I use science to be an Automotive Design Engineer
Name: Kieran Dennington
Job Title: Automotive Design Engineer
Name: Kieran Dennington
Job Title: Automotive Design Engineer
Kieran is an Automotive Design Engineer at Riversimple, a Welsh company that manufactures a Hydrogen-powered vehicle. Kieran is responsible for the design and development of mechanical components that go into the car and must think about the strength, weight and efficiency of the components in his designs. He completed a degree in Aerospace Engineering and joined the university’s Formula Student team, where students get to try to build a competitive racing car. His love of driving and passion for sustainability led him to Riversimple.
Kieran is an Automotive Design Engineer at Riversimple, a Welsh company that manufactures a Hydrogen-powered vehicle. Kieran is responsible for the design and development of mechanical components that go into the car and must think about the strength, weight and efficiency of the components in his designs. He completed a degree in Aerospace Engineering and joined the university’s Formula Student team, where students get to try to build a competitive racing car. His love of driving and passion for sustainability led him to Riversimple.
Science is not just about one kind of individual."
How is science important in your life and in your role?
Science is very critical for doing my job and pretty much any sort of engineering. In materials science, you need to understand the material properties to get the best out of the materials that you’re using.
Why should young people do science in school?
It opens up so many possibilities and opportunities. Science is not just about one kind of individual. You have some scientists who are very analytical and very ‘mathsy’ and you have some who are very creative.
Science is not just about one kind of individual."
How is science important in your life and in your role?
Science is very critical for doing my job and pretty much any sort of engineering. In materials science, you need to understand the material properties to get the best out of the materials that you’re using.
Why should young people do science in school?
It opens up so many possibilities and opportunities. Science is not just about one kind of individual. You have some scientists who are very analytical and very ‘mathsy’ and you have some who are very creative.
Career Path
Automotive engineers design and build cars and motorbikes.
There are two main routes into this job:
A University Degree
Some universities offer automotive engineering as a subject, but there are other courses such as mechanical or electrical engineering which will also let you specialise in automotive aspects. Courses often get you a work placement or an internship at a company whilst you study. To get onto one of these degrees, you will probably need 1-3 A-levels – subjects such as Maths and Physics will particularly help.
or
An Apprenticeship
This study option is usually much more ‘hands-on’ than the pure degree option. With many apprenticeships, you will work directly for a company which may sponsor you through a degree or a foundation degree. Obtaining a degree this way will usually take longer, but you will get more direct experience whilst you do it. You’ll usually need 4/5+ GCSE at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) to get an apprenticeship, as well as A-levels (Maths and Physics will help) to get a degree apprenticeship.
Career Path
Automotive engineers design and build cars and motorbikes.
There are two main routes into this job:
A University Degree
Some universities offer automotive engineering as a subject, but there are other courses such as mechanical or electrical engineering which will also let you specialise in automotive aspects. Courses often get you a work placement or an internship at a company whilst you study. To get onto one of these degrees, you will probably need 1-3 A-levels – subjects such as Maths and Physics will particularly help.
An Apprenticeship
This study option is usually much more ‘hands-on’ than the pure degree option. With many apprenticeships, you will work directly for a company which may sponsor you through a degree or a foundation degree. Obtaining a degree this way will usually take longer, but you will get more direct experience whilst you do it. You’ll usually need 4/5+ GCSE at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) to get an apprenticeship, as well as A-levels (Maths and Physics will help) to get a degree apprenticeship.