Meet the New Mobility Professional

A different type of engineer is innovating the industry. Read our report to learn how their skills and proficiencies are reshaping mobility.

The New Mobility Professional

A New Report by SAE International

The new all-electric pickup truck from Ford, the F150 Lightning, tops out at 563 horsepower and 775 foot-pounds of raw torque that can motivate it from 0 to 60mph in 4.5 seconds and tow up to 10,000 pounds. It can also update its systems and features wirelessly, charge rapidly, and can even be used in an emergency to power your home. Now, this is not a truck commercial, but you must agree those are some impressive numbers and features. 

What is even more impressive but less known, is that this vehicle is estimated by Ford to contain close to 150 million lines of embedded software code that govern its various electronic control units. Let’s say that again – 150 million lines! Make no mistake, the design of this machine required more than a roomful of traditional gearheads. It required unique engineering talents embodied in, what SAE International is calling, the “New Mobility Professional.” 

A sampling of engineers who comprise this new group was recently interviewed by an independent research organization engaged by SAE International to assess trends. Over 207 interviews were completed with participants in companies spread across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific regions. 

 

150M

Lines of embedded code governing the
electronic control units in the new Ford F-150 Lightning.

53%

Of new mobility professionals hold
advanced degrees.
Many come from outside the automotive industry.

Get Involved with SAE

SAE International offers a multitude of ways to get involved and advance your career, expand your network, inspire future generations of engineers. Participate with SAE through Membership, Volunteer Opportunities, Events, and other activities that help shape the mobility industry of tomorrow.

LEARN MORE

Mobility Innovation Starts with SAE

SAE International convenes the brightest engineering minds to move mobility forward. Through standards, technical resources, and professional development, we serve veteran engineers and newcomers alike. We establish the authoritative benchmarks for safety and quality while helping push the envelope of what's next. Every day, our 200,000+ engineers, technical experts, and volunteers are working together to make all of these things a reality—moving the world forward for all of humanity.

Watch the SAE Stories

Meet Violet

It might just seem like play time for now, but the imaginary world Violet is creating with her toy trucks and teddy bears today is fueling her lifelong love for STEM. Eventually she’ll become lead engineer for an autonomous trucking company. We’re helping students just like Violet discover STEM as early as preschool to boost their confidence and open the door to future STEM careers—creating a better world for all of humanity. 

Meet Pete

Pete’s about to be a father for the first time. But he won’t have to worry about whether his electric car will get his wife safely to the hospital when it’s “go time.” To keep Pete focused on what matters most, we’re bringing together the best and brightest minds in mobility to develop the standards that make electric vehicles reliable, safe, and easy to use.

Meet Skylar

Being a working mom is one of the toughest jobs in the world. For Skylar, that means making lists and staying organized—for her family and for the big business trip she has coming up. At SAE, we’re also about making lists. In fact, we’re developing the standards to help keep air travel safe and reliable so Skylar can get to her next meeting on time and back to her family safely.

Meet SAE

We’re SAE International and we’re the driving force behind equitable STEM education programs and the latest advancements in the transportation industry.  We’re helping students like Violet discover a love for STEM in your community. We’re helping soon-to-be dads like Pete by making sure their electric vehicles are safe and fully charged when it’s “go time.” And we’re helping working moms like Skylar get to their business meetings safely thanks to rigorous air travel safety standards.

The industry faces a skills gap when it comes to autonomous tech. 

Learn how SAE is responding — with a little help from some industry heavyweights.

©2021 SAE International. All rights reserved.