engineering jobs anyone?

[sportinct26]

well im working on my engineering degree in college and was wondering what engineering jobs involve cars?

i originally wanted to do aerospace but my real passion is cars. any ideas?

 

[RiyadYar]

mechanical engineering

 

[suprarx7nut]

Yup, Mechanical.

If you want to do something with cars, it would be a good idea to join the FSAE team at your college, so make sure your school has one if you want to go that route.

I'm in mechanical, but never joined the sae team. I kinda wish I did, but spend plenty of time working on cars in my free time.

 

[Neodeuccio]

I'm a mechy as well. Unfortunately my school didn't so SAE, which really pissed me off. They do some fun shit, and it looks really good on your resume.

 

[adampecush]

you need to be more specific...several disciplines cover automobiles.

electrical, computer, mechanical, and materials are all applicable.

 

[sportinct26]

you need to be more specific...several disciplines cover automobiles.

electrical, computer, mechanical, and materials are all applicable.

well im not really to sure on what i want to do thats why im opening my options(thats why the question is very broad.)


also i have thought about mechanical. BUT its a rather big one so any sub decipline in particular?

 

[sportinct26]

fsae sound like alot of fun. how so i check which school has this program?

i would really like to work in or around high performance cars and im use an engineerer is needed for those. but what branch pr mechanical?


and for those whos a mech what branch and what do you guys do? what does your day look like?

 

[MK3Brent]

You'd be surprised which engineering disciplines will be "accepted" for job placement...based on experience.

I work with several engineers who don't even have engineering degrees, it's all based on your problem solving skills and previously mentioned experience.

If you're looking to build your skills in mechanical design of automobiles in college, then I'd look into a mechanical design/engineering focus of study. If the school you're going to offers engineering programs for PE, then you'll need to decide shortly and prepare to make the cut.

What kinda of automobile engineering would you like to do?

 

[sportinct26]

You'd be surprised which engineering disciplines will be "accepted" for job placement...based on experience.

I work with several engineers who don't even have engineering degrees, it's all based on your problem solving skills and previously mentioned experience.

If you're looking to build your skills in mechanical design of automobiles in college, then I'd look into a mechanical design/engineering focus of study. If the school you're going to offers engineering programs for PE, then you'll need to decide shortly and prepare to make the cut.

What kinda of automobile engineering would you like to do?

well im really interested in working on or around high performance engine. how is the job market on those?

 

[MK3Brent]

well im really interested in working on or around high performance engine. how is the job market on those?

Basically non-existent.

If I were you, I'd look into something aircraft related.

 

[aye mate]

Does a fire engine count?

 

[MK3Brent]

Everything requires engineering.

 

[sportinct26]

Basically non-existent.

If I were you, I'd look into something aircraft related.

thats what i thought. how about engine design and such?

 

[adampecush]

thats what i thought. how about engine design and such?

unless you have 10+ years experience in the field, again, good luck.

 

[MK3Brent]

thats what i thought. how about engine design and such?

You start small.
Either get a paid/un-paid internship with a race team (hard to get BTW.)
Or get some kind of grunt job working for an automobile manufacturer. (again internships.)

You learn tips and tricks from your mentor, and if you're good enough fast enough... they may have a position for you in the future after you've gained experience.

I can't stress the EXPERIENCE part enough... this speaks volumes over education when it comes to being hired, however your salary will cap quickly w/o it.

Don't stop after your undergrad either.
In my profession, you can't make more than 100k/yr w/o a masters.

 

[adampecush]

In my profession, you can't make more than 100k/yr w/o a masters.

must be a lot different down there....

all a masters/phd will get you here is a research job. B.Sc. can take as high as you want.

 

[MK3Brent]

must be a lot different down there....

all a masters/phd will get you here is a research job. B.Sc. can take as high as you want.

Well, it's what I'm told by colleagues... Maybe they're trying to scare me? :dunno:

For what it's worth, you should never stop with your education if you can afford to... it's just a great way to improve yourself and better network with other minds.

Best of luck!

 

[BlackDevilSupra]

must be a lot different down there....

all a masters/phd will get you here is a research job. B.Sc. can take as high as you want.

<<< Master's in Mechanical Engineering here.

Never had a research engineering position, but majority of my 13 - 14yr experience have been in senior engineering / lead engineering / product development positions (not quite research).

If you can remain in school to get an advance engineering degree, basically wait out this poor economy and job opportunity scenario, then this will be best in the long run - with respect to career. Otherwise, as soon as you get your first engineering position, immediately return to school to acquire an advance degree while the academic lifestyle is still fresh, and have your employer pay for it . Don't wait too long, else life circumstances will begin to supplant this priority.

 

[adampecush]

I should correct my previous statement...A masters/phd will open the door to a research job that could not be obtained with a B.Sc.

I suppose it is different for everyone, and a lot of that is based on the education/program. 90&#37; of my current position was in no way covered in University, which is why I chose not to go back to school.

Excellent advise on going back to school with the state of the current economy though.

 

[dok33]

Just my $.02-make sure you're interested in auto design and not just tinkering/modifying. Also take advantage of the variety available in college and explore as many different areas of engineering as possible while you have the opportunity. There are alot of fascinating areas of engineering and in my experience an interest/hobby doesn't necessarily translate into a fulfilling career. The auto industry is tough too, especially if you go work for an OEM.

I'm a gearhead through and through and have a M.S. in ME with a focus on materials, mainly composites and structural adhesives. I did FSAE for a year and interned at the GM proving grounds in Milford, MI, and my M.S. research project was funded by GM and focused on some new composites they were looking into for body panels etc. While I enjoyed all of it, I eventually realized I'd rather do something different and work on cars in my spare time. I'm an engineering project manager at an electronics company now and couldn't be happier. I'm doing something I enjoy and have time and cash to tinker at night and on weekends. Just gotta find what works for you!