So I just graduated with an MS in aeronautical engineering and have to face the scary scary real world, which means finding a job. I've always been into cars, love Subarus, and have a lot of experience with computer hardware and electronics in general, but have no professional experience working with cars. One thing I know for sure is that I don't want to work for uncle Sam or a humongous dinosaur like Boeing or GM. What options are out there? How do you get into a small automotive engineering company? What kinds of things can I expect to be doing? How much can I expect to get paid? Money is not that important to me and I'd rather be doing something I love for less than be depressed with a well-paying, but boring job. Some examples of ideal jobs: vehicle electronics group at BMW (or Porsche or whatever), working with data acquisition and testing equipment at Ferrari (veering off into fantasy land), working on HEVs for Honda or Toyota. However, I'd also be interested in, say, engine tuning for a tuner company (Subaru of course!!!). Anyways, I feel like I'm at a cross roads, dangerously close to getting stuck in a cubicle for the rest of my life and that scares the s##t out of me. If any one has any words of wisdom, please share!

 

There are at least two schools of thought on your dilemma - 1) that you search high and low for those companies or research firms that meet your criteria for mentally stimulating employment, or 2) get hired by a company doing a job that isn't very exciting but can be tolerated for the outstanding pay and benefits and long-term job security.

It's not always possible to find a job that both pays well and is interesting every day at work. I would lean more towards finding a job that pays well and has a good work atmosphere. Finding a company that treats you right, with other employees that are easy to get along with goes a long way to making a good work experience. If you can find a job that meets all of your expectations for R&D in the automotive world, that would be great. If not, take a higher paying job and use the extra money towards your personal interests and leisure time. Having some money to work with might allow you to start up your own business in a field that interests you.

Other factors might come into play such as marriage and kids in the future. Whatever job you take initially, think about where you want to be after five or ten years. Take more chances with different jobs when you're young and single but start your financial planning with that first pay check.

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"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

I completely agree with you about a good atmosphere and working with people you like. Also, the boss can make all the difference. And, of course, you try to find the best paying job out of the ones you like. What I am trying to find out is what are some good companies to consider? Are there many such companies in California and around the Bay Area. I know Honda and VW have research centers here, but what about smaller companies? TIA

 

i don't understand your facination with the smaller companies...wouldn't larger and more developed companies offer you more options (street cars, racing division, research adn development) and better funding anyways? aeronautical engineering should be a great key to open doors for you. i know toyota has a development position for recent grads...its like doing a residential in a hospital if you were becoming a doctor. you do mini projects in diffrent departments then figure out where you wanna specialize...or something like that.

 

Don't stress out. If you have a few false starts in the beginning, it's all good as long as it helps you find a job you can be happy in. I'd say aim for a high profile company to get some work experience on your resume, and possibly you'll find your dream job in that company.

 

The reason I want to try a small company is because I've interned several times in big companies, like Lockheed Martin and, while they have A LOT of resources, they just lack the liveliness of a small group of really enthusiastic engineers. Often times you find yourself chatting with your coworkers, waiting for the next coffee break. Then, there's the really long command chain that works like a bad phone line - by the time the orders get down to you, they are distorted and you have no idea of what your job is. Yeah, it's a secure job, but it's not for me. Now, take Scaled Composites - the company that designed and launched Space Ship One last fall. I think that's awesome. I think that's the epitome of great engineering. If there was a company like this in the automotive industry (and I'm sure there is), I'd work for them for free!!! (ok, not free, maybe for food and housing :-))

 

Like?

 

Like American Honda or a Toyota manufacturing facility like nummi. I don't how much engineering Honda does in the states, but I know they have offices in Southern CA.

In the Bay Area, CA, Toyota has a plant. While you might not get the specific experience you were dreaming of, a high profile job might help you later in your career.

 

Thanks to all of you for advice.