What does a test engine mechanic do?
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.
Test engine mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real test engine mechanic resumes:
- 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.
- Install instrumentation to gather data including: thermocouples, accelerometers, and pressure transducers.
- Assist users in testing by working with Unix base environment.
- Work with pressure transducers, strain gages, thermocouples, etc.
- Develop system layout designs and modifications in AutoCAD for the RF TestingGroup.
- Utilize transducers and high-speed cameras to measure the bolt velocity on shotguns and rifles.
- Support the planning and execution of test reports, and utilize SolidWorks to assist in the design process.
- Coordinate the test department's manpower and resources to meet continually changing project requirements, while upholding DOD standards.
- Create Java class infrastructure for automate testing.
- Utilize LabVIEW for testing and facility monitoring sensors.
- Verify hardware and RF/electrical interfaces involving DoD payloads.
- Design components for use in mobile communications structures using SolidWorks.
Test engine mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Test Engine Mechanics are proficient in Data Acquisition, CAD, and Data Analysis. They’re also known for soft skills such as Mechanical skills, Creativity, and Listening skills.
We break down the percentage of Test Engine Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Acquisition, 11%
Designed and built equipment with data acquisition capabilities to remotely capture and monitor test data.
- CAD, 8%
Designed facility hardware modifications on Auto CAD and followed through manufacturing, fabrication, procurement and installation.
- Data Analysis, 8%
Conducted alignments measurements, including digital photogrammetry and laser tracker surveys, and performed data analysis of alignments.
- Test Results, 7%
Enhanced testing capabilities through collection of data that advanced fundamental understanding of test results.
- Test Procedures, 7%
Create and maintain various test procedures and related hardware repair dispositions in a production environment.
- LabVIEW, 6%
Utilized LabVIEW for testing and facility monitoring sensors.
Common skills that a test engine mechanic uses to do their job include "data acquisition," "cad," and "data analysis." You can find details on the most important test engine mechanic responsibilities below.
Mechanical skills. The most essential soft skill for a test engine mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is mechanical skills. This skill is important for the role because "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." Additionally, a test engine mechanic resume shows how their duties depend on mechanical skills: "obtained significant exposure to mechanical test methods in accordance with various mil, astm, sae, and iec standards. "
Creativity. Another essential skill to perform test engine mechanic duties is creativity. Test engine mechanics responsibilities require that "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." Test engine mechanics also use creativity in their role according to a real resume snippet: "designed test fixtures via auto cad inventor 2010 software and generated prints. "
Listening skills. test engine mechanics are also known for listening skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to test engine mechanic responsibilities, because "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists." A test engine mechanic resume example shows how listening skills is used in the workplace: "designed and implemented a prototype signal tester board that communicated with the switches and verified its test results. "
Problem-solving skills. test engine mechanic responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." This resume example shows what test engine mechanics do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "executed system test scripts, logged defects, and tracked resolutions. "
Math skills. A commonly-found skill in test engine mechanic job descriptions, "math skills" is essential to what test engine mechanics do. Test engine mechanic responsibilities rely on this skill because "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." You can also see how test engine mechanic duties rely on math skills in this resume example: "designed and executed bench test experiments analyzed data using mathcad, excel, and minitab. "
The three companies that hire the most test engine mechanics are:
- Raytheon Technologies5 test engine mechanics jobs
- Apple4 test engine mechanics jobs
- RFA Engineering
4 test engine mechanics jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable test engine mechanic resume templates
Build a professional test engine mechanic resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your test engine mechanic resume.Compare different test engine mechanics
Test engine mechanic vs. Mechanical engineering internship
One of the primary responsibilities in a mechanical engineering internship is to follow directives from engineers and managers while gaining practical experience. There are instances when an intern must take part in crafting various materials under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, produce reports and paperwork, operate tools and devices, and provide assistance should anyone need. Furthermore, it is essential to report to managers and supervisors if any issues arise.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, test engine mechanic responsibilities require skills like "cad," "troubleshoot," "test lab," and "test methods." Meanwhile a typical mechanical engineering internship has skills in areas such as "powerpoint," "revit," "auto cad," and "matlab." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Mechanical engineering interns really shine in the hospitality industry with an average salary of $44,983. Comparatively, test engine mechanics tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $90,237.mechanical engineering interns tend to reach similar levels of education than test engine mechanics. In fact, mechanical engineering interns are 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Test engine mechanic vs. Mechanical design engineer
A mechanical design engineer specializes in designing various mechanical devices that will be vital in developing machinery or large structures. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around conducting thorough research and analysis, establishing layouts and prototypes, producing progress reports, and working alongside fellow engineers and skilled professionals. Typically assigned in an office setting, a mechanical design engineer must visit construction sites or factories to test and observe equipment qualities. Furthermore, during production, there are instances when a mechanical engineer must coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and clients.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real test engine mechanic resumes. While test engine mechanic responsibilities can utilize skills like "data acquisition," "data analysis," "test results," and "labview," mechanical design engineers use skills like "creo," "engineering design," "product design," and "project management."
Mechanical design engineers earn a lower average salary than test engine mechanics. But mechanical design engineers earn the highest pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $87,483. Additionally, test engine mechanics earn the highest salaries in the retail with average pay of $90,237 annually.In general, mechanical design engineers achieve similar levels of education than test engine mechanics. They're 2.5% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Test engine mechanic vs. Mechanical engineer
Mechanical Engineers oversee the development of various mechanical devices in different industries. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around crafting, improving, or designing technologies by utilizing extensive expertise in the subject; they identify and detect errors, provide in-depth analysis, and resolve issues. They are often in designated offices, but they can also work on-site and travel if necessary. Furthermore, Mechanical Engineers usually function in a group or team setting, often supervised by personnel in higher positions.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, test engine mechanics are more likely to have skills like "data acquisition," "data analysis," "test results," and "data collection." But a mechanical engineer is more likely to have skills like "plumbing," "engineering design," "project management," and "creo."
Mechanical engineers make a very good living in the energy industry with an average annual salary of $84,748. On the other hand, test engine mechanics are paid the highest salary in the retail industry, with average annual pay of $90,237.When it comes to education, mechanical engineers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to test engine mechanics. In fact, they're 2.3% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Test engine mechanic vs. Mechanical designer
A mechanical designer is responsible for designing mechanical equipment and devices, together with the engineers and other technology professionals. Mechanical designers create layouts following the clients' specifications, perform structural analysis, and analyze dimensions to ensure quality. They also inspect overall equipment performance and recommend adjustments as needed to improve its quality and boost optimization. Mechanical designers assist with installation and system upgrades, respond with the clients' inquiries and concerns, and escalate it to the appropriate personnel for resolution. A mechanical designer must have a strong knowledge of the mechanical and technology industry to build designs according to the highest standards.
Types of test engine mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025











