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Automotive Design Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer I

Duluth, MN ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

... automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. We help the world's most in-demand technologies come to life. Every day our products touch ...

Design Engineer I

Duluth, MN ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

... automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. We help the world's most in-demand technologies come to life. Every day our products touch ...

System Design Engineer

Owatonna, MN ยท On-site

$99K - $116K/yr

Our Automotive Service Solutions operations supply testing and repair-shop technology, diagnostic ... Represent the Design Engineering Team with professionalism and integrity when communicating with ...

Our Automotive Service Solutions operations supply testing and repair-shop technology, diagnostic ... Represent the Design Engineering Team with professionalism and integrity when communicating with ...

Our Automotive Service Solutions operations supply testing and repair-shop technology, diagnostic ... Represent the Design Engineering Team with professionalism and integrity when communicating with ...

Sr Product Design Engineer

Mankato, MN ยท On-site

$98K - $160K/yr

Title: Sr. Product Design Engineer Pioneer the next generation of innovation. Join us and you'll ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering ...

Sr Product Design Engineer

Mankato, MN ยท Hybrid

$98K - $160K/yr

Title: Sr. Product Design Engineer Pioneer the next generation of innovation. Join us and you'll ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Automotive Design Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$39.7K

$86.3K

$155.2K

How much do automotive design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design engineer in Minnesota is $86,335.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $96,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Automotive Design Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, proficiency in CAD software, and a strong understanding of automotive systems and materials. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like CATIA, SolidWorks, and relevant certifications such as FE or PE are highly valued. Creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills help set candidates apart in this field. These skills and qualities enable engineers to develop innovative vehicle designs that meet safety, performance, and manufacturing requirements within cross-functional teams.

What does an automotive design engineer do?

An automotive design engineer develops and refines vehicle concepts, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and safety. They use CAD software to create detailed models, collaborate with manufacturing teams, and ensure designs meet industry standards and customer needs throughout the development process.

What does an Automotive Design Engineer do?

An Automotive Design Engineer is responsible for developing and improving vehicle designs, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and safety. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create blueprints and collaborate with engineers to refine concepts. Their work includes designing body structures, interiors, and aerodynamics while ensuring compliance with industry standards. They also test prototypes and analyze performance to enhance efficiency and durability.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior automotive design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and a strong understanding of vehicle systems can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-level engineers in the automotive industry often work in leadership roles or specialized fields such as electric vehicle design or autonomous systems. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What does a typical day look like for an Automotive Design Engineer?

As an Automotive Design Engineer, your days often involve collaborating with other engineers and designers to create and refine vehicle components using CAD tools, participating in design reviews, and ensuring that your solutions meet safety and regulatory standards. You might analyze prototypes, troubleshoot design challenges, and incorporate feedback from cross-functional partners such as manufacturing or testing teams. It's common to split time between computer-based design work and hands-on activities like inspecting prototypes or components. This role offers a dynamic mix of creative problem-solving, technical analysis, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior automotive design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand markets or with bonuses and stock options. Such compensation typically reflects seniority, specialized expertise, and working for major automotive manufacturers or suppliers.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior automotive design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD software, and leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with working in large companies, specialized expertise, or managerial positions within the automotive industry.
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota? For Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Automotive Design Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Design Engineer - Product Design & Integration

Design Engineer - Product Design & Integration

RFA Engineering

Brooklyn Park, MN โ€ข On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility in Brooklyn Park, MN.
This is a full-time position with a full-benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Design Engineer - Product Design and Integration
The selected candidate will be a full-time RFA employee working at a customer's facility as part of their product development group. This role supports the design, integration, and release of mechanical systems and components for paving equipment. Work will be primarily office-based with the possibility of intermittent prototype or validation support.
Responsibilities
The exact product and discipline (structures, engine install, hydraulics, light fabrications, operator interface) will depend on the engineering group you are assigned to. Responsibilities include CAD modeling, packaging studies, component integration, and cross-functional collaboration to prepare designs for production release
  • Develop and integrate mechanical components and subsystems using 3D CAD (Creo preferred)
  • Perform packaging studies to place components, manage space constraints, and ensure proper system interfaces
  • Check and advise changes on engineering drawings, confirm quality requirements, and coordinate release of design documentation
  • Support prototype builds to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve design issues prior to production
  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, manufacturing, supply management, and quality to ensure designs meet performance, cost, and manufacturability targets
  • Participate in design reviews, provide technical input, and drive continuous improvement in design processes
  • Apply engineering fundamentals to evaluate design tradeoffs, optimize solutions, and ensure robust system performance

Requirements
  • Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering or related degree
  • Experience with 3D modeling of components or systems (Creo preferred)
  • Experience with PDM systems (TeamCenter preferred)
  • Strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated through work experience or hobbies
  • Excellent communication, both written and verbal
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments
  • Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment

Desired Skills and Experience
  • Strong component design and 3D modeling skills with an understanding of system-level integration
  • Experience working within tight packaging constraints and balancing design tradeoffs
  • Knowledge of design-for-manufacturing principles and cost-effective engineering
  • Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and practical application
  • Ability to communicate clearly across global teams and navigate shared design spaces
  • Hands-on experience with off-highway, agricultural, automotive, or construction equipment
  • Familiarity with engineering change management and product release processes

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $65,000-$85,000 - Commensurate with experience
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.