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Automotive engineering is involved with examining the operating
principles of automobiles. This may include electrical
processes, hydraulic systems, mechanical system, and efficiency
management. The automotive industry is a rapidly advancing
sector, and includes many technological and computer-based
systems. Some automotive engineering degree programs offer many
courses in mechanical engineering, and automotive design
engineering focuses on the interior and exterior components of
vehicles. Automotive engineering colleges provide hands-on
training and direct application for a variety of careers in the
industry.
What Is Automotive Engineering?
Automotive
engineering is a specialization in the field of vehicle engineering, and can be
separated into three major fields of study: production, development, and
manufacturing. Production engineers are often called design engineers, and focus
on the design components and systems of a car. Engineers in this field may be
involved with designing and testing of parts, coordinating tests, and ensuring
that vehicles meet national standards. Development engineers are involved with
the various attributes of a car including performance, durability, and speed. A
manufacturing automotive engineer is primarily involved with how to make and
construct various vehicles.
Job Description and
Responsibilities of an Automotive Engineer
After completing training with an automotive engineering degree program,
an automotive engineer is commonly involved with projects such as:
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Designing components and
systems
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Determining the best
attributes for a particular car or future vehicle
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Developing standards and
codes for efficient production
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Determining costs and
implementing procedures to reduce manufacturing costs
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Introducing and developing
new techniques and systems for automotive production
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Ensuring governmental
regulations are followed during all steps of production
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Determining driveability
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Implementing quality control
techniques and procedures
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Solving automotive
engineering problems
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Conducting statistical
analysis as needed
Automotive engineering colleges prepare students with hands-on experience
and training on a variety of technical subjects and applications. Simulations
are often a part of the curriculum, and these can help students understand how
various systems are implemented, and how to configure processes to produce the
desired results.
Automotive Engineering
Career Options
Graduates of automotive
engineering schools can work in a variety of careers in the field of automotive
design engineering and related disciplines. The most common automotive
engineering career options include:
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Safety Engineering
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Emissions Research or
Controller
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Noise, Vibration, and
Harshness Engineer (NVH)
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Performance Engineer
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Vehicle Dynamics Controller
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Systems Engineer
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Operations Research
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Vehicle Manufacturing
Engineer
Safety engineering involves the
assessment of crash scenarios and determining the feasibility of various vehicle
designs. Safety engineers are commonly involved with crash testing and complying
with government regulations. Emissions researchers are involved with fuel
economics and emissions testing. NVH engineers work on design and construction
of vehicles to ensure that noise, vibration, and harshness are reduced.
Performance engineers specialize in the driver’s perception of the vehicle’s
power, accelerator ‘feel,’ and shift quality. Vehicle dynamics controllers are
commonly involved with the design of suspension, braking, steering, and chassis
systems. Other positions in the field of automotive engineering are
research-intensive, and often involve direct application of mathematical models
and formulas.
Enrollment in an Automotive
Engineering Degree Program
An automotive engineering
degree program provides simulation training and hands-on experience in the
field. An internship or work study program is often a component of many
automotive engineering colleges, and this can provide immediate job placement
after graduation. High school studies can train students for a successful
automotive engineering degree program. Students need to be proficient in
calculus, advanced math, statistics, physics, chemistry, and geometry.
Most automotive engineering
schools generally offer the following programs as part of an automotive
engineering undergraduate curriculum:
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Manual Transmission and
Transaxle Principles
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Engine Electrical systems
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Circuits and Electronics
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Engine Principles
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Motorsport Technology
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Powertrain Systems
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Automotive Design and
Manufacturing
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Steering and Suspension
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Basic Fuel and Emission
Control Systems
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Fluid Mechanics and Heat
Transfer
A background in automotive
engineering can also provide options in other fields such as an auto mechanic,
machinist, product designer, or educator. An auto mechanic may work on
construction of cars and diagnoses of various automotive problems. A machinist
is often involved with metalworking equipment to work on the blueprints of the
car developed by automotive engineers. Product designers are involved with the
manufacturing and development of vehicles, and often work as part of a team of
designers in the field.
Most automotive engineering
schools and colleges offer a standard engineering degree, along with a
specialized course of study in auto mechanics. A bachelor’s degree from an
automotive engineering college can serve as the foundational education for a
variety of fields.
An automotive design
engineering program focuses on the exterior and interior design of automobiles,
and often includes training with computer aided drafting and design
applications. Simulations are also a core part of training in these degree
programs, and provide students with the hands-on experience they need to become
skilled in design.
Accreditation for Automotive
Engineering
Schools and
Colleges
Automotive engineering colleges
and schools are accredited by The Accreditation Board for Education and
Technology (ABET).
Future Employment Prospects and Earning Potential an Automotive Engineering
Career
The
automotive engineering industry is expected to grow as fast as the average for
all occupations through 2014. Despite the slow growth of the automotive
manufacturing industry, there is still a high demand for skilled engineers who
specialize in technology and computer-aided processes. Modern product designs
and a focus on an increasing fuel-efficient economy offer valuable opportunities
for a successful automotive engineering career.
Automotive engineering colleges provide a solid foundation for a long-term
career in the field. The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports
that starting offers averaged $48,585 for those with a bachelor’s degree in
mechanical engineering.
Related
occupations include:
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