High School

Useful classes for aspiring automotive engineering technicians include mathematics, science, physics, and computers. Clear communication skills are essential for this type of work so be sure to take English, communications, and language arts classes as well.

Postsecondary Training

Automotive engineering technicians typically have an associates degree in mechanical engineering technology or a community college or vocational-technical school certificate. Community colleges offer a combination of liberal arts coursework and technical training, whereas vocational-technical schools focus on the training programs that local employers require.

Automated control systems, robotics, and mechatronics systems are increasingly used in the automotive and automotive parts production process. Automotive engineering technicians can receive training in these processes and participate in apprenticeship programs in community and technical schools that have partnered with automobile and automobile parts manufacturers.

Certification

Online learning platforms, professional associations, and colleges and universities offer certificate programs that help students and current technicians build their skills and learn about new technology and manufacturing and design processes. Contact these organizations for more information.

Other Education or Training

Automotive engineering technicians must stay up to date on automotive technology and systems and parts designs. They may continue their education through workshops and seminars offered by industry associations such as SAE International, which offers continuing education opportunities and online training sessions on topics including design engineering and styling; human factors and ergonomics; safety, fuels, and energy sources; and quality, reliability, and durability. The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers offers courses on management, effective communication skills, applied ergonomics, quality systems standards, and supply chain management. The Society of Women Engineers offers continuing education on leadership, career development, and special issues for women in engineering. The American Society for Engineering Education, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers, and SME also offer continuing education resources.

Certification or Licensing

Certification is not required to work as an automotive engineering technician.

Employers prefer to hire automotive engineering technicians with at least two to three years of prior work experience. A good start in the field is through an apprenticeship program while in school and through internships and part-time work at engineering service firms and automotive manufacturers.

Successful automotive engineering technicians have analytical minds and enjoy solving problems. The work requires attention to detail, the ability to follow through on tasks, and strong communication skills. The job is team-oriented so automotive engineering technicians must be collaborative and enjoy working with others to accomplish goals. Other important traits include good time-management abilities, patience, creativity, and a willingness to continue to learn throughout ones career.

Automotive engineering technicians must known how to use analytic or scientific software in their work, including computer-aided CAD software, development environment software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, spreadsheet software, graphics or photo imaging and software. They also must be familar with emerging technologies such as advanced robotics, augmented and virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.