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Automotive Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Carbon Robotics

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$122K - $159K/yr

Integrate and program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), automotive and industrial IO modules, and safety relays to automate and protect machine subsystems. * Select and qualify critical ...

Carbon Robotics

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Seattle, WA

$122K - $159K/yr

Integrate and program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), automotive and industrial IO modules, and safety relays to automate and protect machine subsystems. * Select and qualify critical ...

Carbon Robotics

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$122K - $159K/yr

Integrate and program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), automotive and industrial IO modules, and safety relays to automate and protect machine subsystems. * Select and qualify critical ...

terac

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Mechanical Engineers (Automotive and Aerospace)

Seattle, WA · Remote

$100/hr

Who This Is For We welcome mechanical engineers with professional design experience in the automotive or aerospace sectors. Ideal candidates have hands-on expertise with industry-standard CAD ...

New

terac

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Mechanical Engineers (Automotive and Aerospace)

Seattle, WA · Remote

$100/hr

Who This Is For We welcome mechanical engineers with professional design experience in the automotive or aerospace sectors. Ideal candidates have hands-on expertise with industry-standard CAD ...

New

terac

Be Seen First

Mechanical Engineers (Automotive and Aerospace)

Seattle, WA · Remote

$100/hr

Who This Is For We welcome mechanical engineers with professional design experience in the automotive or aerospace sectors. Ideal candidates have hands-on expertise with industry-standard CAD ...

New

Aquent

Systems Support Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site +1

$55 - $58/hr

Aug 3, 2026 Aquent is partnering with a leading innovator in advanced vehicle technology, a company dedicated to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. This organization is at the ...

Starcloud

Lead Thermal Engineer

Redmond, WA

$200K - $250K/yr

We're a small team of exceptional engineers, backed by leading investors, building in person in ... The scale here is closer to automotive and data center cooling than to standard spacecraft thermal ...

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All JobsAutomotive Engineer JobsAutomotive Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Automotive Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$32

$39

$57

How much do automotive engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive engineer in Seattle, WA is $39.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.29 and $39.38 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.

More about Automotive Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Automotive Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Automotive Engineer jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Automotive Engineer job openings:
Automotive Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,414 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Carbon Robotics

Seattle, WA • On-site

$122K - $159K/yr

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

As Sr. Electrical Engineer at Carbon Robotics, you will design and optimize the robust electrical power distribution and control systems architectures that are the heart of our products. You will create everything from electrical cabinet layouts to reliable 240VAC and low-voltage power distribution systems capable of enduring harsh agricultural environments. From developing robust architectures to deep vendor engagement to validating performance in harsh farm environments, you'll do whatever it takes - including going to the farm - to ensure our customers have reliable and safe products.

What you'll do:

  • Design and architect comprehensive power distribution systems, managing both 240VAC single/three-phase power and low-voltage DC distribution for complex robotic machinery.
  • Lead the full lifecycle of electrical cabinet design, including component layout, thermal management, enclosure selection, and wire harness schematics.
  • Integrate and program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), automotive and industrial IO modules, and safety relays to automate and protect machine subsystems.
  • Select and qualify critical electrical components such as circuit breakers, contactors, power supplies, transformers, and industrial control panel hardware.
  • Optimize electrical designs for EMI/EMC compliance, electrical safety standards (e.g., UL 508A, NFPA 79, SAE J1128), and reliability in the field.
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical and software teams to define spatial constraints inside enclosures and establish seamless PLC-to-software communication interfaces.
  • Support assembly technicians and manufacturing partners through initial panel build-outs, system bring-up, testing, and troubleshooting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities for Success:

  • 3-8 years experience in electrical engineering, specifically focusing on industrial or automotive power distribution, panel design, and automation. 
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD for wiring design as well as analytical design optimization tools
  • Experience with SolidWorks
  • Hands-on experience with PLC programming and industrial and automotive networking protocols (e.g., Modbus, EtherCAT, CANbus)
  • Strong foundational knowledge of AC/DC power, including 240VAC systems, three-phase power balancing, and low-voltage (12V/24VDC) control circuits
  • Previous experience designing for challenging environments (agricultural, automotive, heavy equipment, or aerospace) where vibration, extreme temperatures, dust, and moisture are constant factors
  • Proficiency in automotive wiring standards, connector systems, and harness design for high-power applications
  • Deep understanding of circuit protection devices (contactors, fuses, solid state power controls/relays) for vehicle applications
  • Willingness to travel ~10-20% of the time to support products in the production & field environments with a demonstrated ability to work directly with internal and external stakeholders/customers
  • BS+ in Electrical Engineering with focus on power systems, automotive engineering, or related field


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