Automotive Engineering Technicians

Overview

Automotive Engineering Technicians has a national median salary of $74,510 per year, with +1.3% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists an associate's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

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.

Work Values

• Achievement
• Working Conditions
• Support

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• 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.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Getting Information
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Analyzing Data or Information
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Detailed Work Activities

• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists an associate's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a bachelor's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Bachelor's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for an associate's degree.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Automotive Engineering Technicians:

Video Resources