Tips for Finding a Job at America’s Top EV Makers

If you’re interested in joining the growing industry of electric vehicle manufacturing and sales, what can you do to land a position at a top EV auto maker?

While it could be as simple as reviewing how to tailor your resume in response to a specific EV job description, there are several other things you can do to help yourself stand out as you begin to explore employment opportunities with top EV makers such as Tesla, General Motors, Rivian, Ford, and Lucid Motors.

Job Growth in the EV Industry is Charged Up

In January 2024, the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) reported that the rapid growth of the EV market led to estimates of over 160,000 new jobs to be created in the industry by 2032.

These new jobs are expected to be in such areas as electric installation, software maintenance, design, construction, repair, administration, and even charger assembly.

Later in 2024, the World Resources Institute noted a trend: manufacturing jobs in the EV industry were spreading beyond the traditional auto manufacturing states of Alabama, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.

Since 2022, EV and related battery manufacturing operations have opened in ten states, including North and South Carolina, Nevada, Illinois, and Tennessee.

Add to this information the fact that EV sales in the U.S. are growing, with 2024 Q3 figures showing an 11% increase year over year, and you can see that many of America’s top EV makers are surely looking for talented individuals to join their ranks and continue this surge.

What can you do to begin a promising career in the EV industry?

Most In-Demand Jobs in the EV Industry

Before exploring what you can do to land a job at a top EV maker in the U.S., it’s worth taking a moment to find out what types of jobs the industry is seeking.

Some in-demand positions in EV auto-making include:

• Electrical engineers
• Mechanical engineers
• Software engineers
• Battery technologists
• Service professionals
• EV charger technicians
• Sales and marketing managers

So, the first thing you should do is ensure that you have the training and education needed to meet the requirements of the position you are pursuing.

For instance, any engineering job in the EV industry likely requires that you hold at least a bachelor’s degree in the field of engineering you wish to work, such as electrical or software engineering.

Technical jobs, such as battery technologist or EV charger technician, might have requirements that include possessing knowledge of relevant industry standards, demonstrating a background as an electrician, or proving familiarity with specific systems, such as high-voltage systems or automotive electrical systems.

How to Amp Up Your Job Search at Top EV Makers

What can you do to start working in the EV industry?

Here are some tips that might help you find jobs at some of the top EV makers in the U.S.

Get Into a Training Program

No matter which area of EV auto making or manufacturing you wish to enter, it’s important to get training in that field.

Many community and technical colleges offer programs in automative technology; others might offer more focused programs or courses, such as those in high voltage vehicle operation, electric vehicle service and repair, electric vehicle components, or battery electric vehicle technology.

You might also find programs offered through nonprofit organizations or EV bootcamps. A large and well-established program for certified electricians seeking to enter the EV industry is the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP), a collaborative effort of various EV auto and component manufacturers.

Earn a Relevant Certification

Possessing a certification in the field is another way to show leading EV makers that you’re ready to step into this growing industry.

Certifications such as the Electric Vehicle Battery Packaging and Assembly (EVBPA) and Electric Vehicle Fundamentals (EVF) credentials from SME are designed for entry-level and beginning job candidates so they can demonstrate their readiness in entering the EV industry.

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) provides two EV certifications: xEV Electrical Safety Awareness Certification and xEV Technician Electrical Safety Certification.

Visit Industry Job Sites

You will certainly find job openings on the websites of many EV makers and related companies, including BP, EV Connect, EVgo, and Orange EV, to name a few.

The websites of EV membership-based associations and organizations could also list EV companies and open positions. This includes national entities like the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) and local organizations, such as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Attend Industry Conferences and Trade Shows

You’re sure to run into professionals at various EV auto makers in the U.S. when you attend major trade shows and conferences. These are great places to network and make contacts that can go a long way toward getting your foot in the door.

Some of the largest such events include:

• Advanced Clean Transportation Expo (ACT Expo)
• The Electric Vehicle and Battery Expo (EV & ESS)
• EV Charging Summit & Expo (EVCS & Expo)
• Electrify Expo

Some events are more focused on specific aspects of the EV industry. The Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) covers wire, electric harnesses, and cables used in EV technology. The Battery Show North America concentrates on battery and storage technologies and includes networking receptions.

With so much competition that you’ll likely be facing in a growing industry, you will need to stand out in the crowd. By doing all you can to impress the best EV auto makers in the U.S., you could be well on your way to climbing the ladder of success in electric vehicle sales or manufacturing.