Automotive engineer
Eager to shape the future of transport? As an automotive engineer, you'll design and innovate the next generation of vehicles.
Also known as: vehicle engineer, car designer
About the job
What it's like
Do you have a passion for all things on wheels and a knack for innovation? If so, a career as an automotive engineer could put you on the road to success!
As an automotive engineer, you'll be at the forefront of designing, testing and developing the next generation of vehicles. This role involves everything from sleek and efficient cars to powerful trucks and even high-performance racing machines.
You'll make the vehicle more cost-effective and reduce its impact on the environment. You'll make it safer for drivers and passengers and come up with exciting new designs for the way it looks.
Your tasks might include:
designing and refining vehicle body, chassis and engine systems
developing electrical and electronic instruments and control systems
utilising computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed plans
building and testing prototypes to evaluate performance and safety
analysing test data to assess the effectiveness of designs
writing reports on design decisions and test results
As a senior engineer, you'd manage projects, supervise technical teams, write reports and negotiate with clients.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. You could:
design more fuel-efficient engines
research and implement lightweight materials to help improve energy efficiency
develop technologies to reduce vehicle emissions and promote sustainability
Hours
You'll normally work Monday to Friday.
As a production engineer, you'll most likely work shifts.
Environment
You could be based:
in an office: using CAD software to create and refine designs
at a research facility: working in labs to evaluate prototypes and conduct experiments
at a manufacturing plant: working directly in production facilities, overseeing manufacturing processes
Travel
Depending on your role and who you work for, you might need to travel:
while visiting suppliers
to test tracks
to manufacturing plants which could be local or international
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- automotive engineering
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- making decisions
- managing resources
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- resourceful
- designing
- working with technology
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Mathematics of Mechanics
Physics
Practical Metalwork
Skills for Work: Automotive Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Skills for Work: Practical Experiences: Construction and Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
A degree could be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Mechnical Engineering
Electronic or Electrical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Design Engineering
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Automotive Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni or college. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Discover Graduate Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become an automotive engineer. Search for engineering opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Automotive engineer'
