Automotive engineer
Automotive engineers are involved in the design, manufacture and operation of ground-based vehicles, such as motorcycles, automobiles, buses and trucks and their respective engineering subsystems. They are involved in the whole product design lifecycle from the initial concept through to delivery, but generally work in one of three main areas:
Automotive engineers need to have a combination of engineering and commercial skills in order to deliver projects within budget. Once established, they usually specialise in a particular area, for example structural design, exhaust systems or engines.
Automotive engineers usually specialise in a particular area of work. However, typical work activities may include:
Salary figures are intended as a guide only.
Employers generally prefer a degree in one of the following subjects:
It is particularly useful to have a degree that is accredited by a professional institute, most commonly the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) , as this is a precursor for assessment as a chartered engineer and is valued by employers. Visit the IMechE website for a list of accredited degrees.
Foundation degrees and HNDs in engineering subjects are also acceptable for technical posts. Further qualifications are needed for career progression, however, and some employers will support further study.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential but can be useful if it provides training or knowledge for specialist roles.
It is important to gain experience through a work placement, internship or a year in industry (may form part of your undergraduate degree course). Many of the large employers offer opportunities. See, for example, Gradcracker or the websites of individual employers. Your careers service may also advertise opportunities. Experience can also be gained by volunteering (see, for example, Volunteers in Motorsport for those interested in a career in the motorsport industries) or by getting involved in initiatives such as Formula Student .
In addition to relevant engineering knowledge and skills, candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Psychometric testing is often used to check verbal and numerical reasoning skills and employers are increasingly looking for sound commercial and industry awareness.
Larger employers often attend university careers fairs or give presentations on campus. Most employers have closing dates or offer jobs well in advance of a start date, so make applications early in your final year of study.
Student affiliate membership of IMechE is also useful as it provides opportunities for networking, discounted rates on events and training courses, and access to careers advice and resources.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Graduate engineers often join the automotive industry via an employer training scheme, which usually lasts between 12 to 24 months. Most large firms offer structured training and encourage professional development. Usually, firms offer in-service training and short courses for specific needs. Your in-house training may include placements in different departments to broaden your experience. At the end of the scheme, trainees usually choose a specialist area in which to take their career forward. Some employers are unable to provide broad training experience themselves, and it is worth checking what arrangements they have in place.
If you are aiming for chartered status (CEng), you should check that any post you accept offers training and experience accredited by a professional institute, most often the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) . You will need to undertake a programme of initial professional development and will be assigned a mentor, who will monitor your progress in the early stages of your engineering career.
To gain CEng status, you will need to submit a written report and satisfy an assessment panel that you have the skills, specialist knowledge and competence to practise as an engineer. It is possible to achieve CEng or incorporated (IEng) status within four to six years after graduation. IMechE oversees the Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS) leading to CEng status.
It is essential that trainee automotive engineers keep up to date with new developments in technology and software packages. Most employers provide training in these areas, and the IMechE has an automobile division that regularly runs industry-relevant lectures, seminars and workshops.
Reading the specialist press, for example Automotive Engineer (magazine of the IMechE), also keeps you up to date with the latest news and opinion in the industry and can be useful for anticipating future career opportunities.
There is a wide range of career options open to automotive engineers. It is possible to advance to supervisory and senior management positions within a company or to specialise in a particular area. With experience, it is possible to progress to senior engineer roles, project team management, general management and consultancy.
Those with incorporated engineer (IEng) status tend to specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. A chartered engineer (CEng) may have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
Some automotive engineers choose to move into a related career area, for example environmental design. Creative designers could also move into the graphic design field.
Teaching and lecturing at universities or colleges is a possibility for those with Masters and PhDs in mechanical engineering.
Engineers with several years’ experience may go into contracting work, moving between short-term projects. This type of work can provide variety, excellent financial benefits and the opportunity to work abroad, but generally lacks the stability and benefits associated with a permanent position with a large company.
Some automotive engineers go on to set up their own business, for example automotive design and engineering firms.
Typical employers include:
Although the majority of employers are still found in the Midlands, smaller companies providing specialist services to the automotive industry are based throughout the UK. In addition, many of the motorsport companies have research and design facilities in the southern and central England.
The UK is recognised as a world leader in innovation in component manufacture and attracts considerable investment from international manufacturers. It is also a world centre of excellence in the motorsport engineering industry.
Recruitment agencies carry vacancies, particularly for contract work. Many advertise in the professional journals such as Automotive Engineer and Professional Engineering .
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