Automotive Engineering Technicians
Medium49.22%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$44,110
Median$64,020
High (90th %)$96,740
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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.
The automation risk for Automotive Engineering Technicians is calculated at 49.2%, just below the base risk of 50.0%. This moderate risk stems from a mix of routine and specialized tasks within the occupation. Many aspects of an automotive technician’s day-to-day job, such as documenting test results, setting up test equipment, and interpreting blueprints or schematics, are highly structured and follow set procedures. These top three automatable tasks are well-suited for automation because they require accuracy, repetition, and can be handled by software or robotic systems with little need for human judgment or adaptation. Conversely, certain responsibilities in this occupation remain resistant to automation due to their complexity and demand for human ingenuity. Building special-purpose instrumentation or test equipment, for example, often requires creative thinking, custom problem-solving, and hands-on fabrication skills that machines currently struggle to replicate. Additionally, participating in research or testing cutting-edge automotive technologies—such as telematics or artificial intelligence applications—and testing innovative vehicle powertrains and fuel types introduce substantial uncertainty and novelty. These top three resistant tasks draw heavily on the technician’s expertise, critical thinking, and adaptability in the face of evolving technical challenges. Underlying this resistance to automation are bottleneck skills, particularly originality, which play a significant role in the occupation. While the measured importance of originality is relatively low (3.0–3.3%), it remains a crucial differentiator for tasks involving new problem-solving and custom solutions. Work that demands creativity and adaptability, especially amid automotive innovation, helps maintain the value of human technicians despite gradual automation. As technology advances, the balance between automatable and resistant tasks may shift, but the need for original thinking ensures a continued, albeit slightly reduced, reliance on skilled human input in automotive engineering.
Filter by Automatable Status
Document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
Automatable
Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, work specifications, drawings, or charts.
Partially Automatable
Inspect or test parts to determine nature or cause of defects or malfunctions.
Partially Automatable
Monitor computer-controlled test equipment, according to written or verbal instructions.
Automatable
Analyze test data for automotive systems, subsystems, or component parts.
Partially Automatable
Install equipment, such as instrumentation, test equipment, engines, or aftermarket products, to ensure proper interfaces.
Non-Automatable
Perform or execute manual or automated tests of automotive system or component performance, efficiency, or durability.
Partially Automatable
Maintain test equipment in operational condition by performing routine maintenance or making minor repairs or adjustments as needed.
Partially Automatable
Improve fuel efficiency by testing vehicles or components that use lighter materials, such as aluminum, magnesium alloy, or plastic.
Partially Automatable
Fabricate new or modify existing prototype components or fixtures.
Partially Automatable
Order new test equipment, supplies, or replacement parts.
Automatable
Recommend product or component design improvements, based on test data or observations.
Partially Automatable
Recommend tests or testing conditions in accordance with designs, customer requirements, or industry standards to ensure test validity.
Partially Automatable
Test performance of vehicles that use alternative fuels, such as alcohol blends, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, biodiesel, nano diesel, or alternative power methods, such as solar energy or hydrogen fuel cells.
Partially Automatable
Participate in research or testing of computerized automotive applications, such as telemetrics, intelligent transportation systems, artificial intelligence, or automatic control.
Partially Automatable
Build instrumentation or laboratory test equipment for special purposes.
Partially Automatable
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.
Partially Automatable
Set up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Therapy and CounselingAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageEducation and Training
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDocumenting/Recording InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
IBM NotesAutodesk InventorA&D Technology iTestAutodesk AutoCAD MechanicalAutodesk InventorAutodesk AutoCAD MechanicalA&D Technology iTestData acquisition softwarePTC Creo ParametricMicrosoft WordSAP softwareIBM NotesMicrosoft ExcelNational Instruments LabVIEWPTC Creo ParametricComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareNational Instruments LabVIEWData acquisition softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareMicrosoft WordSAP softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office software
Aerospace Engineers
Medium49.06%
Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Medium47.85%
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Industrial Engineers
Medium52.84%
Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
Validation Engineers
Medium45.72%
Design or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality requirements.
Mechanical Engineers
Medium50.83%
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
Automotive Engineers
Medium48.94%
Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.
Mechatronics Engineers
Medium50.13%
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Medium35.83%
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium44.30%
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Medium46.60%
Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.
Robotics Technicians
Medium42.51%
Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.78%
Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.38%
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Photonics Technicians
Medium49.31%
Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.
Avionics Technicians
Low28.44%
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Low26.36%
Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Medium43.09%
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Low27.13%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Medical Equipment Repairers
Medium44.39%
Test, adjust, or repair biomedical or electromedical equipment.
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Medium56.43%
Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.
Manufacturing Engineers
Medium46.99%
Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs.
Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
Medium49.96%
Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
Fuel Cell Engineers
Medium50.01%
Design, evaluate, modify, or construct fuel cell components or systems for transportation, stationary, or portable applications.
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Medium44.70%
Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.
Chemical Technicians
Medium50.77%
Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.
Quality Control Analysts
Medium49.25%
Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary
Medium49.25%
Teach vocational courses intended to provide occupational training below the baccalaureate level in subjects such as construction, mechanics/repair, manufacturing, transportation, or cosmetology, primarily to students who have graduated from or left high school. Teaching takes place in public or private schools whose primary business is academic or vocational education.
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Medium36.96%
Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.
Aviation Inspectors
Medium49.28%
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
Medium49.50%
Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.