If you love all things engine, then consider an adventure into the world of auto engineering. Be the person that knows everything there is to know about cars.
Auto engineering is the type of job that we always overlook, even us petrolheads. When it comes to garages and cars, we think of a mechanic and a garage owner as the only jobs worthy of applying ourselves for. However, without the auto engineer, cars, motorised engines, vans, and other vehicles, wouldn’t even exist. The auto engineer is the person that designs the car to begin with, that constantly upgrades it to be sleeker, faster, and better. Without them, we wouldn’t have high-end sports models or electric engines. The auto engineers of this world are the designers behind all our favourite cars.
So how do you go about becoming an auto engineer? What skills and qualifications do you need and, more importantly, how much do you get paid for it? We found out on your behalf.
Skills and Qualifications You Need as an Auto Engineer
Let’s start with the skills that you’re expected to have to maintain a position like this for a large company. Auto engineers tend to work for garages, or for big brand names in motor vehicle production. This means you are part of a team, producing better parts of engines, vehicles, or gadgets, that improve the existing models or create bigger and better new ones.
To perform this role, you will need the following skills:
- You must work well in a team
- You must be inventive
- Great communication skills
- An understanding of IT systems
- Environmental awareness
- Safety awareness
The qualifications you need to become an auto engineer include:
- A degree or HND in auto engineering
- Experience in mechanics
- A working knowledge of electronic and electrical systems as they relate to vehicles
- Understanding of Computer Aided Design technology
Where to Find Work in Auto Engineering?
If you decide that this job is for you, there are many ways to get into it. You can start in mechanics working for the garage and work your way up. Alternatively, you can throw yourself in at the deep end by graduating from an auto engineering degree with a few computing modules and aim for design work from the outset. Either way, you can browse Hays engineering jobs when you are qualified and ready to find work. You can also update your social media pages with your CV and attract work that way.
What do Auto Engineers in the UK Make?
The average auto engineer working in a garage to repair vehicles is £24,613 per year. The base salary is £18k which can up to over £50k in the correct role. Bonuses are available and people earn more the more skills they have. Working for a high-end garage where you are heavily involved in motor vehicle design allows you the best wage. Working inside London is another way to ensure you receive the higher end of the auto engineer pay scale.