JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITY
KEY RESULT AREA(KRA) & KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR(KPI)

ENGINEERING

How to become an Automobile Engineer: Career Guide

Introduction

Automotive engineering is a branch of mechanical engineering and an important component of the automobile industry automotive engineers are responsible for designing new vehicles and ensuring that existing vehicles are up to prescribed safety and efficiency standards. The Automotive Field of Engineering is research intensive and requires educated professionals in automotive engineering specialities. This branch of engineering is a branch of vehicle engineering that focuses on the application, design and manufacture of various types of automobiles. 

This field of engineering involves the direct application of mathematics and physics concepts in the design and production of vehicles as well as Engineering disciplines that are relevant in this field including safety engineering, vehicle electronics, quality control, fuel economy and emissions. As the world shifts to more complex machinery and as technology evolves, there are more work opportunities for the job role of an Automotive Engineer.

Do You Want to be an Automotive Engineer?

To build a career as an Automotive Engineer you need first to understand the Job profile and responsibility of the job

This blog gives you a detailed idea of what it is like to become an Automotive Engineer in the Engineering Sector of India.

Skills Ability

1. Industry Skills:

Most Engineers work in a variety of industries, some hard skills are vital only to specific industries as a result, they are required to have skills specific to their industry. Here are some of the skills that you might require during your career as an Automotive Engineer, Computer Science, System Design and Analysis, Process Management, Advanced Physics, Nanotechnology and much more.

2. Communication and People Skills:

Engineering is very technical and relies on concise and accurate communication between the team. However, you might also have to communicate with people outside of the field, such as clients and sometimes the general public, who do not have a technical background. It’s important that you are able to translate your specialized knowledge into words that those within and outside your organisation can understand without difficulty.

3. Teamwork:

Engineers almost never work alone, hence teamwork will always be helpful. you will work with a wide range of employees, both fellow engineers and people outside your department, to bring your projects to fruition. An engineer needs to be able to work collaboratively with different types of people at every level, applying skills as varied as verbal communication and appropriate body language to goal-setting and prioritizing problems.

4. Creativity:

Engineering is fundamentally about problem solving and multi-tasking, and that means finding new ways to apply existing knowledge in a truly creative manner. 

5. Attention to Detail:

Projects in engineering are extraordinarily complex they involve dozens, if not hundreds, of people. A small mistake at any point during planning, development, or construction can result in failure and failed project not only loses money but could also injure or even kill people.

Job Description

Automotive engineers sometimes referred to as automobile engineers, work with other professionals to enhance the technical performance, aesthetics and software components of cars, motorbikes, buses and trucks and their engineering systems. responsibilities of an automotive engineer include designing and testing various components of vehicles, including fuel technologies and safety systems.  The Engineers who work in after sales work to make repairs and inspections. If not to design they need to modify those systems currently in use and also identify and solve engineering problems. The Automotive Engineer is also required to have a combination of engineering and commercial skills to be able to deliver projects within budget.

The Automotive Engineers who are more developed and Experienced in this field are likely to specialise in a particular area, for example, structural design, exhaust systems or engines etc. The three primary areas where they mostly focus are design, production and research and development.

Requirements

  • They Create logistics and strategies for automotive engineering functions
  • Initiate design changes wherever necessary in their automobiles of expertise
  • Assume full ownership of functions in automotive engineering
  • Design and develop hybrid and electrical drive systems for automobiles if required
  • Document all design drawings and blueprints safely in a database
  • Work in coordination with other automotive engineers with good teamwork
  • Integrate customer choices and options in automotive engineering activities
  • The study, understand and make changes in technical documentation and data sheets
  • Interact with the vehicle manufacturers, production managers and other engineering staff in relation to design drawings and blueprints.
  • Integrate safety standards in design drawings of automotive
  • inspect and test drive vehicles and check for problems and faults.
  • liaise with suppliers and handle supply chain management
  • build prototypes of components and test their performance, weaknesses and safety
  • Ensure Safety:
  • They need to ensure that the building infrastructures and all mechanical and electrical systems and gadgets are in good and safe conditions for use.
  • Assist the Chief Engineer:
  • They need to help the Chief engineer in their daily task and whatever the chief engineer is working on
  • Assist the Engineering Team:
  • They are required to help the entire team so that they can coordinate better and work efficiently.
  • Capacity Utilization:
  • This KPI determines how much of your manufacturing line’s available capacity is utilized. Equipment and machinery are expensive assets, and you should make the most of them. The more the better. This formula may be used to calculate capacity utilization: Capacity Utilization = (Actual Output / Max Possible Output) * 100
  • ThroughPut :
  • The average number of units generated during a certain period is known as throughput. The higher the throughput, the better. It is regarded to be the most essential KPI for determining a manufacturing line’s efficiency. 
  • Per Employee, Safety Incidents:
  • The workers’ safety is of the highest significance. However, safety issues are a typical occurrence in the automobile business. The fewer incidences that occur, the better for the business. 
  • Cost Performance Indicator (CPI):
  • This KPI is used to calculate the project’s cost. The CPI is computed by dividing the expected labour cost by the actual labour cost. A score of more than one means the project was finished on time and within budget. A lower number denotes that the project’s cost is more than anticipated. As a result, the automobile engineer’s ability to maintain a high CPI will be helpful.

Work Environment and Schedule

Typically the work hours are between 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, possibly with some extra hours. Some jobs may involve shift work, including evenings and weekends. 

Work is usually carried out in an office, research facility or manufacturing plant and depending on your role, you might spend most of your time in an office using a computer, or you could work between the office and workshop.

How much is the scope for Earnings?

The Average Salary for an Automotive Engineer in India can range somewhere between 6 Lakh to 10 lakh INR per annum.

The Amount may vary through different Organisations, and cities depending on workflow and workload.

Automotive engineering is a very lucrative career path where opportunities are growing every day, Automotive engineers can also work in specialised areas like the design of vehicles and the enforcement of safety protocols for transport. With the rapid development and expansion of the automobile industry, this career path is apt for creative professionals who enjoy a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. If you believe you have the skills and talent for this job role and wish to be a part of the sector, you should give it a go.

Q1: What are the essential skills and abilities for an Automotive Engineer?

A1: An Automotive Engineer should possess strong analytical skills, creativity, mechanical and technical skills, proficiency in design and simulation software, and excellent problem-solving abilities. Communication and teamwork skills are also crucial.

Q2: What does the job description of an Automotive Engineer typically include?

A2: The job description usually involves designing vehicle systems and components, developing prototypes, testing and modifying automotive parts, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards, and collaborating with other engineers and professionals.

Q3: What are the educational and other requirements to become an Automotive Engineer in India?

A3: A bachelor's degree in automotive engineering or a related field is typically required. Many roles also require relevant experience in the automotive industry, along with knowledge of industry-specific software and standards.

Q4: What Key Result Areas (KRAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are commonly associated with an Automotive Engineer's role?

A4: KRAs include design efficiency, innovation, compliance with standards, and project completion within deadlines. KPIs might involve the number of design iterations, time taken from concept to prototype, and adherence to safety and performance standards.

Q5: What is the average salary for an Automotive Engineer in India, and what is their work environment like?

A5: The average salary for an Automotive Engineer in India ranges from INR 4,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 per year, depending on experience and location. The work environment typically includes office settings, design labs, and manufacturing facilities, with a standard work schedule, although overtime might be required for project deadlines.

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