A variety of roles within the automotive engineering industry, spanning from design through to production. Your specific duties will depend on which area you work in, but will usually involve drafting different car parts using computer-aided design software to create prototypes for testing, weighing up issues such as reliability and safety versus cost-effectiveness and ‘look’.
You will often collaborate with other technical staff and management in this profession, so strong communication skills are important. You will also be involved in continuous improvement activities, making improvements to existing vehicles based on feedback and test results. You may also be tasked with overseeing other automotive engineers in the development of vehicle systems and components.
Electrical Engineer – Electrical Engineers are responsible for the electronic systems and components in a vehicle, including powertrain systems, control units, sensors, and infotainment features. They also work with the Design Engineers to incorporate vehicle safety features such as airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Research and Development – Research and Development Engineers explore new technologies, materials, and concepts to drive innovation in vehicle design and performance. They collaborate with Design and Quality Engineers to develop and test prototypes, and to assess whether new products meet quality and performance standards.
There are a number of professional qualifications that you can undertake in order to become an automotive engineer, including postgraduate degrees. These can give you the necessary experience and skills to start working within this field, but it’s also worth considering joining a professional body such as the IMechE to gain access to regular industry seminars and lectures.