Returns & Repair Technician

Returns & Repair Technician – Tomahawk Power

• Location: San Diego, 5 days on site
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Salary Range: $28 - $32 per hour, depending on experience
• Reports to: Warehouse & Supply Chain Manager 

Position Summary

The Returns & Repair Technician is responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and processing returned equipment to determine the most cost-effective outcome: repair, refurbish, part out, or scrap. This role requires a hands-on, mechanically inclined individual who can troubleshoot mechanical issues and communicate technical findings clearly to leadership and factory partners. The ideal candidate combines shop-floor technical skill with the critical thinking and communication skills needed to influence product quality upstream.

Approximately 15 to 20% of this role is dedicated to R&D-focused work on products currently in the market, including durability testing, failure diagnosis, and repair/improvement recommendations that feed directly into future product design.

Key Responsibilities

Diagnostics & Repair

• Inspect and diagnose returned equipment to identify mechanical and component-level issues.
• Determine proper, safe repair procedures. No shortcuts or improvised fixes that compromise product safety or longevity.
• Disassemble, repair, test, and reassemble equipment to manufacturer specifications where feasible.

Cost & Value Analysis

• Assess the cost of repair (parts, labor, time) against current resale/market value to determine whether an item should be repaired, salvaged for parts, or scrapped.
• Track and document recovery outcomes to support department reporting and cost-recovery metrics.
• Make sound, defensible recommendations on disposition of returned assets.

R&D & Product Testing (~15–20% of role)

• Conduct carious forms of testing including durability tests, stress tests, field tests and endurance tests on products to evaluate real-world performance and failure points.
• Travel to local jobsites to get feedback from end users. 
• Diagnose the root cause of test-induced or field-reported breaks and failures.
• Determine and document viable repair methods for identified failure points.
• Develop and recommend design or component improvements for future product versions based on testing and diagnostic findings.
• Partner with Product Development to translate testing data and repair insights into actionable product improvement proposals.
• Read and interpret CAD drawings and technical schematics to guide diagnosis, repair, and parts identification.

Quality Feedback & Collaboration

• Identify recurring failure patterns or design/manufacturing defects across returned units.
• Document and relay repeat issues to Product Development and factory partners to support root-cause resolution and product improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Development, Purchasing, Warehouse, and Sales teams on returns trends and asset recovery strategy.
• Communicate technical findings clearly and professionally to senior leadership, vendors, and factory representatives.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety protocols and best practices when handling tools, equipment, and hazardous components (batteries, fuel, hydraulic systems, etc.).
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Ensure repaired equipment meets safety and performance standards before being returned to inventory or resale.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience diagnosing and repairing power tools, small engines, or industrial equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret CAD drawings, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Solid critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to weigh repair cost vs. resale value.
• Comfortable communicating technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership and vendors.
• Collaborative mindset with strong follow-through on cross-departmental communication.
• Commitment to safety-first repair practices. Prioritizes correct, lasting fixes over quick workarounds.
• Proficiency with computers/inventory systems for documentation and reporting.
• Valid driver’s license required 

Preferred

• Experience with power tools, outdoor power equipment, or industrial/mechanical equipment repair.
• Background in warranty, returns, reverse logistics, or quality assurance.
• Familiarity with electrical troubleshooting (motors, batteries, chargers, wiring).
• Experience working directly with manufacturers or vendors on quality/defect issues.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted. 
• Ability to stand, bend, and work with hand/power tools for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in a warehouse environment.