Automotive Engineering Technicians in Vehicle Testing
Overview
Automotive Engineering Technicians in Vehicle Testing help engineers figure out whether new car designs and parts actually work in the real world. They set up and run mechanical, hydraulic, and electric tests on engines, batteries, brakes, and entire vehicles, including cars that run on alternative fuels like biodiesel, natural gas, or hydrogen fuel cells. They collect and analyze data from sensors and computer-controlled test equipment, then recommend design changes to improve performance, durability, and fuel efficiency while carefully documenting every result for the engineering team.
Did you know?
Most positions require an associate degree in automotive technology or engineering technology, often supplemented by industry certifications from organizations like ASE (Automotive Service Excellence).
At a Glance
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Negotiation
Key Responsibilities
- Set up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures.
- Monitor computer-controlled test equipment, according to written or verbal instructions.
- Order new test equipment, supplies, or replacement parts.
- 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.
- Inspect or test parts to determine nature or cause of defects or malfunctions.
- Maintain test equipment in operational condition by performing routine maintenance or making minor repairs or adjustments as needed.
- Improve fuel efficiency by testing vehicles or components that use lighter materials, such as aluminum, magnesium alloy, or plastic.
- Recommend tests or testing conditions in accordance with designs, customer requirements, or industry standards to ensure test validity.
- Analyze test data for automotive systems, subsystems, or component parts.
- Recommend product or component design improvements, based on test data or observations.
- Fabricate new or modify existing prototype components or fixtures.
- Document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
- Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, work specifications, drawings, or charts.
- Perform or execute manual or automated tests of automotive system or component performance, efficiency, or durability.
- 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.
- Build instrumentation or laboratory test equipment for special purposes.
- Participate in research or testing of computerized automotive applications, such as telemetrics, intelligent transportation systems, artificial intelligence, or automatic control.
- Install equipment, such as instrumentation, test equipment, engines, or aftermarket products, to ensure proper interfaces.
Career Considerations
Educational Requirements and Certifications
Most positions require an associate degree in automotive technology or engineering technology, often supplemented by industry certifications from organizations like ASE (Automotive Service Excellence).
Rapid Technological Evolution
The shift toward electric vehicles, hybrid systems, and autonomous driving technology requires continuous learning and adaptation to stay current with industry developments.
Industry Cyclicality and Economic Sensitivity
The automotive industry is subject to economic fluctuations and market cycles, making job security dependent on broader economic conditions and company performance.