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The differences between test engine mechanics and senior design 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 senior design engineer. Additionally, a senior design engineer has an average salary of $104,698, 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 senior design engineer are CAD, project management, and RF.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Senior Design Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $78,505 | $104,698 |
| Hourly rate | $37.74 | $50.34 |
| Growth rate | 2% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 86,709 | 127,035 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| 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 senior design engineer is responsible for creating mechanical and electrical designs for machines and systems, following clients' specifications and business guidelines. Senior design engineers also assist junior design engineers with their tasks, sharing best practices and techniques, and suggesting adjustments as needed. They also oversee the manufacturing process, inspect possible inconsistencies, and revise plans without exceeding the agreed budget or compromising the quality. A senior design engineer must be keen with details and highly organizational, especially on meeting deadlines with the highest client satisfaction.
Test engine mechanics and senior design engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Engine Mechanic | Senior Design Engineer | |
| Average salary | $78,505 | $104,698 |
| Salary range | Between $58,000 And $105,000 | Between $80,000 And $136,000 |
| Highest paying City | Foster City, CA | Cupertino, CA |
| Highest paying state | Massachusetts | California |
| Best paying company | Apple | |
| Best paying industry | Retail | Technology |
There are a few differences between a test engine mechanic and a senior design engineer in terms of educational background:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Senior Design Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 82% | Bachelor's Degree, 69% |
| Most common major | Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| Most common college | Michigan Technological University | Michigan Technological University |
Here are the differences between test engine mechanics' and senior design engineers' demographics:
| Test Engine Mechanic | Senior Design Engineer | |
| Average age | 41 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.2% Female, 8.8% | Male, 91.8% Female, 8.2% |
| 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, 7.9% Asian, 17.1% White, 67.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |