Automotive engineers help to design new vehicles and ensure that existing cars are up to standard and work efficiently. This field of engineering is research-intensive and requires educated professionals who are committed to their automotive engineering specialities.
Based on this, salary prospects for automotive engineers range. An entry-level automotive engineer with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (including tips, bonuses, and overtime pay) of $71,975. An early career automotive engineer with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total salary of $77,372. A mid-career automotive engineer with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total salary of $93,226.
An experienced automotive engineer with 10-19 years of experience earns an average total salary of $96,780. For those with 20 years of experience and higher, they earn an average total compensation of $98,264.
Who are automotive engineers and what do they do?
Automotive engineers, also referred to as “automobile engineers”, work with other engineers to enhance the technical performance, aesthetics and software of vehicles. Common responsibilities of an automotive engineer include designing and testing various components of vehicles, including fuel technologies and safety systems.
They may also come up with and design new vehicle models or vehicle systems using engineering design software such as ThinkDesign Engineering.
Common duties of an automotive engineer include:
- Preparing design specifications
- Researching, developing and producing new vehicles or vehicle subsystems
- Using computerized models to determine the behaviour and efficiency of a vehicle
- Investigating instances of product failure
- Preparing cost estimates for current or new vehicles
- Assessing the safety and environmental components of an automotive project
- Creating plans and drawings for new vehicle products
Automobile engineers may choose to specialize in a specific sector of this field, such as fluid mechanics, aerodynamics or control systems. The production of an automobile often involves a team of automotive engineers who each specialize in a particular section of vehicular engineering rather than just one engineer working alone. The work of these engineers is often broken down into three components: design, research and development and production.
Automotive engineering is a branch of vehicle engineering that focuses on the application, design and manufacturing of various types of automobiles. It involves the direct application of mathematics in the design and production of vehicles. Engineering disciplines in this field include safety engineering, vehicle electronics, quality management and fuel economy and emissions.
Types of Automotive Engineers
There are various types of automotive engineers who specialize in different aspects of vehicle design, development, and production. Here are some common types of automotive engineers and a brief overview of what they do:
Design Engineer
Design engineers are responsible for creating the visual and functional design of vehicles. They use CAD software to develop detailed drawings and specifications for vehicle components, systems, and overall aesthetics. They consider factors such as aerodynamics, ergonomics, and styling to create appealing and efficient vehicle designs.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers specialize in the electrical and electronic systems of vehicles. They work on designing and integrating complex wiring harnesses, control systems, sensors, and electronic modules. They also develop software for vehicle control units and interface with advanced technologies such as infotainment systems and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing engineers are involved in the production process of vehicles. They focus on developing efficient manufacturing methods, assembly processes, and quality control procedures. They collaborate with production teams to optimize manufacturing operations and ensure that vehicles are built to meet design specifications and standards.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers focus on the mechanical systems and components of vehicles. They work on designing and optimizing powertrain systems, engines, transmissions, suspension systems, and other mechanical elements. They ensure that these systems are robust, efficient, and meet performance requirements.
Quality Engineer
Quality engineers are responsible for maintaining and improving the quality of vehicles during the production process. They develop quality control plans, establish quality standards, and conduct inspections and audits to ensure compliance. They work closely with suppliers, manufacturing teams, and other stakeholders to identify and address quality issues.
Research and Development Engineer
Research and development engineers focus on exploring new technologies, materials, and concepts to drive innovation in vehicle design and performance. They conduct feasibility studies, prototype development, and performance testing of new ideas and technologies. They play a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
Safety Engineer
Safety engineers concentrate on ensuring the safety of vehicles and occupants. They conduct risk assessments, perform crash tests, and analyze data to identify potential safety hazards and develop mitigation strategies. They work on improving vehicle crashworthiness, occupant protection systems, and overall safety features.
Vehicle Dynamics Engineer
Vehicle dynamics engineers specialize in optimizing the handling, ride comfort, and performance of vehicles. They work on suspension systems, chassis design, and tire characteristics to achieve desired vehicle dynamics. They use simulation tools and conduct real-world testing to fine-tune vehicle behaviour and responsiveness.
Automotive Engineer Salary By State
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $81,420 | $6,785 | $1,565 | $39.14 |
| Vermont | $80,094 | $6,674 | $1,540 | $38.51 |
| Maine | $76,683 | $6,390 | $1,474 | $36.87 |
| Pennsylvania | $74,566 | $6,213 | $1,433 | $35.85 |
| Washington | $74,116 | $6,176 | $1,425 | $35.63 |
| Massachusetts | $73,009 | $6,084 | $1,404 | $35.10 |
| New Hampshire | $72,778 | $6,064 | $1,399 | $34.99 |
| New Jersey | $72,695 | $6,057 | $1,397 | $34.95 |
| Alaska | $72,598 | $6,049 | $1,396 | $34.90 |
| Oregon | $71,817 | $5,984 | $1,381 | $34.53 |
| North Dakota | $71,733 | $5,977 | $1,379 | $34.49 |
| Wisconsin | $71,539 | $5,961 | $1,375 | $34.39 |
| Wyoming | $71,146 | $5,928 | $1,368 | $34.20 |
| Hawaii | $70,365 | $5,863 | $1,353 | $33.83 |
| Colorado | $69,871 | $5,822 | $1,343 | $33.59 |
| Indiana | $69,854 | $5,821 | $1,343 | $33.58 |
| New Mexico | $68,747 | $5,728 | $1,322 | $33.05 |
| Nevada | $68,645 | $5,720 | $1,320 | $33.00 |
| Minnesota | $68,577 | $5,714 | $1,318 | $32.97 |
| Arizona | $68,409 | $5,700 | $1,315 | $32.89 |
| South Dakota | $67,795 | $5,649 | $1,303 | $32.59 |
| Montana | $67,379 | $5,614 | $1,295 | $32.39 |
| Ohio | $66,811 | $5,567 | $1,284 | $32.12 |
| Alabama | $66,538 | $5,544 | $1,279 | $31.99 |
| Rhode Island | $66,520 | $5,543 | $1,279 | $31.98 |
| Delaware | $66,247 | $5,520 | $1,273 | $31.85 |
| Virginia | $65,520 | $5,460 | $1,260 | $31.50 |
| Connecticut | $65,277 | $5,439 | $1,255 | $31.38 |
| Iowa | $65,219 | $5,434 | $1,254 | $31.36 |
| Mississippi | $64,535 | $5,377 | $1,241 | $31.03 |
| Illinois | $64,490 | $5,374 | $1,240 | $31.01 |
| California | $64,364 | $5,363 | $1,237 | $30.94 |
| Maryland | $64,216 | $5,351 | $1,234 | $30.87 |
| Tennessee | $63,788 | $5,315 | $1,226 | $30.67 |
| Utah | $63,591 | $5,299 | $1,222 | $30.57 |
| Nebraska | $63,010 | $5,250 | $1,211 | $30.29 |
| Missouri | $62,184 | $5,182 | $1,195 | $29.90 |
| Georgia | $61,984 | $5,165 | $1,192 | $29.80 |
| South Carolina | $61,559 | $5,129 | $1,183 | $29.60 |
| Idaho | $61,426 | $5,118 | $1,181 | $29.53 |
| Oklahoma | $61,020 | $5,085 | $1,173 | $29.34 |
| Texas | $60,880 | $5,073 | $1,170 | $29.27 |
| Kansas | $60,753 | $5,062 | $1,168 | $29.21 |
| North Carolina | $60,288 | $5,024 | $1,159 | $28.98 |
| Louisiana | $59,873 | $4,989 | $1,151 | $28.79 |
| Kentucky | $57,937 | $4,828 | $1,114 | $27.85 |
| Michigan | $57,893 | $4,824 | $1,113 | $27.83 |
| West Virginia | $57,588 | $4,799 | $1,107 | $27.69 |
| Arkansas | $55,032 | $4,586 | $1,058 | $26.46 |
| Florida | $54,855 | $4,571 | $1,054 | $26.37 |
How to become an automotive engineer
The following are the steps you should take to pursue a career in automotive engineering:
Obtain a bachelor’s degree
Most automotive engineering positions require a minimum of a four-year bachelor’s degree. Many colleges do not offer bachelor’s degrees that are specific to automotive engineering, so aspiring automotive engineers should consider majoring in mechanical engineering or a related field.
Most mechanical engineering programs offer an option to concentrate on automotive engineering.
Get an internship
During or after the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, individuals are often required to participate in an internship with an automotive supplier or other employers in the automotive industry. Internships provide hands-on experience that is typically required by future employers.
Many internships offer interns the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of focus such as robotics.
Apply for employment
After completing a degree and gaining hands-on experience, you will likely be eligible for entry-level automotive engineer positions. You may be required to complete a training program upon being hired.
Become licensed
Many automotive engineers will pursue licensure in their states to be eligible for more advanced positions such as government work and consulting jobs. Each state will vary in its requirements for licensure but passing one or more exams and having a set amount of work experience is often required to be eligible for an automotive engineering license.
Consider a graduate degree
A master’s degree or higher is not required to work as an automotive engineer; however, pursuing a graduate degree can provide advanced training and knowledge and lead to further career advancement in this industry.
Skills you need to work in the automotive engineering field
To be a successful automotive engineer, you will need a number of both hard and soft skills. These include:
- Data analysis skills. Automotive engineers are responsible for performing and analyzing various automobile tests. These professionals must be able to efficiently and effectively read and interpret data to improve vehicle performance and production.
- Problem-solving skills. Engineers in the automotive industry must be able to think creatively and originally to solve specific vehicle-related problems and create new solutions.
- Technical skills. Automobile engineers must have a variety of technical skills related to this industry, including strong working knowledge of automobile maintenance and function.
- Commercial awareness. These professionals must stay abreast of industry trends as well as the latest in automobile technology and regulations.
- Teamwork skills. Many automobile engineers work as a team to complete projects. This requires professionals to have strong teamwork skills and know how to effectively work with other individuals daily.
What it is like to work as an automotive engineer
Many automotive engineers work in research and development (R&D) centres or engineering design offices. These facilities are equipped with advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software, simulation tools, and testing equipment. Engineers spend a significant amount of time at their desks, utilizing these tools to create and modify vehicle designs, analyze data, and conduct virtual simulations.
Additionally, automotive engineers may spend time in manufacturing plants and assembly lines, especially if they are involved in the production phase. They work with manufacturing engineers and technicians to ensure that vehicles are built according to design specifications and quality standards. This may involve observing production processes, troubleshooting issues, and providing technical support.
Automotive engineers also frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. They work closely with other engineers, designers, automotive engineering technicians, and manufacturing professionals to bring their designs to life. This collaboration often involves meetings, discussions, and brainstorming sessions to address technical challenges, review progress, and make necessary adjustments to the design and development process.
Fieldwork and testing are also part of an automotive engineer’s work. They may visit test tracks, proving grounds, or specialized testing facilities to evaluate vehicle performance, conduct durability tests, and validate design changes. This may involve collecting data, running experiments, and analyzing results to ensure that the vehicle meets performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
Furthermore, automotive engineers may need to travel for business purposes. They may visit suppliers, attend industry conferences and seminars, or collaborate with global teams on international projects. Travel allows them to stay informed about the latest technologies and industry trends and establish connections with other professionals in the field.
Recommended Articles
- EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS: Why Are They Important?
- How To Become A Digital Creator In Nigeria
- Highest Paid Jobs in Myrtle Beach
- Best Job Websites: Top Places To Look For Jobs In 2024
- WHAT MOTIVATES YOU: How To Answer This Tricky Interview Question
- FLEET MANAGER: Job Description, Responsibilities, And Salary
References
