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Automotive Design Engineering Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Skilled at breaking down free body diagram construction, stress analysis, and thermal system design ... automotive, aerospace, energy systems, and manufacturing applications. * Curriculum Awareness ...

Mechanical design for custom automation including bulk feed, material handling, robot end effectors ... Physics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree. Preferred ...

Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry ... defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor ...

... industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. We are the people behind the ... Capable of applying test processes and methods to verify design and products performance

... industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. We are the people behind the ... Capable of applying test processes and methods to verify design and products performance

Showing results 21-40

Automotive Design Engineering information

See Kansas salary details

$36.1K

$78.6K

$141.4K

How much do automotive design engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design engineering in Kansas is $78,616.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,600.00 and $87,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Automotive Design Engineering jobs in Kansas?

For Automotive Design Engineering jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Design Engineering jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Engineering jobs in Kansas are:

Infographic showing various Automotive Design Engineering job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,616 per year, or $37.8 per hour.

Paint Automation Engineer

General Motors

Kansas City, KS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 308 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.3

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.3 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,329 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
The Role
The Paint Department Automation Engineer is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and improvement of automated paint shop systems. This role provides technical leadership for controls, robotics, process automation, plant-floor systems, and equipment integration across the paint department.
The engineer supports daily production, new product and equipment launches, troubleshooting, system upgrades, and continuous improvement. This position works closely with paint operations, skilled trades, maintenance, quality, safety, information technology, manufacturing engineering, suppliers, and contractors to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and equipment performance.
This is an onsite manufacturing engineering role requiring regular presence in the paint department and on the plant floor. The role requires shift rotation, weekend, shutdown, or extended-hours support during launches, critical equipment work, troubleshooting, and planned maintenance activities. Travel to supplier or other GM locations may be required based on business needs.
What You'll Do
  • Provide engineering support for paint shop automation, including programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, robots, drives, sensors, networks, process monitoring, and equipment interfaces.
  • Troubleshoot automation faults, controls issues, communication problems, equipment alarms, and recurring production interruptions.
  • Lead or support the design, programming, integration, installation, commissioning, validation, and launch of new or modified paint equipment and systems.
  • Develop and maintain automation requirements, control-panel documentation, electrical drawings, software backups, network documentation, equipment standards, and change records.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and contractors on controls design, equipment build, factory testing, site installation, commissioning, and final acceptance.
  • Support paint process systems such as pretreatment, electrocoat, ovens, booths, sealer, primer, basecoat, clearcoat, material handling, conveyors, and environmental control systems.
  • Improve equipment availability, throughput, first-time quality, process stability, energy performance, and material utilization through data-driven problem solving.
  • Apply structured problem-solving methods to identify root causes and implement sustainable corrective actions.
  • Support machine safety, risk-reduction activities, safeguarding, validation, lockout requirements, and compliance with applicable GM safety standards.
  • Collaborate with maintenance and skilled trades to improve preventive maintenance, troubleshooting methods, spare-parts strategy, and technical training.
  • Support plant-floor systems and manufacturing data interfaces used for production monitoring, routing, tracking, traceability, and reporting.
  • Participate in program timing reviews, equipment design reviews, readiness assessments, production trials, and launch activities.
  • Create, maintain, and improve standardized work, programming practices, troubleshooting guides, and engineering procedures.
  • Provide technical direction to less-experienced engineers, suppliers, contractors, and plant support personnel as needed.
  • Communicate project status, technical risks, decisions, and results to plant and engineering leadership.

Your Skills & Abilities
  • Experience supporting industrial automation or controls in a manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control-panel drawings, equipment specifications, and engineering documentation.
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex automation and equipment problems using data and structured problem-solving methods.
  • Strong communication, organization, project-management, and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with autonomy and accountability.
  • Commitment to safe work practices and continuous improvement.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, controls, automation, computer, mechanical, manufacturing, or a related engineering discipline; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
  • Working knowledge of programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, industrial networks, drives, sensors, safety circuits, and electrical control systems.
  • Experience in an automotive manufacturing or paint shop environment.
  • Experience with Rockwell Automation or Siemens controls platforms, industrial Ethernet, device networks, motion control, and variable-frequency drives.
  • Experience with Fanuc or other industrial robot systems.
  • Experience with paint process controls, conveyor controls, material dispensing, environmental systems, or paint quality inspection systems.
  • Knowledge of plant-floor production monitoring, routing and tracking, traceability, or manufacturing execution systems.
  • Experience with equipment commissioning, factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, or production launch.
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908