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Occupation AtlasAutomotive Engineers

O*NET · 17-2141.02

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.

Also called Automotive Designer · Automotive Engineer · Automotive Power Electronics Engineer · Automotive Project Engineer · Automotive Quality Engineer · Automotive Systems Engineer · Chassis Engineer · Customer Quality Engineer
22 more

Design Release Engineer · Design Support Engineer · Dimensional Integration Engineer · Engineer · Engineering Designer · Fuel-Efficient Automobile Designer · Hybrid Powertrain Development Engineer · Low-Emission Automobile Designer · Powertrain Control Systems Engineer · Powertrain Engineer · Product Engineer · Project Engineer · QA Engineer · Quality Assurance Engineer (QA Engineer) · Quality Engineer · Relay Engineer · Research Engineer · Solutions Design Engineer · Systems Design Engineer · Transportation Design Engineer · Vehicle Controls Engineer · Wire Harness Design Engineer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code RIC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Water/Wastewater Engineers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RICRealistic · Investigative · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.17
  • I Investigative5.67
  • C Conventional4.06
  • A Artistic2.55
  • E Enterprising2.13
  • S Social1.37

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Post-Secondary Certificate5%
  • Bachelor's Degree71%
  • Master's Degree14%
  • Post-Master's Certificate5%
  • Doctoral Degree5%
Related work experience
None (24%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (24%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (43%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Complex Problem Solving4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Mathematicsbasic3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Writingbasic3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Speakingbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Systems Evaluation3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Active Listeningbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Operations Analysis3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Suggest changes in software to make a system more user friendly
  • Systems Analysis3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Coordination3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
Show the other 23
  • Active Learningbasic3.44.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Sciencebasic3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Time Management3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Technology Design3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign the handle on a hand tool for easier gripping
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Persuasion3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Instructing3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Quality Control Analysis3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Management of Personnel Resources3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Negotiation3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Operations Monitoring2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Service Orientation2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Programming2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Operation and Control2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Troubleshooting2.02.5Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Financial Resources2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Equipment Selection1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

25 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Conduct or direct system-level automotive testing.4.3
  2. Provide technical direction to other engineers or engineering support personnel.4.2
  3. Perform failure, variation, or root cause analyses.4.2
  4. Calibrate vehicle systems, including control algorithms or other software systems.4.2
  5. Establish production or quality control standards.3.8
  6. Prepare or present technical or project status reports.3.8
  7. Conduct research studies to develop new concepts in the field of automotive engineering.3.8
  8. Design or analyze automobile systems in areas such as aerodynamics, alternate fuels, ergonomics, hybrid power, brakes, transmissions, steering, calibration, safety, or diagnostics.3.8
  9. Develop or implement operating methods or procedures.3.7
  10. Develop engineering specifications or cost estimates for automotive design concepts.3.7
  11. Develop calibration methodologies, test methodologies, or tools.3.7
  12. Alter or modify designs to obtain specified functional or operational performance.3.7
Show the other 13
  1. Create design alternatives for vehicle components, such as camless or dual-clutch engines or alternative air-conditioning systems, to increase fuel efficiency.3.7
  2. Research or implement green automotive technologies involving alternative fuels, electric or hybrid cars, or lighter or more fuel-efficient vehicles.3.7
  3. Write, review, or maintain engineering documentation.3.6
  4. Coordinate production activities with other functional units, such as procurement, maintenance, or quality control.3.6
  5. Conduct automotive design reviews.3.6
  6. Build models for algorithm or control feature verification testing.3.6
  7. Design vehicles that use lighter materials, such as aluminum, magnesium alloy, or plastic, to improve fuel efficiency.3.6
  8. Develop specifications for vehicles powered by alternative fuels or alternative power methods.3.6
  9. Design control systems or algorithms for purposes such as automotive energy management, emissions management, or increased operational safety or performance.3.5
  10. Develop or integrate control feature requirements.3.4
  11. Research computerized automotive applications, such as telemetrics, intelligent transportation systems, artificial intelligence, or automatic control.3.3
  12. Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, or talk with colleagues to stay abreast of new automotive technology or competitive products.3.2
  13. Design vehicles for increased recyclability or use of natural, renewable, or recycled materials in vehicle construction.3.2

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Engineering and Technology4.76.4Level 7 looks like: Plan for the impact of weather in designing a bridge
  • Physics4.45.6
  • Mathematics4.35.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Mechanical4.15.5Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Computers and Electronics3.95.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Design3.95.5Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Transportation3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • English Language3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
Show all 33
  • Production and Processing3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Administration and Management3.24.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Chemistry3.04.1Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Education and Training2.84.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Customer and Personal Service2.73.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Public Safety and Security2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Law and Government2.63.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • Economics and Accounting2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Administrative2.43.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Telecommunications2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Communications and Media2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.22.8
  • Sales and Marketing2.12.6
  • Foreign Language1.92.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Building and Construction1.81.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Geography1.81.8Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Psychology1.82.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Biology1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • History and Archeology1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Food Production1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.9Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive Reasoning4.04.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Problem Sensitivity4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Written Comprehension4.04.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Fluency of Ideas3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
Show all 52
  • Originality3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Written Expression3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Information Ordering3.84.5
  • Near Vision3.84.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Number Facility3.84.1Level 5 looks like: Compute the interest payment that should be generated from an investment
  • Speech Clarity3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Visualization3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Category Flexibility3.64.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Flexibility of Closure2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Perceptual Speed2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Speed of Closure2.83.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Memorization2.62.6
  • Depth Perception2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Time Sharing2.32.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Auditory Attention2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Finger Dexterity2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.12.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Control Precision2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Multilimb Coordination2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Night Vision2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Rate Control2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response Orientation2.01.6Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Sound Localization2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Manual Dexterity1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.50.5
  • Trunk Strength1.50.8
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.50.6
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Dynamic Strength1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.75.1Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.65.7
  • Analyzing Data or Information4.45.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Getting Information4.45.2Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.35.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Processing Information4.35.7
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.05.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
Show all 41
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.05.6
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.05.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Thinking Creatively3.85.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.64.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.64.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.44.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Developing and Building Teams3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.44.8Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.34.6Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Training and Teaching Others3.34.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.24.4Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.24.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.24.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.24.3Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.24.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.83.5Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.83.9Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.43.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.43.3Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.22.8
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.23.0Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.12.9
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.12.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • Telephone Conversations4.7
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.7
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.2
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.0
  • Spend Time Sitting4.0
  • Contact With Others3.9

Technology

87 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (10)

  • Autodesk AutoCADhot
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorkshot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Pythonhot
  • The MathWorks MATLABhot
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • PTC Creo Parametric
  • Siemens Teamcenter

Hot (29; 7 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Atlassian Confluence
  • Atlassian JIRA
  • C
  • C#
  • C++
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Git
  • JavaScript
  • JavaScript Object Notation JSON
  • Jenkins CI
  • JUnit
  • Linux
  • Microsoft .NET Framework
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Node.js
  • Oracle Java
  • Perl
  • Salesforce software
Show the other 5
  • SAP software
  • Selenium
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Swift
  • UNIX
Other tools (48)
  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • Altair Engineering MotionSolve
  • Ambient Design ArtRage
  • Ansys Fluent
  • ANSYS simulation software
  • Apache Groovy
  • Ashlar-Vellum Graphite
  • Atlassian Bamboo
  • Autodesk Alias Automotive
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical
  • Autodesk Inventor
  • Autodesk SketchBook Pro
  • AVL AVL CRUISE
  • CADRE Analytic
  • CNC Mastercam
  • Corel Painter
  • Corel Painter Sketch Pad
  • Dassault Systemes Simulia Abaqus FEA
  • Data acquisition systems
  • Debugging software
  • Digital Equipment Corporation DIGITAL Fortran 90
  • Gamma Technologies GT-SUITE
  • GNU Image Manipulation Program GIMP
  • Hardware-in-the-loop HIL simulation software
  • IBM Notes
  • International Material Data System IMDS
  • IronCAD
  • LMS Imagine.Lab AMESim
  • Magellan Firmware
  • MAHLE Powertrain
  • Maplesoft Maple
  • Maplesoft MapleSim
  • MathWorks Simulink
  • Mentor Graphics Flowmaster
  • Metrologic Group Metrolog XG
  • Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
  • Minitab
  • Object oriented development environment software
  • Portalgraphics openCanvas
  • Siemens NX
  • Siemens Solid Edge
  • Somat eDAQ
  • Statistical analysis software
  • SystemVerilog
  • TestNG
  • Think3 ThinkDesign Engineering
  • Very high-speed integrated circuit VHSIC hardware description language VHDL
  • Xcode

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Mechanical Engineers
  2. Manufacturing Engineers
  3. Industrial Engineers
  4. Aerospace Engineers
  5. Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  6. Mechatronics Engineers
  7. Electrical Engineers
  8. Fuel Cell Engineers
  9. Validation Engineers
  10. Robotics Engineers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.