Automotive Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Vehicle/Automotive Engineer

Job Description

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.

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.

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.

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.
• Background supporting prototype builds, pre-production, or manufacturing launch activities.
• Familiarity with production readiness, quality processes, and build validation.

Work Environment

The position is located onsite in Portland, OR. 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.

#LI-MH3

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

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Portland,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 5, 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.