Automotive engineers play a key role in every stage of the motor manufacturing process, from the initial vehicle design right through to the final production phase.

They deal with different aspects of vehicle development, including:

• body, chassis and engine systems (powertrain)
• electrical and electronic instrumentation and control systems
• thermodynamics, aerodynamics and fluid mechanics
• performance analysis and materials engineering
• fuel technology and emissions.

Engineers have overall responsibility for managing projects, supervising technical teams, writing reports and negotiating with clients. Specific duties fall into the three main areas outlined below.

Automotive Design
Engineers use draughting skills, computer-aided design software and modelling programs to turn initial ideas into working blueprints for development and testing. They may work on designs for a completely new model, on refinements to existing vehicles or changes to components and assemblies. Their designs take into account:

• aesthetics
• reliability and safety
• commercial viability
• environmental impact.

They also produce the technical manuals to accompany design projects.

Automotive Development
Engineers turn design plans into prototypes to allow testing and modification before the production stage. They use a combination of computer simulation and physical tests to assess product or component strengths and weaknesses, for example, testing a design's aerodynamic properties in a wind tunnel. Development engineers also carry out cost, performance and safety analyses on prototypes.

Automotive Production
Engineers plan and monitor the production process once a design is approved for manufacture. This may include design or redesign of machine tools, equipment and processes used in the product's manufacture, costs and timescales. Production engineers also oversee quality control to make sure finished products meet set quality standards.

Hours and Environment

Automotive engineers work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although production engineers may work shifts.

You work in an office, a research facility or in a manufacturing plant, depending on your role.

Skills and Interests

To be an automotive engineer you need:

• a strong interest in motor vehicle engineering and design
• good analytical skills and an innovative approach to problem solving
• excellent mathematical and IT skills
• the ability to analyse and interpret data
• excellent technical knowledge
• good communication and presentation skills
• the ability to prioritise and plan effectively
• the ability to work within budgetary constraints and to deadlines
• a commitment to keep up to date with new developments
• the ability to work as part of a team and take responsibility.

Entry

You normally need extensive experience in engineering at technician level to become an automotive engineer. For details about working at this level, see the profiles for Motor Vehicle Technician, and Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician. 

Another option is to take an automotive engineering qualification at foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree level. Colleges and universities offer these courses throughout the country. Related engineering subjects may also be acceptable. These include:

• mechanical
• electrical
• electronic
• production
• manufacturing.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward. To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

For information about careers, qualifications and training providers for the automotive industry, see the Automotive Skills and Auto Industry contacts in Further Information. For details about careers and training in the motorsport sector, contact the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA).

Training

You normally start your professional training as an automotive engineer on a graduate trainee scheme.

The Automotive Academy runs the Graduate Programme for newly qualified engineers (all disciplines), which allows you to develop the skills and knowledge required for the automotive industry. The Academy also offers professional development courses for those employed in the sector. Contact the Academy in Further Information.

Gaining incorporated or chartered status
Professional engineering bodies recommend that you gain incorporated or chartered status to enhance your career prospects. You can achieve this by registering with a professional body and applying to the Engineering Council to start the process.

Chartered engineers normally work at a strategic level, planning, researching and developing new designs and innovations, and streamlining management procedures. They are often project leaders with responsibility for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians. Incorporated engineers specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations.

To qualify as an incorporated or chartered automotive engineer, you need:

• an accredited university qualification
• a period of Initial Professional Development, including practical training to gain experience
• to pass a professional review 
• membership of an appropriate professional body.

As part of the process, you are assessed against UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence), developed by professional bodies, employers and the Engineering Council.

Opportunities

The automotive industry employs around 235,000 people around the UK in vehicle manufacture, design and component supplies. The main centres of production are in the Midlands, north-west, north-east and south-east. The UK is also a world centre of excellence in the motorsport engineering industry.

Your prospects are good as a qualified engineer, with employers including, vehicle manufacturers, components suppliers, motorsport companies and specialist engineering consultancies.

With experience, you can progress to senior engineer, project team management, general management and consultancy may be possible.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are between £20,000 and £25,000 a year.
Experienced engineers earn between £26,000 and £37,000.
Senior engineers can earn up to £50,000 a year.

Salaries for motor racing engineers may vary from the figures above. For more information see the links to the motor racing companies on the MIA website below.

Further information

Federation House
Stoneleigh Park
Warwickshire
CV8 2RF
Tel: 02476 692600 Tel: 0800 093 1777 2410 Regents Court
The Crescent
Solihull Parkway
Birmingham Business Park
B37 7YE
Tel: 0121 717 6655 DTI Automotive Regional Unit
5 St Philips Place
Birmingham
B3 2PW
Tel: 0121 352 5231