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Job Description

Overview

Horsepower Automotive Group (HPAG) is a leader in the automotive aftermarket industry, seeking a Prototype Install Mechanic to join their Prototype Install & Test Fit team in Chandler, Arizona. This role offers a unique opportunity to work on new vehicles and innovative off-road products in a clean, organized specialty shop.

Responsibilities

  • Test fit prototype products and verify fit, function, and compatibility with factory-equipped vehicle features.
  • Install aftermarket products such as bumpers, LED lighting, intercoolers, winches, and other off-road accessories.
  • Perform basic 12V automotive wiring for lighting, winches, and related accessories.
  • Identify and report potential fitment, quality, manufacturing, and production-readiness improvements.
  • Assist with quality control inspections of production products.
  • Help create customer installation guides during the prototype and test-fit process.
  • Assist with 3D scanning of vehicles and finished products for engineering and manufacturing evaluation.
  • Assemble finished goods as needed.
  • Collaborate with engineering, product development, and other teams to support successful product launches.

Requirements

  • At least one year of hands-on automotive mechanical experience.
  • Working knowledge of automotive mechanical and basic electrical systems.
  • Experience using hand tools and performing mechanical installations.
  • Basic metal fabrication skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
  • Valid driver's license with a driving record that meets company insurance requirements.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Ability to successfully complete required pre-employment screening.

Additional Information

  • Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
  • Employment: Full-time, on-site in Chandler, Arizona.
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How this job compares in Gilbert, AZ

Pay in context

At roughly $23/hr, this posting comes in about 25% below the $30/hr median for welding jobs across Arizona, where the middle half runs $25–$38/hr across 183 postings with published pay. Put another way, it pays more than about 12% of the comparable postings we have wage data for. That gap is worth raising directly — in a market this size there is normally room to negotiate toward the median, particularly if you already hold the certifications the posting asks for.

The local market in Gilbert, AZ

We're tracking 14 other active welding openings in Gilbert, AZ right now, from 7 different employers. 9 of them were added in the last week. Across Arizona as a whole we're tracking 488 other active welding openings from 277 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Gilbert, or widen the search to Arizona.

Horsepower Automotive Group currently has 1 other opening live in Arizona, which is usually a sign of either steady growth or steady turnover — worth asking which in the interview.

The most active employers in Arizona at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Sundt Construction (14), Welding Shop in Phoenix, AZ (14), and GTI Fabrication (11). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Arizona, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are El Mirage at $38/hr, Waddell at $34/hr, and Phoenix at $32/hr. If you can relocate or commute, that spread is worth factoring in.

Similar openings near Gilbert, AZ

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Automotive Technician- Install Shop figures were last recalculated when this page was built.