What is a vehicle controls engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Jiayue Shen,

John Dolan

A vehicle controls engineer designs and develops the software and hardware systems that control a vehicle's functions, including acceleration, braking, steering, and more. They collaborate with other engineers to create and test prototypes and ensure that the vehicle meets safety and performance standards. Vehicle controls engineers also use computer simulations to predict how a vehicle will behave in different conditions and work to improve its handling, stability, and fuel efficiency.

What general advice would you give to a vehicle controls engineer?

Jiayue Shen

Mechanical Engineering Technology Program Coordinator

To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in Mechanical Engineering Technology, contemplate acquiring certifications like the FE or PE license, or additional training in high-demand specialized areas such as semiconductors. Moreover, gaining practical experience through academic clubs, undergraduate research, internships, or co-op programs can increase your appeal to employers, potentially resulting in higher salary offers.

ScoreVehicle Controls EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.6

Avg. Salary $98,897

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.4

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.11%

Asian 16.89%

Black or African American 3.08%

Hispanic or Latino 7.85%

Unknown 4.51%

White 67.56%

Gender

female 13.82%

male 86.18%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a vehicle controls engineer?

Pros

Collaborating with a team of highly skilled professionals
Possibility for career growth and advancement
Ability to see your work come to life in real-world applications
Potential for travel and international work experience
Chance to make a positive impact on society by improving vehicle safety and efficiency

Cons

Long hours and tight deadlines may lead to a high-pressure work environment
May need to work in noisy or uncomfortable environments (e.g. test facilities)
High level of responsibility and accountability for ensuring safety and reliability of systems
Limited opportunities for creativity due to strict design constraints and regulations
Potential for high stress levels due to the critical nature of the work

Key steps to become a vehicle controls engineer

Explore vehicle controls engineer education requirements

Most common vehicle controls engineer degrees

Bachelor's

66.4 %

Master's

22.1 %

Associate

5.7 %

Start to develop specific vehicle controls engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
CANalyzer	12.66%
Vehicle Dynamics	11.87%
Control Systems	11.42%
Control Algorithms	8.31%
Data Analysis	6.51%

Complete relevant vehicle controls engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New vehicle controls engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a vehicle controls engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real vehicle controls engineer resumes.

Research vehicle controls engineer duties and responsibilities

Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
Create the BOM for the brakes system (includes pedal box, callipers, rotors).
Perform chassis, driveline and OEM electrical trouble shooting and repairs.
Sheet metal: CNC punch press, laser and plasma cutting, stamping.

Apply for vehicle controls engineer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a vehicle controls engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams