Occupations · Architecture and Engineering

Automotive Engineering Technicians

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.

O*NET 30.3 Database (USDOL/ETA) · occupation code 17-3027.01

What people in this job actually do

Ordered by how important the work is rated.

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.
Improve fuel efficiency by testing vehicles or components that use lighter materials, such as aluminum, magnesium alloy, or plastic.
Fabricate new or modify existing prototype components or fixtures.

O*NET 30.3 task ratings, importance scale

Skills that matter most

Importance, rated 1 to 5.

Reading Comprehension3.6

Critical Thinking3.5

Speaking3.5

Writing3.2

Active Listening3.2

Monitoring3.1

Mathematics3.1

Active Learning3.0

Science2.6

Learning Strategies2.4

O*NET 30.3 skills, importance scale

Software and tools

A dot marks what O*NET flags as in demand.

Microsoft Excel●Microsoft Office software●Microsoft Word●SAP software●A&D Technology iTestAutodesk AutoCAD MechanicalAutodesk InventorData acquisition softwareIBM NotesNational Instruments LabVIEWPTC Creo Parametric

O*NET 30.3 software skills · hot-technology flag

What this work is actually like

Conditions rated against the average across all occupations — only what makes this job different is listed.

3 / 5Medium preparation — vocational training or an associate degree, plus 1–2 years of work.

O*NET 30.3 Job Zones

Working conditions that stand out

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets+1.7 above average

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment+1.5 above average

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment+1.5 above average

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions+1.3 above average

E-Mail+1.0 above average

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable+0.8 above average

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled+0.8 above average

O*NET 30.3 work context, frequency scale · observed 2016-07

How people actually get in

Share of workers by the education they hold.

Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)37%

Bachelor's Degree30%

Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)15%

Master's Degree11%

O*NET 30.2 education, training and experience · observed 2016-07

What kind of person the work suits

Occupational interest profile, rated 1 to 7.

Realistic7.0

Investigative5.4

Conventional4.5

O*NET 30.2 occupational interests (RIASEC)

What you take with you

Skills rated for how well they transfer into other occupations.

Quality Control Analysis3.2

Operations Monitoring3.2

Complex Problem Solving3.2

Repairing3.1

Judgment and Decision Making3.1

Social Perceptiveness3.0

Troubleshooting3.0

Equipment Maintenance3.0

O*NET 30.3 transferable skills, importance scale

Knowledge the work draws on

Engineering and TechnologyMechanicalComputers and ElectronicsMathematicsEnglish LanguagePhysics

Abilities it leans on

Written ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningNear VisionProblem SensitivityOral Comprehension

O*NET 30.3 abilities and knowledge, importance scale

How this job is advertised

The same work is posted under many titles — this is what to search for.

Research TechnicianDurability TechnicianPerformance TechnicianAutomotive Engineering TechnicianTransportation Engineering TechnicianLaboratory Technician (Lab Technician)Automotive Technician (Auto Technician)Automotive Design Checker (Auto Design Checker)Automotive Test Technician (Auto Test Technician)

O*NET 30.3 job titles reported for this occupation

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Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordSAP software

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What it pays in your city and industry	✓	✓	✓
Working conditions, preparation, education	✓	✓	✓
What you carry into another occupation	✓	✓	✓
What this job is called in postings	✓	✓	✓
How pay changed over the years	brief	✓	✓
Where the industry changes the number	—	✓	✓
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What changed since 2015

Comparing O*NET release 20.1 (2015-10-01) with 30.3 (2026-05-01). Signs, not colour alone, carry the meaning.

Now listed 5

+A&D Technology iTest+SAP software+Microsoft Office software+IBM Notes+PTC Creo Parametric

No longer listed 5

−Road simulators−Computer aided design CAD software−IBM Lotus Notes−PTC Pro/ENGINEER software−Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

Diff across the O*NET releases held here in full since October 2015, following occupations through merges and retirements. O*NET re-surveys occupations on a rolling cycle, so “no change” can also mean “not re-surveyed”.

O*NET 30.3 related occupations

Also called

Test EngineerEmissions EngineerAuto Design CheckerResearch TechnicianDurability TechnicianPerformance TechnicianEngineering Team SupervisorAutomotive Engineering TechnicianTransportation Engineering TechnicianLaboratory Technician (Lab Technician)Automotive Technician (Auto Technician)Automotive Design Checker (Auto Design Checker)

O*NET 30.3 alternative titles

The same work in Europe

ESCO occupation	ISCO	Match
automotive engineering technician	3115.1.4	exact
motor vehicle engine tester	3115.1.12	close
motor vehicle engine inspector	3115.1.11	broader

Official ESCO ↔ O*NET crosswalk (ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA)

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