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Want to design the next-gen electric car? Dream about tuning high-performance engines or reimagining the future of autonomous vehicles? Whatever the case, automotive engineering might be your pit stop. But is the field still booming in 2025? What roles are in demand? How technical do you need to be? And what is the real-world paycheck like? All these are fair questions. And we are ready to answer them all for you. We dug into the stats, scraped some insights from Jooble’s global job listings, and put together this no-fluff guide. So keep reading and pursue a successful career in automotive engineering today.
First Gear: What Is Automotive Engineering, Really?
At its core, automotive engineering blends mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to design, test, and build vehicles. That includes everything — from traditional cars and motorcycles to EVs, self-driving cars, and smart transportation systems. Here are some of the most common specializations:
- Powertrain engineering (engines, transmissions, drivetrains)
- Chassis and suspension systems
- Vehicle electronics and embedded systems
- HVAC and thermal systems
- Autonomous systems and AI integration
- Battery and electric power systems
- Manufacturing and production optimization
With the advent of software-defined vehicles, code is as important as torque characteristics. If you want to know what a mechanical engineer does, check out this article on Jooble, where you'll also find a lot of interesting things in this field.
Why the Automotive Industry Is Hiring in 2025
We can say for sure that the automotive engineering industry is developing extremely fast. You bet — there are so many drivers.
The EV Boom
Electric vehicles are no longer “the future;” they are the now. According to the IEA, EV sales are expected to hit 17 million units globally in 2025 — up from 14 million in 2023. That growth means companies need engineers who understand battery systems, electric motors, thermal management, and charging infrastructure.
Autonomous and Smart Systems
It is not just about Tesla anymore. Startups and big players are deep in the race to create Level 4 autonomous systems. This translates into hiring demand for perception and sensor engineers, AI and computer vision experts, real-time embedded developers, and systems engineers with robotics backgrounds.
Software-Defined Everything
Older cars had around 10 million lines of code. Now? Some modern vehicles top 100 million lines. The automotive field is becoming more software-centric than ever. If you can write embedded C++, run a Python model on sensor data, or debug CAN networks, your CV gets bumped to the top.
What Kinds of Jobs Are Out There?
We scanned Jooble’s listings in May 2025. Here are some of the most in-demand job types:
- EV systems engineers — Popular in Germany, Canada, and California. Focused on battery design, CAD modeling, and thermal systems.
- Embedded software engineers — Strong demand in Sweden, India, and the UK. Skills needed include C++, real-time OS knowledge, and ECU architecture.
- Vehicle dynamics engineers — Roles open in Japan, Michigan, and France. These positions require simulation tools like MATLAB and a solid grasp of mechanical tuning.
- ADAS & autonomous systems engineers — Found in the Netherlands, South Korea, and the UAE. Hiring for roles focused on sensor fusion, ROS, AI, and Python modeling.
- Manufacturing process engineers — Needed in Mexico, Hungary, and Thailand. Strong focus on lean manufacturing, CNC, and automation.
Use filters on Jooble to search by skill, region, or job type. It aggregates jobs from thousands of sources into one dashboard, so you are not hunting across 10 different tabs.
Degrees and Skills You’ll Need
Most automotive engineering jobs still require a Bachelor’s in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automotive Engineering. But in 2025, specialization is key. Technical skills that matter most. Here is what you will focus on:
- CAD and Simulation: SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, ANSYS, MATLAB/Simulink
- Embedded Development: C/C++, AUTOSAR, CAN protocols
- Battery and EV Tech: BMS, energy management, cell-level modeling
- Software & Controls: Python, ROS, control algorithms, AI/ML
- Bonus points for Agile team experience, systems thinking, and solid documentation habits
Internal data of Jooble shows that job listings asking for embedded or AI experience in auto engineering grew by 28% year-over-year in Q1 2025.
Salary Expectations in 2025
Here’s what automotive engineers are earning right now, based on Jooble and market research:
- USA — Mid-level salaries range from $85,000 to $110,000. Specialists in EVs or AI roles can make $140K or more.
- Germany — Typical salaries are around €60,000 to €90,000, with top-tier engineers earning over €110K.
- UK — £45,000 to £65,000 is the average range, but niche skill sets are pushing numbers past £80K.
- Canada — Expect $75,000 to $100,000 CAD for core roles, with $120K+ for high-demand skillsets.
Freelance contracts are on the rise too, especially in the electric and software domains. Many are fully remote, and Jooble's filters make them easy to find.
Who Is Hiring in 2025?
Automotive engineering jobs are not just about working for a traditional car company. The market is well packed. Today’s biggest employers are as follows:
- Legacy OEMs — Tesla, GM, Toyota, Ford, BMW, BYD
- Tier 1 suppliers — Bosch, Denso, Magna, Continental
- EV startups — Rivian, Lucid Motors, Nio, VinFast
- Tech-first auto companies — Mobileye, Cruise, Waymo, Zoox
- Mobility platforms — Uber ATG, Ola Electric, Bolt
There is also a rising trend in “non-auto” companies hiring automotive engineers. Think big tech, aerospace, or green energy firms looking to build smarter transport solutions.
How to Break In (Even Without 10 Years of Experience)
If you are just starting out or looking to switch from another technical field, here is how to ramp up quickly:
- Build portfolio projects — Design a suspension in SolidWorks, simulate battery cooling in MATLAB, or build a DIY sensor-based driving assistant with Arduino.
- Get certified — Short online courses in CATIA, AUTOSAR, EV systems, or ROS can make your application stand out.
- Apply smart — Use Jooble to find entry-level roles, internships, and apprenticeships. The platform supports filtering by skills, language, remote, and industry.
Final Lap: Should You Get Into Automotive Engineering in 2025?
Short answer? Yes, especially if you are looking for a mix of technical complexity, global demand, job security, and impactful innovation. With the green energy transition, EV race, and the rise of autonomous vehicles, automotive engineering is driving the future. Whether you are already deep in engineering or just revving up your career path, there is a clear track ahead. And Jooble makes it a whole lot easier to find your lane.