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Back to 1.1 Engineering and Core Technology
1.1 Engineering and Core Technology

Automotive engineering

Engineers in this field design, develop, and test vehicles, focusing on advanced technologies like electric powertrains and autonomous driving systems. They work on improving vehicle performance, safety, and sustainability through innovative design and engineering solutions.

Science (PCM)

Career role details and responsibilities

Engineers in this field design, develop, and test vehicles, focusing on advanced technologies like electric powertrains and autonomous driving systems. They work on improving vehicle performance, safety, and sustainability through innovative design and engineering solutions. Automotive engineering sits within the 1.1 Engineering and Core Technology career cluster and focuses on applying domain knowledge to practical problems.

Role details

Engineers in this field design, develop, and test vehicles, focusing on advanced technologies like electric powertrains and autonomous driving systems. They work on improving vehicle performance, safety, and sustainability through innovative design and engineering solutions. Automotive engineering sits within the 1.1 Engineering and Core Technology career cluster and focuses on applying domain knowledge to practical problems.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include designing vehicle components, conducting performance and safety tests, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to ensure efficient production. Automotive engineers also research and implement new technologies to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Typical responsibilities include understanding user or business needs, applying relevant tools and methods, and coordinating with stakeholders.

Next Gen career options

Electric Vehicle Systems Engineer, Autonomous Driving Engineer, Battery Technology Specialist, Connected Car Engineer, Sustainable Mobility Solutions Designer.

Pointer: Next Gen career options related to this role

Electric Vehicle Systems Engineer, Autonomous Driving Engineer, Battery Technology Specialist, Connected Car Engineer, Sustainable Mobility Solutions Designer.

Educational institutes

Top 5 educational institutes in India

Name of Institute Location Website
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay Mumbai, Maharashtra https://www.iitb.ac.in/
Indian Institute of Technology Madras Chennai, Tamil Nadu https://www.iitm.ac.in/
Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore, Tamil Nadu https://vit.ac.in/
Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Manipal, Karnataka https://manipal.edu/mit.html
College of Engineering, Pune Pune, Maharashtra https://www.coep.org.in/

Top 5 educational institutes globally

Name of Institute Location Website
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Cambridge, USA https://www.mit.edu/
Stanford University Stanford, USA https://www.stanford.edu/
University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK https://www.cam.ac.uk/
Technical University of Munich Munich, Germany https://www.tum.de/
Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore https://www.ntu.edu.sg/
Refer our tool Unifinder to explore university matching your requirements https://counselnavi.com/uni-finder
Career role Name
Automotive engineering
Career Cluster
1.1 Engineering and Core Technology
Super Cluster
1. Technology, Engineering & Digital Systems
Career Statement
A career where you get to engineer advanced transport machinery and turn raw structural chassis blueprints into high-efficiency, zero-emission electric vehicles; this field is all about learning the secrets of vehicular aerodynamics and lithium powertrain dynamics, experimenting with thermal management loops, and driving global mobility forward.
Industry alignment
Automotive Manufacturing, Electric Vehicle Production, Aerospace (for vehicle systems), Motorsports, Research and Development.
Work environment
Typically indoor office or laboratory settings, with occasional visits to manufacturing floors or test tracks. Standard working hours apply, with potential for overtime during project deadlines. Work-life balance can vary based on project demands.
Opportunity Type
Offers strong career growth opportunities with increasing responsibility and specialization. Salary growth is steady and competitive, especially for experienced professionals. While demanding, the role provides significant opportunities for innovation and creativity in shaping future mobility, with good job stability.
Key skills needed
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills (Advanced), Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (Advanced), Knowledge of vehicle dynamics and systems (Advanced), Excellent communication and teamwork abilities (Intermediate), Understanding of materials science and manufacturing processes (Intermediate).
Interest type alignment
Realistic (Hands-on problem solving, mechanical systems) and Investigative (Analyzing data, researching new technologies). Aptitude for mathematics, physics, and engineering principles.
Career growth Path
Entry-level Engineer (0-3 years), Senior Engineer (3-7 years), Lead Engineer/Team Lead (7-12 years), Engineering Manager/Specialist (12+ years).
Suggested education Pathways 10th standard onwards
  • 10th Grade: Mathematics, Science, English, Computer Applications; 11th/12th Grade: Science (PCM) stream; Diploma/Bachelor's in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering.
  • 10th Grade: Mathematics, Science, English, Computer Applications; 11th/12th Grade: Science (PCM) stream; Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering with specialization in power electronics or vehicle systems.
  • 10th Grade: Mathematics, Science, English, Computer Applications; 11th/12th Grade: Science (PCM) stream; Bachelor's in Mechatronics Engineering with focus on automotive applications.
Education Stream recommendations
Science (PCM)
10th Subjects Suggested
Mathematics, Science, English, Computer Applications
11th/12th Mandatory Subjects Suggested
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
11th/12th Optional Subjects Suggested
Computer Science, Engineering Graphics
Demand in India
High demand, driven by the growing automotive industry, increasing adoption of EVs, and government initiatives promoting manufacturing and electric mobility.
Demand globally
High demand globally, with significant opportunities in established automotive markets and emerging economies focusing on sustainable transportation solutions.
Career & Job Prospects
Opportunities exist in vehicle design, R&D, testing and validation, manufacturing, and quality control. Related role families include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechatronics Engineering.