Chemical Engineers
Chemical engineers design or improve equipment or devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products. Develop new battery designs and improve current battery technologies. Design equipment and processes for large-scale manufacturing and in planning and testing the methods of battery manufacturing.
Electrical Engineers
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical components. Design the electrical circuitry that allows a gas engine to charge the battery and distribute the electricity from the battery to the electric motor. Design the heating and air-conditioning systems, vehicle lighting, and visual displays.
Materials Engineers
Materials engineers develop, process, and test materials used in electric vehicles. Many electric vehicles are made of newer materials that are lighter and stronger than those in traditional cars. Materials engineers may also incorporate environmentally friendly materials that are derived from plant-based materials or recycled materials.
Mechanical Engineers and Drafters
Mechanical engineers and drafters prepare detailed drawings that show how to assemble machinery and mechanical devices. They are responsible for producing visual guidelines that illustrate the construction methods for mechanical components of vehicles. Most drafters use CADD systems to prepare drawings.
Software Developers
Software developers apply the theories of computer science and mathematical analysis to create and evaluate software applications and systems that make the computers run. Modern vehicles are extensively computer-controlled, and software developers create the software that controls these vehicles. Additionally, hybrid and electric vehicles use on-board computers to produce and distribute the proper amount of electricity to power the vehicle in given conditions. The on-board computer also determines when to use the gasoline engine to power the vehicle and when to use the engine to recharge the battery.
Commercial and Industrial Engineers and Designers
Commercial and industrial engineers and designers responsible for the style, function, quality, and safety of vehicles.
Environmental and Safety Engineers
Environmental and safety engineers perform equipment safety design reviews, and hazard analysis, and ensure that production and operations processes are accompanied by acceptable health, safety, and environmental risk controls.
| Occupation | Number of Jobs (2020) | Employment Change (2020-2030) | Median Wage (2020) | Entry-Level Training Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineers | 26,300 | 9% | $108,540 per year; $52.18 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | 313,200 | 7% | $103,390 per year; $49.71 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Electromechanical Technicians | 13,400 | -2% | $59,800 per year; $28.75 per hour | Associate’s degree |
| Material Engineers | 25,100 | 8% | $95,640 per year; $45.98 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Mechanical Engineers | 299,200 | 7% | $90,160 per year; $43.35 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Drafters | 191,800 | -2% | $57,960 per year; $27.87 per hour | Associate’s degree |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 40,400 | 6% | $58,230 per year; $28.00 per hour | Associate’s degree |
| Software, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 1,847,900 | 22% | $110,140 per year; $52.95 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Industrial Engineers | 292,000 | 14% | $88,950 per year; $42.76 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Industrial Designers | 31,500 | 6% | $71,640 per year; $34.44 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Environmental Engineers | 52,300 | 4% | $92,120 per year; $44.29 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Health and Safety Engineers | 24,100 | 6% | $94,240 per year; $45.31 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer Programmers | 185,700 | -10% | $89,190 per year; $42.88 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer System Analysts | 607,800 | 7% | $93,730 per year; $45.06 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 66,200 | 2% | $119,560 per year; $57.48 per hour | Bachelor’s degree |