What Tasks Does An Electrical Engineer Perform In An Automotive Company?

Last Updated on January 25, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim

When an electrical engineer works in an automotive company he has different responsibilities and tasks concerning the most important aspects of a car. The responsibilities here relate to the design, testing, and troubleshooting of the various electrical controls. These electrical controls are mainly located inside the engine so it is a very important position. 

Key Takeaways

• The main job responsibilities of an electrical engineer in an automotive company are to design, develop, and testing of electrical systems and components for vehicles
• An electrical engineer tests various electrical systems like powertrain control, lighting, etc.
• An electrical engineer might have to integrate electrical systems into vehicles and then validate the system
• An electrical engineer in an automotive company works on advanced technologies like electric and hybrid vehicle systems

Main Tasks Of An Electrical Engineer In A Car Manufacturing Plant

Tasks	Description
Equipment And Systems Development	Electrical engineers need to constantly develop electrical systems and equipment that will be implemented on cars in manufacturing.
Compliance With Quality Standards	Each car manufacturer imposes certain quality standards that electrical engineers must meet.
Data Collection And Report Writing	Data collection allows reports to be written to troubleshoot different problems in an electrical system or to continue to develop new technological advancements.
Procurement Of Materials And Equipment	Electrical engineers also determine the number of materials and equipment required for the production of an automobile.
Supervision And Teamwork	Teamwork and supervision of all members of an automotive project must involve electrical engineers.

Responsibilities Of An Electrical Engineer

An automotive company as well as any other industry requires a set of engineers to develop and function. In this sense, electrical engineers are one of the fundamental parts when it comes to developing a car’s electrical system. Even today’s car electrical systems are much more efficient than they used to be.

Some car manufacturers may consider electrical engineers more or less important than other important positions. One of the manufacturers that are most interested in electrical engineers and their developments is Tesla. This company is dedicated exclusively to the development of all-electric vehicles. 

Therefore, the main responsibilities of an electrical engineer within an automotive company are as follows.

1. Development Of Electrical Systems And Equipment

In this case, engineers must be in charge of the design, maintenance, implementation, and optimization phase of each of the electrical systems and equipment developed. Of course, this is a fundamental task when we are talking about the development of a new vehicle.

Everyone who buys an all-electric vehicle will notice that the electrical systems of these vehicles are much more sophisticated than traditional internal combustion vehicles. So here the task of electrical engineers presents a greater difficulty and responsibility throughout the entire production process. 

Some Important Elements Found In This Category Are:

1. Electrical instruments

2. Electrical installations

3. Components

4. Industrial electrical systems

5. Various types of equipment

1. Advanced Engineering Tasks

There are many engineering tasks in the middle of the production process of electrical systems and products in general. This large number of tasks requires the operation of specific software and design equipment for proper development. So here the different engineers are assisted by computers that allow them to develop high levels of precision in each job.

2. Discussion Of Current Projects And Products

The electrical engineers are also highly trained to be able to discuss different projects and products that have already been developed. To do so, they can consult engineers and customers from a wide variety of people.

In this way, electrical engineers are up to date on existing projects and all potentially available projects and products. Many of these engineers can count on a high level of analysis to take a set of good ideas from different projects and products.

3. Meeting Requirements And Quality Standards

One of the most important aspects of the production process of any product is compliance with quality standards. Electrical engineers must be by the requirements of each manufacturer when developing electrical systems.

These considerations are also taken into account when technical drawings of a car design are required. So, that the operations and installation of a car’s electrical system can be performed in a more efficient way avoiding different inconveniences.

4. Standards Development

Electrical engineers are also trained to set certain standards in the manufacturing of a car. These standards are important to decrease the production time required for each vehicle. Besides, these standards are used in various batches of cars so their development is essential.

To be able to do this, a lot of detailed calculations are taken into consideration that only electrical engineers know. In this way, they can install, fabricate or build the various aspects of a car’s electrical system or the entire structure as a whole.

5. Coordination Of Activities

Electrical engineers are also aware of the production process of a car. Specifically, they are interested in all the tasks related to the electrical system of each vehicle. Thus, electrical engineers must ensure that the various requirements, specifications, or codes of each manufacturer are met.

So, this is an inspection function at various points in the production process of a car. They also need to coordinate the maintenance, manufacturing, and installation activities of an electrical system in a car. 

6. Drafting And Data Collection

The collection of data that relates to the development of a car’s electrical system is one of the most important processes. An electrical engineer uses all this data to write reports about the specifications of the development of a car.

In this way, it is possible to solve different problems that may arise in the production process. It is also the way to be able to continue obtaining new technological developments about the electrical part of a car. 

7. Purchase Of Materials And Electrical Equipment And Budgeting.

The development of a car is tied to certain components such as time and budget. Electrical engineers are also in charge of purchasing each of the materials and electrical equipment necessary for the development of a car. 

Along with this, the development of a car also involves electrical engineers when it comes to budgeting. These estimates include every aspect necessary for the development of a car, such as all materials, the manufacturing process, and labor.

8. Electrical Equipment And Maintenance

Electrical engineers must also be responsible for implementing certain maintenance to the various systems used in the manufacturing process. Many electrical engineers could work on other types of maintenance related to the automotive industry.

9. Teamwork

Another important task of an electrical engineer in the automotive industry is the supervision and training of the different members of a team. So, some electrical engineers are experienced enough to have subordinates. Supervision and training are important for the proper development of an automotive project.

It is also necessary for electrical engineers to work with other technicians in other specialties. A vehicle is not just about the electrical system. Generally, a car development team is made up of several engineers. 

References:

https://www.zippia.com/electrical-engineer-jobs/what-does-an-electrical-engineer-do/

https://www.zippia.com/electrical-engineer-jobs/what-does-an-electrical-engineer-do/