automotive-engineer/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — automotive engineer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 17-2141.02 (Automotive Engineers).

Task statements

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

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.