Automotive Engineering Technicians

What the job really is

Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.

At a glance

• Sector: Architecture & Engineering
• O*NET-SOC code: 17-3027
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Build instrumentation or laboratory test equipment for special purposes.
• Document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
• Set up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, work specifications, drawings, or charts.
• Inspect or test parts to determine nature or cause of defects or malfunctions.
• Monitor computer-controlled test equipment, according to written or verbal instructions.
• Analyze test data for automotive systems, subsystems, or component parts.
• Install equipment, such as instrumentation, test equipment, engines, or aftermarket products, to ensure proper interfaces.
• Perform or execute manual or automated tests of automotive system or component performance, efficiency, or durability.
• Maintain test equipment in operational condition by performing routine maintenance or making minor repairs or adjustments as needed.
• Analyze performance of vehicles or components that have been redesigned to increase fuel efficiency, such as camless or dual-clutch engines or alternative types of air-conditioning systems.
• Improve fuel efficiency by testing vehicles or components that use lighter materials, such as aluminum, magnesium alloy, or plastic.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Word, SAP software, A&D Technology iTest, Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical, Autodesk Inventor, Calipers, Chassis dynamometers, Compression testers, Computer aided design CAD software, Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Calibration Technologists and Technicians
• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Robotics Technicians
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
• Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Automotive Engineering Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.