Automotive engineer

Last updated: 24 Feb 2023, 15:16

An automotive engineer works as part of a team of technical staff responsible for vehicle design, development, manufacture and testing.

Automotive engineer job description

Automotive engineering is a branch of vehicle engineering which incorporates mechanical, electrical, electric and safety elements. A whole variety of vehicle production areas are encompassed: automotive engineers tend to specialise in either designing, development or manufacturing. They invent and conduct tests in order to assess a multitude of performance and safety aspects of vehicles and components. They use computer assisted design technology for vehicle design.

Work activities

  • Conducting automotive testing.
  • Troubleshooting and modifying production processes.
  • Designing components and specific systems such as steering, brakes, aerodynamics and hybrid power and modifying them to improve performance or economic/ environmental aspects.
  • Estimating costs for production.

Work conditions

Travel: can vary depending on the industry. International trips feature regularly in the motor sport industry, whereas plant/office based vacancies do not generally feature regular travel.
Working hours: can involve shifts or 9 to 5 office hours. The motor sport industry requires weekend hours.
Location: in towns and cities across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Work in the motor sport industry could require relocation.

Entry requirements

An engineering degree is essential; further education in mechanical engineering is necessary for progression in the field. Chartered Engineer or Associate Engineer status in Ireland can be achieved after obtaining a relevant degree or diploma and around four years of workplace experience. Institution of Engineers of Ireland membership is an option to those who have the National Certificate in Engineering.

gradireland editorial advice

This describes editorially independent and impartial content, which has been written and edited by the gradireland content team. Any external contributors featuring in the article are in line with our non-advertorial policy, by which we mean that we do not promote one organisation over another.

People reading this also searched for roles in these areas:

undefined background image

We've got you

Get the latest jobs, internships, careers advice, courses and graduate events based on what's important to you. Start connecting directly with top employers today.