Automotive Engineer – Job Description
Simon Thompson on Automotive engineers work in three distinct areas – production, design or development.
Production engineers typically work on redesigning the machine tools, processes and equipment used to make new parts. Overseeing quality control and production costs and schedules are also a major part of the job.
Design engineers will show off their CAD (computer-aided design) and draughtsman skills to transform ideas into blueprints prior to development. As well as working on the look and feel of a product, design engineers look into safety and reliability issues, cost-effectiveness and any likely environmental impact.
Development engineers build and then test prototypes. Computer simulations and ‘real’ tests are used to determine a prototype’s strengths and weaknesses, safety and performance. Places like wind tunnels are a development engineer’s second home.
Employers usually look for candidates with a degree or BTEC HNC/HND in mechanical, electronic, production or manufacturing engineering. Graduate training schemes are the most common way into full-time employment.
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