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Automotive Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Vehicle/Automotive Engineer We are seeking a Vehicle Engineer to join our team in support of the design, documentation, and integration of complete vehicle systems, including advanced and autonomous ...

Automotive Technician

Bend, OR · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Automotive Technician 1112 SE Zeller Ln, Bend, OR 97702 Full-Time | Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM (No ... Full set of specialty tools + factory-level BMW & Mercedes scan/programming tools (more brands ...

... automotive and battery plants, aerospace facilities, data centers, commercial buildings, and labs * Perform psychrometric chart analyses and study weather to inform design decisions * Design ...

As a Technical Sales Engineer at Henkel's Automotive Components Business Unit, you will be responsible for successfully driving technical sales projects, owning business results and expanding the ...

$60K - $70K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Analytics, Statistics, Mathematics, Automotive Engineering, Business, Public Administration, or a related technical field.

... automotive aftermarket customers all around the world. * Our territory sales team members are a ... engineering, and other functions to deliver an excellent customer experience while driving ...

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Showing results 1-20

Automotive Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$30

$36

$53

How much do automotive engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive engineer in Oregon is $36.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.79 and $36.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and a relevant degree in automotive or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards such as ISO and SAE, as well as certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), are typically required. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and adaptability help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and respond to rapidly changing technologies. These skills ensure successful vehicle design, compliance with safety standards, and innovation in a competitive automotive market.

What does an automotive engineer do?

Automotive engineers design, develop, and test the mechanical components and subsystems of vehicles. As an automotive engineer, you may be asked to create engineering specifications, conduct design reviews, provide technical direction to other staff, modify existing parts in a lab, or perform various analyses. In some cases, automotive engineers perform emergency tests and checks to search for manufacturing defects and decide whether or not a recall should be ordered.

What does an automotive engineer do?

An automotive engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing vehicles and their subsystems. They work on improving the performance, safety, and efficiency of cars, trucks, and other automobiles. Their work often involves collaborating with other engineers to create new technologies, address regulatory requirements, and solve engineering challenges in vehicle production. Automotive engineers may specialize in areas such as structural design, electronics, or powertrain systems.

What are some common challenges automotive engineers face when working on new vehicle models?

Automotive engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing innovative design with strict safety and regulatory standards. They must also work within tight project timelines and budget constraints, all while ensuring that new technologies are both reliable and manufacturable at scale. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams—including designers, software specialists, and manufacturing engineers—is essential to address issues such as integration of electronics, fuel efficiency, and sustainability. Navigating these complexities requires strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.

What is the difference between Automotive Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAutomotive EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or related fields; possibly certifications like SAE or ASEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; professional engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentAutomotive manufacturing plants, R&D labs, design studiosFactories, design offices, research labs across various industries
Industry UsageAutomotive industry focus on vehicle design, testing, and productionBroad industry application including aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and more

Automotive Engineers specialize in vehicle design, testing, and manufacturing within the automotive industry, often requiring specific automotive certifications. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working across multiple industries with similar foundational skills. Both roles share core engineering principles but differ in industry focus and application.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Oregon are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Engineer jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Engineer jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Automotive Engineer jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Automotive Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Automotive Engineer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,568 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Vehicle Engineer

Actalent

Happy Valley, OR

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Vehicle/Automotive Engineer

We are seeking a Vehicle Engineer to join our team in support of the design, documentation, and integration of complete vehicle systems, including advanced and autonomous vehicle platforms. This role involves collaborating cross-functionally with engineering, design, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams to ensure vehicle designs are accurately documented and fully aligned with physical builds. The position is crucial in driving first-time build accuracy, predictable quality, and seamless transition from concept through production.

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Responsibilities
  • Review, validate, and approve Bills of Materials (BOM) for vehicle hardware, including wiring and electrical components.
  • Ensure complete vehicle documentation from early concepts and sketches through prototype and production builds.
  • Review Digital Mockups (DMU) and align frequently with design, build, and manufacturing teams.
  • Serve as the liaison between project management, design engineering, production, and quality teams.
  • Participate in cross-functional design task forces to ensure concepts are fully documented and ready for implementation.
  • Track and report design completeness and readiness for upcoming vehicle builds and design iterations.
  • Provide consulting and support for design challenges and documentation gaps.
  • Own and manage the issues tracking and burn-down process, ensuring timely resolution.
  • Create and maintain work instructions, handbooks, and build documentation.
  • Support prototype and pre-production documentation efforts.
  • Provide production procedures and assist with production support and training.
  • Deliver clear status updates and visibility to leadership to support prioritization and execution.

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Essential Skills
  • Strong knowledge of vehicle systems, BOM structures, and engineering documentation.
  • Experience working with CAD systems and DMU environments.
  • Proven ability to collaborate across multiple teams in a fast-paced development environment.
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

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Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
  • 1+ year experience in full vehicle design, vehicle integration, or automotive engineering - experience from Formula or Baja SAE teams and/or internships will be considered.
  • Experience with autonomous vehicles, ADAS, or advanced vehicle technologies is a bonus.
  • Experience supporting prototype builds, pre-production, or manufacturing launch activities.
  • Familiarity with production readiness, quality processes, and build validation.

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Work Environment

The position is located onsite in Portland, OR to work on Actalent's outsourced services team that owns the work being done for DTNA. This role provides an opportunity to work on cutting-edge vehicle and advanced technologies, influence the entire vehicle lifecycle from concept to production, and collaborate with highly skilled engineering and manufacturing teams. You will make a direct impact on vehicle quality, build accuracy, and program success.

We prefer regional talent from the Pacific NW, but may consider highly qualified non-local prospects who are relocating themselves to Portland quickly.

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Use the following link to speak with a recruiter and learn more: click here

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Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Portland,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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