Automotive Engineer (Heavy Equipment)
Tasks & duties
Heavy equipment automotive engineers may do some or all of the following:
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diagnose vehicle faults and discuss them with vehicle owners
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dismantle engines or other parts
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repair or replace faulty parts
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order replacement parts
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service heavy automotive equipment, such as changing engine oil and adjusting engines, so that vehicles run better
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rebuild engines and other parts
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carry out pre-Certificate of Fitness checks
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test drive vehicles and make any necessary adjustments
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ensure hazardous waste is disposed of appropriately
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attend breakdowns and after hours call outs
Specialisations
Heavy equipment automotive engineers may specialise in areas such as road transport, agriculture equipment, forestry machinery or factory machinery.
Skills & knowledge
Heavy equipment automotive engineers need to have:
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knowledge of vehicle engines and parts
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knowledge of vehicle electronics
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knowledge of Land Transport Safety Authority regulations and safety standards
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mechanical skills including the ability to diagnose mechanical problems
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people and communication skills
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computer skills
Entry requirements
To become a heavy equipment automotive engineer you need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Automotive Heavy Engineering. Apprentices usually specialise in road transport, agriculture equipment, forestry machinery, or factory machinery.
For further information about apprenticeships contact NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO).
Training is also available in the NZ Army.
Secondary education
At least three years of secondary education with a good standard of English and maths is required.
Tertiary education
Completing the National Certificate for Entry to Automotive Trades or another pre-apprenticeship course is recommended before beginning a heavy equipment automotive engineering apprenticeship.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job. Apprentices can go on to become registered automotive heavy engineers and then A-Grade automotive heavy engineers.
Useful experience
Experience working with vehicles and large machinery, and electrical work is useful. An interest in mechanics and vehicles is also helpful.
Video
Automotive Heavy Engineering
Automotive Heavy Engineering - Agricultural
MITO CityCare Automotive Engineering
From just a job on you tube
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For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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