Automotive Engineer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an automotive engineer. Feel free to use our automotive engineer job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an automotive engineer.
Who is an Automotive Engineer?
Automotive engineering is a branch of vehicle engineering that focuses primarily on the design, manufacture, and application of different types of automobiles. This engineering field involves the direct application of mathematics to the design and manufacture of automobiles. This field may include vehicle electronics, safety engineering, quality management, fuel economy, and emissions.
Automotive engineers are also known as “automobile engineers”. They work together with other engineers to improve the technical performance, aesthetics, and software of vehicles. An automotive engineer’s common responsibilities include testing and designing various components of vehicles. This includes fuel technologies and safety systems. Engineers may also design and develop new models or systems for vehicles using software like ThinkDesign Engineering.
Automotive engineers are innovators in the field of mobility. They design, research, and develop in a range of areas such as safety, security, and visual esthetics.
Automotive engineers are involved in all aspects of the industry. This includes the design and construction of cars and the safety and security for new modes of transport. Although there is a strong focus on making cars go fast, modern engineers must also consider the future sustainability and greater integration of emerging connected technologies.
Along with naval architecture and aerospace engineering, automotive engineering is a branch of vehicle engineering. It combines elements of safety, mechanical, electronic, and software engineering to design, manufacture, and operate motorcycles, automobiles, and trucks, as well as their subsystems. Modification of vehicles is also included. It also includes the manufacturing domain, which deals with creating and assembling entire automobile parts. Automotive engineering is a research-intensive field that requires the direct application of mathematical formulas and models. Automotive engineering is the study of designing, developing, fabricating, and testing vehicles and components. It can be done from the concept stage through to the production stage. This field has three main functions: production, development, manufacturing.
Automotive engineers work in the design, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and sales of automobiles (including race cars, motorbikes, and commercial vehicles). Engineers are responsible for the design and performance of modern vehicles, as well as the electronic and software components.
Automotive engineers work in the design, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, and sales of automobiles (including race cars, motorbikes, and commercial vehicles). Engineers are responsible for the design and performance of modern vehicles, as well as the electronic and software components.
Automotive Engineer Job Description
Below are the automotive engineer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an automotive engineer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of an automotive engineer include the following:
- Producing and researching vehicle components
- Calculating vehicle descriptions and cost estimates
- Evaluating environmental and safety practices for certain projects
- Analyzing vehicles to determine vehicle behavior in specific conditions
- Making prototypes of parts for vehicles to test before production
- Interacting with clients regarding engineering questions
- Ensuring the completion of projects, supervising interns and other entry-level staff.
- Presenting design concepts to external and internal stakeholders
- Using CAD software to create ideas and designs
- Choosing the best materials for component manufacturing
- Solving problems by using either mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or thermodynamic principles.
- Testing the performance of your components by building prototypes and comparing them with their safety.
- Preparing material, cost, and timing estimates, reports, and design specifications
- Supervising and inspecting the installation of and adjustments to mechanical systems in industrial plants
- Investigating mechanical problems or unanticipated maintenance issues
- Liaising with suppliers to resolve supply chain management questions
- Managing projects including budgets, production times, resources, staff, and quality control
- Testing drive and inspecting vehicles for any faults.
- Creating engineering specifications and cost estimates for automotive designs
- Calibrating vehicle systems including control algorithms and other software systems.
- Developing test methods, calibration methodologies, or tools.
- Creating models for control feature or algorithm verification testing.
- Modifying or altering designs to achieve a specified functional or operational performance.
- Conducting system-level automotive testing.
- Creating specifications for vehicles that use alternative fuels or other power methods.
- Writing, reviewing, or maintaining engineering documentation.
- Conducting automotive design reviews.
- Performing research to create new concepts in automotive engineering.
- Providing technical guidance to engineers and engineering support personnel.
- Performing failure, variation, and root cause analyses.
- Creating or integrating control features requirements.
- Keeping up to date with new technologies and products by attending conferences and reading current literature.
- Establishing quality control or production standards.
- Preparing and presenting technical or project status reporting.
- Creating or implementing operating procedures or methods.
The following are other important tasks:
- Troubleshooting
Sometimes, the problem is obvious. For example, a punctured tire or blown muffler. Sometimes the problem isn’t obvious, and the automotive engineer will need to use his diagnostic skills. The automotive engineer will ask the driver questions about the nature and frequency of the problem as well as any unusual circumstances. He may also inspect the vehicle and test it. The engineer may also use specialized equipment like circuit testers, infrared engines analyzers, and emission analyzers to run diagnostic checks. He will then be able to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs.
- Repairing vehicles
Most automotive engineers perform tasks such as replacing or repairing damaged parts like pistons or rods in an engine, rebuilding faulty assembly such as steering systems, and repairing or replacing brakes. Repairs and replacements can also be made to transmissions, shock absorbers or distributors, radiators or ignition systems, as well as other circuits, parts, or systems. They can also adjust or repair accessories like windshield wipers, radios, and mirrors.
- Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your car in good condition and avoid costly repairs. This includes changing the oil, rotating tires, changing the oil, and tuning up your electrical system. To ensure that everything is working properly, maintenance may also include inspecting the belts, hoses, and mechanical systems. The inspector may keep a list of the results that they have observed, which they can then share with the owner.
- Customer Service
While mechanics spend most of their time working on cars, it is important to communicate with customers about car problems, costs, and repair schedules. An automotive engineer’s ability to explain the terminology in a way that is understandable by laypeople is an important skill.
Qualifications
Education
An undergraduate degree is required for entry-level automotive engineers. There are very few universities that offer undergraduate programs in automotive engineering. Because automotive engineering is a part of the mechanical engineering category, and the coursework at this level is the same, students tend to major in it. Some programs in mechanical engineering include automotive courses. You can expect to study mathematics, life, and physical sciences, robotics, manufacturing, environmental science, and heat transfer.
Training
On-the-job training is often provided to entry-level automotive engineers by senior employees. Internships are also possible, but they will need to obtain a Fundamentals of Engineering license to become Engineers in Training (EIT). This is the classification required to do an internship in this field.
Certificates
While certification is not required to be an entry-level automobile engineer, many certifications can be pursued to improve their employability.
Some of these certificates and licenses include
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
After passing the exam, you will be granted this license. It’s an entirely different route to employment in engineering than other industries that don’t usually require certification.
- Professional Engineering (PE)
This license will allow you to take on more opportunities in this field, and even be promoted to managerial positions. To earn the license, you will need to have at least four years of work experience. You can supervise other engineers, approve projects, and provide services that directly affect the public with a PE license.
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE).
This certification is intended for professionals who are familiar with the principles and methods of evaluating performance in this field. This certification is for professionals who can forecast the safety of mechanical components, and analyze how they can be maintained over time. This certification requires previous work experience. You must also pass an oral or writing exam.
Essential Skills
- Creativity
The automotive engineer is responsible for creating and designing the mechanical frameworks used in vehicle machinery. This skill allows for creativity which can be useful for dealership sales staff to communicate each model to customers.
- Math skills
Engineers must use the skills that they have learned during their education to design and solve problems in projects.
- Mechanical skills
Automotive engineers can communicate with each other to understand mechanical processes and develop test features. This allows them to evaluate why products fail or meet their expectations.
- Problem-solving skills
Engineers need to be able to solve problems when testing and building vehicles. Automotive engineers should be able to design and create products that address problems in older models thanks to their engineering knowledge.
- Time and organization
Automotive engineers are responsible for managing multiple projects. They must also manage tasks according to priority. This is why it is important to learn key habits like organizing a calendar, using a project management system, and taking quality notes to complete tasks on time. A strong time management skill will allow you to have creative freedom and focus on the technical aspects of your role.
- Data analysis
Automotive engineers are responsible to perform and analyze various automotive tests. This professional must be able to read and interpret data efficiently to improve vehicle performance and production.
- Technical skills
Automobile engineers need to have many technical skills, including strong working knowledge of automobile maintenance.
- Commercial awareness
These professionals need to keep up-to-date with industry trends and the most recent improvements in automobile technology.
- Teamwork skills
To complete projects, many automobile engineers work in a team. Professionals must be able to work well with others and have strong teamwork skills.
- Technical skills
To learn practical information, automotive engineers need to participate in internships, training, and projects during and after graduation. Your chances of securing higher-ranking positions will increase if you work under the guidance of mentors over a period of time.
There is a strong demand for skilled, self-sufficient workers who can provide high-quality work. You might get a lot more exposure by working with licensed professional engineers.
How to Become an Automobile Engineer
These steps will help you pursue a career in automotive engineering if you are interested.
- Pursue relevant education.
You should look for programs that are aligned with mechanical engineering. Although there are not many schools that offer automotive design as a degree program, the education you receive as a major in mechanical engineering will give you an edge over other students to get an entry-level job as an automotive engineer. If you are interested in teaching or research, you might consider a Ph.D. or graduate program.
- Get relevant field experience.
Internships can help you get into the engineering field, and teach transferable skills that apply to automotive engineering jobs. You can also attend engineering summer camps if you are in high school to shadow the engineers and learn about their work.
- Earn a Fundamentals of Engineering License.
This is the first step in your journey to becoming an engineer. After passing the exam, you are eligible to work as a mechanical engineering engineer. You can apply for an automotive engineer job if you have experience working as a mechanical engineer.
- Earn a Professional Engineering License.
After four years of experience, you may be eligible to apply for your FE license. This will allow you to add more training to your resume. A leader’s role in your team is crucial if you are an engineer.
- Prepare your resume.
If you are applying for these jobs, your qualifications must meet the requirements. If you have worked in internships, other opportunities, you should know the location, your accomplishments, and the dates.
- Find automotive engineering jobs available
Choose the positions that best suit your career goals. Understanding that you can start as a mechanical engineer before moving into automotive engineering is important. Take into account your experience and the duties you have performed to determine if this is the right field for you or if it’s a branch.
Where to Work
Although most automotive engineers work for vehicle manufacturers, they can also be employed by:
- Manufacturers of tires
- Vehicle design companies
- Research/test labs
- Motorsport teams
- Oil and fuel companies
Also, individuals with a lot of relevant experience can be self-employed through contract and consultancy work.
Vacancies can be advertised online by career services and recruitment agencies as well as in newspapers and other relevant publications.
Automotive Engineer Salary Scale
Automotive engineers are primarily employed in offices. They also visit work on-site when they have to resolve issues. Automotive engineers’ salaries can vary depending upon education, experience, and geographic location.
The average salary in the U.S. earned by automotive engineers is $95,094 per annum
