Automotive Engineers

Overall employment for engineers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL reports the following employment outlooks for engineers in motor vehicle manufacturing through 2032:

• industrial engineers: +16.2 percent
• mechanical engineers: +15.2 percent
• electrical and electronics engineers: +6.6 percent
• health and safety engineers +6.6 percent
• materials engineers: +6.6 percent

Despite periodic employment contractions tied to the overall U.S. economy, the automotive industry remains one of the largest employers in the United States, and positions will continue to be available as workers retire or leave the field for other reasons. Automotove engineers who specialize in improving the efficiency of various design systems in automobiles and those who specialize in product safety and utilizing green technologies will likely find greater employment opportunities. The growing market for hybrid and battery electric vehicles will offer job opportunities for car engineers familiar with designing and testing electrical engineering systems. Additionally, automotive engineers who stay current concerning the latest technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, augmented and virtual reality) and remain flexible in regards to type of employer, location, and other factors will most likely find employment for years to come.