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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.

How does this connect to your interests? →

A look at the work

  • 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.

A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.

Interests involved in this work

These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.

Hands-on

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

7.0 / 7

Investigative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

5.4 / 7

Creative

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.4 / 7

Helping people

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.0 / 7

Enterprising

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

1.3 / 7

Organizing

2026-02 · Machine Learning/Expert

4.5 / 7

Skills to explore

Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

2016-07

3.6 / 5

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

2016-07

3.5 / 5

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

2016-07

3.5 / 5

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

2016-07

3.3 / 5

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2016-07

3.3 / 5

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

2016-07

3.3 / 5

Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

2016-07

3.3 / 5

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

2016-07

3.3 / 5

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

2016-07

3.1 / 5

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

2016-07

3.1 / 5

Plan a small next step

Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.

Source preparation category: Job Zone 3 of 5 · 2016-07. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.

Related study fields

Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.

Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician →

Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician →

Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians, Other →

Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/Technician →

Explore all related study fields →

Source & methodology

O*NET-SOC code 17-3027.01 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.

How interest exploration matching works →

Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.