Wash maintenance lead
Job Description
WASH TECH LEAD – Own the Machine. Protect the People.
Tommy's Express Car Wash 12150 FM 1960, Houston, TX 77065 $25/hr + Performance Bonuses
Are you the person who hears a pump running rough before anyone else notices?
Do you take pride in keeping complex equipment running safely at 100%?
Can you lead a teammate, troubleshoot under pressure, and still bring energy every single day?
Then YOU might be our next Wash Tech Lead!
At Tommy's Express Car Wash, we don't just clean cars — we run a high-tech, safety-first operation. And our Wash Tech Lead isn't just another wrench-turner. You're the heartbeat of the tunnel, the person who
keeps every pump, blower, brush, and control system dialed in so every car rolls out Clean. Shiny. Dry.
while every Employee and every Guest goes home safe.
WHAT WE'RE OFFERING (Because You're Worth It)
$25/hour starting pay – Premium pay for a premium technician
Performance bonuses – Keep uptime high and safety strong, earn more
Leadership role – You'll have 1 direct report and clear ownership of wash maintenance
Career growth opportunities – This is a launchpad to Site Leader and beyond.
World-class training – Including hands-on technical and safety training
Fun, team-focused environment – Work with people who WE OWN IT every shift Hands-on, high-impact work – You’re keeping a multi-million dollar operation running safely
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING (The Real Deal)
Equipment & Tunnel Master
Own the preventive maintenance schedule — daily visual inspections, weekly checks, monthly deep dives, and quarterly service coordination
Troubleshoot and repair wash bay pumps, vacuum motors, dryer fans, air compressors, water heaters, and control systems
Monitor water pressure, chemical draw, RO water levels, and hydraulic systems during hourly walkthroughs
Execute maintenance interval tasks: greasing bearings, inspecting hoses, checking conveyors, replacing brushes, testing vacuums
Maintain and support the tunnel control system, including basic diagnostics and routine backups
Safety Champion (Job #1)
Our #1 cultural pillar: Employee and Guest Safety are top priority. This role is at the forefront of that mission.
Lead by example on Lock Out/Tag Out, PPE, and safe work practices every single shift
Conduct safety-focused equipment walkthroughs, looking for leaks, trip hazards, exposed wiring, and any unsafe condition
Ensure all guards, covers, and safety devices are in place and functioning
Stop the line when something is unsafe — and empower your tech to do the same
Partner with the Site Leader on incident prevention, near-miss reporting, and corrective actions
Train your direct report on safe tool use, safe chemical handling, and safe bodies in and around the tunnel
Help maintain SDS sheets, safety signage, and compliance with company safety standards
Diagnostics & Problem Solver
Follow a clear failure protocol: Isolate Make safe Diagnose Repair Verify Document
Diagnose issues like low pump pressure, vacuum motor grinding, water heater failures, and erratic system behavior
Decide when something is a quick fix vs. when it needs a full repair or vendor support
Track warranties and support smart repair vs. replace decisions
Document all work in maintenance logs so the Site Leader has a clean picture of uptime, costs, and risks
Team Leader
Supervise and develop 1 Wash Technician — coach them on safety, equipment basics, and tunnel awareness
Conduct hourly walkthroughs that combine quality checks with safety checks
Coordinate with the Site Leader on maintenance priorities, parts ordering, scheduling, and downtime planning
Prepare simple, accurate maintenance and safety reports the Site Leader can use to run the business
Quality Control Guardian
Watch vehicles exiting the wash to ensure they meet the "Clean. Shiny. Dry." standard
Verify detergent levels, chemical draw rates, and spot-free rinse performance daily
Ensure wash quality across all service tiers — from presoak to blower and tire gloss
Test vacuum suction regularly and maintain motors, filters, and hoses to standard WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Must-Haves
Mechanical aptitude — you understand pumps, motors, hydraulics, and basic electrical
Safety mindset — you instinctively think “Is this safe?” before “Is this fast?”
Leadership ability — you can train, coach, and hold a teammate accountable
Problem-solving skills — you troubleshoot with logic, not guesswork
Physically capable — on your feet, lifting 50+ lbs, working in a loud, wet, fast-paced environment in all Houston weather
Reliable and responsible — your team and your Site Leader count on you
Bonus Points
Car wash equipment, industrial maintenance, or facilities experience
Familiarity with hydraulic systems, PLC controllers, or RO water systems
Basic welding capability
Spanish-speaking ability
Prior Lock Out/Tag Out or electrical safety training
This Job is Perfect for Someone Who:
Gets fired up about keeping machines running at peak performance
Takes personal responsibility for the safety of the people around them
Wants a leadership role without sitting behind a desk
Thrives under pressure — high-volume days don’t rattle you; they fuel you
Is building a career, not just clocking hours. WHY TOMMY'S EXPRESS IS DIFFERENT
We’re NOT like other car washes
At Tommy's Express, we’re building something special. We’re a growing franchise network because we do things the right way — safely, consistently, and with pride.
Our culture is built on:
WE OWN IT — Wash Quality, Exceptional Guest Service, Outstanding Team Members, Winning
Attitudes, Never-Ending Pursuit of Excellence, Immediate Call to Action, Training
Safety first — Every decision starts with “Is this safe for our Employees and Guests?”
Respect for every team member — You’re not just a number
World-class training — We invest in your technical and safety skills
Community commitment — Your work has impact beyond the tunnel
Growth mindset — Many of our leaders started exactly where you will
We promote from within. We celebrate effort. We reward results.
LOCATION & SCHEDULE
Location: Tommy's Express Car Wash, 12150 FM 1960, Houston, TX 77065
Hours: Full-time position
Typical Schedule: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM operational hours (shifts vary)
Weekends: Required — this is when our equipment and our people are under the most load
THIS ISN'T JUST A MAINTENANCE JOB
Most car wash “maintenance” roles are reactive: something breaks, you fix it, repeat.
Not here.
At Tommy’s Express, our Wash Tech Lead is a proactive safety and maintenance leader who:
Prevents equipment failures before they happen
Protects Employees and Guests by enforcing safe systems and practices
Leads a small team and influences the entire site culture
Makes calls that directly impact uptime, guest experience, and profitability
Other car washes offer maintenance gigs. We offer a safety-driven technical leadership career.
If you’re reading this and thinking “This sounds like ME!” – then don’t wait.
READY TO APPLY?
Here’s How to Get Started:
1. Apply on Indeed – Search “Tommy’s Express Wash Tech Lead Houston”
2. Tell us about your technical AND safety experience – Don’t just list job titles. Tell us about a time
you prevented an accident or solved a tough equipment problem.
3. Bring your A-game to the interview – We want to see your problem-solving brain, your safety
mindset, and your leadership energy.
QUESTIONS?
What does "performance bonus" mean?
We reward uptime, safety, and results. When you keep equipment running, minimize downtime, avoid incidents, and develop your teammate — you earn more.
Do I need formal certifications?
Not necessarily. We care more about your mechanical and safety mindset, attitude, and willingness to learn than a specific credential. We’ll invest in your training.
What if I’ve never worked at a car wash before?
That’s okay — if you have strong maintenance experience from another industry and a strong safety record, your skills transfer. We’ll teach you our systems.
Will I be doing this alone?
No. You’ll have 1 Wash Technician reporting to you, plus the support of your Site Leader and access to
Tommy’s wider support network.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This isn’t just another “maintenance tech” posting.
This is an opportunity to join a growing, respected brand where:
Your technical skills keep the operation running.
Your safety leadership protects Employees and Guests.
Your hustle gets rewarded at $25/hr + bonuses.
Your growth path leads to Site Leader and beyond
We’re not hiring everyone. We’re hiring the RIGHT one.
Is that you?
APPLY NOW – We’re interviewing this week!
Tommy’s Express Car Wash
12150 FM 1960
Houston, TX 77065
Inspiring people to shine, one car at a time.
Tommy’s Express is an equal opportunity employer. All positions are contingent on passing a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
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