Automotive Engineers
Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, or other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, or testing of vehicle or components.
SOC: 17-2141.02
Common Job Titles
EngineerProduct EngineerProject EngineerResearch Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions, and integrated systems using computer-assisted design technology and applying principles of physics and mechanical engineering.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate solutions to complex automotive engineering problems involving multiple system interactions integrating mechanical, electrical, and software considerations under project constraints.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize mathematical models and engineering principles to predict vehicle behavior applying advanced mathematics, physics, and computational methods.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze vehicle system performance data and test results using simulation software and analytical tools to optimize design parameters.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate vehicle component designs for compliance with safety, environmental, and performance standards in collaborative engineering environments following regulatory requirements.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate computer-aided design software and engineering simulation tools to create detailed technical drawings and conduct virtual testing of vehicle components.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate technical requirements with stakeholder needs and project objectives when coordinating with interdisciplinary teams including manufacturing, quality, and product management.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess vehicle prototype performance and identify areas for design improvement through systematic testing, data collection, and comparative analysis.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate innovative engineering approaches and emerging automotive technologies when presenting technical recommendations to management and external stakeholders.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute vehicle component testing protocols using dynamometers, climate chambers, and diagnostic equipment in laboratory and proving ground settings following established procedures.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Automotive Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
286,760
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $68,740 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $161,240 |
| Workers on average earn | $110,080 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Engineering and Technology4.7/5
- Physics4.3/5
- Mathematics4.3/5
- Mechanical4.1/5
- Design3.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe PhotoshopAtlassian ConfluenceAtlassian JIRAAutodesk AutoCADCC#C++Dassault Systemes SolidWorksExtensible markup language XMLGitJUnitJavaScriptJavaScript Object Notation JSONJenkins CILinuxMicrosoft .NET FrameworkMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual StudioMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordNode.jsOracle JavaPerlPythonSAP softwareSalesforce softwareSeleniumStructured query language SQLSwiftThe MathWorks MATLABUNIX
Technology Skills
1CadCam UnigraphicsANSYS simulation softwareAVL AVL CRUISEAltair Engineering MotionSolveAmbient Design ArtRageAnsys FluentApache GroovyAshlar-Vellum Graphite
Tools & Equipment
Air compressorsAnechoic chambersBench drill pressesBench grindersCarbon dioxide analyzersClimate test chambersComputerized numerical control CNC lathesDigital cameras