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Automotive Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Artis, LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Herndon, VA · On-site

$115K - $180K/yr

M echanical Design Engineer III/IV Security Clearance An active security clearance or the ability ... Diverse design experience required, preferably to include design for military and/or automotive ...

Artis, LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Herndon, VA · On-site

$115K - $180K/yr

M echanical Design Engineer III/IV Security Clearance An active security clearance or the ability ... Diverse design experience required, preferably to include design for military and/or automotive ...

Artis, LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Herndon, VA · On-site

$115K - $180K/yr

M echanical Design Engineer III/IV Security Clearance An active security clearance or the ability ... Diverse design experience required, preferably to include design for military and/or automotive ...

Allocor Tech

Senior Electrical Engineer

Crozet, VA · On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

This role takes ownership of next-generation high-voltage hardware design, freeing lead engineers ... Experience designing to aerospace or automotive standards (DO-160, AEC-Q, MIL-STD-810)

Team Velocity

Senior Data Engineer

Herndon, VA · Remote

$150K - $195K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Data Engineer to design, develop, and scale the data platform that powers ... Automotive industry data experience, including vehicle, dealership, CRM, inventory, consumer ...

Team Velocity

Senior Data Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$150K - $195K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Data Engineer to design, develop, and scale the data platform that powers ... Automotive industry data experience, including vehicle, dealership, CRM, inventory, consumer ...

TRAX International

Be Seen First

Engineer, Senior (TS)

King George, VA · On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

... automotive systems, precision instrumentation systems and unmanned vehicles * Plans, designs ... Performs fundamental research, feasibility, engineering design or development of tests * Performs ...

The Tatitlek Corporation

*Senior Engineer*

Dahlgren, VA

$106K - $146K/yr

... automotive systems, precision instrumentation systems and unmanned vehicles. Plans, designs ... Performs fundamental research, feasibility, engineering design or development of tests. Performs ...

The Tatitlek Corporation

*Senior Engineer*

Dahlgren, VA

$106K - $146K/yr

... automotive systems, precision instrumentation systems and unmanned vehicles. • Plans, designs ... engineering design or development of tests. • Performs independently on projects having the ...

The Tatitlek Corporation

*Senior Engineer*

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$137K/yr

... automotive systems, precision instrumentation systems and unmanned vehicles. • Plans, designs ... engineering design or development of tests. • Performs independently on projects having the ...

Equinix, Inc.

Controls Engineer Staff

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Effectively interacts with other internal and external teams, including the design engineering ... Experience in highly automated environments (automotive, semiconductors, high-volume manufacturing ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAutomotive Design Engineer JobsAutomotive Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Automotive Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$40.2K

$87.4K

$157.1K

How much do automotive design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design engineer in Virginia is $87,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,400.00 and $97,700.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Automotive Design Engineer jobs near you
Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Artis, LLC

Herndon, VA • On-site

$115K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Security Clearance

An active security clearance or the ability to obtain a clearance is required. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for security clearances.

Overview

You will work to develop new generations of sensing and real-time processing and actuation technologies in a fast-paced and exciting environment. As part of a small and dedicated team, you will be given immediate responsibility for designing and analyzing complex mechanical systems. You will develop designs from concept to production, with hands-on involvement to oversee parts fabrication, system assembly and validation testing along the way. Typical day-to-day work is done using CAD for design, along with analysis tools such as Excel and MATLAB. Prototype part fabrication often occurs in-house, with larger orders outsourced to local vendors under the engineer's direct supervision. Once parts or systems become available, validation testing occurs on a regular basis at internal Artis facilities and may occur at other test facilities.

This advanced position will also require the application of your experience across a wide range of design challenges including designing for a variety of manufacturing methods, thorough analysis of designs before fabrication, validation and failure analysis of produced parts and assemblies, and production documentation preparation and review. Additionally, your significant experience will be utilized to help guide the effort of those engineers on the team with less experience. You will also aid in the identification and implementation of new processes or design approaches to improve the quality of our products and efficiency of our engineering process.

Skills

  • Diverse design experience required, preferably to include design for military and/or automotive systems
  • Experience bringing a product to full-scale production preferred
  • Strong reasoning and math/science background
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Highly motivated, interested in learning and ready to take on a variety of tasks
  • CAD experience required (SolidWorks preferred)
  • FEA experience preferred (SolidWorks Simulation preferred)
  • Use of hand tools and measurement equipment required
  • Experience using basic fabrication equipment (mills, lathes, welders, etc.) preferred
  • Experience with MIL-STDs and qualification testing preferred
  • Computer Skills: Should be comfortable with standard Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.); experience with MATLAB and similar analysis tools preferred.
  • GD&T experience a plus

Work Environment

This position works in an office environment 75% of the time with remaining time spent in shop areas and indoor and outdoor testing areas.

Position Type

This is a full-time, exempt position. Work from home one day a week with generous flexibility on the other days.

Physical Demands

The employee will be required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee will be required to sit and climb or balance on a ladder at heights up to 10 ft. The employee will be required to work outdoors periodically in all weather conditions. The employee will be required to occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Travel

Travel may be required up to 15% of the time.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years' experience, or related degree and experience

Preferred Education and Experience

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with 7+ years' experience, or related degree and experience.