Automotive Engineering
Most exciting, challenging and rewarding careers
What Do Automotive Engineers Do?
- Design new products or modify existing ones
- Troubleshoot and solve engineering problems
- Plan and design manufacturing processes
- Automotive engineers must apply their engineering skills in a commercial way because their innovations and solutions must be effective and profitable.
Their typical responsibilities include
· Researching, designing, developing and producing vehicles and components
· Preparing cost estimates and design specifications
· Preparing plans and drawings
· Analyzing energy, environmental and safety aspects of the planned project
· Predicting vehicle or component behavior under different conditions using computerized models
· Developing testing procedures
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· Investigating product failures
· Analyzing, interpreting and condensing technical data into reports or presentations
· Supervise technical staff
· Working closely with other types of engineers, such as civil, electrical, aerospace, chemical and industrial
· Working with professionals from other occupational fields, such as marketing and legal
Education for Automotive Engineering
- Universities and colleges in the United States offer bachelor’s degrees in automotive engineering
- At the master’s degree and Ph. D levels, such as:
- Automotive mechanical functions
- Automotive systems studies
- Hybrid electric cars
Should have a strong background in advanced calculus, physics and chemistry to succeed at the collegiate level. Good grades and a high level of hands-on experience. Because vehicles today are designed and developed in a virtual world and are basically “computers on wheels,” it is a real advantage to have a strong appreciation of computer science.
Salary per year
- Automotive Manufacturing $54,000 – $96,000
- Original Equipment Manufacturing $50,000 – $89,000
- Systems & Components Manufacturing $51,000 – $92,000
- Engine Manufacturing $50,000 – $91,000
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Is Automotive Engineering Right For You?
Ask yourself the following questions in evaluating your potential to become an automotive engineer:
- Are you interested in motor vehicles and how they work?
- Are you a natural problem solver?
- Do you communicate well with others and work productively in a team environment?
- Are you comfortable leading and motivating others?
- Are you able to multi-task and meet deadlines?
- Are you willing to constantly learn new things?
- If you answered “yes” to these questions, and you do not struggle in math and science, then you should consider pursuing a career in automotive engineering.