Automotive Engineering Technician

Your Fit

Income

$69K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

0.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Automotive Engineering Technician?

An Automotive Engineering Technician assists in the design, development, and testing of new automotive products, such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They work closely with automotive engineers to bring new vehicle systems and components from the conceptual stage to the market.

Sample job titles:

Laboratory Technician (Lab Technician), Research Technician

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Automotive Engineering Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Automotive Engineering Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$47K per year	$57K per year	$69K per year	$83K per year	$101K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $19K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Automotive Engineering Technician do?

Work environment

These technicians typically work in automotive manufacturing or research and development facilities. Their environment may include office spaces for design work and laboratories for testing, as well as manufacturing plants. The role often requires hands-on work with vehicles and components, sometimes in noisy and active industrial settings.

Quick task list

Assists in the design and development of automotive components and systems.
Conducts tests and experiments to evaluate the performance of automotive products.
Analyzes data from tests and simulations.
Prepares reports and documentation on development and testing processes.
Collaborates with engineers to troubleshoot and solve design and manufacturing issues.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Vehicle Design: Focusing on the aesthetics and functionality of vehicle bodies.
Powertrain Systems: Specializing in the development of engines, transmissions, and related components.
Electric and Hybrid Technology: Working with electric vehicle systems and hybrid technologies.
Automotive Electronics: Concentrating on electronic systems in vehicles, such as infotainment and navigation systems.
Safety and Testing: Ensuring vehicles meet safety standards and performance criteria.

Description

Automotive Engineering Technicians play a crucial role in the automotive industry, bridging the gap between theoretical design and practical application. They collaborate with engineers to refine automotive designs and solve complex problems. The work is dynamic, often involving the latest automotive technologies, including electric vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems.

The role requires a blend of technical knowledge and practical skills. Technicians must be proficient with various tools and software used in automotive testing and design. They need to be adaptable, as they may work on different aspects of a vehicle, from engine components to electrical systems.

Career satisfaction in this field often comes from being at the forefront of automotive innovation and seeing projects develop from initial concepts to finished products. Technicians are part of teams that bring new and improved vehicles to consumers, contributing to advancements in areas like fuel efficiency, safety, and performance.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the development of cutting-edge automotive technologies.
Working in a dynamic field with a variety of projects.
Seeing the tangible results of one's work on the road.

You might make a good Automotive Engineering Technician if you are...

Passionate about cars and automotive technology.
Detail-oriented, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in technical drawing and familiar with CAD software.
Interested in hands-on work and capable of applying theoretical knowledge practically.
A team player who enjoys collaboration but can also work independently.

Pros:

Involvement in a rapidly evolving industry with constant technological advancements.
Diverse opportunities across various sectors of the automotive industry.
Potential for hands-on work with the latest automotive technologies.

Cons:

Work environments that can be noisy and physically demanding.
The need to continually update skills and knowledge to keep pace with technological advancements.
Potential pressure to meet project deadlines and design specifications.

How to become an Automotive Engineering Technician

Typical education

Most positions require an associate's degree in automotive engineering technology or a related field, which typically takes about 2 years to complete. Some roles might benefit from additional certifications or specialized training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics and Physics for a solid foundation in engineering principles.
Computer Science to develop skills in software used in automotive design.
Technical drawing or drafting classes to enhance understanding of technical documentation.
Automotive shop classes, if available, for hands-on experience with vehicle mechanics.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining automotive or engineering clubs.
Participating in robotics competitions or similar technology-based challenges.
Volunteering or interning at automotive repair shops or dealerships.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in an associate's degree program in automotive engineering technology or a related field.
Obtaining certifications specific to automotive technology, such as those offered by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Gaining practical experience through internships or co-op programs in automotive companies.
Keeping abreast of the latest trends and technologies in the automotive industry through workshops and seminars.

More resources

ASE Education Foundation - Provides information on automotive education and certifications.
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International - Offers resources, news, and networking opportunities in automotive engineering.
Automotive News - A leading publication with the latest news in the automotive industry.
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) - Offers a range of certifications for automotive professionals.
TechCrunch – Automotive - Features the latest trends and innovations in the automotive sector.

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