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Automotive Design Engineering Jobs in Washington

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 ...

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 ...

Arcadis

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 ...

Arcadis

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 ...

Equinix, Inc.

Senior Staff Controls Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Effectively interacts with other internal and external teams, including the design engineering ... Experience in highly automated environments (automotive, semiconductors, high-volume manufacturing ...

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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 Sep 14, 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 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 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,838 per year, or $48 per hour.

Sr Engineering Lead/Supervisor - Mechanical

Washington, DC • On-site

ZF LIFETEC
See more jobs at ZF LIFETECexternal

$125K - $151K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Sr Engineering Lead/Supervisor - Mechanical

Your journey to a meaningful career starts with ZF LIFETEC

*DNP* *CBD*

ZF Passive Safety Systems US LLC has job openings (multiple) for the position of Sr. Engineering Lead/Supervisor – Mechanical based out of its location in Washington, MI.

Job Duties: Work with cross-functional teams to lead the product design, development, and validation testing of IRS airbag modules. Prepare and specify engineering Bill of Material and coordinates engineering tool studies. Analyze test samples, write test reports, and present results to customers and management. Work with cross-functional teams to lead engineering problem solving root cause analysis activities and provides technical expertise and troubleshooting to manufacturing locations in support of programs. Manage prototype samples in support of development testing and customer deliverables. Lead and communicate as primary technical customer's contact. Apply knowledge of CAD software, CAE, and system performance. Apply knowledge of manufacturing processes of airbags for optimizing design. Manage release of technical documentation including drawings, Design Failure Mode Effects and Analysis (DFMEA) and Design Validation Plan and Reporting (DVP&R). Participate in Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) cost reduction activities. Identify product specifications and implement GD&T principles to fulfill program specific requirements. Conduct comprehensive design review activities. Mentor and provide direction to less experienced engineers. Provide airbag knowledge and leadership direction to Engineering Teams. A hybrid (in-office and telecommute) work schedule is available. 30% domestic and international travel required.

Requirements: Master's degree in Mechanical engineering, or closely related engineering field plus 4 years of experience as Mechanical Engineer, Product Engineer, or Design Engineer working with Inflatable Restraint Systems and curtain air bags and demonstrated experience with: Leading product development for curtain air bags, including RFQ, design, development, validation, and launch; Government standards and Federal regulations (FMVSS226) and applying them to the automotive safety restraints business; Inflator technology; Curtain airbag design, simulation performance, and release for manufacturing; Applying analytical capabilities: CAE, GD&T, DFMEA, and VA/VE; AutoCAD; Drawing Release Technology; and Minitab.

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Sr Engineering Lead/Supervisor - Mechanical
  • Innovative Impact: Shape the future of safety with life-saving technology that truly matters.
  • Dynamic Workplace: Thrive in an agile, collaborative environment where every idea counts.
  • Culture of Excellence: Be part of a team with over 60 years of high standards and groundbreaking achievements.
  • Growth & Empowerment: Advance your career with strong support for personal and professional development.
Diversity & Inclusion

At ZF LIFETEC, we are committed to building a culture where inclusiveness thrives and diversity is valued. We welcome unique perspectives and actively work to remove barriers, empowering all employees to reach their full potential. Guided by this vision, we innovate and create life-saving technology that makes a real impact on automotive safety.

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