In Issue 3, 2022, Saeed asked: "I am a composite tool design engineer in aerospace looking to move into the automotive industry. I enjoy the CAD side of design, but I want a role where I am developing the product rather than the manufacturing process. Is there a job role anyone would recommend I look into?"
I think the role of product designer is one choice for your move, but you will need to demonstrate some design flair to succeed. However, your experience in the manufacturing process should be an asset rather than a disadvantage, as it’s no good designing a product that cannot be manufactured.
Richard Bossom
I believe that the only future for this will be to be inventive enough to come up with ideas and plans independently and try to sell them on. Will require a strong motive and resources – such as a three-wheeler car that there is a market for and will comply with safety regulations. Has to be a brave man.
Ivor Mansell
I am not in a position to help, but I certainly believe that there is scope for an engineer with your skill within the automotive industry. Do not forget the motor-racing area too. But there is a wide range of opportunities within mechanical engineering in general.
Brian McMahon
Consider looking into more research-type organisations than automotive where many design engineering roles are more one-off or batch production than making thousands, where the small gains to be had in the manufacturing cycle pay massive dividends.
Simon
The motor industry is going through the biggest change in its history. Although electric is dominating the propulsion methodology, the future is hydrogen. Now is the time to engage in the development of hydrogen power solutions.
Peter Hobson
It might be an idea to explore product management or product development types of roles? The trick will be to really analyse your transferable skill set, and show where this can be brought to bear in the role.
Neil Henderson
I suggest seeking an R&D job with an automotive R&D company, rather than with a large OEM. There’s greater job satisfaction when dealing with the initial development of a wider range of products.
Dr Ian Weslake-Hill
For me, the CAD is just a tool. If you have a flair for design, and can demonstrate that, then a prospective employer will recognise this. You may need to take a step backwards to go forwards.
Gary Lock
Manufacturing process is an integral element of product design as it is no good designing something if it cannot be made efficiently and at a viable cost on a production volume basis.
In the automotive company that I used to work for, design (styling), product engineering, development and manufacturing were separate departments, but the advent of modern computing made them highly interdependent and blurred the edges. The outsourcing of components and systems also transferred a lot of the design, development and manufacturing work to suppliers. I suggest that you look around and talk to people in prospective companies to see how they work.
Len Stanway
I’m sure the major manufacturers have R&D centres where these activities go on. If not with them, then how about the Formula One and motorsport industry in the Midlands?
Andy Gatenby
Many design engineer roles are designing the product rather than just the tooling. Many design engineer roles also have an element of development – that is, testing.
David Andrews
Powertrain parts design, either engine, turbo/fuel system, components or battery/fuel cell – there are quite a lot of jobs out there at the moment.
John Green
If you can’t identify a role in the automotive sector, try a totally lateral move and look into something like biomedical engineering!
Geoff Buck
I think you would be more likely to find a role with a Tier One component supplier rather than a company that assembles cars.
Gabriel Izienicki
A design role in electric vehicle teams – lightweighting is a key target, so use of composites is one of many potential solutions.
Ken
Want the best engineering stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Professional Engineering newsletter gives you vital updates on the most cutting-edge engineering and exciting new job opportunities. To sign up, click here.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.