Introduction to Career in Automobile or Automotive Engineering
Can you think of a world without motor vehicles? We need motor vehicles for transporting passengers, goods, etc. from one place to another. Thus lies the importance of motor vehicle in our lives. As the automobile industry is growing fast, the demand of automobile engineers are also increasing. Here we discuss about career in automobile or automotive engineering.
What is Automobile Engineering?
Automobile or automotive or vehicle engineering deals with the designing, developing, manufacturing, testing and repairing and servicing automobiles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, etc.
Automobile engineering is a blend of different fields of engineering such as mechanical, electrical, electronics, software and safety engineering.
Roles and Responsibilities of an Automobile Engineer
Main role and work of an automobile engineer is the designing, developing, manufacturing and testing of vehicles. They have to develop vehicles from the concept stage to the production stage. According to the role they are playing they are classified into three viz. Design Engineers, Development Engineers and Manufacturing Engineers.
Educational Qualification Required for Career in Automobile or Automotive Engineering
The qualification required to become an automobile engineer is bachelor’s degree (B.E / B. Tech) or at least a diploma in automobile engineering. A post graduate degree (M. E / M. Tech) is an added qualification.
Automobile engineering also include areas of specializations such as engine systems, electronics and control systems, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, supply chain management, etc.
Skills and Knowledge Required for Career in Automobile or Automotive Engineering
One who want to become an automobile engineer must have strong foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science. Since this is a blend branch of engineering, an automobile engineer should have thorough knowledge of different aspects of engineering, including mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, thermodynamics, computer skills, etc.
They must also possess different skills like communication skills, analytical skills, problem solving skills, creativity, logical thinking, physically strong and healthy, etc.
How to become an Automobile Engineer?
To become an automobile engineer one has to opt for science stream with PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) in 10 + 2 or equivalent examination. After that he / she has to get bachelor’s degree and further go for a post graduate degree and Ph. D in automobile engineering. The entrance to B. E / B. tech or M. E / M. Tech are through different entrance exams conducted by different organizations or engineering colleges. For B Tech / BE one has to pass entrance exams like JEE Main or JEE Advanced. For admission to M Tech, entrance exam is GATE.
There is another option to go for diploma program in automobile engineering after their 10th. They can further improve their qualification as PG Diploma or can get B. Tech from engineering colleges with lateral entry schemes.
Where do I get the Job?
A growing automobile industry offers job prospects for automobile engineers. The job opportunities are available in automobile manufacturing industries, production plants, service stations, state and private transport companies, insurance companies, motor vehicle departments, etc.
As always for all the courses automobile engineering also provides opportunity in the field of teaching and research.