Summary Report for:
17-3027.01 - 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.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Education | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks
- Perform or execute manual or automated tests of automotive system or component performance, efficiency, or durability.
- Recommend product or component design improvements based on data and observations.
- Analyze test data for automotive systems, subsystems, or component parts.
- Calibrate test equipment.
- Document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
- Fabricate prototype components or fixtures, or modify existing prototypes.
- Inspect or test parts to determine nature or cause of defects or malfunctions.
- Install equipment, such as instrumentation, test equipment, engines, or aftermarket products, to ensure proper interfaces.
- Maintain test equipment in operational condition by performing routine maintenance or making minor repairs or adjustments as needed.
- Monitor computer-controlled test equipment, according to written or verbal instructions.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Metal inert gas MIG welding machinery — Metal inert gas MIG welders |
| Multimeters |
| Oscilloscopes — Ignition oscilloscopes |
| Signal generators — Function generators |
| Tension testers — Crack detection equipment; High-vacuum tensile testing chambers |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Analytical or scientific software — Data acquisition software; Road simulators |
| Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical; Autodesk Inventor; PTC Pro/ENGINEER software |
| Computer aided manufacturing CAM software |
| Development environment software — National Instruments LabVIEW |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
Education
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:
Work Values
| Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
| Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
| Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Mechanical Engineering Technicians.
Employment data collected from Mechanical Engineering Technicians.
Industry data collected from Mechanical Engineering Technicians.
| Median wages (2012) | $24.99 hourly, $51,980 annual |
| Employment (2010) | 45,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2010-2020) | 
Slower than average (3% to 9%)
|
| Projected job openings (2010-2020) | 10,400 |
| Top industries (2010) |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 wage data
and 2010-2020 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Job Openings on the Web
Find Jobs
for Automotive Engineering Technicians
State & National Job Banks
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Mechanical Engineering Technicians
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition.
- SAE International
, 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001. Phone: (724) 776-4841.
