Detroit Public Library Career Employment & Information Center

Salaried Jobs with U.S. Automakers

Contents

Personnel Involved in Bringing a Car to Market:: -Management; -Designers; -Mechanical Engineers; -Electrical and Computer Engineers; -Chemists; -Chemical Engineers; -Drafters, CAD; -Engineering Technicians; -Industrial Engineers; -Industrial Production Managers; -Blue-Collar Worker Supervisors; -Advertising, Marketing, and PR Managers; -Economists and Marketing Research Analysts; -Customer Service and Call Center Staff; -Financial Managers; -Accountants and Auditors; -Computer Systems Analysts; -Computer Engineers, Computer Scientists; -Network Engineers; -Network Administrators and Computer Support Staff; -Computer Repairers; -Purchasing Agents and Managers; -Human Resources, Training, Labor Relations; -Secretaries and Administrative Support Staff

Personnel Involved in Bringing a Car to Market

Bringing a new car to market requires the efforts and expertise of many highly educated and experienced professionals.

Management

Management establishes the big picture and parameters that are to be followed in the design of a new vehicle. This includes market appeal, price, size and weight, fuel economy, and safety and pollution control features.

Auto industry job titles
Ford Motor Company Executive Officers: Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer.
Chrysler LLC: Chairman/CEO, several Vice Chairman/Presidents and multiple directors.
General Motors Corp.: Chairman/CEO, President/COO, Executive Vice President.

Getting the job
These jobs are usually filled through internal promotion and with the aid of headhunter firms, rather than via Web postings. Top managers in the making demonstrate competence in their area of expertise and rise through their chosen discipline (engineering, marketing, etc.), and then compete for management positions on the basis of leadership skills, education, and business and market savvy.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Top Executives

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Designers

Automotive Designers work with the "look" or styling of a car. They prepare perspectives sketches and renderings, develop 2D and 3D mock-ups of proposed designs, and follow the design process through to the final release of the clay model. While designers are not responsible for planning the mechanical details or electrical components, they must have a basic knowledge of engineering principles and also be familiar with the production capabilities of the manufacturer. For additional details, see I want to design cars! in the Exploring Auto Industry Careers section of this site.

Auto industry job titles
Designer, Industrial Designer, Creative Designer, Stylist

Where to look
Manufacturers and Suppliers: Be prepared to be recruited out of college. Also try engineering and technical services Staffing, Placement and Professional Services firms, Engineering and Design Services firms and, Industrial Design and Product Development Services.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Designers

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Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical Engineers design engines, transmissions, chassis, power-trains and other working parts for new vehicles and parts and components to upgrade the performance and technology used in older cars. The auto industry employs many mechanical engineers. Learn more about the work of mechanical engineers in the auto industry and in other fields at Discover Engineering.com.

Auto industry job titles
Product Design Engineer, Chassis Design Engineer, Powertrain Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Designer, Project Engineer, R&D Engineer, Plant Engineer, Release Engineer, and Quality Engineer.

Where to look
Manufacturers and OEM Parts Suppliers: Be prepared to be recruited out of college. Also try engineering and technical services Staffing, Placement and Professional Services firms, and Engineering and Design Services firms.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Mechanical Engineers

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Electrical and Computer Engineers

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of automotive electrical system, electronics. Computer engineers work to develop the "brains" or computers that control the engine so it runs at peak performance. Learn more about the work of electrical and computer engineers in the auto industry and in other fields at Discover Engineering.com.

Auto industry job titles
Product Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Plant Engineer, Controls or Automation Controls Engineer, R&D Engineer, Project Engineer, Contact Engineer, Quality Engineer, Test Engineer, Development Engineer, Hardware Engineer.

Where to look
Manufacturers and Suppliers: Be prepared to be recruited out of college. Also try engineering and technical services Staffing, Placement and Professional Services firms, and Engineering and Design Services firms.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 . Electrical and Electronics Engineers

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Chemists

Auto industry Chemists participate in the development and testing of new materials and processes.

Auto industry job titles
Analytical Chemist, Experimental Chemist, Research Chemist, Manufacturing Chemist, Technical Services Representative, Quality Assurance Manager.

Where to look
The auto industry does not employ a large number of chemists. There are some direct hire positions with the Manufacturers, the Suppliers, and with the consulting and services firms (like Henkel Surface Technologies) who serve the autos. Consult Kelly Services and Manpower Scientific for nationwide placement and contract chemist positions in many industries.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Chemists and Materials Scientists

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Chemical Engineers

Chemical Engineers work to develop the proper lubricants, gasoline, plastics, paint, and rubber to optimize the car's appearance, weight, performance, and reliable operation. They design the plants and processes that are used to manufacture automobiles. Learn more about the work of chemical engineers at Discover Engineering Online.

Auto industry job titles
Manufacturing Engineer, Project Engineer, Process Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Experimental Engineer, and R&D Engineer. Fuel Systems Handling or Controls Engineer, Application/Product/Project Engineers

Where to look
Manufacturers and Suppliers. Also try engineering and technical Staffing, Placement and Professional Services firms, especially Kelly Services and Manpower Scientific for nationwide placement and contract positions.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 . Chemical Engineers

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Drafters, CAD

Drafters use computer-aided design (CAD) and other techniques at various points in the design and development process to prepare complex technical drawings and plans. They may also use computer graphics to produce 3D CAD models. Auto industry drafters need to be familiar with fabrication techniques to ensure adherence to project plans and time schedules.

Auto industry job titles
CAD Specialist, Drafter, Detail Drafter, CAD Designer, AutoCad Technician, Catia Designer, Unigraphics Designer.

Where to look
Much of the drafting work formerly done by 2-year degree people is now done by contractors supplied by engineering and technical services Staffing, Placement and Professional Services firms. In other instances it along with much of the design and engineering work is outsourced to Engineering and Design Services firms, and to Industrial Design and Product Development Service firms. Increasingly, CAD is simply a software tool used by design and product engineers.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Drafters

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Engineering Technicians

Engineering Technicians (ETs) assist engineers and scientists, especially in product design, development, or production. Some make prototype versions of newly designed equipment. They often use computer-aided design systems. ETs also work in quality control inspecting products and processes, conducting tests, or collecting data. Some ETs specialize as either mechanical or electrical technicians.

Auto industry job titles
Mechanical Engineering Technician, Electrical Engineering Technician, test Technician, Quality Technician, Prototype Vehicle Technician.

Where to look
Manufacturers and Suppliers: Be prepared to be recruited out of college. Also try engineering and technical services Staffing, Placement and Professional Services firms, and Engineering and Design Services firms.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Engineering Technicians (ETs)

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Industrial Engineers

Industrial Engineers ensure that the workers in the plant have the correct tools, training and materials to get their jobs done efficiently, safely and with high quality. Industrial engineers are more concerned with increasing productivity through the management of people, business methods, and technology than are engineers in other specialties, who generally work more with products or processes. Consult the Web site of the Institute of Industrial Engineers to learn more About Industrial Engineering.

Auto industry job titles
Industrial Engineer, Plant Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Project Engineer, Process Engineer, Supplier Cost Engineer, and recently a new sub-specialty, Ergonomics Engineer.

Where to look
Manufacturers and Suppliers: Be prepared to be recruited out of college. Also try engineering and technical Services Staffing, Placement and Professional Services firms.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Industrial Engineers.

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Industrial Production Managers

Industrial Production Managers coordinate production resources and activities. They are responsible for production scheduling, staffing, equipment, quality control, and inventory control.

Auto industry job titles

Where to look
Manufacturers and Suppliers: Be prepared to be recruited out of college. Also try engineering and technical services Staffing, Placement and Professional Services firms. Management Recruiters International is worth looking at.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Industrial Production Managers.

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Blue-Collar Worker Supervisors

Blue-Collar Worker Supervisors make sure machinery is set up correctly, schedule or perform repairs and maintenance work, create work schedules, keep production and employee records, monitor employees, and ensure that work is done correctly and on time. In addition, they organize workers’ activities, make necessary adjustments to ensure that work continues uninterrupted, train new workers, and ensure the existence of a safe working environment.

Auto industry job titles
Maintenance Supervisor, Plant Maintenance Supervisor, Press Shop Supervisor.

Where to look
Michigan Talent Bank. Also try the Manufacturers and the OEM Parts Suppliers.

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Advertising, Marketing, and PR Managers

Advertising, Marketing, and PR Managers coordinate the market research, marketing strategy, sales, advertising, promotion, pricing, product development, and public relations activities.

Auto industry job titles
Product Manager, Brand Relationship Manager, Brand Promotional Coordinator, Brand Advertising Manager, Market Development Manager, Marketing Manager, Leader of Marketing Services, Sales Manager, Business Strategy Analyst, Business Development Analyst, Media - Graphic Designer, Outbound Call Manager, Call Center Operations Manager, Wireless Services Delivery Manager, Wireless Billing Operations Manager, District Sales Manager, Customer Satisfaction Manager, Corporate Communications Manager, Public Relations Account Manager, Public Relations Coordinator.

Where to look
Manufacturers and Suppliers. Approach independent Advertising agencies and Marketing and telebusiness firms. Also Customer Service and Call Center Management providers since the customer service function is so widely outsourced. Entry-level positions tend to be filled by interns.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Advertising, Marketing, and PR Managers

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Economists and Marketing Research Analysts

Economists and Marketing Research Analysts provide management with the information needed to make decisions on the promotion, distribution, design, and pricing of company products or services. Economists focus on monitoring economic trends and developing forecasts. They research issues such as energy costs, inflation, interest rates, imports, and employment levels. Marketing research analysts are concerned with the potential sales of a product or service. They analyze statistical data on past sales to predict future sales. They gather data on competitors and analyze prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution.

Auto industry job titles
Business Market Researcher, Business Development Specialist, Brand Research Analyst, Data Miner, and Data Warehouse Specialist.

Where to look
Manufacturers and Suppliers. Also approach independent Marketing and Market Research service providers.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Economists and Market and Survey Researchers

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Customer Service and Call Center Staff

Customer Service and Call Center Representatives provide customer care via traditional call centers or in real-time via the Web. They accept and process customer orders, facilitate customer inquiries and concerns and adjust customers' accounts. They initiate and monitor corrective actions as needed. They explain how a service or product meets the customer's needs and answer questions about the nature and cost of the service. Customer Service Reps are tied to both Marketing and Finance Departments.

Auto industry job titles
Customer Service Representative, Call Center Representative, Technical Customer Service, Product Support Specialist, Sales Operations Support Specialist, Call Center Agent, Warranty Claims Adjuster, Leasing Analyst

Where to look
Few direct hires by the auto manufacturers. Some hiring by the Suppliers. The majority of these jobs are outsourced to Customer Service and Call Center Management service providers. The marketing and communications arms of Advertising agencies frequently offer these services.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Customer Service Representatives

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Financial Managers

Financial Managers oversee the preparation of financial reports, direct investment activities, and implement cash management strategies. They perform data analysis and use it to offer ideas to management on how to maximize profits. Finance manager work in a cross-functional environment (Finance, Purchasing, Engineering, External Suppliers, etc.), and it is not uncommon for managers to also have a degree in engineering.

Auto industry job titles
Mid-level positions: Financial Analyst, Business Analyst, Cost Estimator, Financial Analysis Coordinator, Service Planning & Development Specialist, Senior Tax Specialist. Entry-level positions: Financial Analyst, Cost Analyst.

Where to look
Top financial managers or officers (Chief Financial Officer, V.P. for Finance, Treasurer, Controller, etc.) are usually filled through internal promotion or with the aid of headhunter firms, rather than via Web postings. The manufacturers appear to prefer recruiting entry-level people out of college. Prepare to be brilliant because the paper-pushing jobs are being eliminated by technology. People competing for mid-level positions with experience or course work in telecommunications, Internet services, e-business or a high tech start-up currently have an advantage. All sectors of the auto industry are looking for top talent.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Financial Managers

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Accountants and Auditors

Accountants prepare, analyze, and interpret the financial information needed by corporate executives to make sound business decisions. Accountants are often employed for finance jobs with responsibility for budgeting, performance evaluation, cost management, and asset management.

Auto industry job titles
Cost Accountant, Accounts Payable Accountant, Financial Analyst

Where to look
Persons with four-year accounting degrees are hired by the automotive Manufacturers for entry-level finance and business positions through the college recruitment process, and then given the opportunity to move up through the ranks. The tier one Suppliers employ similar practices but are apt to fill mid-level positions with direct hires who have experience with large accounting software systems. All of the automotives engage independent Accounting firms to conduct financial audits. These firms and the Finance, Accounting Staffing & Placement firms supply accounting staff to all segments of the auto industry.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Accountants

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Computer Systems Analysts, Computer Engineers, and Computer Scientists

Systems Analysts, Computer Engineers, and Computer Scientists design, develop, and install hardware and software systems for handling corporate business operations, manufacturing, R&D, sales, etc. Currently many of these functions are moving to the Internet spawning many new specialties and job titles.

Auto industry job titles
Systems Analysts, Programmer Analysts, Programmers, Computer Hardware Engineers, Software Engineers, Software Developers, Database Administrators, Project Managers, Project Leaders, Network Engineers, Network Systems and Data Analysts, Data Communications Analysts, Web Developers, Webmasters. This is an area where jobs tasks and job titles are evolving rapidly, reflecting changing technology and new areas of specialization.

Where to look
All sectors of the auto industry, however given the auto industry's heavy reliance on outsourcing, try the information technology Staffing, Placement and Professional Services firms, the information technology Consulting and Outsourcing Services firms, the Management and Business Process Consulting firms, the large job search sites, and niche sites like DICE that specialize in IT contract recruitment.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Computer Systems Analysts, Computer Engineers, and Computer Scientists

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Computer Systems Design

Given the rapid growth in computer-related careers, consult industry surveys such as the ones provided by the Wall Street Journal's CareerJournal.com for the most up-to-date and inclusive earnings information.

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Network Engineers

Network Engineers design, develop, test and maintain the internal networks that link computers, peripherals, communication equipment and video equipment using cabling or wireless transmissions and software for handling corporate business operations, manufacturing, R&D, sales, etc. They are also responsible for external network connectivity (e.g. Internet, extranet, ANX, and virtual private network services). Job assignments could encompass those of a network administrator, but are usually broader in scope. Network engineers usually have an electrical engineering or a computer science degree, and become a "network engineer" by obtaining professional certifications and by working in the field.

Auto industry job titles
Systems Engineer, Systems Support Engineer, Network Operations & Infrastructure Manager, Infrastructure Development Engineer, Internet and Firewall Planner, Technology Architect, Voice Telecommunications Planner, Applications Developer. Staffing companies are apt to post as Network Engineer.

Where to look
The Manufacturers and the Suppliers employ some network engineers to develop their Intranet and extranets. Direct hires tend to be for the manager jobs. BrassRing.com is a niche site worth looking at. You can try the staffing, placement and professional services companies like TEKSystems, Manpower, and Kelly Services for network engineer jobs, currently in just about every location except Michigan. Monster.com has listings for staffing and consulting firms, again mostly outside the auto industry and outside of Michigan. The introduction of in-car personal assistance services packages (like GM OnStar) using cellular telephone and satellite technologies, should increase both direct hire and contract opportunities for network engineers. Currently the telecommunications companies are the largest employers of network engineers.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Computer Systems Analysts, Computer Engineers, and Computer Scientists

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Network Administrators and Computer Support Staff

Network Administrators and support staff install, maintain, monitor, and upgrade company and institution computer networks, including Internet services. They are responsible for network security and troubleshooting, hardware and software configuration, TCP/IP configuration, back-ups, and internal and external Web sites. Network support techs assist in all of the above. Computer Support Staff provide technical assistance, support, and advice to users for hardware, software and systems, answering calls, troubleshooting, eduating users, and installing, modifying, cleaning and repairing hardware and software. A+ (or ACT) Certification has become the entry-level credential.

Auto industry job titles
Network Administrator, Network Support Specialist, Network Analyst, Windows NT Systems Administrator, WAN Specialist, LAN Specialist. Security Speialist, Network Technician, Network Support Technician. Job titles for Computer Support Staff include Computer Support Specialists, Technical Support Specialists, and Help-Desk Technicians

Where to look
Try some of the Suppliers. The Manufactuers appear to hire some workers for jobs where network administration is one component of a broader more inclusive position, and outsource the rest. The network support tech jobs are usually outsourced or filled by vendors. Try the information technology staffing and services firms like TEKSystems, The Epitec Group, MSXI. Also try Monster.com.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators.

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Computer Repairers

Computer Repairers maintain mainframe and PCs, printers and other peripheral equipment. Computer repair techs primarily provide hands-on repair service.

Auto industry job titles
PC Technician, Field Technician, Technical Support Specialist.

Where to look
The auto manufacturers and tier one suppliers tend to outsource PC maintenance, frequently to whatever vendor is supplying them with machines. The vendors in turn get people from various staffing services, not necessarily the larger ones that supply the auto industry. Try Monster.com and the Michigan Talent Bank.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers

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Purchasing Agents and Managers

Purchasing Agents and Managers seek to obtain the highest quality materials and equipment at the lowest possible purchase cost. See the Ford Motor Company Career Programs page for an example of the purchasing function within the automotive industry.

Auto industry job titles
Buyer, Assistant Buyer, Associate Buyer, Buyer/Planner, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Manager, Procurement Manager, Technical Sourcing Manager, Purchasing Engineer, Purchasing Analyst, Procurement Analyst, Materials Manager.

Where to look
Some direct hires by the autos, however growing attempts to integrate supply chains may shift more responsibility for purchasing and inventory management to distributors and outsourcers. Try Monster.com, Kelly Services, and CareerBuilder.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents

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Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists and Managers

Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists and Managers recruit, interview and hire employees. They also help their firms effectively use employee skills, provide training opportunities to enhance those skills, and attempt to boost employee satisfaction with their jobs and working conditions.

Auto industry job titles
Human Resources Manager, Benefits Coordinator, Training Supervisor, and mid-to-entry level, Labor Relations Specialist, Compensation Specialist and Personnel Representative.

Where to look
Good starting points would be the contract and professional Engineering and Technical Services firms, Information Technology and Information Services firms, and the Network Systems and Services firms to which the Big Three and many of the Tier One suppliers have outsourced many HR function. The Manufacturers and Suppliers will continue to have some people in HR management positions, mostly corporate. HR people in the plants are few and perform mainly as record keepers and process minders, functions done quite well by the powerful enterprise software packages that are becoming common throughout the industry. People engaged in training will have some opportunities but should keep abreast of developments in the emerging e-learning industry.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Human Resources, Training, and Labor Relations Specialists and Managers

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Secretaries and Administrative Support Staff

Secretaries and Administrative Support Staff schedule appointments, provide information to callers, organize and maintain paper and electronic files, manage projects, and produce correspondence, and serve as an information clearinghouse for an office. They may also prepare correspondence, handle travel arrangements, contact clients, and ensure that information is disseminated to staff and clients.

Auto industry job titles
Administrative Assistant, Administrative Support Specialist, Administrative Secretary, Executive Secretary.

Where to look
Some clerical positions continue to be filled by employees, but because the Big Three increasingly rely on contract clerical workers, staffing firms might be the best place to look for employment. Many of the agencies list jobs with Monster.Com or the Michigan Talent Bank.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07. Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

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