What next for manual gearbox design engineers?

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SUMMARY

The discussion highlights the challenges faced by mechanical design engineers specializing in manual gearbox design due to reduced funding and interest from automotive OEMs in traditional manual transmissions. With a shift towards advanced technology transmissions like AMT and DCT, the need for engineers to adapt is critical. The conversation emphasizes the importance of transitioning into mechatronics to remain relevant in the evolving automotive landscape. Participants suggest that leveraging existing mechanical engineering experience can provide a strong foundation for this transition.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mechanical engineering principles, particularly in gearbox design.
  • Familiarity with automotive transmission systems, including manual, AMT, and DCT.
  • Basic knowledge of mechatronics and its applications in automotive engineering.
  • Awareness of current trends in automotive technology and electric vehicles.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research mechatronics programs and certifications that can be pursued online or part-time.
  • Explore courses on advanced transmission technologies, focusing on AMT and DCT systems.
  • Investigate software tools used in automotive design, such as CAD software and simulation tools.
  • Network with professionals in the mechatronics field to gain insights on career transitions.
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical design engineers, automotive transmission specialists, and professionals looking to transition into mechatronics or advanced automotive technologies.

k.udhay
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Simple questions are sometimes difficult to ask.

I am a mechanical design engineer of automotive gearboxes with a UG qualification and 12 years of experience. My core expertise is into gears and special interest in NVH. In the recent years I see the automotive OEMs cutting down research cost of manual transmissions and that's apparently giving me chills. More funding is diverted to advanced technology transmissions like AMT and DCT. One important thing I found here is the design team consists a huge proportion of people from software, Fuzzy (not sure about spelling), controls etc. compared to the mechanical engineers. The nearly there electric vehicles revolution is only making my apprehension worse.

The message to me I think is clear - I should upgrade myself. It is not wise continue only as a mechanical engineer and definitely not as transmission design engineer. My general discussion with many colleagues tell me that moving to a mechatronics field with this experience in background has a good career prospect. To me however, it is not clear what exactly I should do to move towards that - What are the good options that will allow my past experience also to have a value addition to my new profile? What should I study to move to such positions? Can I do them as a part time or online education, so that I am still able to earn when I do it?

I hope I have explained my situation to a decent level. If you have practical advise(s) can you pl. leave them here?
 
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k.udhay said:
In the recent years I see the automotive OEMs cutting down research cost of manual transmissions and that's apparently giving me chills.
Not only are auto manufacturers cutting research expenditures, they are also cutting way back on the number of cars with manual transmissions. I think I read somewhere recently that the percentage of new US-produced cars in 2020 with manual transmissions was something like 6%.

Unfortunately, I don't have any advice for what you could do to enhance your qualifications.
 
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