Automotive engineering contracting. what's going on?

[triggerh4ppy]

I have been keeping an eye on the contracting market for automotive engineers (project and design) for the last couple of years. I have now come to a time where I would like to try contracting.

But recently the market is very dry. Jlr are paying peanuts and no one else has anything anymore. Have I missed the boat??

[DJRC]

It's always paid peanuts. Nobody does automotive if they can help it unless it's really their bag. Rates rarely get above £35/hr even if you have come from a proper industry like Aerospace.

[triggerh4ppy]

I would be happy with that rate! I can't find anything above £24/h. Would it easy to change industries when I have an automotive background?

[DJRC]

Piss easy. The aerospace world is your obvious candidate. Have a look on jobisjob and see what you think. What do you do?

[triggerh4ppy]

Currently a chassis design engineer at a motorcycle manufacturer.

[DJRC]

Mech design then. Should be ok for you. Same processes, same reviews, same engineering loop.