Photos
Under The Hood
Is the shop heated? Air conditioned?
Shop is climate-controlled with the temperature set to a cool 69 degrees in the summer and 73 degrees in the winter. Those are the only 2 seasons we typically have here in Pensacola.
What is the size of the team I’d be working with?
10 main shop techs, 2 used car technicians, 3 apprentices, 4 advisors and 2 person parts dept.
What are the shop hours and what are the shift timeframes?
Shop hours are 07:30am to 6:00pm Monday-Friday with shifts starting at 8:00am and ending at 5:00pm. We do have a rotating 6:00pm tech just to have 1 person on standby for a late customer. Saturdays the shift is 8:00 am to 4:00pm which is the same as the store hours. Saturday rotation is every 3rd Saturday and we typically do maintenance on Saturdays.
What tools does the shop provide that are available for all technicians to use?
All Audi required tools are on hand and cataloged for better efficiency. Hunter Tire machine, Tire balancer and In-ground lift for Alignment Machine. 2 engine table for EVS
What type of break room facility is provided?
2 break rooms, each equipped with microwaves, toaster ovens, 3 refridgerators and 4 vending machines.
How many bays does your shop have?
12
How many repair orders do you average per month?
650
What is your parts ordering process?
All parts are ordered in-house through our parts department. Parts will be received as soon as possible for technician's to complete repairs
What is your policy on side work?
No side work
Are there any other unique features of the work environment worth noting?
On Saturdays that you work, the store provides lunch. We also hold a quarterly luncheon for employee appreciation.
Do you offer any skills training or continuing education opportunities?
We offer a Audi Education Partnership for anybody with a certification from an accredited school or ASE certification. The Audi Education Partnership takes you from an Apprentice Level technician to Expert Level in 18 months with all expenses paid for flights, hotels, rentals, food, Ipad and $1500 snap on gift card. If you don't have a any of those prerequisites, we will still not hesitate to send to any available classes. Investing in our technicians is a priority.
Can you describe opportunities for career growth at your business?
Working for Sonic Automotive gives plenty of growth opportunities for any aspect of the Automotive industry. It also allows you to transfer to other Sonic stores if you need to relocate without losing tenure for vacation.
Can you describe your performance review process?
We review the tech efficiency, attendance and comebacks when performing reviews.
What type of safety training is required?
Initial safety training is required to be taken when you are hired. You will then be required to complete training annually. All safety training is completed online. Safety training is a very important part of helping you stay safe while working at Sonic Automotive.
Can you describe how Techs work with and mentor younger techs?
Mentor tech will work directly with seasoned technicians and the seasoned technician will provide instruction, oversee repairs, and quality control after. The mentor technician will receive the flagged hours.
How does your shop get involved with the local community?
We regularly participate in community events and fundraisers.
Do you do anything with local high schools or tech schools to encourage more students to enter the profession?
We work will all local trade schools
Do you phone screen applicants before doing in-person interviews?
Yes. Light phone screen to gauge the candidate's interest level with a touch on their experience and resume
What do your in-person interviews entail?
Speaking with the Service Manager, Shop Foreman, and General Manager. Discussion includes the candidate's background, likes and dislikes, career goals, and getting to know them
Do you perform background checks, drug screening, or personality tests before hiring an applicant?
Yes, to all of the above.
Do you perform a skill assessment before hiring an applicant? If yes, what does it entail?
No, skill assessment is done through the interview process
After an in-person interview, approximately how long should I expect to wait for a rejection or an offer?
Depends on the number of candidates. Typically 3-5 days.
Approximately how long does the full hiring process take from submitting the application to the time of the hiring decision?
10 days
Audi Technician
Pay Range: $23.00 - $40.00/hour
Pay based off of experience and Audi Education
Apprentice Technician
Pay Range: $15.00 - $17.00/year
Entry Level position with minimum experience or recent trade school certificate or currently in trade school.
Used Car Technician
Pay Range: $25.00 - $35.00/hour
Used car technician pay based on experience
- Health Insurance Offered
- We offer medical coverage for our eligible teammates beginning on the first day of the month following or coincident with thirty (30) days of continuous employment.
- Dental Insurance Offered
- We offer dental insurance coverage for our eligible teammates beginning on the first day of the month following or coincident with thirty (30) days of continuous employment.
- Vision Insurance Offered
- We offer vision insurance coverage for our eligible teammates beginning on the first day of the month following or coincident with thirty (30) days of continuous employment.
- Retirement Plan Offered
- The Company offers a 401(k) Savings Plan to all eligible teammates to help them build a financially secure retirement.
- Sick Leave Offered
- All full-time teammates who have successfully completed one (1) year of employment may take up to three (3) paid sick days per calendar year.
- Vacation Offered
- Less than twelve (12) consecutive months of full-time service = 5 Days per year More than twelve (12) but less than sixty (60) consecutive months of full-time service = 10 days per year More than sixty (60) but less than one hundred twenty (120) consecutive months of full-time service = 15 days per year One hundred twenty (120) or greater consecutive months of full-time service = 20 days per year
- Paid Holidays Offered
- After completion of ninety (90) days of service, full-time teammates will receive holiday pay. New Year's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- ST / LT Disability Offered
- We offer long-term and short-term disability insurance coverage for our eligible teammates beginning on the first day of the month following or coincident with thirty (30) days of continuous employment.
- Life Insurance Offered
- We offer basic life insurance coverage for our eligible teammates beginning on the first day of the month following or coincident with thirty (30) days of continuous employment. The Company pays the entire cost of this insurance. Voluntary Group Life insurance is also available at the teammate’s expense through payroll deduction.
- Uniforms Offered
- The Company pays the full cost of uniform shirts when they are purchased through the authorized vendor. The number of shirts provided will depend on the teammate’s position, schedule, and specific dealership dress code.
- Other Not Offered
Shop Talk

This shop has not yet added any Shop Talk posts.