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Automotive Design Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required * 4+ years of automotive design and development experience * Extensive experience designing engine systems is required * Strong CAD experience and ...

Bachelor's degree in engineering with relevant CAD/Design experience or equivalent. Preferred Skills & Experience: * Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Self-motivated with strong multi ...

Bachelor's degree in engineering with 5+ years of relevant CAD/Design experience or equivalent ... Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking ...

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience. * 2+ Years of automotive design and engineering experience * Experience in automotive Body in White (e.g. Roof, Front ...

Supporting engineers, design supervisors, design leaders, and other designers as needed. * Ensuring ... Minimum of 3 years of training or work experience in NX (Unigraphics) automotive design. * Minimum ...

Supporting engineers, design supervisors, design leaders, and other designers as needed. * Ensuring ... Minimum of 3 years of training or work experience in NX (Unigraphics) automotive design. * Minimum ...

... automotive design, or electro/mechanical products · BS Degree in Engineering required -- preference for Mechanical Engineering (ME), Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), or Plastics Engineering ...

New

... engineering design, analysis, and manufacturing. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES * Experience with Electronics, Altium to NX or equivalent PCBA development. * Aerospace or automotive design experience.

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Automotive Design Engineering information

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$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do automotive design engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design engineering in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Automotive Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, CAD proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD, and knowledge of industry standards like ISO/TS 16949 are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and strong teamwork skills help you innovate and efficiently address design challenges. These abilities ensure the development of safe, functional, and marketable vehicles in a highly competitive industry.

What is the difference between Automotive Design Engineering vs Automotive Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectAutomotive Design EngineeringAutomotive Manufacturing Engineering
Primary FocusDesign and development of vehicle components and aestheticsProduction processes, assembly, and manufacturing efficiency
Required SkillsCAD, design principles, vehicle dynamicsManufacturing processes, quality control, automation
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, R&D labsFactories, production lines
Common CertificationsEngineering degrees, CAD certificationsManufacturing certifications, Six Sigma

Automotive Design Engineering focuses on creating vehicle designs and prototypes, while Automotive Manufacturing Engineering emphasizes the production and assembly processes. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work environments, with design engineers working in creative settings and manufacturing engineers in production facilities.

What is automotive design engineering?

Automotive design engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the development and design of vehicles, including their appearance, functionality, and performance. Professionals in this role combine creativity with technical knowledge to create innovative, safe, and efficient vehicles. They use advanced software and engineering principles to design components, systems, and the overall structure of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Automotive design engineers often work closely with other specialists, such as mechanical, electrical, and materials engineers, to bring a concept vehicle from idea to production.

What are some typical challenges faced by Automotive Design Engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Automotive Design Engineers often work closely with teams from manufacturing, electronics, and quality assurance. A common challenge is ensuring that design concepts are feasible within manufacturing constraints and cost targets, requiring frequent adjustments and clear communication. Balancing innovative design ideas with regulatory standards and safety requirements can also present difficulties. Effective collaboration and adaptability are essential for aligning different perspectives and achieving successful product development.
More about Automotive Design Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Automotive Design Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Design Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Automotive Design Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Automotive Design Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Design Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Engineering jobs are:
Infographic showing various Automotive Design Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

DRE Design Release Engineer Automotive Audio Systems

NDX Human Capital Solutions, LLC.

Warren, MI • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 6 days ago

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Job description

Design and Release Engineer

Location: Warren, Michigan
Job Type: Full-Time
Industry: Automotive Engineering

Annual Salary: $75,000 - $85,000, based on experience

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Design and Release Engineer (DRE) with experience in automotive audio systems (speakers, amplifiers, infotainment, etc.) to join our growing engineering team in Warren, Michigan.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead component and system design activities throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Develop and release engineering designs, drawings, specifications, and related documentation.
  • Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and root cause investigations.
  • Coordinate with suppliers to support design development, feasibility reviews, sourcing activities, and issue resolution.
  • Manage component packaging and integration within vehicle architectures.
  • Review and approve engineering changes while ensuring compliance with program timing and cost targets.
  • Support prototype builds, vehicle testing, validation activities, and production launches.
  • Interface with manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and testing teams to ensure successful program execution.
  • Track program deliverables and report status to leadership and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 2+ years of automotive design and release engineering experience.
  • Experience with product development and launch processes.
  • Understanding of automotive design, manufacturing, and validation requirements.
  • Strong communication and project management skills.
  • Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Proficiency with CAD tools such as CATIA, NX, Creo, or similar platforms.
  • Ability to work onsite or in a hybrid environment in Warren, Michigan.