As the Mechanical Support Technician, you will provide specialized mechanical support and opinions to internal and external stakeholders regarding manufacturer defects, safety recalls, subrogation, auto-theft, sensitive investigations and special handling cases. The mechanical support provided impacts claim outcomes and investigations and affects the decision-making process for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) policy changes, subrogation decisions and court cases.

The Mechanical Support Technician applies specialized mechanical knowledge to assess complex physical damage claim situations. The position identifies pre-existing mechanical issues on potentially fraudulent claims, provides evidence in proceeding or delaying of fraud charges, and makes recommendations to support management, senior leadership and Legal in finalizing claim decisions. The technician works within the Crown threshold of ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ and provides evidence in court as an expert witness on behalf of MPI.

• Prepares technical reports and recommendations for management and external stakeholders regarding emerging vehicle technologies.
• Prepares technical reports on the basis of forensic mechanics.
• Tests and evaluates new equipment and tools to assess potential use for the trade and to develop knowledge to respond to related enquiries from the trade.
• Inspects vehicle to identify pre-existing mechanical issues to support SIU in deeming an incident staged and a claim fraudulent.
• Prepare and present investigative information to Corporate Claims Evaluation Committee (CCEC).
• Works with regulatory agencies and vehicle manufacturers to investigate suspected manufacturer defects and failures in view of potential subrogation and safety recalls.
• Provides technical opinions in civil and criminal court cases, testifying as an expert witness, as required.
• Provides technical support and analysis to the Special Investigations unit (SIU) to assist in theft, vandalism and suspected fraudulent investigations. Handles special assignments, which may assist with identifying stolen vehicles or fraudulent repairs and represents MPI in court as an expert witness.
• Attends repair facilities, independently or with an estimator, to provide mechanical expertise during in-progress claims.
• Assists in writing first estimates and makes corrections based on mechanical expertise at the Physical Damage Centre or Service Centre.
• Provides technical expertise to internal and external customers by researching, diagnosing and resolving complex repair situations and instructs on next steps where applicable.

Education:

• Journeyperson Certificate (Red Seal) Automotive Service Technician
• Crash Data Recording (CDR) Certification or commitment to complete within the 12 months.
• Platinum status in Estimator or Auto Physical Damage Appraiser role within the I-CAR Gold Class Professionals Designation program, or willingness to complete and maintain designation.
• I-CAR Certified Instructor or willingness to complete.
• BERLA training is an asset.

Experience:

• Six years of bench experience in mechanical repair, including two years in a customer service capacity.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Working knowledge of applicable Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) requirements, including aftermarket immobilizer and anti-theft programming equipment.
• Working knowledge of the mechanics of all vehicle makes and models and current vehicle technologies.
• Working knoweldge of reverse enginieering methodology.
• Working knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations.
• Working knowledge of the operation of suspension and steering alignment equipment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Oral and written communication skills to convey technical information in a clear, concise, and understandable manner for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Maintains professional relationships with external repair facilities and agencies.
• Performs detailed technical investigations to resolve conflict with respect to repair discrepancies.
• Self-motivated to work independently on complex claims which require detailed and/or confidential investigation.
• Work collaboratively as a part of a team.
• Organizational, decision making, conflict resolution and customer service skills.

Health benefits

We offer a comprehensive health benefits program that includes:

• flexible health, dental and vision plans
• health spending account
• travel health coverage
• other extended health benefits such as ambulance, massage and physiotherapy

Financial security

In an effort to support financial security, we offer:

• registered pension plan
• group, dependent, and optional life insurance coverage
• sick leave to cover short-term disability
• long-term disability

Wellness

We offer programs that focus on how to better achieve a balance between work and personal commitments, as well as maintain a healthy workplace culture. This includes:

• vacation entitlement
• maternity, parental and adoptive leaves
• bereavement and family responsibility leaves
• employee and family assistance program
• mental-health programming
• onsite employee gym facility (Cityplace)
• discounted gym memberships
• wellness account

Diversity and inclusion

Manitoba Public Insurance believes that diversity and inclusion strengthens us. We consider ourselves to be a barrier-free organization where individual values, beliefs and practices are respected and appreciated for the diversity they bring to our work life.

Employee recognition

It’s important to recognize our employees for their contributions. Not only do we recognize employees as they achieve milestone years in their careers, we also have several outlets for leaders and peers to reward each other for work well done.

Professional development

We want our employees to grow, which is why we offer support in keeping their skills up to date. We offer in-house training, professional development and an educational assistance program.

Safety and health

In an effort to encourage a safe and healthy work environment, we offer various safety, health and workplace policies and programs along with technical expertise and assistance to support employee activities in safety and health.