March 31, 2022
Many people look at the high-tech auto and mobility industry and think only of engineers and mechanics working on auto manufacturing, but there are actually plenty of other jobs available in the automotive field that don’t involve building cars or fixing them up – or an engineering degree!
There are service technicians, quality control managers, and even marketing specialists who help promote vehicles to customers, all of which hold entry-level to senior-level jobs. These jobs can vary greatly depending on the company you work for and your exact role, but this guide to non-engineering jobs in high-tech auto and mobility will give you an idea of what kinds of careers might be out there for you if you’re looking to enter the automotive industry without having to go back to school first!
Every job in the automotive industry comes with its own list of duties, but one thing remains consistent: quality control. Every department performs some level of quality control to ensure that the cars and trucks rolling off the assembly line meet manufacturer specifications, as well as to avoid recalls, ensure a great customer experience with the brand, and maintain the manufacturer’s reputation. Although there are many departments in the high-tech auto and mobility industry where you can find a job in quality control, with the new demand for hybrid and electrical vehicles and the high-tech parts that come with those, there’s a growing need for quality control there.
Not all jobs in the automotive industry are engineering or design jobs. The automotive industry is also full of people responsible for marketing, helping to promote not only the products but also the brands that support them. Whether you’re interested in social media, graphic design, or communications, plenty of opportunities are available.
Customer service jobs are most associated with automotive dealerships, but there are many positions in the industry. You may be employed by a dealership or by an auto manufacturer. Regardless of your job duties, it’s likely that you’ll interact with customers regularly. The nature of your position will largely depend on what product(s) you sell and how long you have been in the industry.
There are many different jobs in the automotive industry, but one of the most in-demand, high-tech jobs is data management. Auto companies like Autokiniton, Bollinger Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Magna are collecting all kinds of data from various departments, including online research and sales as well as client surveys and feedback. Data management managers then analyze that information to make predictions and offer suggestions on how to improve their products and services based on customer trends.
Sales and business development roles may not be what comes to mind when you think about automotive careers, but they do offer a lot of opportunities for those interested in working with cars and the high-tech auto industry. These positions exist at both Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other companies involved in automotive sales, with varied workdays and duties depending on the company.
The automotive industry is undergoing rapid change in terms of digitalization (hence, high-tech auto and mobility). The development of software and IT systems has become critical to the success of manufacturers and suppliers. Those who have the expertise can make a solid career in the automotive industry as long as they know where to look for job opportunities. Some of the most sought-after jobs are with automakers and high-tech auto suppliers – particularly those specializing in driverless technologies – which will continue to draw interest from data scientists, business analysts, product managers, developers, and software engineers.
High-tech companies like Google, Apple and Facebook are all innovating quickly, and the automotive industry is doing the same. In fact, it’s one of the most innovative industries around. Many companies are sourcing a more varied and diverse talent pool to meet rising consumer demand for self-driving cars and cutting-edge electronics built into vehicles, so human resource jobs are uber important. Because some elements of the high-tech auto and mobility industry can be very technical, having an interest or background in the industry can help as an HR pro.
Facilities management is one of the most common non-engineering jobs in the automotive industry. A facilities manager keeps an auto company’s buildings and grounds in good condition, especially for vehicle testing, research, and development.
So, if you’re not an engineer and are interested in working in the automotive industry, don’t worry – there are plenty of other jobs available! Check out our job board to find your next opportunity in Detroit’s thriving automotive industry. It’s updated daily with positions from many of the high-tech auto and mobility companies in the region, ranging from engineering, project management, HR, IT, communications, and more!
Written by Krishaun Burns, Let’s Detroit
