Entry-Level Automotive Engineering Jobs

Breaking into automotive engineering is like stepping into the fast lane of innovation. Whether you’re starting your career after graduation or making a bold pivot into this ever-evolving sector, entry-level roles offer exciting opportunities that combine hands-on experience with future-focused projects. Here’s a guide to some of the top roles that could launch your automotive career.

Discover your next role with automotive engineering recruitment at Matchtech.

Graduate Design Engineer

If creativity is your strength and you have bold ideas for how vehicles should look and feel, a graduate design engineer role could be your launchpad. Collaborate with experienced designers and engineers, refining concepts with cutting-edge CAD tools. This is where design meets precision, shaping the future of automotive styling and functionality.

"Design Engineers bring ideas to life. Their ability to translate concepts into fully realised designs makes them crucial to the industry's progress," says Dan Tchupan, Specialist Automotive Recruiter at Matchtech.

[Explore Graduate Design Engineer Jobs]

Junior Test Engineer

Safety, quality, and trust are at the heart of automotive engineering. As a junior test engineer, you ensure components and entire systems meet rigorous standards before vehicles hit the road. This hands-on role offers a front-row seat to quality assurance and safety practices.

"Junior test engineers are guardians of safety and quality. Their precision ensures vehicles are ready for modern driving demands," explains Dan Tchupan.

[Discover Junior Test Engineer Jobs]

Vehicle Technician / Engineering Technician

Vehicle technicians play a vital role in keeping cars running safely and efficiently. Supporting engineers with diagnostics, repair, and Level 2 Light Vehicle Maintenance, this hands-on position blends practical work with problem-solving. It’s ideal for anyone looking to start a career in vehicle care, testing, and performance optimisation.

"Vehicle and engineering technicians are the backbone of automotive operations. They combine hands-on maintenance skills with technical knowledge to ensure every vehicle performs at its best," says Dan Tchupan.

[Browse Vehicle Technician & Engineering Technician Jobs]

Junior Software Developer

The automotive sector is increasingly technology-driven, and junior software developers are at the forefront. From coding advanced software to enabling intelligent vehicle systems, this role helps connect drivers, vehicles, and the world around them.

"Junior software developers build the digital backbone that turns vehicles into intelligent machines," highlights Dan Tchupan.

[View Junior Software Developer Jobs]

Junior Project Coordinator

Junior project coordinators ensure resources, timelines, and milestones align for successful project delivery. Collaborating with engineers, clients, and supply chains, you become the glue that keeps projects on track. Strong customer service skills also play a key role here in managing stakeholder expectations.

"Junior project coordinators keep the wheels turning - building bridges across teams and ensuring projects stay on track," notes Dan Tchupan.

[Join as a Junior Project Coordinator]

Manufacturing Technician

Hands-on and practical? Manufacturing technicians bring blueprints to life, operate specialised equipment, and maintain efficiency on production lines. This role is vital in turning automotive designs into real-world vehicles.

"Manufacturing technicians are the backbone of production. Nothing reaches the road without their expertise," says Dan Tchupan.

[Explore Manufacturing Technician Jobs]

CAD Technician

CAD technicians transform concepts into detailed technical drawings, schematics, and 3D models. Working closely with engineers, they ensure designs are accurate, precise, and ready for production.

"CAD technicians are precision experts, turning ideas into actionable designs that drive the industry's progress," explains Dan Tchupan.

[Browse CAD Technician Positions]

Jumpstart Your Automotive Career

Entry-level roles in automotive engineering provide hands-on experience, exposure to innovation, and opportunities to shape the future of mobility. Whether you aim to design vehicles, guarantee safety, or develop software solutions, these positions offer a strong foundation for your automotive career.

Explore automotive jobs today or visit our automotive industry recruitment page for expert insights and opportunities that keep you ahead of the curve.