Automotive engineer
Design, test and develop the cars and motor vehicles of the future.
Also known as: vehicle engineer, car designer
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£500
Entry level
£923
Experienced
Monthly
£2,167
Entry level
£4,000
Experienced
Yearly
£26,000
Entry level
£48,000
Experienced
9,600
people are currently employed
High growth
200 more jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would design, test and build the cars of the future to make them more reliable, fuel-efficient and stylish.
You could work on a variety of vehicles including domestic cars, racing cars, motorbikes and coaches, buses, trucks and tractors.
You'd make the vehicle more cost-effective and reduce its impact on the environment. You'd make it safer for drivers and passengers and come up with exciting new designs for the way it looks.
You might work on:
Body, chassis and engine systems
Electrical and electronic instruments and control systems
Thermodynamics, aerodynamics and fluid mechanics
Fuel technology and emissions
There are several stages to the motor manufacturing process.
If you focused on design you would do research and use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed plans for vehicles.
In the development stage you would:
Build prototypes
Test prototypes and models
Use computer simulations and physical models to assess the components' performance and safety
If you worked in production you would
Redesign machine tools, equipment and processes to make new parts
Check the costs
Keep track of the production schedules
Control the quality of the products
As a senior engineer, you would manage projects, supervise technical teams, write reports and negotiate with clients.
Hours
Environment
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- analysing
- making decisions
- managing resources
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- resourceful
- designing
- working with technology
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Mathematics
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Mathematics of Mechanics
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Physics
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Practical Metalwork
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Skills for Work: Automotive Skills
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
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Applications of Mathematics
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
A Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8), degree (SCQF level 9/10) or postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) preferably in:
Mechanical, Electronic or Electrical engineering
Manufacturing engineering
Design engineering
Automotive engineering.
There are currently no Automotive Engineering degree courses in Scotland, however several UK universities offer these courses.
You can enter Mechanical Engineering Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers, this can supports entry to a Mechanical Engineering degree.
Entry to an Mechanical, Electronic or electrical , Manufacturing, design or automotive engineering degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications, Highers at BBBB or above with Advanced Highers preferred.
To enter a postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) you require a relevant degree.
Alternatively relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Automotive Manufacturing (SVQ Level 3) may allow you to qualify for this job.
Qualifications and experience that show understanding of the industry such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF level 5) could also be useful.
Employers value work experience so finding courses with work placements or an internship, or working for a year in industry can be especially useful.
It could benefit your career if you worked towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you would register with your relevant industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
You could also improve your career prospects through continuing professional development (CPD). The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) offers CPD courses that allow you to develop the specific skills and knowledge required by the automotive industry.
Once in the job you normally start out on a structured company training scheme, which could last between one and two years.
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