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Automotive Engineers - 17-2141.02

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Dimensional Integration Engineer
  • Engineer
  • Product Engineer
  • Project Engineer
  • Research Engineer

SOC Occupation Groups

17-0000 Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2000 Engineers
17-2140 Mechanical Engineers
17-2141.00 Mechanical Engineers
17-2141.02 Automotive Engineers

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Alter or modify designs to obtain specified functional or operational performance.
  • Build models for algorithm or control feature verification testing.
  • Calibrate vehicle systems, including control algorithms or other software systems.
  • Conduct automotive design reviews.
  • Conduct or direct system-level automotive testing.
  • Conduct research studies to develop new concepts in the field of automotive engineering.
  • Coordinate production activities with other functional units, such as procurement, maintenance, or quality control.
  • Create design alternatives for vehicle components, such as camless or dual-clutch engines or alternative air-conditioning systems, to increase fuel efficiency.
  • Design control systems or algorithms for purposes such as automotive energy management, emissions management, or increased operational safety or performance.
  • Design or analyze automobile systems in areas such as aerodynamics, alternate fuels, ergonomics, hybrid power, brakes, transmissions, steering, calibration, safety, or diagnostics.
  • Design vehicles for increased recyclability or use of natural, renewable, or recycled materials in vehicle construction.
  • Design vehicles that use lighter materials, such as aluminum, magnesium alloy, or plastic, to improve fuel efficiency.
  • Develop calibration methodologies, test methodologies, or tools.
  • Develop engineering specifications or cost estimates for automotive design concepts.
  • Develop or implement operating methods or procedures.
  • Develop or integrate control feature requirements.
  • Develop specifications for vehicles powered by alternative fuels or alternative power methods.
  • Establish production or quality control standards.
  • Perform failure, variation, or root cause analyses.
  • Prepare or present technical or project status reports.
  • Provide technical direction to other engineers or engineering support personnel.
  • Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, or talk with colleagues to stay abreast of new automotive technology or competitive products.
  • Research computerized automotive applications, such as telemetrics, intelligent transportation systems, artificial intelligence, or automatic control.
  • Research or implement green automotive technologies involving alternative fuels, electric or hybrid cars, or lighter or more fuel-efficient vehicles.
  • Write, review, or maintain engineering documentation.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
  • Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
  • Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
  • Create models of engineering designs or methods.
  • Design control systems for mechanical or other equipment.
  • Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
  • Design energy-efficient vehicles or vehicle components.
  • Determine design criteria or specifications.
  • Determine operational criteria or specifications.
  • Develop technical methods or processes.
  • Devise research or testing protocols.
  • Direct design or development activities.
  • Estimate operational costs.
  • Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
  • Evaluate technical data to determine effect on designs or plans.
  • Implement design or process improvements.
  • Maintain operational records or records systems.
  • Prepare operational reports.
  • Prepare technical reports for internal use.
  • Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
  • Research advanced engineering designs or applications.
  • Research design or application of green technologies.
  • Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
  • Update technical knowledge.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Developmental Engineer (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, ABM (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Aeronautical (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Airlift (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Astronautical (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Bomber (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, C2ISREW (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Computer Systems (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Electrical/Electronic (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Fighter (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Flight Test (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, General (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Mechanical (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Project (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, RPA (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Special Operations (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Systems/Industrial/Human Factors (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Tanker (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Developmental Engineer, Trainer (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Automotive Engineer