Mobile Vehicle Inspector, Irvine CA

Cox Enterprises • Remote-California-120, CA

21h • $18 - $33 • Hybrid

About The Position

Cox Automotive is hiring Mobile Inspectors at Level 1, Level 2, and Senior levels to conduct on-site vehicle condition inspections for dealer clients in an assigned territory. This is a remote position with an assigned territory, and candidates must live in Irvine, California, or within a 10-mile radius. The position is listed as hybrid, with the ability to work remotely part of the week, and requires travel 100% of the time. Inspectors document vehicle condition accurately and promptly according to Manheim standards, supporting client trust, marketplace transparency, and inventory flow. They also build dealer relationships, promote Manheim mobile inspection services, and work with increasing independence, judgment, and problem-solving ability according to role level.

Responsibilities include inspecting, moving, and safely returning vehicles on dealer lots; verifying vehicle identification and recording condition and vehicle details; conducting basic mechanical checks; documenting damage and inoperable features; managing dealer appointments and territory activity; preparing daily activity and production reports; using Salesforce.com; collaborating with Manheim teams; and following safety, compliance, and inspection standards. Senior Inspectors also support peers and onboarding.

Minimum qualifications vary by level. All levels require a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record and the ability to meet the physical and mental demands of the role within required timeframes. Level 1 requires a high school diploma or GED. Level 2 requires a high school diploma or GED plus qualifying related-field experience, or an alternative combination of education and experience. Senior level requires qualifying related-field experience or an alternative education and experience combination, prior vehicle inspection experience, and strong automotive knowledge. The job requires passing a pre-employment drug test; marijuana is not currently included in Cox Automotive’s pre-employment drug testing for this role.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record.
• Ability to meet the physical and mental demands of the role within required timeframes.
• Level 1: High school diploma or GED.
• Level 2: High school diploma or GED plus 3 or more years of experience in a related field; alternatively, any degree or certification beyond a high school diploma/GED, or 5 years of experience in a related field.
• Senior level: High school diploma/GED plus 5 years of experience in a related field; alternatively, any degree or certification beyond a high school diploma/GED and 3 years of experience, or 7 years of experience in a related field.
• Senior level: Previous vehicle inspection experience.
• Senior level: Strong automotive knowledge in body and mechanical areas.
• Must live in Irvine, California, or within a 10-mile radius.
• Must clear a pre-employment drug test.
• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Level 1: Minimal automotive knowledge, including body and mechanical, preferred.
• Level 1: 0–1 years of automotive-related experience preferred.
• Level 2: 1–2 years of automotive-related experience preferred.
• Senior level: 2–3 years of automotive-related experience strongly preferred.
• Senior level: 1 year of service with Manheim Inspections recommended.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough vehicle inspections in accordance with Manheim inspection standards.
• Locate, start, move, inspect, and return vehicles safely on dealer client lots.
• Verify vehicle identification, VINs, mileage, sub-series, and options, and enter information accurately in systems.
• Inspect and document exterior condition, including tires, frame, glass, panels, and mechanical components.
• Inspect and document interior condition, including seating, dashboard, and installed options.
• Perform basic mechanical checks across powertrain, drivetrain, and electrical components.
• Identify and document damage, missing components, or inoperable features.
• Build trust with dealer clients through consistent quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
• Educate clients on the value of Manheim Marketplace and mobile inspection services.
• Engage dealers to increase inspection volume and maintain active participation.
• Use data, insights, and partner input to improve inspection efficiency and territory productivity.
• Adapt to changes in appointments and schedules to ensure effective dealer coverage.
• Prepare and submit daily activity and production reports.
• Use Salesforce.com for reporting, lead management, and customer performance tracking.
• Collaborate with Wholesale Specialists, peers, and other Manheim teams to support client success.
• Contribute to process enhancement in a continuous improvement and Lean environment.
• Maintain production expectations established by leadership.
• Follow safety and health procedures and participate in Safety Excellence initiatives.
• Comply with Manheim inspection standards, including the NAAA Frame/Structure Damage Policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• At Level 1, conduct basic inspections, safely handle vehicles, accurately document condition and data, and develop knowledge of standards and client expectations.
• At Level 2, independently conduct detailed and complex inspections, manage daily schedules, build dealer relationships, use data to expand inspection volume and efficiency, and support improvement and collaboration.
• At Senior level, conduct advanced and high-complexity inspections, advise on standards and best practices, support onboarding and development of less experienced inspectors, and model safety and operational excellence.

Benefits

• Monthly performance incentive based on inspection volume; inspectors achieving target production levels can earn approximately $750 per month, and top performers can earn $1,000 or more per month.
• Guaranteed incentive during the first three full months, with a prorated guarantee in the month of hire up to $750, $750 guaranteed in the first full month, and $500 guaranteed in each of the second and third full months.
• Reimbursement for business use of a personal vehicle.
• At least sixteen hours of paid time off every month.
• Seven paid holidays per calendar year.
• Additional paid time off for bereavement leave, time to vote, jury duty, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
• Potential benefits may include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), sick leave, parental leave, and flexible vacation/wellness days or PTO.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED