Automotive engineer

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into:

• lead engineer roles
• project team management
• safety and legal compliance
• crash investigation
• consultancy work
• motorsport

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of physics
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• complex problem-solving skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Mathematics - Automotive engineers use maths constantly – from calculating engine performance and stress loads on components to analysing aerodynamics and fluid mechanics. They also rely on mathematical modelling when running simulations to test how a new design will perform before building a physical prototype.
• Physics - Automotive engineers apply physics principles like thermodynamics, aerodynamics, and mechanics to design vehicles that are safe, efficient, and perform well. Understanding forces, energy transfer, and material properties is essential when working on everything from engine systems to crash safety.
• Engineering - Automotive engineers work at the heart of engineering – designing, testing, and manufacturing complex mechanical and electrical systems. They use engineering processes to develop new vehicle concepts, improve production methods, and solve problems across body, chassis, and powertrain systems.
• Design and Technology - Automotive engineers develop new vehicle concepts from initial sketches through to physical prototypes and production-ready designs. Understanding materials, manufacturing processes, and the design cycle helps them create components that are practical to produce and fit for purpose.
• Computer Science - Automotive engineers use simulations, virtual reality, and computational modelling to test designs before they are built. With the rise of semi-autonomous vehicles, connectivity systems, and digital manufacturing like 3D printing, understanding software and how digital systems work is increasingly central to the role.

Also relevant

• Chemistry - Automotive engineers research zero-emission fuel technologies, battery chemistry for electric vehicles, and alternative fuels. Understanding chemical reactions and material properties helps when selecting materials and developing cleaner, more sustainable powertrains.
• Electronics - Automotive engineers work with electrical and electronic instrumentation and control systems built into modern vehicles. Understanding circuits, sensors, and electronic components is important when designing systems like driver-assist technology, in-car displays, and electric vehicle charging.
• Environmental Science - Automotive engineers research the environmental impact of different vehicle designs and work on reducing emissions. Understanding sustainability, pollution, and resource use helps them develop greener technologies like electric vehicles and alternative fuels.
• Business - Automotive engineers monitor costs and production schedules, and may progress into project management or consultancy roles. Understanding how businesses operate, manage budgets, and bring products to market helps them make decisions that are commercially viable as well as technically sound.