Overview
Automotive Engineering is an extension of Mechanical Engineering and focuses specifically on vehicle engineering that involves the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of vehicles and their systems. This field covers a broad range of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and safety engineering. A career in automotive engineering allows one to work on various aspects of vehicles, from the initial concept and design through to the production and performance evaluation of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles.
The advancements in automotive engineering include driverless cars, shared mobility, and electric powertrains among others. Hence, the landscape is constantly evolving, and automotive engineers could engage in seminars and workshops through societies such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to stay updated on the latest technological advancements and industry trends.
Career Pathways
An entry – level automotive engineer could work in technical roles such as,
- Vehicle Design Engineer: Primarily work on the aesthetic and functional aspects of vehicle design, including ergonomics, aerodynamics, and materials.
- Powertrain Engineer: Specialize in the development of engines, transmissions, and other components that generate power and deliver it to the road.
- Electronics and Control Systems Engineer: Work on the development and integration of electronic systems and control units within the vehicle, including infotainment, navigation, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
- Research Engineer/Scientist: Engage in cutting-edge research to develop new automotive technologies, often working in collaboration with research institutions or in dedicated R&D departments of automotive companies.
On gaining a few years of experience, the career trajectory usually evolves into roles such as,
- Project Manager: Lead automotive engineering projects, overseeing the design, development, and testing phases, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring project milestones are met.
- Program Manager: Oversee multiple projects within an automotive program, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals and managing resource allocation.
Schools
The top – tiers schools to pursue a degree in automotive engineering include,
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
The university, situated in Ann Arbor, is located close to automotive OEMs such as Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, is known for its strong automotive engineering program that offers extensive research facilities and close ties with the automotive industry.
- RWTH Aachen University (Germany)
The highest ranked school for automotive engineering in Europe, RWTH offers a highly regarded automotive engineering program with a strong emphasis on research and industry collaboration.
- Clemson University (CU-ICAR)
The Clemson University International Centre for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) provides specialized programs and research opportunities in automotive engineering. Moreover, pursuing a degree at this school requires students to complete a mandatory six-month internship, further incorporating practical learning in the curriculum.
- University of Stuttgart (Germany)
The school is renowned for its automotive engineering program that has a strong focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of vehicle development. In addition, close ties with the German OEMs such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen further highlight close ties with the industry for both research and internship purposes.
- Tsinghua University (China)
The school offers a comprehensive automotive engineering program with significant research output and industry partnerships. The curriculum is also tailored to advancements in the electric car program, in which Chinese OEMs are often seen as competitors to Tesla.
- Kettering University
This school, also situated in Michigan, provides a hands-on automotive engineering program with strong industry connections and co-op opportunities.
- Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden)
Chalmers offers an automotive engineering program with a focus on sustainable vehicle technologies and innovation. Students often pursue careers in Volvo, Polestar, and Northvolt given the advancements of electric powertrains and other sustainable technologies.
- University of Bath (UK)
The University of Bath is known for its research in automotive propulsion systems and vehicle dynamics, offering specialized courses in automotive engineering.
- Loughborough University (UK)
This university provides a robust automotive engineering program with a strong emphasis on research and industry collaboration.
- Politecnico di Torino (Italy)
The school offers an internationally recognized automotive engineering program with a focus on innovation and industry partnerships with Italian OEMs such as Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat (both a part of Stellantis).