Architecture & Engineering
Automotive Engineering Technicians
Also called: Laboratory Technician (Lab Technician), Research Technician
US median pay
$74,510
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+1.3%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
3,100
36,900 employed
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Quality Control Analysis3.2/5
- Operations Monitoring3.2/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.2/5
- Repairing3.1/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.1/5
- Troubleshooting3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.0/5
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology4.5/5
- Mechanical4.2/5
- Computers and Electronics4.1/5
- Mathematics3.9/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Physics3.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): Associate's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Associate's degree37%
- Bachelor's degree30%
- Post-secondary certificate15%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.