Skip to main content

Automotive Engineer

Automotive engineers design and build cars, lorries and other vehicles. They work on making them safer, faster, more reliable and better for the environment - especially electric and self-driving vehicles.

Automotive Engineer

28

Engineering and Technology

AI IMPACT
AI USED FOR28%moving to73%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSD
STARTING PAY£30,000 - £38,000
NO MOATNo physical, legal or personal barrier protects this work from software.

THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years

AI helps here, but has not taken over
AI is already used for some of this job, but the day-to-day work still leans on a person to decide, check and take responsibility. Nothing formally protects this job though, so the safest move is to keep building the judgement AI cannot yet copy.

Career progression path

1FIRST STEPJunior Automotive EngineerIn this entry-level role, you will assist senior engineers in the design and testing of vehicle components. You will gain hands-on experience and learn to use industry-standard software and tools.£30,000 - £38,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Automotive EngineerAs a mid-level engineer, you will take on more responsibility in project management and lead design initiatives. You will work closely with clients and suppliers to ensure project success.£45,000 - £55,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Automotive EngineerIn a senior role, you will oversee major projects and mentor junior engineers. You will be responsible for strategic planning and innovation within the engineering team.£70,000+

21 live apprenticeship vacancies

The degree route

Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.

🎓Music TechnologyLeeds Beckett University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£45,000 median
🎓Astronautics and Space EngineeringThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£41,500 median
🎓Electrical & Electronic EngineeringColeg Sir Gar · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£40,000 median
🎓Electronic Engineering with a Year in IndustryRoyal Holloway and Bedford New College · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓Mechanical and Offshore EngineeringRobert Gordon University · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Bath · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median

All Engineering and Technology courses as cards →

There is more than one way in

You do not have to go the university route to get here. There is also a vocational route that skips a degree entirely.

Recommended UK degrees

Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.