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Automotive Design Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requirements: * 4 year degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology * 5-10 years of plastic part design, automotive design, or vehicle lighting experience desired. * MS ...

... the automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and ... During the design process the engineer will effectively apply knowledge of materials, equipment ...

Design and develop automotive chassis components and systems using CATIA V6 and CATIA V5. * Create ... Own engineering designs from concept through release, ensuring compliance with engineering ...

Alias Modeler

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$59 - $76.50/hr

Minimum 3 years working in or for an OEM or Tier I automotive design studio * Portfolio is a MUST. * BS, BA or MFA degree in design, engineering or transportation related * High proficiency in Alias ...

... the automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and ... During the design process the engineer will effectively apply knowledge of materials, equipment ...

Bachelor of Science Degree (or above) in Mechanical Engineering * 4+ years in automotive design/development * Demonstrable CAD skills and a strong understanding of GD&T * Proficiency with Excel and ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Southfield, MI ยท On-site

$82K - $113K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical engineering background, expertise in automotive ... Design and develop robust mechanical enclosures and brackets for ECU systems, ensuring accurate ...

Understanding of engineering theory and automotive design principles * Strong oral and written ... communication skills * Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively * Ability to ...

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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 Jul 13, 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 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 66% In-person, 17% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Truck-Lite

Erie, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description
Join our engineering team developing next-generation vehicle lighting solutions for major OEMs. In this role, you'll lead design efforts from concept through production, owning CAD models, DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, and collaborating directly with customer engineering teams. If you enjoy solving complex design challenges and driving new product development, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.
Responsibilities Include:
โ€ข Develop designs in accordance with the customer specifications.
โ€ข Work directly with OE customer engineering teams to develop concepts, designs, FMEA's, and build and
maintain relationships.
โ€ข Lead the design portion of the project by adhering to the department's NPI/ISO processes and methods.
โ€ข Develop formal product definitions and design constraints for Truck-Lite lighting products.
โ€ข Complete Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) plan to support your design intent.
โ€ข Develop Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R) to verify your design intent.
โ€ข Support the Project Engineers with effective design plans for New Product Introductions (NPI) or Life Cycle
Management (LCM) type products to support the organic growth of the company
โ€ข Support/lead cost and design improvement projects to contribute to the engineering productivity plan and
the organic growth of the company
โ€ข Effectively manage and lead assigned projects in conjunction with your cross-function team based on cost and
with an emphasis on meeting timeline requirements.
โ€ข Position requires compliance with the Technology Control Plan and the Federal Export Control Policy
established for the Corporation.
Requirements:
  • 4 year degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • 5-10 years of plastic part design, automotive design, or vehicle lighting experience desired.
  • MS Office Proficient
  • Computer Aided Engineering
  • 3D Modeling Experience (NX preferred)
  • Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) experience
  • Six Sigma experience is a plus