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Automotive Design Engineering Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 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 ...

Senior Designer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$96K - $103K/yr

Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams to ensure design ... Minimum of 7 years of design experience in automotive CAD design and product development, with ...

Senior Designer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$96K - $103K/yr

Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams to ensure design ... Minimum of 7 years of design experience in automotive CAD design and product development, with ...

Local Travel 10% * Overtime 20% What you bring • Bachelor of Science Degree (or above) in Mechanical Engineering • 4+ years in automotive design/development • Demonstrable CAD skills and a ...

Digital Sculptor

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$125K/yr

Expand your portfolio with high-visibility projects in the automotive industry What's a typical day as Design Engineer? You'll be: * Developing and refining 3D design concepts for vehicle badging and ...

Digital Sculptor

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$125K/yr

Expand your portfolio with high-visibility projects in the automotive industry What's a typical day as Design Engineer? You'll be: * Developing and refining 3D design concepts for vehicle badging and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Automotive Design Engineering information

See Michigan salary details

$35.3K

$76.8K

$138.1K

How much do automotive design engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design engineering in Michigan is $76,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,300.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Design Engineering jobs in Michigan? For Automotive Design Engineering jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Design Engineering jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Engineering jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Automotive Design Engineering job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,831 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

Prototype Engineering Design Manager

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • Hybrid

$115K - $218K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

Join us in shaping the future of Ford Motor Company, as part of a global organization with exceptional colleagues in world-class facilities. As part of Ford Design, you'll be at the cutting edge of Ford's most strategically critical work, designing people and society's needs into the heart of our next generation of products, services, and experiences.

In this position...

As a Prototype Engineering Design Manager you will lead a team of product engineering designers tp bring concepts to life in the form of functional high-fidelity prototypes. Leveraging your expertise in automotive design and/or engineering you will have the opportunity to see the future of Ford firsthand and play a pivotal role in the early-stage development of the next generation of Ford vehicle content and experiences. This role requires a deep understanding of automotive systems and subsystems, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion.

You'll have...

  • Bachelors degree in engineering, design, or equivalent

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment

  • 5+ years of experience working in automotive engineering and/or design with a strong understanding of vehicle level systems and subsystems

  • 5+ years of experience leading complex projects and project teams - leveraging program management tools as appropriate

  • 5+ years of experience leveraging prototype manufacturing techniques to build high fidelity prototypes such as additive manufacturing (3D Printing), milling, fiberglass layups, clay modeling, etc.

  • 5+ years of experience with design / PLM software such as Catia, 3DX, Teamcenter, Alias etc.

  • 5+ years of experience working collaboratively with design, engineering, product marketing and program management

  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively.

  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Even better, you may have...

  • Masters degree in design, engineering or equivalent

  • 5+ years of experience in prototype software design and development, with a focus on prototyping and rapid iteration.

  • Fluent in various CAD software such as Catia, Rhino, Alias, etc.

  • Experience with machine learning, artificial intelligence, or other advanced technologies.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

  • Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage

  • Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more

  • Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more

  • Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases

  • Tuition assistance

  • Established and active employee resource groups

  • Paid time off for individual and team community service

  • A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day

  • Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is leadership level 6 and ranges from $115,500-$218,100.     

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

For more information on salary and benefits, click here

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid #DesignTeam  #LI-DP1 

What you'll do...

  • Lead a team to engineer / design prototypes which include:

    • Show / Concept / Pre-Production vehicles

    • Interior and exterior systems (Ex: Lighting, Closures, Instruments Panels, Consoles, Seats)

    • Interior and exterior components (Ex: Buttons, nobs and switches)

    • Interior and exterior clay model armatures

  • Support the development of prototype build plans, lead the team through delivering data on time and with quality

  • Work collaboratively with design, engineering, marketing and program teams to align on scope of work, build timing and budget - managing those throughout the prototype build cycle

  • Leverage background in automotive systems and subsystems to identify and document design and engineering feasibility concerns and support the identification of robust solutions.

  • Identify areas of opportunity and process efficiencies and action those as appropriate

  • Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to continuously improve prototypes.


Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982