Automobile Engineering Technician

Also known as:

Car Production Engineering Technician
Engineering Technician, Automobile
Vehicle Engineering Technician

Introduction

Automobile engineering technicians help engineers to design, develop, produce, inspect and test motor vehicles and their parts. They may also service vehicles; they find and diagnose faults, and carry out repairs.

Back to Top

Work Activities

Automobile engineering technicians help to develop all types of vehicle, including cars, tanks, vans, buses and fork lift trucks. They also service vehicles, making sure they are safe and reliable.

In the manufacturing industry, they help to design, produce, test and inspect vehicles. They work with engineers on electrical systems and power units, computerised control systems, brakes, suspension systems, and catalytic converters, for example.

Some automobile engineering technicians plan production processes; they may arrange to buy any materials or parts that are needed.

Technicians develop test procedures to make sure that the vehicles and their parts are safe and of high quality. They might also help to research and develop electrical systems.

In the servicing sector, technicians estimate costs and make sure that vehicles are economically maintained and repaired so they are safe, reliable and comply with legal requirements.

Some technicians may lead teams, including other technicians and craftspeople.

Automobile engineering technicians work in offices and production areas of factories or workshops.

Back to Top

Personal Qualities and Skills

You need to have technical ability and be good at solving problems. It is very important that you can diagnose faults and repair them quickly; you will need knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, ergonomics and computers. This is an area where technology is advancing quickly, so you must be willing to learn and develop new knowledge to keep up. Technicians need the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and plans, and to explain them to others.

You must be resourceful and be able to act on your own initiative; you also need to be a good team member, able to work with engineers and other technicians. You may be responsible for other staff, so the ability to lead and motivate others is an advantage.

Back to Top

Pay and Opportunities

Salaries depend on the company, role and level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Automobile engineering technicians earn in the range of £18,500 - £23,500 a year, rising to around £28,000 - £32,500. Higher earners can make around £33,500 a year.

Most automobile engineering technicians work 35-40 hours, Monday to Friday. Early starts, late finishes, and some weekend work may be required. Some automobile technicians may have to work shifts.

Employers include vehicle manufacturers, passenger transport services, fleet operators, local authorities, the armed forces and dealers and garages in the retail motor industry.

Back to Top

Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Practical or technical skills and abilities gained, for example, as a garage assistant or tyre/exhaust fitter, or knowledge of electrical work (paid or unpaid) are useful.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 13% of people in occupations such as automobile engineering technician have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

Back to Top