Automotive Engineering Technician

Also called: Automotive Design Checker (Auto Design Checker), Automotive Engineering Technician, Automotive Technician (Auto Technician), Automotive Test Technician (Auto Test Technician), Durability Technician

Automotive Engineering Technician

Varies

estimated salary

Automotive engineering technicians 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.

  • 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.
  • Fabricate new or modify existing prototype components or fixtures.
  • Order new test equipment, supplies, or replacement parts.
  • Recommend product or component design improvements, based on test data or observations.
  • Recommend tests or testing conditions in accordance with designs, customer requirements, or industry standards to ensure test validity.
  • Test performance of vehicles that use alternative fuels, such as alcohol blends, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, biodiesel, nano diesel, or alternative power methods, such as solar energy or hydrogen fuel cells.
  • Participate in research or testing of computerized automotive applications, such as telemetrics, intelligent transportation systems, artificial intelligence, or automatic control.
  • Build instrumentation or laboratory test equipment for special purposes.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 97% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 89% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 81% responded "Every day".
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 86% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 52% responded "Extremely important".
  • Telephone — 49% responded "Every day".
  • Work With Work Group or Team — 52% responded "Very important".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
  • Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
  • Operate industrial equipment.
  • Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
  • Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
  • Review technical documents to plan work.
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Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mechanical
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Computers and Electronics
  • Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning
  • The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • SAP Hot Technology
Computer aided design CAD software
  • PTC Creo Parametric Hot Technology
  • Computer aided design CAD software Hot Technology
  • Autodesk Inventor Hot Technology
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical Hot Technology
Development environment software
  • National Instruments LabVIEW Hot Technology
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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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