Automotive Engineers

Also Called: Chief Engineer, Dimensional Integration Engineer

What Automotive Engineers do

Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.

  • Conduct or direct system-level automotive testing.
  • Conduct automotive design reviews.
  • Develop engineering specifications or cost estimates for automotive design concepts.
Industry Areas:

Advanced Manufacturing Construction Renewable Resources and Energy

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Electronic Mail
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Telephone
  • Duration of Typical Work Week
  • Work With Work Group or Team

Tools

  • Dynamometers
  • Drill press or radial drill
  • Chemical absorption gas analyzers
  • Milling machines
  • Power grinders

Technology

Analytical or scientific software
Minitab
The MathWorks MATLAB
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk AutoCAD
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
product and service development
design
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
physics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
manufacture and distribution of products

Education

  • 96% Bachelor's degree
  • 4% Master's degree

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Investigative (Thinker)
  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Cooperation

Values

  • Achievement
  • Working Conditions
  • Recognition

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Math

This is what Automotive Engineers across the country typically make.

$31.04 / hour
$64,560 /year

Entry Level

$47.84 / hour
$99,510 /year

Median Level

$75.71 / hour
$157,470 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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