هذا الرابط خاص حصريا بمدونة azhartec automotive engineering
Automotive Engineering Automotive engineering is a combination of mechanical, electrical and materials science. Engineers in this field can design new vehicles or look for ways to improve existing automotive engineering technology. Read on to learn more. Inside Automotive Engineering Automotive engineers can design and test brake systems, engines, safety mechanisms, fuel technologies and transmissions. In the field, engineers use design software to devise new vehicle designs or systems, including ThinkDesign Engineering, Gamma Technologies GT-SUITE or Corel Painter Sketch Pad. Some engineers also use grinders, machine tools and workshop presses to fabricate prototype parts for testing. Individuals interested in designing, testing and creating automotive systems may be drawn to this line of work. Education Information A 4-year degree is the minimum qualification for most automotive engineering positions. Undergraduate programs in this field are most commonly offered in automotive engineering technology, which can cover the basic principles of engineering along with modern vehicle design requirements in terms of safety, fuel economy and industrial manufacturing. While master's degree programs in automotive engineering are available, automotive engineering is a complex and interdisciplinary field, so students may also find relevant coursework through graduate programs in electrical engineering, environmental engineering and mechanical engineering. Here are a few articles from Study.com offering information about degree programs related to this field of study. Distance Learning Options Although engineering programs typically include some amount of mandatory hands-on, on-site experience, students can still find programs that offer online components or even blended formats. Other than automotive engineering, students may find relevant coursework in related online engineering programs. Review the articles below for more details. Career Options Individuals who have completed automotive engineering technology undergraduate programs may seek positions as engineer assistants. However, most students earn a degree and enter the workforce as engineers. Students who earn a graduate degree can work as automotive engineering supervisors. Many automotive engineering positions are focused on automotive design or testing. Check out the links below for more information about employment opportunities in this field. Employment Outlook and Salary Information According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for engineers in general was expected to grow 9 percent from 2012-2022, while positions in mechanical engineering were expected to increase at a slower rate of 5 percent (www.bls.gov). Automotive engineers, falling into the broader classification of mechanical engineers, earned a median annual salary of $82,100 in 2013, according to the BLS. Automotive Engineer Careers What is an Automotive Engineer? Automotive engineering is one of the most exciting, challenging and rewarding careers. Whenever a customer drives a new vehicle off a dealership lot, he or she is taking with them the technical expertise of many engineers, but in particular, the automotive engineer. Automotive engineers research, design and develop vehicles and their subsystems. They work with sophisticated technologies to create products that thrill the senses and bring the freedom of mobility to the world. What Do Automotive Engineers Do? Automotive engineers are concerned with the development of passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles or off-road vehicles. They do one or more of the following: Design new products or modify existing ones Troubleshoot and solve engineering problems Plan and design manufacturing processes Automotive engineers must apply their engineering skills in a commercial way because their innovations and solutions must be effective and profitable. Their typical responsibilities include: Researching, designing, developing and producing vehicles and components Preparing cost estimates and design specifications Preparing plans and drawings Analyzing energy, environmental and safety aspects of the planned project Predicting vehicle or component behavior under different conditions using computerized models Developing testing procedures Investigating product failures Analyzing, interpreting and condensing technical data into reports or presentations Supervise technical staff Working closely with other types of engineers, such as civil, electrical, aerospace, chemical and industrial Working with professionals from other occupational fields, such as marketing and legal Automotive Engineer Schools Qualifications Any pre-engineering student should have a strong background in advanced calculus, physics and chemistry to succeed at the collegiate level. Good grades and a high level of hands-on experience at the undergraduate level are important to landing a job after graduation. Because vehicles today are designed and developed in a virtual world and are basically “computers on wheels,” it is a real advantage to have a strong appreciation of computer science. In addition to academic qualifications, the automotive engineer should have: An avid interest in motor vehicle engineering Solid analytical skills and an creative approach to problem solving A thorough understanding of technical concepts and federal safety standards and laws Excellent oral and written communication skills The ability to prioritize and plan effectively The ability to stay within a budget and meet deadlines Soft skills, such as the ability to work in teams to solve problems The ability to work independently Degrees and Specialties Very few universities and colleges in the United States offer bachelor’s degrees in automotive engineering. Consequently, many students go into mechanical engineering because automotive engineering is a specialty of mechanical engineering and much of the coursework is the same. However, there are some mechanical engineering schools that offer undergraduate courses that cover diesel engine theory, automotive electronics and automotive power systems. At the master’s degree and Phd levels, students can concentrate on specific areas, such as: Automotive mechanical functions Automotive systems studies Hybrid electric cars Students should choose a graduate engineering program that will not only enhance their education but will also help them to lead, innovate and manage in a global economy. Automotive engineers with graduate degrees are in high demand by automotive manufacturers and suppliers. Jobs and Compensation Currently, the cities with the highest paying automotive engineering jobs are Auburn Hills, Michigan and Detroit, Michigan. The states with the heaviest concentration of automotive engineers are Michigan, California and Texas. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE), the average total cash compensation for automotive engineers in 2012 was $117,600. This was about a ten percent jump from 2010. The SAE also reported that the 25th to 75th percentile range of total cash compensation for automotive engineers 2011 was $83,500 to $134,200. The salary range for automotive engineering jobs in the most popular industries are: Automotive Manufacturing $54,000 – $96,000 Original Equipment Manufacturing $50,000 – $89,000 Systems Components Manufacturing $51,000 – $92,000 Engine Manufacturing $50,000 – $91,000 Associations The SAE and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers are wonderful sources of information about the latest industry news, events, conferences and seminars. Additionally, these organizations offer great opportunities to meet with recruiters from leading automotive companies and network with other automotive engineers. Career Advancement Opportunities Over time, automotive engineers can enter senior-level management positions within their companies. Some gain the experience and expertise to open their own consulting engineering firms. Others take sales positions in automobile companies because they already possess the technical knowledge. Those with master's degrees or PhDs teach and share their experiences with college engineering students. Is Automotive Engineering Right For You? Ask yourself the following questions in evaluating your potential to become an automotive engineer: Are you interested in motor vehicles and how they work? Are you a natural problem solver? Do you communicate well with others and work productively in a team environment? Are you comfortable leading and motivating others? Are you able to multi-task and meet deadlines? Are you willing to constantly learn new things? If you answered “yes” to these questions, and you do not struggle in math and science, then you should consider pursuing a career in automotive engineering.