Automobile designers are engineers who create new designs for vehicles with the help of car design software and improve their design and functionality.
In doing so, they should take into account the safety of the vehicle and operate within the given parameters. They are only responsible for producing a good looking and comfortable vehicle that attracts customers.
In this topic, we will learn about career in automobile design. When you search for the word "automobile", the result you get is "a car" and it suddenly becomes easier for you.
We’ve all seen cars, and many of us will have one. But when you go into its depths, you hear many words like combustion engine, suspension, propulsion system etc. and then it becomes difficult.
Automobiles are not as simple as they are supposed to be; It is complex machinery. Multiple internal systems are used simultaneously. A team of highly skilled and qualified professionals is employed for the production of automobiles.
Is a professional designer in vehicle manufacturing. In a sense, they are the originators of automobile manufacturing.
Roles and responsibilities of automotive designers
Draft design of automobile parts, assemblies and systems using drawings, models and prototypes.
Work primarily to improve the visual appearance of the vehicle.
Automobile designers work in one of three areas - interior designing, exterior designing or paint and trim design.
Must have detailed knowledge of hydraulic, electric and mechanical systems used in the vehicle.
Create designs with details of sizes and colors using computer aided design software.
The overall need of the customer should be understood and extensive research should be done on the use of the design and its production.
A career path in automobile design
Automotive engineering requires creativity. There should be real interest and passion for automobiles. They must have vision and the ability to see out of the box.
Automotive designing is a very competitive field; A high-level academic degree is useful when looking for an entry-level job. When applying to become an automobile designer, a person must have at least a bachelor's degree in industrial design.
Specialized schools with close ties to automobile companies and established universities that design well-respected programs in the industry are both good choices.
Most courses focus on vehicle design, vehicle functionality and its mobility. Therefore, it is important to choose the college as well as the courses offered by them carefully.
In addition to having a college degree, it is important to gain work experience in and around vehicles. If possible, spend some time in the vehicle shop to see how the vehicles assemble and work.
Doing an internship definitely helps to increase a person's knowledge and enthusiasm in vehicle production. And not just for the knowledge, the person can leave an impression during their internship, which can be useful later in their employment process.
Some designers prefer to get a master's degree in the possibility of getting a higher salary. As the competition is fierce, a higher education degree is beneficial for getting a job.
Learning a different language will be beneficial and an add-on to your portfolio as there are many automobile industries located in different parts of the world.
Job positions or fields of application for a career in automobile design
Typically, an automobile designer works with a styling team during the vehicle design process.
At the entry level, an automobile designer works as an interior designer or exterior designer. The main focus of the interior designer is to make the interior of the vehicle as comfortable and functional as possible.
Exterior designers draw what the vehicle's exterior structure should look like and then, digitally convert that design. They then shape their composition into three dimensions.
As his career progresses, he may be promoted to the position of Chief Designer, Manager, Prototype Engineer.
Wages
The report, submitted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), did not specify a specific salary. However, it states that the average annual salary of industrial designers in May 2017 was just over $ 65,000. A designer's salary can vary depending on various parameters such as experience, employer and location.
Education required to build a career in automobile design
A minimum bachelor's degree in industrial design is required to get a job as an automobile designer.
Some previous experiences will always look good in the portfolio.
A good knowledge of mathematics and a good understanding of computer aided design (CAD) software can help in gaining employment.
Skills required for a career in automobile design
To be a skilled designer, a person must be visually creative, have a good imagination and be able to think outside the box.
Good communication skills are required to convey your ideas to clients and your superiors and to understand their needs.