Can Agents Work?

Jobs / Architecture and engineering / 17-3027.01

Automotive Engineering Technicians

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

US jobs
36,190 (SOC 17-3027 group, "Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians")
Median wage
$74,510 a year
Job family
Architecture and engineering

Can agents do the work of automotive engineering technicians?

We read the evidence for the whole job family, Architecture and engineering: Some tasks (first measured in the last 12 months)

Agents complete 20% or more of the tasks (or projects) on a direct benchmark.

Evidence: HWE-Bench, 79.9% of tasks completed.

Direct evidence that disagrees: Parametric CAD Bench V3, 9% of tasks fully completed (Perfect tasks).

0% of this occupation's work, by O*NET work activities, is measured by a direct benchmark (figures for the SOC 17-3027 group).

  • 8%Test performance of equipment or systemsNot measured
  • 7%Read documents or materials to inform work processesNot measured
  • 7%Test characteristics of materials or productsNot measured
  • 7%Document technical designs, procedures, or activitiesNot measured
  • 6%Advise others on business or operational mattersNot measured
  • 6%Analyze performance of systems or equipmentNot measured
  • 6%Create visual designs or displaysNot measured
  • 5%Monitor operations to ensure adequate performanceNot measured

Benchmarks for the job family

These cover work in architecture and engineering, not always this occupation's tasks.

Direct evidence

Work benchmarks mapped primary to this family. They set the step when they report how many tasks agents complete.

Also relevant

These benchmarks cover part of this family's work, or have no result yet. They do not set its step.

Context only

These benchmarks span many occupations, or they test how agents behave. They give context but do not set the step.

Typical tasks

From O*NET 31.0. Core tasks first. Few of these tasks have a benchmark today.

  • Document test results, using cameras, spreadsheets, documents, or other tools.
  • Set up mechanical, hydraulic, or electric test equipment in accordance with engineering specifications, standards, or test procedures.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, work specifications, drawings, or charts.
  • Inspect or test parts to determine nature or cause of defects or malfunctions.
  • Monitor computer-controlled test equipment, according to written or verbal instructions.
  • Analyze test data for automotive systems, subsystems, or component parts.
  • Install equipment, such as instrumentation, test equipment, engines, or aftermarket products, to ensure proper interfaces.
  • Perform or execute manual or automated tests of automotive system or component performance, efficiency, or durability.
  • Maintain test equipment in operational condition by performing routine maintenance or making minor repairs or adjustments as needed.
  • Analyze 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.
  • Improve fuel efficiency by testing vehicles or components that use lighter materials, such as aluminum, magnesium alloy, or plastic.
  • Fabricate new or modify existing prototype components or fixtures.
Other job titles for this occupation (9)

Laboratory Technician (Lab Technician) · Research Technician · Automotive Design Checker (Auto Design Checker) · Automotive Engineering Technician · Automotive Technician (Auto Technician) · Automotive Test Technician (Auto Test Technician) · Durability Technician · Performance Technician · Transportation Engineering Technician