Collection Technician in Los Angeles, California at Petersen Automotive Museum

About Petersen Automotive Museum

We are more than just an iconic museum; we're a fast-paced, high-energy team driven by innovation, passion, and a deep love for car culture and storytelling. From world-class exhibitions to unforgettable events, we bring history, design, and horsepower to life every day.

At Petersen Automotive Museum, we work hard, move fast, and have a blast doing it, all while pushing the boundaries of what a museum can be. If you’re ready to shift into high gear with a crew that values creativity, integrity, and a good laugh along the way, you’ll fit right in.

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Senior Automotive Technician to join our restoration and preservation team. This individual will be responsible for the mechanical restoration, maintenance, and repair of historic, rare, and significant vehicles in the museum’s collection.

The ideal candidate is as comfortable working with pre-war classics as they are with modern supercars and understands the importance of historical accuracy in all aspects of vehicle care.

• Diagnostic & Maintenance: Diagnose, repair, and maintain a wide variety of vehicles, including vintage, classic, racing, and concept cars.
• Preventive Care: Conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance to ensure operational integrity.
• Historical Restoration: Assist with historically accurate mechanical restorations, including engine rebuilds, drivetrain repairs, and component fabrication.
• Curatorial Collaboration: Collaborate with curators and historians to ensure authenticity in restoration work and work within conservation guidelines to preserve vehicle originality.
• Exhibitions & Events: Prepare vehicles for exhibitions, special events, and driving demonstrations, including assisting with loading/unloading and transport preparations.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed service records, including condition reports and restoration documentation.

• Detail-Oriented & Authentic: You value historical accuracy and care deeply about preserving the integrity and story of each unique vehicle.
• A Collaborative Problem-Solver: You possess strong diagnostic skills and enjoy working alongside historians, curators, and fellow technicians.
• Adaptable & Versatile: You feel at home across eras, moving comfortably between vintage engineering and modern automotive tech.
• Self-Driven & Accountable: You work effectively both independently and as part of a team, taking ownership of documentation and long-term care plans.

• Experience: 10+ years of experience in automotive repair, mechanical restoration, or equivalent technical training.
• Technical Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of vintage and classic vehicle systems (electrical, fuel, ignition, etc.).
• Diagnostic Skills: Strong diagnostic and troubleshooting capabilities across diverse automotive eras.
• Fabrication Skills: Fabrication and machining experience is a plus (e.g., welding, lathe, milling).
• Museum Practices: Familiarity with conservation practices in museum or collection settings is highly desirable.
• Licensing: Valid driver’s license (CDL or racing licenses a plus).

• Work with a collaborative, supportive team that values hard work and a bit of fun.
• Thrive in a culture that celebrates accountability, curiosity, and kindness.
• Make a meaningful impact, your voice and ideas are valued.
• Enjoy competitive pay, benefits, professional development, and room to grow.

• Environment: Primarily shop, garage, and display gallery environments. Involves active physical work around classic, vintage, and high-performance vehicles.
• Physical Demands: Requires bending, lifting, reaching, and working on/under vehicles for extended periods.
• Safety: Use of protective gear and adherence to shop safety protocols required.