Life As an Automotive Engineer
Career Description 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.
Life As an Automotive Engineer: What Do They Do?
- Conduct research studies to develop new concepts in the field of automotive engineering.
- Research computerized automotive applications, such as telemetrics, intelligent transportation systems, artificial intelligence, or automatic control.
- Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, or talk with colleagues to stay abreast of new automotive technology or competitive products.
- Establish production or quality control standards.
- Conduct automotive design reviews.
- Design control systems or algorithms for purposes such as automotive energy management, emissions management, or increased operational safety or performance.
Qualities of an Automotive Engineer
Below is a list of the skills most Automotive Engineers say are important on the job.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Other Automotive Engineer Job Titles
- Powertrain Engineer
- Automotive Project Engineer
- Vehicle Controls Engineer
- Technical Services Manager
- Technical Specialist
Is There Going to be Demand for Automotive Engineers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 288,800 jobs in the United States for Automotive Engineer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,300 new jobs for Automotive Engineer by 2026. The BLS estimates 21,200 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Automotive Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Maine, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Automotive Engineers Salary
Automotive Engineers make between $56,270 and $136,550 a year.
Automotive Engineers who work in District of Columbia, New Mexico, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Automotive Engineers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $90,030 |
| Alaska | $128,690 |
| Arizona | $98,390 |
| Arkansas | $71,730 |
| California | $107,370 |
| Colorado | $104,220 |
| Connecticut | $94,270 |
| Delaware | $106,220 |
| District of Columbia | $112,780 |
| Florida | $87,770 |
| Georgia | $84,870 |
| Hawaii | $81,730 |
| Idaho | $86,010 |
| Illinois | $92,030 |
| Indiana | $82,510 |
| Iowa | $80,530 |
| Kansas | $82,210 |
| Kentucky | $84,380 |
| Louisiana | $101,810 |
| Maine | $93,310 |
| Maryland | $109,960 |
| Massachusetts | $98,190 |
| Michigan | $91,100 |
| Minnesota | $87,030 |
| Mississippi | $85,570 |
| Missouri | $85,450 |
| Montana | $77,140 |
| Nebraska | $80,650 |
| Nevada | $88,950 |
| New Hampshire | $97,270 |
| New Jersey | $95,680 |
| New Mexico | $110,210 |
| New York | $91,820 |
| North Carolina | $87,470 |
| North Dakota | $75,770 |
| Ohio | $81,020 |
| Oklahoma | $88,190 |
| Oregon | $85,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,740 |
| Rhode Island | $94,520 |
| South Carolina | $93,730 |
| South Dakota | $76,220 |
| Tennessee | $87,990 |
| Texas | $105,570 |
| Utah | $88,150 |
| Vermont | $94,580 |
| Virginia | $100,540 |
| Washington | $96,860 |
| West Virginia | $84,070 |
| Wisconsin | $79,360 |
| Wyoming | $84,200 |
What Tools do Automotive Engineers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Automotive Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Git
- Python
- Node.js
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Linux
- IBM Notes
- Extensible markup language XML
- UNIX
- Computer aided design CAD software
How do I Become an Automotive Engineer?
Education needed to be an Automotive Engineer:
What work experience do I need to become an Automotive Engineer?
Where Automotive Engineers Work
Below are examples of industries where Automotive Engineers work:
References:
Image Credit: Michel Villeneuve via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
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