About This Career

Assists engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plans and carries out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster Manufacturing Production Process Development pathway.

A person in this career:

• Documents test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
• Sets up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, schematics, work specifications, drawings, or charts.
• Inspects or tests parts to determine nature or cause of defects or malfunctions.
• Monitors computer-controlled test equipment, according to written or verbal instructions.
• Analyzes test data for automotive systems, subsystems, or component parts.
• Installs equipment, such as instrumentation, test equipment, engines, or aftermarket products, to ensure proper interfaces.
• Performs or executes manual or automated tests of automotive system or component performance, efficiency, or durability.
• Maintains test equipment in operational condition by performing routine maintenance or making minor repairs or adjustments as needed.
• Analyzes 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.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
• Exposed to hazardous equipment such as saws, machinery, or vehicular traffic more than once a month
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel