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The differences between test engine mechanics and lead engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a test engine mechanic and a lead engineer. Additionally, a lead engineer has an average salary of $84,927, which is higher than the $78,505 average annual salary of a test engine mechanic.
The top three skills for a test engine mechanic include data acquisition, CAD and data analysis. The most important skills for a lead engineer are java, python, and architecture.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Lead Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,505 | $84,927 |
| Hourly rate | $37.74 | $40.83 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 86,709 | 301,777 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
The work of a Test Engine Mechanic involves testing the engine of vehicles. This means constantly lubricating necessary parts of the engine and replacing the spark plugs, for starters. You will also have to test and inspect the engine for any part that's malfunctioning. In cases where a replacement is required, your job is to source components that fit the specifications. Furthermore, you will need to reassemble and reinstall all components of the engines immediately after repairs. To wrap it up, you would also have to keep a record of every inspection, test results, and work done.
A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.
Test engine mechanics and lead engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Lead Engineer | |
| Average salary | $78,505 | $84,927 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $105,000 | Between $60,000 And $120,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Apple | Meta |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a test engine mechanic and a lead engineer in terms of educational background:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Lead Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between test engine mechanics' and lead engineers' demographics:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Lead Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% | Male, 90.8% Female, 9.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 11.7% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 16.8% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |