Auto engineering is some of the most exciting work a car enthusiast could ever take on. We researched how you can get your start in auto engineering so you can work your dream job.
The auto engineer is like the mechanic’s go-to person. If something is wrong with a car, truck, van, or other vehicle and they can’t fix it themselves, the mechanic contacts the engineers that designed the vehicle. That’s what an auto engineer truly is: the person who designs the engines, who streamlines car parts, and who makes the cars easier to assemble on the production line.
We researched what it takes to become an auto engineer, here in the UK. Let’s discuss what skills and qualifications you might need if you want to work in engineering.
Responsibilities of the Auto Engineer
An engineer is essentially a modern day inventor. They look at plans and designs for things and find ways to improve them. They even look at situations or regions and work out ways to access them using machinery. In the case of an auto engineer, your role will be to design, streamline, and enhance, auto parts, engines, and mechanical works. An auto engineer works on every aspect of vehicular technology. One day you could be designing a brighter lightbulb, and the next day you could be crash testing vehicles to determine their safety.
Some of the responsibilities of an auto engineer include:
- Interact with Computer Aided Design programs to create and refine designs
- Choose materials for fabrication
- Develop parts for fabrication
- Trouble shoot mechanics
- Test drive vehicles
- Crash test vehicles
- Research and apply consumer needs to the vehicle
- Build and present prototypes
It is the auto engineer who designs every type of new car on the market. They have the technical skills and know how to design and create these vehicles, then refine their production for factories.
Where to Find Work as an Auto Engineer?
If you wish to apply for positions as an auto engineer in your area, you can apply at https://www.hays.co.uk/job/engineering-jobs. You will need to study up beforehand, since auto engineering qualifications are specific and necessary for the role. Some of the qualifications your new employer may expect you to have as an auto engineer include the following:
- Engineering diploma/degree
- Postgraduate in automotive engineering
- Mechanical engineering degree and post graduate degree
- Or skills in production and manufacturing engineering
Once you have the required skills, you can start applying for auto engineer jobs near you.
What Will My Salary Be?
Before you rush off to retrain for any role, you ought to research what the salary will be. Nobody wants to study for four years then end up in a position that doesn’t pay enough. As usual, your average UK salary depends on where in the country you live. If you are an auto engineer in Scotland, expect to earn a starting rate of around £17k. If you live in London, the starting wage rises to £24k. The average pay taken home by auto engineers in the UK is £35k, so you have some leeway with ambition.