Is the automotive sector hiring despite the transition?

Yes, but it is shifting towards electric and software, where much of the demand now concentrates.

Often in research and development, but B2 in German remains what opens the market.

Automotive engineer

The German automotive industry is shifting towards electric and software, and we help you build your career there.

The profession

The automotive engineer designs and develops vehicles, powertrains and systems, from study through to testing.

Salary

The starting salary is around 4,618 to 4,770 € per month (about 55,000 to 57,000 € per year), and the median salary around 5,456 € per month according to the job portals, with a range of about 52,798 to 69,243 € per year (source: jobvector, meingehalt.net, 2025 and 2026).

Employers hiring

Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Bosch, Continental, ZF, Schaeffler, Mahle and Brose are hiring, as are the engineering service providers (Bertrandt, EDAG, IAV, FEV).

Prospects

Structural demand remains strong but the sector is in transformation (electric, restructurings): high demand, more volatile.

Career progression

You can progress to project manager, expert (powertrain, chassis, electronics) or management in research and development.

Language level

B2 is the level employers expect and it opens the engineering market; automotive and the research and development of large groups are among the most English-speaking environments. B2 is what we aim for with you.

Diploma recognition

Engineering is not a regulated profession for working: your degree is assessed through the anabin database and, if needed, a ZAB statement of comparability. The title Ingenieur is protected by the laws of the Länder and its use may require authorisation, but this is not required to be employed. We have your degree assessed and guide you.

Visa

As a university graduate, you qualify for the EU Blue Card: the 2025 salary threshold is around 48,300 € gross per year, lowered to about 43,760 € for shortage occupations such as engineering (source: immigration legal frameworks, 2025). The qualified worker visa for an academic degree and the Chancenkarte (opportunity card) are other routes. We check your eligibility and build the application with you.

Your Karriere Fähre support

We train you in German up to the useful level, have your degree assessed, present your profile to German employers, prepare the Blue Card or visa application and support you through to your arrival.

Apply

Frequently asked questions

Is the automotive sector hiring despite the transition?: Yes, but it is shifting towards electric and software, where much of the demand now concentrates.
Is English accepted?: Often in research and development, but B2 in German remains what opens the market.

Indicative gross ranges from public German sources (Federal Employment Agency, Entgeltatlas, Gehalt.de, StepStone, VDI). Engineering pay depends on sector, region, company size and experience. Degree-recognition and visa rules change: always check your case with the competent German authorities.