Automotive Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$96K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

10.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Automotive Engineer?

An Automotive Engineer specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other mobile machinery. They focus on improving the functionality and aesthetics of vehicles while adhering to safety and environmental regulations.

Sample job titles:

Engineer, Product Engineer, Project Engineer, Research Engineer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Automotive Engineer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Automotive Engineer earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Automotive Engineer.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$62K per year	$78K per year	$96K per year	$122K per year	$147K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $32K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Automotive Engineer do?

Work environment

Automotive Engineers typically work in office settings, design studios, and manufacturing plants. They may collaborate with design teams, work on the factory floor, and conduct field tests. The role often involves interaction with clients, suppliers, and other engineering professionals.

Quick task list

Designs and tests vehicle components.
Develops new vehicle technologies, such as electric car systems.
Ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Collaborates with other engineers and designers to improve vehicle functionality and aesthetics.
Oversees the manufacturing process of automotive components.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Vehicle Design: Focusing on the aesthetic and functional design of vehicles.
Powertrain Systems: Specializing in the development of engines, transmissions, and other components that drive a vehicle.
Vehicle Dynamics: Concentrating on the performance of vehicles, including handling, braking, and suspension systems.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Developing technologies for electric and hybrid vehicles.
Autonomous Vehicle Systems: Working on self-driving car technologies.

Description

Automotive Engineering is a dynamic and evolving field at the intersection of mechanics, electronics, and aesthetics. Automotive Engineers play a crucial role in the entire lifecycle of a vehicle, from the initial concept to the final production. They use their technical knowledge to design safer, more efficient, and more appealing vehicles. Their responsibilities also include testing prototypes, analyzing performance data, and ensuring that vehicles meet all regulatory standards.

The field requires a blend of creative and analytical skills. Automotive Engineers must stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and industry trends, including emerging areas like electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies. They often work in teams, necessitating strong collaboration and communication skills.

The career offers the opportunity to work on innovative projects in one of the world's largest industries. It appeals to those passionate about cars, technology, and engineering, providing a platform to impact how future vehicles are designed and manufactured.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the design and development of cutting-edge vehicles.
Seeing one's designs come to life and used by consumers.
The opportunity to work on a variety of projects and continually face new challenges.

You might make a good Automotive Engineer if you are...

Passionate about cars and vehicle technology.
Skilled in problem-solving and innovative thinking.
Proficient in math and physics.
Interested in a blend of engineering, technology, and design.
Adept at working collaboratively in teams and communicating ideas.

Pros:

Involvement in the creation of innovative and impactful products.
Diverse career opportunities across various aspects of vehicle design and production.
High potential for growth in emerging areas like electric and autonomous vehicles.

Cons:

Can involve high-pressure projects with strict deadlines.
Need to continually update skills and knowledge due to rapid technological changes.
Some roles may require extended hours or travel.

How to become an Automotive Engineer

Typical education

Becoming an Automotive Engineer usually requires a bachelor's degree in automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, which takes about 4 years of post-secondary education. Some positions may prefer or require advanced degrees and specialized training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced mathematics and physics to understand engineering principles.
Computer science, especially coding and CAD software.
Automotive shop classes or mechanical drawing for practical experience.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in automotive clubs or robotics teams.
Engaging in DIY projects related to automotive mechanics or electronics.
Internships or volunteer opportunities in automotive shops or dealerships.

Preparation after high school

Earn a bachelor's degree in automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
Gain hands-on experience through internships in the automotive industry.
Consider specialized training or certifications in areas like electric vehicles or autonomous systems.
Stay informed about industry trends and advancements in automotive technology.

More resources

SAE International - A global association of engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive, and commercial-vehicle industries.
Automotive Engineering Magazine - Offers insights into the latest automotive technologies and trends.
Autodesk Education Community - Provides free access to CAD software for students.
National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) - Offers certification for automotive professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.