Automotive Engineer
What is the work like?
As an automotive engineer, you would play a key role in every stage of the motor manufacturing process, from the initial vehicle design through to the final production phase.
In this kind of career, you would work on:
- body, chassis and engine systems (known as 'powertrain')
- electrical and electronic instrumentation and control systems
- thermodynamics, aerodynamics and fluid mechanics
- fuel technology and emissions.
You would have overall responsibility for managing projects, supervising technical teams, writing reports and negotiating with clients. Your specific duties would fall into three main areas: design, development and production.
Design – using your draughting skills and computer-aided design software, you would turn ideas into blueprints for development and testing. You would take into account issues such as the vehicle's reliability and safety, whether production would be cost-effective, the potential environmental impact and its 'look'.
Development – you would build and test prototypes before the final production stage. You would use a combination of computer simulations and physical tests to assess components' strengths, weaknesses, performance and safety. For example, you might test the aerodynamics in a wind tunnel.
Production – once a design has been approved for manufacture, you would plan the production run. This may include redesigning machine tools, equipment and processes to make new parts. You would also monitor costs and production schedules, and oversee quality control.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would normally need proven experience as an engineering technician to become an automotive engineer. For details about working at this level, see the technician jobs in the Related profiles below.
Another option may be to join a company's graduate training scheme straight from college or university, after taking a qualification in automotive engineering. Similar subjects may also be acceptable to employers, such as:
- mechanical engineering
- electrical or electronic engineering
- production engineering
- manufacturing engineering.
To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
See the SEMTA, Institute of the Motor Industry and Auto Industry websites for information about careers, qualifications and training providers for the automotive engineering industry. For details about careers and training in the motorsport sector, see the job profile for Motorsport Engineer.
What further training and development can I do?
The National Skills Academy for Manufacturing runs professional development courses for employees. These options allow you to build up specific skills and knowledge needed by the automotive industry.
Gaining incorporated or chartered status
You could help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
As an incorporated engineer, you would specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you would have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
Where can I go for more information?
14 Upton RoadWatford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
Brickendon
Hertford
SG13 8PQ
Tel: 01992 511521
The Crescent
Birmingham
B37 7YE
Tel: 0121 717 6610
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Related profiles...
Mechanical Engineering Technician
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for automotive engineers are between £20,000 and £25,000 a year.
- Experienced engineers earn between £26,000 and £37,000.
- Senior engineers can earn up to £50,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although you may have to work shifts as a production engineer.
You would be based in an office, research facility or manufacturing plant.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a strong interest in motor vehicle engineering and design
- a creative approach to problem solving
- excellent mathematical and IT skills
- the ability to analyse and interpret data
- excellent technical knowledge
- good communication and presentation skills
- the ability to prioritise and plan effectively
- the ability to work within cost constraints and to deadlines
- a commitment to keep up to date with new technology
- the ability to work as part of a team and take responsibility.
What opportunities are there?
The automotive industry employs over 200,000 people around the UK and you could find work with vehicle manufacturing companies, design firms, parts suppliers and engineering consultancies. The main centres of production are in the Midlands, north-west, north-east and south-east. The UK is also a world centre of excellence in the motorsport engineering industry.
With experience, you could progress to senior engineer, project team management, general management and consultancy.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
autojob.co.uk
IMI Magazine
InAutomotive.com
Engineering Jobs
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
Search
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
