Also called: Vehicle Engineer, Powertrain Engineer, Chassis Engineer
Designs and tests the parts and systems of cars and trucks, from brakes and suspensions to electric motors.
You run computer simulations on a new suspension, then go to the test track to see how it handles. You also work with suppliers to fix a part that's squeaking in early production cars.
Based on BLS mechanical engineers.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in mechanical or automotive engineering; Formula SAE experience helps a lot.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
Growing much faster than average (about 9% over 10 years). BLS projects mechanical engineers to grow faster than average.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI and simulation speed design and testing; prototype work and engineering sign-off stay human, with fewer junior roles.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, CAD or drafting.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2141.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.