technical career areas
Our graduates are not limited to entry-level positions in the Automotive Technology industry. Higher-level positions are vast and vary in both the general industry as well as specialty areas within the industry.
Graduates of our Automotive Technology program, who take post-graduate training and/or industry-specialized training, might choose to specialize in one of the following examples of technical career areas:
- Automotive engineer (would require the knowledge to design the mechanisms and systems for ground vehicles, including the ability to conduct extensive research and analyses, conceptualize plans with fellow experts, build prototypes and structures, troubleshoot problems, and implement multiple test procedures to identify how the vehicle operates at different conditions and ensure that its quality adheres to standards and regulations)
- Aerospace technician (would require the knowledge to perform scheduled maintenance and repairs on airplanes and helicopters as well as the knowledge needed to run computer simulations that test new designs)
- Process engineer (would require knowledge of the plant production process, including the maintenance of automated systems and the resolution of technical issues)
- Quality testing engineer (would require the knowledge of vehicle component testing needed to ensure function and safety, including the development of test cases, execution of the tests, and resolution of quality defects)
- Automotive designer (would require knowledge of the process of design and the ergonomics of motor vehicles, including technical knowledge of mechanics, production, and materials necessary to improve the style, appearance, and aerodynamic design of automobiles)
- Engine performance specialist (would require knowledge needed to change or improve an automobile while extracting as much performance as possible, including diagnosing sophisticated drivability and emissions-related problems)
- Marine mechanical specialist (would require the knowledge to repair and maintain all models of marine and industrial diesel engines)
- Recreational vehicle (RV) specialist (would require the knowledge to perform diagnostics, repairs, overhauls, and cost estimates on several types of recreational vehicles and travel trailers)
- Automotive shop foreman (would require knowledge of managing daily shop repair routines, including the hiring and training of new staff, overseeing maintenance services, ordering parts, and maintaining the appropriate stock of inventory)
- Diesel specialist (would require knowledge of the maintenance and repair of diesel engines, including identifying potential deterioration, and the source of malfunctions)
- Heavy equipment specialist (would require knowledge of the maintenance and repair of various heavy machinery parts, including hydraulics, engines, and moving parts found on large vehicles and machines used in such areas as construction, transportation, and farming)
- Automotive air conditioning and heating specialist ( would require knowledge of installation and repair of cooling systems and heating systems, including compressors, condensers, and controls; must also be trained and certified in handling refrigerants)
- Braking systems specialist (would require the ability to perform brake diagnostics, brake adjustments, pad replacement, rotor replacement, and other repairs on braking systems)
- Diagnostics specialist (would require an extended knowledge of engine management and fuel, electrical, ignition, and emissions systems)
- Front-end specialist (would require knowledge of ride, handling, and tire wear problems, including the use of special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines)
- Transmissions specialist (would require an extensive knowledge of computer controls along with the ability to diagnose electrical and hydraulic problems associated with complex transmission components, as well as rebuilding of transmissions)
- Drivability technician (would require an extensive knowledge of engine management and fuel, electrical, ignition, and emissions systems in order to diagnose issues that prevent engines from performing smoothly)
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