Society of Automotive Engineers

SAE International, known as the Society of Automotive Engineers, is a global association of engineers and technical experts in the aerospace, automotive, and commercial vehicle industries. SAE develops technical standards, publishes research, and provides professional development opportunities for engineers worldwide. Beyond its role in industry standards and technical advancement, SAE is committed to fostering the next generation of engineers through its collegiate design competitions, including Baja SAE and Formula SAE Electric, which challenge university teams to apply classroom knowledge to real-world engineering projects while developing critical skills in design, fabrication, project management, and teamwork.

SAE at Rown

Rowan University Engineers have the opportunity to design & manufacture a car to compete in either the Baja SAE or Formula E SAE competitions as a Clinic Project, spanning their Junior & Senior years.

Baja SAE

Baja SAE challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and race a single-seat off-road vehicle capable of withstanding harsh terrain and the demanding conditions. Powered by a Kohler engine tuned down to 10 horsepower, teams must engineer a durable and high-performing vehicle from the ground up, making critical decisions on suspension geometry, drivetrain design, frame construction, and vehicle dynamics.

Throughout the competition weekend, teams face rigorous technical inspections, present their designs to industry judges, and compete in dynamic events including acceleration, maneuverability, hill climb, suspension testing, and a grueling 4-hour endurance race. Baja SAE provides hands-on engineering experience that extends far beyond the classroom, preparing students for careers in the automotive and motorsports industries while fostering innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Formula SAE

Formula SAE Electric challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and race an open-wheel, formula-style electric race car optimized for performance, efficiency, and innovation. Teams must engineer a complete electric powertrain system, including battery pack design, motor selection, power electronics, and energy management strategies, while meeting strict safety requirements for high-voltage systems. Teams make critical engineering decisions on aerodynamics, chassis design, suspension kinematics, electrical architecture, and thermal management to create a competitive electric vehicle.

The competition evaluates teams through static events including design presentation, cost analysis, and business case development, as well as dynamic events such as acceleration, skid pad, autocross, and endurance paired with energy efficiency scoring. Formula SAE Electric develops cutting-edge engineers by combining advanced electrical and mechanical engineering with business acumen and real-world project management, preparing students for careers in electric vehicle development, motorsports, and sustainable transportation technologies.

Competitions

SAE competitions are held at various locations across the country throughout the spring season, with each event spanning three to four days of intense engineering challenges. Teams typically attend one official competition per year, where they compete against dozens of universities from around the world. Each competition is divided into two main categories: static events and dynamic events. Static events test teams' engineering knowledge and business acumen through design presentations, cost reporting, and sales pitches to a panel of industry judges. Dynamic events put the vehicles to the test on the track, evaluating acceleration, maneuverability, and endurance performance. Teams accumulate points across all events, with the highest overall score determining the competition winner. Success requires not only a well-engineered vehicle but also strong documentation, effective communication, and flawless execution under pressure, mirroring the demands of real-world engineering projects. In addition to the official SAE competition, there are also unofficial competitions, hosted by other Universities. These competitions offer an opportunity to test & tune your vehicle under competition conditions, ahead of the official SAE competition.