As a team, automotive engineers are responsible for directing every step of the vehicle production cycle, from inception to final testing. In this article, not only will I go into the salary range and general duties of an automotive engineer, but I will also describe automotive engineering itself and what it comprises.
Automotive Engineering
Automotive engineers work on the design, production, distribution, marketing, sales, and after-sales care of automobiles (including race cars), motorcycles, and other commercial vehicles. They focus on both aesthetics and technical performance, as well as the electronics and software involved.
Typical duties include:
- Analyzing project requirements.
- Establishing and negotiating project costs, timeframes, and requirements with clients and managers and keeping track of progress.
- Constructing prototypes.
- Planning and conducting tests (e.g., to assess whether engines will perform in diverse settings, such as high temperatures) and fixing faults identified by testing.
- Conducting analyses and interpretations of findings and data.
- Keeping up with safety and environmental regulations.
- Giving technical help and answering queries from clients.
- Creating designs with specialized computer modeling software.
- Updating cars based on suggestions from buyers.
- Investigating and resolving issues, such as mechanical failures.
- Collaborating closely with vendors.
Automotive Engineering Job Description
The majority of automotive engineers work in an office. They frequently receive assistance from research and technical staff members stationed in nearby offices or secretarial support staff. Automotive engineers are frequently obliged to spend at least some of their time on a specific work site. They may find themselves working on special projects or an assembly line, or they may be in charge of the production of a certain component.
People who want to work as automotive engineers should be adaptable to many sorts of workplaces and work sites. Some travel is expected, particularly to overseas manufacturing plants or contractors, as well as to automobile conventions or trade exhibitions.
Work hours differ according to the task or project at hand. To achieve manufacturing deadlines, automotive engineers are frequently required to work late into the night or on weekends. Because automotive engineers frequently collaborate with other engineers, technicians, and assembly line workers, the ability to convey ideas and work effectively as part of a team is essential.
Automotive Engineering Salary
Engineers have among the highest starting salaries of any profession. In 2018, salaries for industrial engineers in all industries varied from less than $56,470 to $132,340 or more. Mechanical engineers’ salaries ranged from less than $56,270 to more than $136,550 across all industries. Electrical engineers’ salaries ranged from less than $61,190 to more than $153,240 across all businesses.
Automotive engineering technicians earn less than more skilled automotive engineers annually. Overall, salaries for industrial engineering technicians varied from less than $34,920 to more than $88,340. Mechanical engineering technicians’ salaries ranged from less than $34,900 to more than $85,430 across all industries. Furthermore, annual salaries ranged from less than $38,110 to more than $95,140 for all electrical engineering technicians.
Engineer and technician salaries in the automotive business vary depending on the company, sector, region, experience, and specialty of the engineer. Michigan, California, and South Carolina, all of which have substantial domestic automobile manufacturing operations, provide the most prospects for automotive engineers and technicians. Automotive engineers and technicians who concentrate on enhancing design system efficiency, product safety, and the use of green technology will most likely have more job prospects than others.
Employee benefits for automotive engineers and technicians include vacation days, sick leave, health and life insurance, and a savings and pension plan.
Career options for automotive engineers vary significantly, but the average salary for an automotive engineer is $87,663. Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs in the larger field of mechanical engineering will expand by 2% between 2021 and 2031.Schools with Automotive Engineering
Automotive engineering schools normally provide four-year bachelor’s degrees. They often offer an automotive engineering major or a mechanical engineering degree with the option to specialize in automotive studies. Are you eager to learn more? Scroll down to see our ranking of the top automotive engineering schools.
#1. University of Clemson
Clemson University, well-known as a pioneer among automotive engineering institutions, was the first in the US to offer a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering. Furthermore, Clemson University provides a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program, a senior project in which students build a car from the ground up, and coursework on future automotive trends. Clemson graduates frequently go on to work for companies such as Apple, Tesla, SpaceX, and BMW.
#2. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Georgia Tech, located in the center of downtown Atlanta, is a big university known for its exceptional engineering and computing programs. Students at Georgia Tech can combine a mechanical engineering degree with an emphasis in automotive engineering and study specific classes in combustion engines, aerodynamics, hybrid vehicle powertrains, and more. Georgia Tech is a wonderful option for students interested in performing research because it has notable lab facilities and receives over $40 million in research prizes each year.
#3. University of Purdue
In addition to offering a first-rate mechanical engineering degree with the option to focus on automotive engineering, Purdue’s main campus also ranks fourth among the top engineering schools, according to US News. Students at Purdue have the opportunity to gain practical experience in a variety of areas through the university’s labs, electives, and organizations, including technology design, research, and pit crew work at big racing events. Surprisingly, members of the 2023 Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 winning squads were alumni of Purdue University.
#4. The University of Minnesota in Mankato
Two tracks lead to practical engineering jobs at Minnesota State University: Mankato’s automotive engineering technology and manufacturing engineering technology programs. A high-performance chassis and an automobile research lab are two of twelve labs at Michigan State University that educate aspiring engineers. Specifically, students compete with engineering teams from all around the world after spending a year creating a racing car.
Degree in Automotive Engineering
#1. Bachelor of Electrical and Automation Engineering (BEng)
Whether it’s a simple home item or a complex piece of industrial machinery, an engineer with expertise in electrical and automation engineering can arrange its wiring and automation. Students in automation engineering can choose between two tracks: one that focuses on automating production processes, and the other on automating production machinery.
When creating new automation technology for different uses, the engineer is well-versed in using information and electrical technologies. Electrical and automation engineering finds widespread use in many everyday objects and systems, including transportation, retail, residential, commercial, industrial, and public lighting.
Coursework in electrical and automation engineering covers a broad range of topics, including but not limited to factory facility maintenance, manufacturing machinery and device automation, and electrical engineering in general. The educational setting uses the opportunities presented by modern technology for hands-on, experiential learning.
#2. Bachelor in Automotive Engineering
Students are trained to acquire technical qualifications and professional skills in various aspects of industrial operations, including design, manufacturing, monitoring, management, problem identification, and problem-solving.
As a field that combines mechanics, electrical systems, and materials science, automotive engineering teaches students the basics of engineering while also covering modern concerns in vehicle design, such as safety, fuel economy, and mass production.
#3. Bachelor in Automotive Technology
The Bachelor in Automotive Technology program is suitable for individuals who have a passion for cars, trucks, mopeds, or motorsports and enjoy exploring the mechanics of vehicles. This degree is intended for individuals who possess a strong interest in the automotive industry and actively monitor its current developments and trends.
#4. Honors Bachelor of Business Administration (Automotive Management)-(BBAA)
Gain a head start in the automobile industry’s business world with this one-of-a-kind degree. 12 months of paid co-op labor. Placement rates are above 90%.
This program offers a blend of academic business training and hands-on experience in the automobile sector. Students research and create technologies pertinent to the automobile sector to be ready for a dynamic environment and to anticipate and react to changes in this environment. In this course, students will learn to analyze, evaluate, and present complicated information in a way that supports good management decisions through a variety of means, such as class discussions, case studies, problem-solving, and special projects with industry and industry stakeholders.
#5. Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, Specialization in Automotive Engineering (Karl Benz School of Engineering)
The Carl Benz School of Engineering offers high school graduates the exceptional chance to pursue internationally recognized German engineering education in the English language. The 3-year bachelor’s program is designed to equip aspiring engineers with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful professional trajectory.
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is the top-ranked German university in terms of employability and consistently achieves high rankings in engineering. The Carl Benz School of Engineering, affiliated with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), provides top-notch lectures delivered by distinguished professors. Students are provided with a personalized, comprehensive service package that includes support, additional training, and study guidance to enhance their professional development.
Mechanical Engineering International students have the opportunity to select a field of study during their fourth semester. Students specializing in automotive engineering benefit from the automotive industry being Germany’s largest sector, generating a turnover of around 404 billion euros in 2015, accounting for 20% of Germany’s total industry revenues.
Out of the 100 largest automotive suppliers, ten have established their headquarters or subsidiaries near Karlsruhe. The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) houses over 40 institutes and employs 800 scientists who are engaged in research aimed at enhancing the safety, comfort, and efficiency of automobiles.
Do Automotive Engineers Make a Lot of Money?
An automotive engineer typically earns an average annual salary of $85,000. Salaries can vary from $50,000 and $100,000, depending upon one’s level of expertise and skills
What Is the Highest Paid Automotive Engineer?
Automotive Engineer Jobs with a High Salary
- Chassis Engineer. Annual salary range: $80,000-$133,000.
- Dimensional Designer.
- Automotive Hardware Engineer.
- Powertrain Engineer.
- Powertrain Design Engineer.
- Automotive Product Engineer.
- Powertrain Calibration Engineer.
- Vehicle Cost Engineer.
How Hard Is Automotive Engineering?
The work of an automobile engineer is demanding yet rewarding, and the salary is usually above average. The field of engineering known as “automotive engineering” is concerned specifically with vehicles. Among the many responsibilities of an automotive engineer is the development, assembly, and testing of the vehicle’s various components.
Is Automotive Engineering the Same as a Mechanic?
When it comes to automobiles, engineers have a broader role to play than mechanics. They help with everything from conceptualizing new vehicles to enhancing existing ones’ performance. Contrarily, mechanics check and fix cars, usually in a workshop or garage.
Do Automotive Engineers Use a Lot of Math?
Another industry that frequently employs mathematical formulas and equations is the automotive sector. The construction of an automobile makes extensive use of mathematical concepts and formulas.
Are Automotive Engineers in Demand?
Automotive engineers are in high demand all over the world. According to projections, demand will increase by 4% between 2018 and 2028.
Which Engineering Uses the Least Math?
Students can choose from a variety of popular engineering courses that do not require mathematics, such as industrial engineering, environmental engineering, biomedical engineering, material science engineering, agriculture engineering, chemical engineering, and many others.
Conclusion
Automotive engineers generally stick to a standard work schedule of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime. Certain occupations may require employees to work shifts, which may include evenings and weekends. Roles in the automobile industry often involve working on weekends and outside of regular working hours to provide support for events and meet deadlines.
After acquiring substantial experience, individuals may have the opportunity to engage in contractual work and have autonomy over their working hours. To ensure a successful career break, it is essential to maintain current technical knowledge and skills.
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