Engineering ServicesISCO 3115
Automotive engineering technician
Automotive engineering technicians work with automotive engineers to operate, repair, maintain and test equipment used in motor vehicles. In some environments, such as an airport they are responsible for keeping equipment and vehicles serviceable. They review blueprints and designs to determine test specifications and procedures. Automotive engineering technicians use software to make sure that parts of a motor vehicle are functioning properly. They record test procedures and results, and make recommendations for changes.
Check yourself in a minute: automotive engineering technician
Rate 5 of the 18 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
read engineering drawings
recommend product improvements
liaise with engineers
execute analytical mathematical calculations
troubleshoot
About automotive engineering technician
As an automotive engineering technician, you work at the intersection of vehicle design and practical maintenance, supporting engineers in the development, testing, and refinement of automotive systems and components. Your responsibilities involve operating sophisticated diagnostic equipment, reviewing technical blueprints and design specifications, and conducting rigorous tests to verify that vehicle parts function correctly and meet performance standards. You will spend time both in the laboratory and in the field, analyzing test data, documenting results, and providing recommendations for design improvements or modifications. In environments such as manufacturing facilities, airports, or commercial fleet operations, you ensure that vehicles and equipment remain in serviceable condition. Your attention to detail and problem-solving skills are essential, as your testing and recommendations directly influence vehicle safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction. The field offers good career stability with opportunities to specialize in electric vehicles, autonomous systems, or advanced propulsion technologies as the automotive industry evolves.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a automotive engineering technician.
1
Vehicle Testing and Diagnosis
- Operate diagnostic equipment and software to test vehicle systems and identify malfunctions
- Perform performance testing on motor vehicle components and assemblies
- Record test procedures, data collection, and results documentation
- Analyze test results and determine root causes of component failures
2
Blueprint Review and Test Specification
- Review blueprints and design specifications to understand component requirements
- Determine appropriate test specifications and procedures for vehicle parts
- Develop test plans that align with engineering standards and safety requirements
- Communicate findings and recommendations to engineering teams
3
Equipment Maintenance and Repair
- Maintain and repair motor vehicles and equipment in operational environments
- Keep vehicles and equipment serviceable and ready for use
- Perform troubleshooting on mechanical and electrical systems
- Replace or repair worn or damaged components
4
Technical Documentation and Recommendations
- Prepare detailed test reports and technical documentation
- Make recommendations for design changes or improvements based on test findings
- Maintain records of all testing activities and vehicle maintenance
- Document non-conformances and corrective actions
5
Software and Tool Operation
- Use diagnostic software and simulation tools to analyze vehicle systems
- Operate specialized testing equipment and measurement instruments
- Maintain and calibrate testing equipment
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (18)
material mechanicsmaterial mechanicsThe behaviour of solid objects when subjected to stresses and strains, and the methods to calculate these stresses and strains.physicsphysicsThe natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.mechanics of motor vehiclesmechanics of motor vehiclesThe way energy forces interact and affect components in motor vehicles such as cars, buses, invalid carriages and other motorised vehicles.CAE softwareCAE softwareThe software to perform computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computional Fluid Dynamics.hybrid vehicle architecturehybrid vehicle architectureHybrid vehicle nomenclature, classification and architectures including efficiency considerations. Pros and cons of series, parallel and power split solutions. It excludes the architecture and R&D in ...multimedia systemsmultimedia systemsThe methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.green automotive technologiesgreen automotive technologiesTechnologies that allow the development of sustainable practices within the automotive industry. They are focused on lowering the negative effects of this industry on the environment such as air pollu...vehicle manufacturing processvehicle manufacturing processSeries of steps taken in order to produce a car or any other motor vehicle such as the design, the chassis and body assembly, the painting process, the interior assembly and the quality control.read engineering drawingsread engineering drawingsRead the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.recommend product improvementsrecommend product improvementsRecommend product modifications, new features or accessories to keep customers interested.liaise with engineersliaise with engineersCollaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.execute analytical mathematical calculationsexecute analytical mathematical calculationsApply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.engineering principlesengineering principlesThe engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.mathematicsmathematicsMathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to pr...mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.adjust engineering designsadjust engineering designsAdjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.read standard blueprintsread standard blueprintsRead and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.
Optional (59) — show
CADD softwareCADD softwareThe computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) is the use of computer technology for design and design documentation. CAD software replaces manual drafting with an automated process.design drawingsdesign drawingsThe drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.electrical engineeringelectrical engineeringThe field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.electronics principleselectronics principlesThe study of electric energy, more specifically electron, control and its prominent principles regarding integrated circuits and electrical systems.reverse engineeringreverse engineeringThe process of extracting knowledge or design information from anything man-made and reproducing it or anything else based on the extracted information. The process often involves disassembling someth...CAD softwareCAD softwareThe computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.guidance, navigation and controlguidance, navigation and controlThe engineering discipline that deals with the design and development of systems that can control the motion of automobiles, ships, space- and aircraft. It includes control over vehicle's trajectory f...vehicle type-approvalvehicle type-approvalThe process for certifying that a vehicle or its systems and components meet the requirements set by the applicable environmental, administrative and technical standards and regulations.airport safety regulationsairport safety regulationsThe applicable airport safety regulations and instructions.defense systemdefense systemThe various weapons and weapon systems used to protect citizens and to harm or shield incoming enemies and enemy weapons.product data managementproduct data managementThe use of software to track all information concerning a product such as technical specifications, drawings, design specifications, and production costs.synthetic natural environmentsynthetic natural environmentThe simulation and representation of components of physical world such as climate, wheather and space where military systems exist in order to obtain information and perform tests.guarantee customer satisfactionguarantee customer satisfactionHandle customer expectations in a professional manner, anticipating and addressing their needs and desires. Provide flexible customer service to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.manage suppliesmanage suppliesMonitor and control the flow of supplies that includes the purchase, storage and movement of the required quality of raw materials, and also work-in-progress inventory. Manage supply chain activities ...perform tests on airport vehiclesperform tests on airport vehiclesTest the suitability of vehicles following maintenance. Ensure that all security and manufacturer specifications have been met before releasing the vehicles to operations in airports.order suppliesorder suppliesCommand products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.disassemble equipmentdisassemble equipmentDisassembles equipment using hand tools in order to clean equipments and to perform regular operational maintenance.maintain electrical enginesmaintain electrical enginesUnderstanding of electrical circuits and being able to repair. Test and replace electrical components and wiring, using test meters, soldering equipment, and hand tools.record test datarecord test dataRecord data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptiona...perform physical stress tests on modelsperform physical stress tests on modelsPerform tests on products' models to analyse the ability of products to endure temperature, loads, motion, vibration and other factors.operate precision measuring equipmentoperate precision measuring equipmentMeasure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, an...manage health and safety standardsmanage health and safety standardsOversee all personnel and processes to comply with health, safety and hygiene standards. Communicate and support alignment of these requirements with the company's health and safety programmes.perform test runperform test runPerform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, ...manage airport vehicle licencesmanage airport vehicle licencesManage the licences of vehicles that are permitted to operate inside airports. Know the specifications of these vehicles and ensure they meet licencing requirements.use CADD softwareuse CADD softwareUse computer-aided design and drafting software to make detailed drawings and blueprints of designs.oversee quality controloversee quality controlMonitor and assure the quality of the provided goods or services by overseeing that all the factors of the production meet quality requirements. Supervise product inspection and testing.analyse stress resistance of productsanalyse stress resistance of productsAnalyse the ability of products to endure stress imposed by temperature, loads, motion, vibration and other factors, by using mathematical formulas and computer simulations.ensure equipment availabilityensure equipment availabilityEnsure that the necessary equipment is provided, ready and available for use before start of procedures.use testing equipmentuse testing equipmentUse equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.perform maintenance on installed equipmentperform maintenance on installed equipmentPerform the maintenance on installed equipment on-site. Follow procedures to avoid uninstalling equipment from machinery or vehicles.plan manufacturing processesplan manufacturing processesDetermine and schedule production and assembly steps. Plan manpower and equipment needs taking ergonomic considerations into account.check functionality of essential components of airport vehiclescheck functionality of essential components of airport vehiclesCheck the functionality of essential components of airport vehicles and equipment such as brakes, controls, tires, and lights before releasing them for operations.calibrate electronic instrumentscalibrate electronic instrumentsCorrect and adjust the reliability of an electronic instrument by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regular i...operate testbedsoperate testbedsOperate testbeds which are designed to assist in the process of testing new equipment or engines. Control testbeds to facilitate the testing of engines or machinery under maintenance conditions.re-assemble enginesre-assemble enginesRe-assemble transport equipment engines after overhaul, inspection, repair, maintenace or cleaning according to blueprints and technical plans.maintain snow removal equipmentmaintain snow removal equipmentPerform maintenance of snow and ice removal devices and de-icing equipment to ensure they are ready for use at any time.identify airport safety hazardsidentify airport safety hazardsSpot threats related to security at the airport and apply procedures to counteract them in a quick, safe, and efficient way.inspect datainspect dataAnalyse, transform and model data in order to discover useful information and to support decision-making.apply reverse engineeringapply reverse engineeringUse techniques to extract information or disassemble an ICT component, software or system in order to analyse, correct and reassemble or reproduce it.write stress-strain analysis reportswrite stress-strain analysis reportsWrite down a report with all your findings encountered during the stress analysis. Write down performances, failures and other conclusions.perform vehicle diagnostic proceduresperform vehicle diagnostic proceduresPerform diagnostic procedures on vehicle systems. Determine and perform all required repair and maintenance operations.use CAD softwareuse CAD softwareUse computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.manage airport workshopsmanage airport workshopsManage airport workshops to organise operations and ensure completion of all necessary tasks. Prepare maintenance activities according to the requirements and needs of the airport.determine production feasibilitydetermine production feasibilityDetermine if a product or its components can be produced by applying engineering principles.follow production schedulefollow production scheduleFollow production schedule taking into account all requirements, times and needs. This schedule outlines what individual commodities must be produced in each time period and encapsulates various conce...determine maintenance schedules for airport equipmentdetermine maintenance schedules for airport equipmentDetermine maintenance schedules for the equipment and vehicles used in the airport. Consider different criteria in order to plan maintenance activities. Ensure availability of vehicles and equipment a...preserve airport maintenance equipmentpreserve airport maintenance equipmentKeep sweepers, mowers, and other airport maintenance equipment ready for use in order to remove contaminants from aircraft operating areas and to ensure the height of grass on unpaved areas meets regu...keep records of work progresskeep records of work progressMaintain records of the progress of the work including time, defects, malfunctions, etc.assess operating costassess operating costEstimate the operating cost in terms of manpower, consumables and maintenance.perform preventive maintenance on fire fighting vehiclesperform preventive maintenance on fire fighting vehiclesKeep firefighting vehicles ready for use at any time. Maintain all aspects of firefighting vehicles and ensure that vehicles function correctly.disassemble enginesdisassemble enginesDisassemble internal combustion engines, generators, pumps, transmissions and other components of mechanical equipment.position engine on test standposition engine on test standPosition the engine on a stand or in a cell, ready for testing, by using a hoist or overhead crane.maintain vehicle electrical equipmentmaintain vehicle electrical equipmentMaintain and repair electrical equipment, switchboards, electric motors, generators and other electrical and electronic devices used in vehicles. Detect electric malfunctions, locate faults, and take ...analyse production processes for improvementanalyse production processes for improvementAnalyse production processes leading toward improvement. Analyse in order to reduce production losses and overall manufacturing costs.organise vehicle breakdown supportorganise vehicle breakdown supportTake all the measures necessary to provide technical support and assistance in case of vehicle breakdown.follow manufacturer guidelines in use of airport equipmentfollow manufacturer guidelines in use of airport equipmentFollow advice provided by manufacturers on the use and maintenance of the different vehicles, equipment, and instruments used in airports. Establish communication processes with manufacturers and unde...aerodynamicsaerodynamicsThe scientific field that deals with the way gases interact with moving bodies. As we usually deal with atmospheric air, aerodynamics is primarily concerned with the forces of drag and lift, which are...ensure compliance with airport security measuresensure compliance with airport security measuresEnsure compliance with airport security measures prior to the boarding of planes.write inspection reportswrite inspection reportsWrite the results and conclusions of the inspection in a clear and intelligible way. Log the inspection's processes such as contact, outcome, and steps taken.
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Frequently asked questions
What does an automotive engineering technician do?
Automotive engineering technicians work with automotive engineers to operate, repair, maintain and test equipment used in motor vehicles. In some environments, such as an airport they are responsible for keeping equipment and vehicles serviceable. They review blueprints and designs to determine test specifications and procedures. Automotive engineering technicians use software to make sure that parts of a motor vehicle are functioning properly. They record test procedures and results, and make recommendations for changes.
What skills does an automotive engineering technician need?
An automotive engineering technician needs 18 essential skills, including material mechanics, physics, mechanics of motor vehicles, CAE software, hybrid vehicle architecture.
Will AI replace automotive engineering technician jobs?
The AI disruption score for automotive engineering technician is 43/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: record test data, product data management, keep records of work progress. Most resilient: synthetic natural environment, maintain snow removal equipment, disassemble engines.
AI Replacement Risk
43/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorEngineering Services
ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals
Essential Skills18
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