Automotive engineers develop new and improved designs for cars and other
vehicles. They develop components and systems that are efficient and safe
at a minimum cost.
Automotive engineers can be involved in all stages of development, from
the initial concept to testing of the finished product.
Most automotive engineers work for one of the "Big Three" auto manufacturers:
Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. They also work for parts manufacturers
and independent and government testing facilities.
Automotive engineers can go by many titles. "Design engineer, process engineer,
materials engineer, electronics engineer -- that whole broad range of titles
would fall under the category of 'automotive engineer' because they all work
for an automotive company," says Dave Mitchell. He works with the Society
of Automotive Engineers.
Major advances in computer technology have had a big impact on automotive
design. Software can simulate the effect on an engine of various changes,
saving time and money. And lasers can be used to create replicas of new parts
out of polymer and cardboard, so new designs can be checked for fit and appearance.
Some automotive engineers are test drivers. They work for publications
or government agencies. They evaluate safety, fuel efficiency, comfort and
other features.
Jennifer Stockburger is an automotive test engineer with Consumer Reports.
She tests various models of tires and vehicles. Much of her time is spent
driving, doing various braking and handling maneuvers to evaluate performance.
"On a typical day, I could spend the entire day doing one test, just changing
the tires over and over again and doing a brake test," says Stockburger. She
has a degree in mechanical engineering.
Many automotive engineers don't follow a standard 9-to-5 workday. "I don't
know anyone who's 9 to 5 anymore," says Mitchell. "It's more like 7 to 5."
Overtime is common. It boosts the pay, but it takes a lot of energy to
work 60 to 70 hours a week. Also, some automotive engineers have to do shift
work, meaning they work at various times of day.
Physical disabilities shouldn't be an obstacle in most aspects of this
profession. Design work, for example, mostly involves working at a desk.
"There are disabled engineers, absolutely," says Mitchell. "Some of the
best engineers, historically, have been disabled."