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Automobile engineer
Automobile engineers design, test, develop and manufacture automobiles. They help the automotive industry to meet new challenges, for example, making sure that cars are safe, environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient. As well as cars, they also work on buses, coaches, tanks, racing cars and other vehicles.
Also known as:
- Automotive engineer
- Car production engineer
- Vehicle engineer
Work activities
Automobile engineers design, test, develop and manufacture automobiles. They often specialise in one of these areas. Designing and developing a vehicle involves a wide range of engineering knowledge. For example, automobile engineers use their knowledge of mechanical engineering, combustion, vehicle structures and aerodynamics. They also need knowledge of computers, and electronic/electrical systems, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated in modern vehicles. For example, most new cars now have computer-controlled engine systems and digital display dashboards.
Some automobile engineers specialise in design. They need to consider the strength, safety, efficiency, appearance and cost of parts. They might also consider feedback from customers when making improvements to a vehicle. In design, automobile engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) technology. Other automobile engineers specialise in research and development. They need to consider cost, safety and comfort (including crash and safety testing), fuel efficiency and environmental requirements such as reducing carbon emissions.
Research engineers work on both new and existing products. For example, they create new technologies such as electric batteries and bio-diesel engines. They test safety and performance by using prototypes. A lot of this type of work takes place in laboratories and workshops, although some takes place outdoors. Automobile engineers may work with manufacturers to plan and put into practice full-scale production once all the testing has been completed.
Personal qualities and skills
As an automobile engineer, you need:
- Knowledge of many different aspects of engineering, including mechanical engineering, combustion, aerodynamics, electrical/electronic systems, and fuel technology.
- The ability to think in an orderly and logical way.
- Imagination and an inquisitive mind.
- To be able to work to deadlines and budgets.
- To work well under pressure.
- Excellent communication skills to work in a team with others, such as design engineers, engineering technicians and production workers.
- Advanced computer skills, for example, to develop the sophisticated computer equipment used in modern vehicles.
- To keep up to date with changes in technology and research techniques.
The main skills gaps for the automotive industry are:
- CNC machine operation.
- Computer aided design (CAD).
- Computer aided engineering (CAE).
- Materials requirement planning (MRP11).
- Welding.
Pay and opportunities
Salaries for automobile engineers vary, depending on employer, role and responsibilities. Automobile engineers earn in the range of £20,000 - £45,000.
Most automobile engineers work around 39-41 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes and some weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach.
Employers are major motor manufacturers and vehicle parts manufacturers. There are also openings with manufacturers of commercial vehicles and buses, sports cars and rail vehicles. Opportunities for automobile engineers occur with employers in towns and cities throughout the UK.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies and motoring organisations.
Entry routes and training
Automobile engineers usually complete a relevant engineering degree, foundation degree or HND. You could choose to study automotive or motorsports engineering. You could also consider a course in:
- Design engineering.
- Electrical or electronic engineering.
- Manufacturing engineering.
- Mechanical engineering.
Make sure you look closely at the content of each course to make sure it fits in with your strengths and your career plans. With a degree, you could apply for graduate training schemes which offer a combination of training and learning with a salary.
Alternatively, you could do an apprenticeship. This offers a more work-based route into the profession. You will work towards relevant qualifications alongside your workplace training, with fees paid by your employer. Programmes include:
- Electro-mechanical engineer (level 6 / higher)
- Manufacturing engineer (level 6 / degree)
Qualified engineers often choose to work towards chartered engineer (CEng) or incorporated engineer (IEng) professional status. Both are highly regarded by employers throughout the industry.
You might be able to progress by taking on more responsibility for managing engineering projects and leading teams of engineers. Some engineers choose to become self-employed or take contract work on a freelance basis.
Qualifications
To enter a degree course in automotive engineering, the usual requirement is:
- Three A-levels, normally including maths and a science subject, often physics.
- Five GCSEs including English, maths and a science subject at GCSE at grades 9-4. Other equivalent qualifications are often accepted.
To get onto a higher apprenticeship programme, you'll need two A-levels plus GCSEs in English and maths.
Adult opportunities
Age limits: it is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.
If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (e.g. Access to Engineering) could be the way in. These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.
Numerous institutions offer undergraduate and postgraduate engineering qualifications via distance learning.
Training Information on pathways to registration as a chartered (CEng) or incorporated (IEng) engineer can be found on the Engineering Council’s website.
