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.
SOC: 17-3027.01
Common Job Titles
Laboratory Technician (Lab Technician)
Research Technician
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate chassis dynamometers and environmental testing chambers to evaluate vehicle performance, durability, and efficiency under controlled conditions.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate proposed product design changes for practicality and feasibility collaborating with automotive engineers to support design validation.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate test results for compliance with automotive industry standards and specifications documenting findings in detailed technical reports.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze experimental test data from automotive systems using data acquisition software and statistical methods to assess design performance.
Developing
Hands-onPerform quality control inspections on experimental automotive components using precision measurement tools such as calipers, force gauges, and multimeters.
Developing
Hands-onExecute repair and maintenance procedures on mechanical and electronic test equipment following manufacturer specifications to ensure measurement accuracy.
Developing
KnowledgeApply engineering and physics principles to troubleshoot automotive system failures using diagnostic equipment including oscilloscopes and exhaust gas analyzers.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret technical drawings and CAD models using Autodesk Inventor and PTC Creo Parametric to support prototype development.
Developing
MindsetEngage with interdisciplinary engineering teams to coordinate test schedules and priorities maintaining effective communication throughout the product development cycle.
Developing
Hands-onManipulate CNC milling machines and turning centers to fabricate custom test fixtures and experimental automotive components.
Developing
KnowledgeCompute performance metrics and efficiency calculations using Microsoft Excel and specialized data acquisition software under time constraints.
Developing
KnowledgeCompare experimental outcomes against theoretical predictions and baseline performance to identify design improvements and validate engineering hypotheses.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Automotive Engineering Technicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
37,450
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $46,940. 25th percentile: U.S. $57,330. 50th percentile: U.S. $68,730. 75th percentile: U.S. $82,980. 90th percentile: U.S. $100,890. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$46,940
10% of workers earn the following or more
$100,890
Workers on average earn
$72,450
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Engineering and Technology4.5/5
Mechanical4.2/5
Computers and Electronics4.1/5
Mathematics3.9/5
English Language3.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
