How to Become an Automotive Engineer: Years, Degrees, Requirements, and Step‑by‑Step Path

Overview: Your Roadmap to an Automotive Engineering Career

Automotive engineering careers typically begin with a four-year bachelor’s degree in engineering, most commonly mechanical engineering, followed by internships and entry-level roles; specialized master’s programs can add 1-2 years for advanced expertise [1] [2] . Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) is not always required but is increasingly valued and involves accredited education, experience, and exams [3] .

How Many Years Does Automotive Engineering Take?

Most entry-level automotive engineering jobs require at least a four-year bachelor’s degree. Many universities do not offer an undergraduate major titled “Automotive Engineering,” so students typically complete a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field, often with automotive electives or concentrations [1] . After the bachelor’s degree, candidates may pursue a specialized Master of Engineering (MEng) in Automotive Engineering to deepen skills in areas such as powertrain electrification, vehicle dynamics, and software-defined vehicles. For example, the University of Michigan’s MEng in Automotive Engineering can be completed full time in 1-2 years (30 credits), with part-time students averaging 2.5 years and allowed up to 5 years [2] . In total, a typical timeline is 4 years (bachelor’s) plus 0-2 years (master’s), depending on your goals and the roles you target [1] [2] .

Example pathway: Complete a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 4 years, take an automotive-focused senior design project, intern with an OEM or Tier-1 supplier, then add a 1-year intensive MEng focused on vehicle electrification to compete for specialized roles in EV systems or controls [2] .

Source: newkidscar.com

What Degree Is Best for Automotive Engineering?

Undergraduate: Because many colleges do not offer a dedicated bachelor’s in automotive engineering, a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering is the most common entry point. Programs often offer automotive tracks or electives that build relevant competencies in dynamics, materials, powertrain, and controls [1] . Some universities now offer named automotive majors at the undergraduate level; for instance, Clemson admits students from a general engineering first year into its Automotive Engineering B.S., a limited-enrollment program emphasizing calculus and physics readiness [4] . Virginia Tech also offers an Automotive Engineering major with specific course sequencing and GPA thresholds tied to catalog year requirements [5] .

Graduate: A specialized MEng or MS can accelerate advancement or enable a pivot into cutting-edge areas. The University of Michigan’s MEng offers structured pathways in areas like powertrain and electrification, autonomous and connected vehicles, and vehicle dynamics, requiring 30 credits with 18 at the 500 level, typically completed in 1-2 years full time [2] .

Action step: If your target school lacks an automotive title, choose Mechanical Engineering and select automotive electives or minors where available; confirm course maps and admission gates (e.g., general engineering first-year, GPA thresholds) directly on the department websites or with advisors [1] [4] [5] .

Source: clemson.world

What Do You Need to Be an Automotive Engineer? Skills, Licensure, and Experience

Core competencies: Strong math and physics foundations; systems thinking; vehicle dynamics; materials; thermodynamics and fluids; electrical systems and controls; software and data skills (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink). Exposure to CAD/CAE tools and testing methods is advantageous. Internships are commonly expected by employers and provide hands-on, domain-specific experience [1] .

Licensure: While not universally required, Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is recommended and increasingly valued. Typical steps include graduating from an accredited program, gaining roughly four years of qualifying work experience, and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams; timing and specifics vary by state boards [3] .

Academic preparation: Rigorous preparation in calculus, physics, chemistry, and programming during high school helps students transition successfully into engineering curricula and meet selection criteria for competitive programs [3] [4] .

Example: A student joins a general engineering first-year program, completes calculus and calculus-based physics, earns a competitive GPA, and is admitted into an automotive program. They intern at a Tier-1 brake systems supplier and later pursue a graduate focus in vehicle dynamics and NVH to specialize in ride and handling [4] [2] .

How to Become an Automotive Engineer: Step-by-Step

1. Build academic foundations (high school to first-year college): Prioritize algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus; take physics and chemistry; add programming courses when available. These courses align with engineering admission and success factors across programs [3] [4] .
2. Choose the right undergraduate path : If a dedicated automotive B.S. is available and fits your goals, follow departmental admission gates and timelines. Otherwise, select Mechanical Engineering with automotive electives or a concentration. Understand catalog-year requirements and GPA thresholds that govern progression and graduation [1] [5] .
3. Secure internships and co-ops : Many employers expect practical experience. Seek roles with OEMs, Tier-1 suppliers, motorsports teams, or testing labs. Internships can specialize you in areas like robotics, controls, batteries, or validation-experience that employers often regard as essential [1] .
4. Develop a portfolio : Participate in Formula SAE, Baja SAE, solar car teams, or capstone projects; document CAD models, simulations, test plans, and results. While specific team requirements vary by school, these experiences directly map to automotive job functions and hiring expectations [1] .
5. Consider graduate specialization : If you aim for emerging domains like electrification, autonomy, or software-defined vehicles, an MEng in Automotive Engineering can add 1-2 years and provide advanced coursework in powertrains, vehicle dynamics, controls, and connected systems. Michigan’s MEng outlines structured pathways and immersive practice options that align with these goals [2] .
6. Pursue licensure strategically : For roles involving public safety, compliance, or consulting, PE licensure strengthens credentials. Typical milestones include passing the FE exam, accruing four years of supervised experience, and passing the PE exam per your state board’s rules [3] .
7. Apply for entry-level roles : Target positions such as design engineer, test/validation engineer, manufacturing engineer, controls engineer, or systems engineer. Tailor your resume to highlight coursework (e.g., vehicle dynamics), tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, CAD), and internship deliverables, as many employers hire from mechanical engineering backgrounds with automotive emphasis [1] .

Alternatives and Flexible Pathways

Community college to university transfer: You can begin with lower-division math, physics, and engineering fundamentals, then transfer into a mechanical or automotive program that recognizes these credits; verify articulation agreements and GPA minimums with both institutions. This can reduce costs while keeping your timeline near four years for the bachelor’s, depending on transfer credits [1] .

Part-time master’s while working: Professionals often pursue part-time master’s study to upskill into electrification or autonomy. Michigan’s MEng allows up to five years for completion when studying part-time, offering flexibility for working engineers [2] .

Specialty focus without a master’s: Early-career engineers can accumulate domain credentials through targeted internships, company training, and project ownership (e.g., battery pack testing, ISO 26262 documentation, or ADAS validation) that demonstrate specialized capability even without graduate school. Employers frequently recognize this experience pathway, especially when paired with strong mechanical fundamentals [1] .

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Selective program admission: Limited-enrollment automotive majors may require strong performance in calculus and physics, plus competitive GPAs and timely applications. Mitigate risk by maintaining a high GPA, completing the general engineering core on schedule, and following departmental application calendars closely [4] .

Bridging software and hardware: Modern vehicles are software-intensive. If your program is mechanics-heavy, add electives or extracurricular experience in controls, embedded systems, or data analysis to match industry expectations for model-based development and diagnostics [1] [2] .

Licensure ambiguity: Not all automotive roles require a PE, but it can differentiate you, particularly in safety-critical or regulatory-facing work. If unsure, take the FE near graduation to keep the PE option open later, as many state boards permit FE attempts before or right after completing your bachelor’s degree [3] .

Action Checklist

• Map a 4-year mechanical engineering plan with automotive electives; confirm any selective-admission milestones and catalog-year rules with department advisors [1] [4] [5] .
• Secure at least one internship or co-op with an OEM or Tier-1; target teams aligned to your interests (e.g., EV battery packs, ADAS, NVH) [1] .
• Join a student competition team to build a portfolio of designs, simulations, and tests valued by recruiters [1] .
• Consider an MEng focused on electrification or autonomy if you seek rapid specialization; plan for 1-2 additional years full time or a flexible part-time schedule [2] .
• Evaluate FE/PE licensure as a career enhancer, especially for safety- and compliance-oriented tracks; check your state board for specifics [3] .

References

[1] Indeed (2025). What is Automotive Engineering? Career description and steps.

[2] University of Michigan Integrative Systems + Design (2025). MEng in Automotive Engineering: curriculum and duration.

[3] Vault (2023). Automotive engineers: education, FE/PE licensure, and requirements.

[4] Clemson University (2024). Automotive Engineering B.S.: selective admission and academic preparation.

[5] Virginia Tech (2025). Automotive Engineering major: catalog-year and graduation requirements.