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Automotive Design Engineering Jobs in Washington

Artis, LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Herndon, VA · On-site

$115K - $180K/yr

... 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 ...

Artis, LLC

Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Herndon, VA · On-site

$115K - $180K/yr

... 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 ...

Lucid Motors

Parts Advisor, Tysons Galleria

Mclean, VA

$28 - $38/hr

... automotive market. That means refusing to choose between performance and sustainability, design and engineering, ambition and integrity. In Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, we have designed and built ...

Lucid Motors

Parts Advisor, Tysons Galleria

Mclean, VA · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

... automotive market. That means refusing to choose between performance and sustainability, design and engineering, ambition and integrity. In Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, we have designed and built ...

Viavi Solutions

NPI Manufacturing Engineer

Germantown, MD

$73K - $95K/yr

... industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. We are the people behind the ... Collaborate closely with R&D and Design Engineering teams to review new product designs for ...

Viavi Solutions

NPI Manufacturing Engineer

Germantown, MD

$73K - $95K/yr

... industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. We are the people behind the ... Collaborate closely with R&D and Design Engineering teams to review new product designs for ...

Viavi Solutions

NPI Manufacturing Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$73K - $95K/yr

... industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. We are the people behind the ... Collaborate closely with R&D and Design Engineering teams to review new product designs for ...

Lucid Motors

Trade in Valuation Analyst

Mclean, VA · On-site

... automotive market. That means refusing to choose between performance and sustainability, design and engineering, ambition and integrity. In Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, we have designed and built ...

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All JobsAutomotive Design Engineering JobsAutomotive Design Engineering Jobs in Washington

Automotive Design Engineering information

See Washington salary details

$45.9K

$99.8K

$179.5K

How much do automotive design engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design engineering 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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Design Engineering jobs in Washington? For Automotive Design Engineering jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Design Engineering jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Engineering jobs in Washington are:
Automotive Design Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Design Engineering job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 70% In-person, 15% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,838 per year, or $48 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer III/IV

Artis, LLC

Herndon, VA • On-site

$115K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 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.

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