17-2141.02 Bright Outlook

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.

Career Cluster:Advanced Manufacturing
Job Family:Architecture and Engineering
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
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Technology Tools

Adobe PhotoshopAtlassian ConfluenceAtlassian JIRAAutodesk AutoCADCC#C++Dassault Systemes SolidWorksExtensible markup language XMLGitJavaScriptJavaScript Object Notation JSONJenkins CIJUnitLinuxMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft .NET FrameworkPerlMicrosoft Visual StudioMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft ProjectNode.jsMicrosoft VisioSalesforce softwareMicrosoft WordOracle JavaSwiftSeleniumPythonSAP softwareStructured query language SQLThe MathWorks MATLABUNIX

Key Tasks

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

Skills

Complex Problem Solving
78%
Critical Thinking
78%
Reading Comprehension
75%
Mathematics
72%
Speaking
72%
Writing
72%
Judgment and Decision Making
72%
Systems Analysis
69%
Active Listening
69%
Operations Analysis
69%
Systems Evaluation
69%
Coordination
63%
Active Learning
60%
Science
56%
Time Management
56%
Persuasion
53%
Monitoring
53%
Technology Design
53%
Instructing
50%
Social Perceptiveness
50%
Management of Personnel Resources
50%
Negotiation
50%
Quality Control Analysis
50%
Operations Monitoring
47%
Service Orientation
47%
Learning Strategies
47%
Programming
44%
Operation and Control
28%
Troubleshooting
25%
Management of Material Resources
25%
Management of Financial Resources
25%
Equipment Selection
22%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
93%
Physics
84%
Mathematics
83%
Mechanical
79%
Design
72%
Computers and Electronics
71%
Transportation
69%
English Language
68%
Production and Processing
58%
Administration and Management
56%
Chemistry
50%
Education and Training
45%
Customer and Personal Service
43%
Public Safety and Security
42%
Law and Government
40%
Economics and Accounting
38%
Telecommunications
36%
Administrative
35%
Communications and Media
33%
Personnel and Human Resources
30%
Sales and Marketing
28%
Foreign Language
21%
Psychology
20%
Geography
19%
Building and Construction
19%
Biology
14%
Sociology and Anthropology
12%
History and Archeology
10%
Food Production
7%
Philosophy and Theology
6%
Medicine and Dentistry
3%
Therapy and Counseling
3%
Fine Arts
1%

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Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
75%
Problem Sensitivity
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Inductive Reasoning
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Fluency of Ideas
72%
Mathematical Reasoning
72%
Written Expression
72%
Originality
72%
Speech Clarity
69%
Visualization
69%
Near Vision
69%
Speech Recognition
69%
Information Ordering
69%
Number Facility
69%
Category Flexibility
66%
Far Vision
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Perceptual Speed
47%
Flexibility of Closure
47%
Visual Color Discrimination
47%
Speed of Closure
44%
Memorization
41%
Depth Perception
31%
Time Sharing
31%
Hearing Sensitivity
28%
Auditory Attention
28%
Finger Dexterity
28%
Reaction Time
25%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
25%
Night Vision
25%
Sound Localization
25%
Peripheral Vision
25%
Multilimb Coordination
25%
Spatial Orientation
25%
Control Precision
25%
Glare Sensitivity
25%
Rate Control
25%
Response Orientation
25%
Manual Dexterity
16%
Speed of Limb Movement
13%
Trunk Strength
13%
Wrist-Finger Speed
13%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Working with Computers
93%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
89%
Analyzing Data or Information
86%
Getting Information
86%
Processing Information
83%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
83%
Documenting/Recording Information
78%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
75%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
75%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
74%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
70%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
69%
Thinking Creatively
69%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
68%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
66%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
66%
Scheduling Work and Activities
64%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
63%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
61%
Developing and Building Teams
61%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
60%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
58%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
58%
Training and Teaching Others
58%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
57%
Coaching and Developing Others
56%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
56%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
55%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
55%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
54%
Selling or Influencing Others
45%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
44%
Performing Administrative Activities
44%
Controlling Machines and Processes
36%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
36%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
31%
Assisting and Caring for Others
31%
Staffing Organizational Units
28%
Handling and Moving Objects
26%
Performing General Physical Activities
26%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
14%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

100%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

93%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

91%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

91%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

86%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

86%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

85%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

80%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

75%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

74%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

72%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

72%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

70%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

63%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

63%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

59%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

58%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

56%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

56%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

54%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

54%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

54%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

50%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

48%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

48%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

43%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

42%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

41%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

41%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

36%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

35%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

35%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

33%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

33%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

32%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

31%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

30%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

29%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

28%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

24%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

21%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

20%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

19%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

19%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

18%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

17%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

16%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

16%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

12%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

11%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

11%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

7%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

6%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

6%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

5%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

1%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Education

Bachelor's degree

71%

Master's degree

14%

Post-secondary certificate

5%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

91

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

78

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

52

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

24

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

17

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

5

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
88%
Innovation
84%
Dependability
82%
Intellectual Curiosity
79%
Adaptability
75%
Achievement Orientation
71%
Integrity
66%
Cautiousness
63%
Perseverance
54%
Self-Confidence
51%
Leadership Orientation
49%
Initiative
48%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
47%
Stress Tolerance
41%
Cooperation
36%
Self-Control
36%
Sincerity
21%
Social Orientation
20%
Humility
16%
Optimism
8%
Empathy
2%

Work Values

Achievement
89%
Working Conditions
81%
Recognition
78%
Independence
72%
Support
39%
Relationships
28%

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