Hardware Engineering roles in the Auto Industry
How hard is it to go from SWE to HWE at an automaker? I know it might pay way less, but I honestly love my cars and would at least for a couple of years like to work for a german carmaker. How hard do you think this transition would be? Are hardware engineers pretty much working at car manufacturing companies because of the prestrige and passion?
What type of work are you interested in? From what I've seen hardware engineers have a much harder time finding and staying employed compared to EEs and SWEs. You might be able to find something in controls but I think in general a lot of automakers are reducing development in ICE powertrains and this is just a guess but I don't think they will need as many hardware engineers for electric vehicles.
Cruise is hiring getcruise.com/careers/jobs
I tried something similar. I think I just got unlucky with one of the worst auto OEMs though. I got stuck in more of a backend IT role rather than HW/SW despite having the experience. Couldn't get out of it either unless waiting a year and applying directly to a different HR/team/org etc. I can say the auto industry is very silo driven. Once you are in a group, that's it. You need to formally reapply to something you see or have that org manager open a req privately just for you. I made connections in multiple silos but all of these were IC roles that really only perform one function day in day out. When I say silos I literally mean each of these groups has their own incorporated name and is a subsidiary of the parent company. Before you commit to it, I would consider working for a contract company like P3 that can place you in an areaof your choosing then apply directly later at an OEM. (Don't pick your dream OEM first though). If I had to do it again, I would have just applied at a Tier 1 supplier instead.