One way to learn more about the automotive engineering technician field is by participating in science and engineering fairs. These fairs give students opportunities to talk with engineers and learn more about the various specializations. Students can also apply their research skills and academic knowledge by developing projects for the fairs.

Participate in competitions that are offered by SkillsUSA (https://www.skillsusa.org) and other organizations to build your skills, compete for scholarships and cash prizes, meet people with shared interests, and have fun. Some of the SkillsUSA competitions that will be of interest to aspiring engineering technicians include Additive Manufacturing, Automated Manufacturing Technology, Automotive Service Technology, Career Pathways;Industrial and Engineering Technology, CNC Programmer, Engineering Technology-Design, Principles of Engineering-Technology, Robotics and Automation Technology, and Welding Fabrication.

Talk with an automotive engineer technician about his or her career. Ask your school counselor to help arrange an interview. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to enter this career? What do you like most and least about your job? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job?

School career counselors can also provide information about education and training requirements and employment opportunities. Visit the Web sites of professional associations for automotive engineering professionals to keep up with developments in the industry and to find upcoming events that may be worthwhile to attend.

Todays new car models are faster, more powerful, and sleeker than cars in the past. They feature digital technology and are loaded with a wide variety of upgrade options. Automotive engineering technicians help to make these new car designs and improvements happen. They assist automotive engineers in conducting research and tests on the automotive vehicle design, development, and manufacturing processes. They are familiar with various aspects of mechanical, industrial, safety, materials, chemical, and electrical engineering. Automotive engineering technicians provide assistance in the building, modification, and testing of vehicles or components.

Automotive engineering technicians help research, design, and test entire systems or single components needed for cars to function. Those who work at Ford Motor Company, for example, may be tasked with creating a better suspension system for a new sports utility model, to allow for as smooth a ride as that of a sedan. Large automotive manufacturers, as well as independent engineering firms specializing in automotive components or systems, employ automotive engineering technicians. They may also work at manufacturers of electric vehicles manufacturers such as Tesla and Rivian.

Automotive engineering technicians work closely with engineers to test and validate specific automotive systems or parts after they have been designed. They usually work with a prototype, coordinating with other engineers, technicians, and suppliers to make alterations in the original plan or material, as needed.

Some of the tasks that automotive engineering technicians are involved in include documenting test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, and other tools; setting up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment based on engineering specifications; reading and interpreting blueprints and schematics; inspecting and testing parts to determine reasons for defects or malfunctions; and monitoring computer-controlled test equipment, per written or verbal instructions.

Automotive engineering technicians who work in the development field help coordinate delivery of a complete automobile to meet manufacturer, government, and consumer standards. The battery of tests they run ensure safe, reliable interaction of all systems and components. They implement necessary changes in the design, structure, or materials used. For instance, they may test and change a new engines design to enhance the cars power and acceleration, while maintaining good mileage and fuel efficiency. Development engineering technicians may also focus on the vehicles weight, aerodynamic drag, transmission systems, and more. They also conduct research on the cars ergonomic design; for example, making sure the heating and cooling systems work efficiently, with easy-to-use controls that are well placed on the instrument panel. Development engineering technicians also work with alternative fuel cars, such as hybrid vehicles.

Engineering technicians who work for automotive manufacturers help in planning and assembling the entire vehicle, and those technicians employed by automotive suppliers work with individual parts or systems. For auto manufacturers, engineering technicians work closely with engineers to conduct research and tests to make sure vehicle systems and components keep high quality during normal wear and tear; they make changes to designs as needed. Engineering technicians may also be involved in vehicle parts manufacturing and installation, such as interior and exterior trim, seat materials, and body panels. The ability to communicate clearly and work well with others is key to this type of work, as they often collaborate with engineers, other technicians, and test drivers.