How To Become A Test Engine Mechanic: What It Is and Career Path

What is a test engine mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Yousef Sardahi

A test engine mechanic is a skilled worker who specializes in repairing and maintaining automotive products and power equipment. The scope and complexity of their work may vary depending on the type of equipment they are handling. These may involve motorcycles, cars, motorboats, or outdoor power equipment.

Their responsibilities include diagnosing equipment issues, conducting preventive inspections, and performing repairs for malfunctioning components and broken parts. They document their test results, parts used, and services rendered. Clients rely on them to determine if the problems originate from electrical, mechanical, and fuel systems.

They perform their duties with various hand tools and machinery while observing safety protocols and guidelines. It is also their task to speak with clients and know the performance and history of their vehicles or equipment.

To qualify as a test engine mechanic, candidates must have at least a high school diploma. Most companies provide training programs to guide recruits and mentor them with the latest technological trends and repair techniques. Completing certification programs in the automotive field is considered a great advantage to get this job with higher compensation.

What general advice would you give to a test engine mechanic?

Dr. Yousef Sardahi

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Marshall University

In the next 3-5 years, several skills are expected to become increasingly important in the mechanical engineering field: Advanced Computational Skills, Robotics and Automation, Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing, Renewable Energy Technologies, Data Analysis and IoT, Materials Science, Systems Engineering and Integration, Project Management and Leadership, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Communication and Soft Skills.

ScoreTest Engine MechanicUS Average

Salary

6.1

Avg. Salary $78,505

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.4

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.11%

Asian 11.66%

Black or African American 3.36%

Hispanic or Latino 9.14%

Unknown 4.59%

White 71.14%

Gender

female 8.84%

male 91.16%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a test engine mechanic

Explore test engine mechanic education requirements

Most common test engine mechanic degrees

Bachelor's

81.7 %

Master's

9.2 %

Associate

7.0 %

Start to develop specific test engine mechanic skills

Skills	Percentages
Data Acquisition	10.68%
CAD	8.36%
Data Analysis	7.68%
Test Results	7.37%
Test Procedures	7.15%

Complete relevant test engine mechanic training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New test engine mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a test engine mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real test engine mechanic resumes.

Research test engine mechanic duties and responsibilities

Programme and used LabVIEW to automate testing and perform data recording.
Stream-Line company design and prototyping activities and manage transitions between internal and subcontract manufacturing with clear, reference, design filing.
Evaluate the performance of the systems in the production environment then troubleshoot and correct any issues that are discover.
Develop a maintenance tool in Java that creates a report of outdate software on systems throughout the production environment.

Prepare your test engine mechanic resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your test engine mechanic resume.

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