How to Become an Automotive Engineer

Career Basics

Automotive engineers are responsible for the research and design needed to develop and manufacture cars, trucks and other vehicles. Most automotive engineers work in one of three specialty areas: product engineers design and test engines, transmissions and other components to ensure safety, performance and reliability; development engineers coordinate the overall design and set specifications for individual parts; manufacturing engineers are responsible for creating everything in the production process, from parts manufacture to final assembly.
There are two paths to becoming an automotive engineer: automotive engineering technology and mechanical engineering. Although the basic requirements are similar, there are important differences. Prepare to become an automotive engineer starting in high school by taking courses in physics, chemistry and mathematics. Automotive engineering requires extensive use of computer assisted design (CAD) and modeling, so courses in computer science and information technology are also useful.

Automotive Engineering Technology

A Bachelor of Science degree in automotive engineering technology prepares you for work as a production engineer, working on the design and testing of specific parts, safety measures and processes like emissions control. The course of study emphasizes applied design and testing, with courses in automotive engineering principles and laboratory methods. Top-rated programs like those at Ferris State University (Grand Rapids, Michigan) and Arizona State University provide extended internships to prepare you with real-world experience.

Mechanical Engineering

Pursue a degree in mechanical engineering if you want to work with the broader dimensions of automotive design and manufacturing. Courses include physics, chemistry and mathematics. Engineering theory, design and analysis courses are supplemented by extensive laboratory work. Specialization in automotive engineering is limited at the undergraduate level. Most students who aspire to become automobile engineers concentrate on preparation for graduate school. Typically, a master's degrees in automotive engineering, like the one offered by the University of Michigan, requires 30 semester hours of study. Coursework covers electrical and mechanical engineering issues applied to automobiles, systems design and advanced analytical methods. Normally the coursework takes 2 years.

Career Considerations

You will need to be certified as a professional automotive or mechanical engineer. Certification exams are offered by professional organizations like the Society of Automotive Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (see Resources below). These professional organizations also provide career support, online continuing education and supplementary certification courses to help you keep abreast of developments. New technologies like hybrid and all-electric engines are changing how cars are designed. Whether you opt for the automotive engineering technology or mechanical engineering path, taking additional courses in electrical engineering and design is a good way to improve your prospects in the job market.
Careers in automotive engineering technology and mechanical/automotive engineering are not mutually exclusive. Many people start in automotive engineering technology and go on to earn masters in automotive engineering. You may need to take some additional undergraduate courses in science and engineering theory to meet the requirements for acceptance into graduate school.

Resources

• Society of Automotive Engineers
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers