Details Report for:
17-2141.02 - Automotive Engineers
Develop new or improved designs for vehicle structural members, engines, transmissions and other vehicle systems, using computer-assisted design technology. Direct building, modification, and testing of vehicle and components.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Education | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Conduct or direct system-level automotive testing.
- Design control systems or algorithms for purposes such as automotive energy management, emissions management, and increased operational safety or performance.
- Design or analyze automobile systems in areas such as aerodynamics, alternate fuels, ergonomics, hybrid power, brakes, transmissions, steering, calibration, safety, and diagnostics.
- Alter or modify designs to obtain specified functional and operational performance.
- Build models for algorithm and control feature verification testing.
- Calibrate vehicle systems, including control algorithms and other software systems.
- Conduct automotive design reviews.
- Develop calibration methodologies, test methodologies, or tools.
- Develop engineering specifications and cost estimates for automotive design concepts.
- Develop or integrate control feature requirements.
- Perform failure, variation, or root cause analyses.
- Provide technical direction to other engineers or engineering support personnel.
- Write, review, or maintain engineering documentation.
- Conduct research studies to develop new concepts in the field of automotive engineering.
- Coordinate production activities with other functional units such as procurement, maintenance, and quality control.
- Develop or implement operating methods and procedures.
- Establish production or quality control standards.
- Prepare and present technical or project status reports.
- Read current literature, attend meetings or conferences, and talk with colleagues to stay abreast of new technology and competitive products.
Education
Education data collected from Mechanical Engineers.
 Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Attained |
|---|---|
78   |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
| 18 |
Some college |
| 4 |
High school or less |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
survey of employees aged 25-44.
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Mechanical Engineers.
Employment data collected from Mechanical Engineers.
Industry data collected from Mechanical Engineers.
| Median wages (2008) | $36.02 hourly, $74,920 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 239,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 75,700 |
| Top industries (2008) | Manufacturing (51% employed in this sector)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Engineers
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.