1

Automotive Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Required Education and/or Experience * 2 years + experience with plastic part design, preference for automotive engineering. * Associates Degree or Bachelor's Degree preferred, but not required.

An engineer in Work Holding Engineering (WHE) Group at The Gleason Works will design the components and assemblies necessary to hold all matters of aerospace, automotive and marine gears during ...

An engineer in Work Holding Engineering (WHE) Group at The Gleason Works will design the components and assemblies necessary to hold all matters of aerospace, automotive and marine gears during ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

A Mechanical Design Engineer creates 3D designs and detail drawings of automated assembly and test ... Automotive, Medical Devices, Life Science, Pharmaceutical, Packaging, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

A Mechanical Design Engineer creates 3D designs and detail drawings of automated assembly and test ... Automotive, Medical Devices, Life Science, Pharmaceutical, Packaging, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Cookeville, TN · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

A Mechanical Design Engineer creates 3D designs and detail drawings of automated assembly and test ... Automotive, Medical Devices, Life Science, Pharmaceutical, Packaging, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage ...

As the Design / Manufacturing Engineer at Lokar, you will not only help sustain, improve, and ... aftermarket automotive industry. Lokar's advantageous size will allow you to connect and ...

At the interface of design, engineering and supply logistics, REHAU Automotive and SRG Global combine to form RESRG - a leading global supplier of coated exterior systems and components. With a ...

Engineer Designer Aa

Memphis, TN · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Performs general design responsibilities in the development of plans for traffic signals, striping ... Requires the ability to operate an automobile. TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Majority of work is ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Automotive Design Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$36.8K

$80K

$143.9K

How much do automotive design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design engineer in Tennessee is $80,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,700.00 and $89,400.00 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 job categories do people searching Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Automotive Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Automotive Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Automotive Design Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,006 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Rough Country

Dyersburg, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Rough Country rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

DESIGN ENGINEER
Welcome to Rough Country, where we empower everyone to embrace a lifted lifestyle by personalizing their vehicle's looks and performance. Our journey began in 1975 with a vision deeply rooted in American values and a passion for off-road adventures. Today, we stand proud as one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of high-quality suspension kits and off-road accessories, catering to the needs of off-road and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • May coordinate multiple small projects or large projects simultaneously
  • Collaborate and coordinate with other Rough Country functional groups, suppliers, and customers.
  • Identifies root causes of problems; recommends and/or implements corrective measures.
  • May support activities and projects within the team, between internal teams, and projects in support of customer expectations and new product development.
  • Model, prototype, and build product concepts; verify the design meets specifications and safety/regulatory standards.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • May be assigned engineering maintenance responsibilities for major product lines.
  • Hands-on work on the shop floor as the job requires.
  • Represents Rough Country with dignity, professionalism and good faith at events and customer contact and interactions.
  • Accountable for developing and monitoring processes and practices necessary for legal and ethical compliance in assigned area.
  • Responsible for prompt and regular attendance on-site or remote as appropriate or required.
  • Work safely and without injury.

Required Education and/or Experience
  • 2 years + experience with plastic part design, preference for automotive engineering.
  • Associates Degree or Bachelor's Degree preferred, but not required.
  • High School Diploma or GED required.

Required Qualifications
  • Working knowledge of CAD programs - preferably NX and/or SolidWorks.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Project, and Outlook).
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, customers and visitors.
  • Ability to effectively problem-solve.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Ability to facilitate activities necessary to a project's completion.
  • Must have a history of impeccable integrity, ethics, and fair play.

Language skills
Ability to read, write, verbalize, and comprehend instructions and correspondence at the highest levels in the English language. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations to customers, clients, and other team members. Conflict resolution skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and customer service skills.
Physical & visual activitIES
Standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, balancing, stooping, reaching, handling, feeling, acuity-far, acuity-near, depth perception and field of vision. See all colors. Frequently communicate with employees and customers. Must be able to exchange accurate information. Frequently move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, attend meetings, etc. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer.
May require a combination of sitting, standing, and walking. May require lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance.
ENVIRONMENT / ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS
Must be able to work in an office environment as well as a shop environment as job duties require. May be exposed to loud operating machinery, cold temperatures, chemicals, and vapors.
Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software
Personal computer, copy machine, other office equipment, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint. May minimally operate shop equipment such as assembly presses, manual and CNC machines, basic hand tools.
Compensation
DOE
Work Location
Dyersburg, TN or Woodland, WA
Rough Country is a Drug-Free Workplace
Rough Country LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and appreciates hard work and professional dedication and rewards its team with a compensation package that includes benefits. New employees are eligible for and provided a competitive pay package, training, and advancement opportunities. Some of the benefits include medical and dental coverage, 401(k), paid holidays, and paid vacation.
Rough Country LLC, located in Dyersburg, TN, is a customer-focused provider of aftermarket products servicing the truck, SUV, and UTV markets. Our products enable our customers to express their passions and lifestyles. We work hard every day to exceed their expectations by providing the absolute best product at a great value backed by the best customer service.

What Rough Country employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom