Automotive Engineering Technicians
Architecture and Engineering
Tests begin once the rig is ready: mechanical, hydraulic, or electric equipment set up from blueprints and procedures, then engines, instruments, or aftermarket parts installed so the interfaces work. Manual or computer-controlled runs measure performance, efficiency, or durability, while parts are inspected to find what failed. Cameras, spreadsheets, and written notes capture the results for analysis of systems, subsystems, or components. Engineers judge whether a design change is practical; this role carries out the test and records what happened. It suits people who like close procedure work, reading schematics, and turning raw runs into clear documentation.
Typical education: Associate’s Degree (2-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$74'510
Median Wage Market Position
$74'510
What you might do
- Test automotive systems for performance and durability
- Set up hydraulic, electric, or mechanical test equipment
- Install engines, instruments, or aftermarket products
- Inspect parts to find defects or malfunctions
- Analyze test data from automotive systems
- Record test results with photos and spreadsheets
Skills that matter
- Setting up hydraulic and electric test equipment
- Interpreting automotive blueprints and schematics
- Analyzing durability and efficiency test data
- Documenting results with cameras and spreadsheets
- Installing engines and test instrumentation
- Briefing engineers on test findings
AI & the future of this role
Simulation and sensor analytics may handle more performance modeling and durability data review. Bench testing, vehicle evaluation, and hands-on checks still depend on people who can interpret real-world results with engineers.
Does Automotive Engineering Technicians fit your values?
Take the free LostInCareer assessment to see personalized matches based on your core values—not just a personality label.
Related careers
Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details