Power Stroke engines, electrical systems, fuel, turbos, injectors, and related components
- Triage incoming light/medium-duty truck repairs (F-250/350 Super Duty focus, plus others)
- Assign jobs based on technician experience and skill
- Provide hands-on coaching, mentoring, and support to build a stronger team
- Drive higher first-time-fix rates and customer satisfaction
Shop Operations & Workflow
- Manage daily workflow and communication in a busy, customer-focused shop
- Run quick daily huddles or production check-ins
- Track open jobs, parts availability, and promised completion times
- Walk the floor regularly to spot and resolve bottlenecks
- Adapt priorities in real-time for urgent customer needs
Quality Control & Documentation
- Final review and approval of repair orders
- Ensure thorough documentation, root-cause notes, and proper road testing/verification
- Enforce a strict "no-comeback" standard to uphold shop reputation
Parts, Warranty, Safety & Standards
- Coordinate with parts suppliers on warranty claims, cores, and returns (familiarity with OEM processes a plus)
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized shop environment
- Oversee accountability for specialized diagnostic tools and equipment
Team Leadership & Development
- Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and developing diesel technicians
- Coach team members on Power Stroke-specific best practices
- Contribute to performance feedback and help grow a high-performing crew
Technology & Specialization
- Use modern diagnostic software and tools for faster, more accurate troubleshooting
- Apply deep mechanical knowledge, especially in Ford Power Stroke platforms (BulletProofing, tuning, etc.)
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in light/medium-duty diesel truck repair, with strong expertise in Ford Power Stroke engines
- Proven diagnostic and problem-solving skills (must excel at finding root causes)
- Valid driver's license (CDL preferred or willingness to obtain if needed for testing)
- Strong communication, organization, and leadership abilities
- Ability to road test vehicles to diagnose and confirm repairs
- Fluency in Spanish a plus (common in SoCal shops)
Strongly Preferred
- Experience with performance upgrades, BulletProofing services, and common Power Stroke issues
- Familiarity with OEM warranty processes and aftermarket parts
- Comfort leading in a fast-paced, customer-oriented independent shop
- ASE certifications or equivalent diesel credentials
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead in one of Orange County's top-rated diesel shops, specializing in the trucks you know best. If you're passionate about Power Stroke reliability and team success, this role offers real ownership and growth potential.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person