ADD ADVICE TO FAVAutomotive engineer
Automotive engineers design and develop systems for vehicles, including powertrain, engines, brakes, suspension, fuel systems and electronics.
What automotive engineers do
- design, develop, operate and maintain vehicle assembly lines
- liaise with suppliers of parts about their precise specifications, cost and delivery
- devise and implement tests to ensure the safe operation of the final product
- collect details from repair shops and customers, of faults which occur in service, and adjust design and manufacture to improve the product.
Key skills
- thorough knowledge of all the engineering disciplines which are involved in the production of vehicles
- flexibility to understand and apply new technologies in a competitive environment
- ability to communicate ideas with engineers of other disciplines, in addition to colleagues in logistics, marketing and production.
Training to be an automotive engineer
Automotive engineering training is usually in line with the monitored professional development scheme of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Some firms provide trainees with additional knowledge and skills through part-time university courses.
Training covers design, development, production, safety and testing.
Salaries
Salaries for trainees typically range from £20,000 to £26,000.
