Profession motor vehicle engine tester

Motor vehicle engine testers test the performance of diesel, petrol, gas and electric engines in specialised facilities such as laboratories. They position or give directions to workers positioning engines on the test stand. They use hand tools and machinery to position and connect the engine to the test stand. They use computerised equipment to enter, read and record test data such as temperature, speed, fuel consumption, oil and exhaust pressure.

Personality Type

• Realistic / Investigative
• Realistic / Conventional

Knowledge

• Engineering processes

  The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.

• Engine components

  Know the different engine components, and their operation and maintenance. Understand when repairs and replacement should be undertaken.

• Electromechanics

  The engineering processes that combine electrical and mechanical engineering in the application of electromechanics in devices that need electricity to create mechanical movement or devices that create electricity by mechanical movement.

• Health and safety regulations

  Necessary health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards and legislation rules in the sector of particular activity.

• Mechanics of motor vehicles

  The way energy forces interact and affect components in motor vehicles such as cars, buses, invalid carriages and other motorised vehicles. 

• Operation of different engines

  Know the characteristics, maintenance requirements and operating procedures of various kinds of engines such as gas, diesel, electrical, and engines with steam propulsion plants.

• Mechanics

  Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

Skills

• Read engineering drawings

  Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.

• Use technical documentation

  Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

• Use testing equipment

  Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.

• Create solutions to problems

  Solve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising information to evaluate current practice and generate new understandings about practice.

• Read standard blueprints

  Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.

• Record test data

  Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.

• Perform test run

  Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.

• Diagnose defective engines

  Diagnose engine damage or malfunctions by inspecting mechanical equipment; utilise instruments such as chassis charts, pressure gauges, and motor analysers.

• Operate precision measuring equipment

  Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.

• Execute analytical mathematical calculations

  Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

• Use automotive diagnostic equipment

  Use diagnostic equipment to perform test on motor vehicles, components and systems to detect defects.

• Conduct performance tests

  Conduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditions.

• Evaluate engine performance

  Read and comprehend engineering manuals and publications; test engines in order to evaluate engine performance.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB