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Automotive Design Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

The Role As a Mechanical Design Engineer on our team, you will support the design, prototyping, and ... Experience in the automotive or aerospace industry. * Experience in the design and development of ...

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Staff, FPGA Digital Design Engineer page is loaded## Staff, FPGA Digital Design Engineerlocations ... industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. We are the people behind the ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Hanover, MD · On-site +1

$100K - $135K/yr

... design and construction engineering expertise to deliver projects for our clients, as well as across sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, technology, utilities, and rail. Travel ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$115K - $157K/yr

... design and construction engineering expertise to deliver projects for our clients, as well as across sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, technology, utilities, and rail. Travel ...

Senior Data Engineer

VA · Remote

$140K/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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Automotive Design Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$45.9K

$99.8K

$179.5K

How much do automotive design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design engineer in Washington is $99,838.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $111,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive design engineer?

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.

How much do automotive design engineers make in the US?

Automotive design engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $75,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or advanced degrees can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Automotive Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Automotive Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Automotive Design Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,838 per year, or $48 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Arlington, VA • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

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Job description

Date Listed: July 8, 2026

  • Location: In-Person in Charlottesville, Virginia, with hybrid WFH available ~2 days of week.
  • Salary Range: $70,000-$95,000
  • Must have U.S. Work Authorization.
  • Must be U.S. Person due to export control regulations (defined as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee)
About Us

Torev is a venture-backed company on the cutting edge of electric motor innovation, pioneering next-generation electric motors that eliminate rare earth materials while delivering world-class performance. Our axial flux motor architecture is designed to improve supply chain resilience and enable high-performance electrification across automotive and defense applications.

The Role

As a Mechanical Design Engineer on our team, you will support the design, prototyping, and testing of new and advanced, high-efficiency, high-performance, electric machines, and the development of new electric machine technologies. You will also contribute to the development of our internal prototyping and testing capabilities and processes crucial to our research and development efforts. This is a unique opportunity to get in early on the ground floor of a rapidly growing startup that is disrupting the industry.

What You’ll Do
  • Use state-of-the-art engineering design tools and simulation techniques to design and optimize prototype electric motors. You will support the electromagnetics team with structural and thermal designs capable of delivering target performance.
  • Design and produce hardware testing systems to validate simulation results and provide feedback for design efforts.
  • Set up prototype component fabrication and assembly methods and systems to explore novel technologies in support of our research and development.
  • Prepare engineering prints and technical reports for communication to external vendors as well as internal documentation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve research and development goals.
  • Contribute to IP development and support customer and investor technical diligence as needed.
What We’re Looking ForBasic Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong proficiency in CAD software, PLM, and engineering print preparation.
  • Strong proficiency in structural, thermal, and fluid dynamics simulation.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to critically assess design priorities.
  • Strong communication and leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in design of high-speed rotating machinery.
  • Experience in the automotive or aerospace industry.
  • Experience in the design and development of mechatronic / electromechanical systems.
  • Hands-on experience in manual and CNC fabrication methods (subtractive and additive).
  • Experience in composites design and fabrication.
  • Experience in full product development from concept through large-scale manufacturing.
  • Experience working in a startup or scrum team environment.
  • Familiarity with regulations and standards related to electric motors.
Compensation
  • Competitive salary with salary range of $70,000-$95,000, commensurate with experience.
  • Meaningful equity — this is an early hire at a well-capitalized seed-stage company.
  • Health, vision, and dental insurance provided.
  • Generous vacation policy.
Location
  • In-Person in Charlottesville, Virginia, with hybrid WFH available ~2 days of week.
Export Control
  • Some projects will involve technology subject to U.S. export control regulations. As a result, applicants for this role must qualify as a U.S. Person, defined as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (green card holder), refugee, or asylee.
  • This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Torev Motors is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

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