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Automotive Engineering Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Nexio Power Inc

Senior Powertrain Engineer

Nacogdoches, TX · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline. Experience * Minimum 8-12 years of progressive engineering experience in ...

Norvin Auto Repair

Automotive Technician

Killeen, TX · On-site

$30 - $55/hr

Automotive Service Excellence/ASE certification or Society of Automotive Engineers/SAE certification is preferred * Strong customer service and communications skills are required * have sufficient ...

Norvin Auto Repair

Automotive Technician

Killeen, TX · On-site

$30 - $55/hr

Automotive Service Excellence/ASE certification or Society of Automotive Engineers/SAE certification is preferred * Strong customer service and communications skills are required * have sufficient ...

Grease Monkey 1402

Automotive Technician

Buda, TX · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Automotive Service Excellence/ASE certification or Society of Automotive Engineers/SAE certification is preferred * Strong customer service and communications skills are required

Grease Monkey 1402

Automotive Technician

Buda, TX · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Automotive Service Excellence/ASE certification or Society of Automotive Engineers/SAE certification is preferred * Strong customer service and communications skills are required

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All JobsAutomotive Engineering JobsAutomotive Engineering Jobs in Texas

Automotive Engineering information

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$15

$24

$41

How much do automotive engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive engineering in Texas is $24.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.80 and $26.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is automotive engineering?

Automotive engineering is a branch of vehicle engineering that focuses on the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of automobiles and their systems. Professionals in this field work on improving vehicle performance, safety, efficiency, and sustainability. They may specialize in specific areas such as engine design, electronics, materials, or aerodynamics. Automotive engineers collaborate with other engineers and designers to bring new vehicles and automotive technologies to market.

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

Automotive engineers frequently encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with safety and regulatory requirements, meeting tight project deadlines, and integrating new technologies within budget constraints. Additionally, they collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—such as design, manufacturing, and quality assurance—to ensure that all aspects of the vehicle meet performance and reliability standards. Adapting to rapid advancements in areas like electric vehicles and autonomous systems also requires continuous learning and flexibility.

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, automotive systems, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software (like CATIA or SolidWorks), simulation tools, and industry standards or certifications (such as ISO/TS 16949) is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate and innovate in multidisciplinary environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing reliable, safe, and efficient vehicles in a competitive global market.

What is the difference between Automotive Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectAutomotive EngineeringMechanical Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Automotive Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, certifications like SAEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, optional certifications in CAD or thermodynamics
Work EnvironmentAutomotive design labs, manufacturing plants, testing facilitiesFactories, research labs, design offices across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily in automotive manufacturing and designBroad industry applications including aerospace, energy, manufacturing

Automotive Engineering focuses specifically on vehicle design, development, and testing, often requiring specialized automotive knowledge. Mechanical Engineering offers a broader scope, covering various mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both roles share foundational engineering principles, Automotive Engineering is tailored to the automotive sector, making it ideal for those interested in vehicle technology and innovation.

Are automotive engineers in demand?

Automotive engineering is a growing field due to advancements in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and alternative fuels. Skilled automotive engineers with expertise in CAD, systems integration, and vehicle design are increasingly sought after by manufacturers and suppliers worldwide.

What can you do with automotive engineering?

Automotive engineering involves designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing vehicles and their systems, including engines, electronics, and safety features. Professionals in this field work in research and development, quality assurance, and production environments, often using tools like CAD software and requiring knowledge of physics and materials science.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Engineering jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Automotive Engineering jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Engineering jobs in Texas?

For Automotive Engineering jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Engineering jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Engineering jobs in Texas are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Automotive Engineering jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Automotive Engineering job openings:

Automotive Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Engineering job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,086 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER

Southwest Research Institute

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Southwest Research Institute rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 74 rated research

Job description

Providing design, development, and analysis on components, engines, transmissions, and vehicles, we also support research and modeling for fuel mixing, combustion, filtration, and fluid flow analysis.

Responsibilities
  • Lead programs focused on developing advanced optimization techniques and control strategies for conventional, electrified, and alternative fuel engines, exhaust aftertreatment systems, and other integrated vehicle control systems.
  • Architect and oversee the implementation of rapid prototyping controllers (such as NI cRIO, dSPACE, and ETAS) by mentoring junior staff and ensuring alignment with program objectives and system requirements.
  • Provide strategic guidance on the application of advanced control theory, signal processing, and data analysis to enhance the efficiency, performance, and sustainability of powertrain systems.
  • Conduct technical reviews to validate models and control strategies, ensuring seamless integration across systems.
  • Write high-quality reports and deliver presentations to clients and stakeholders, translating complex concepts into actionable recommendations with opportunities to expand project portfolios.
  • Prepare bids and lead technical and promotional initiatives to win new work, cultivating client relationships to drive collaboration and innovation.
Requirements
  • Requires a Masters degree or foreign equivalent, in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering.
  • Must have 4 years of post-baccalaureate experience or research as a Research Engineer or related automotive engineering research role.
  • The 4 years of experience must include automotive engineering research, control algorithm development and implementation for real-time controllers, vehicle, fuel economy, combustion, and emissions testing, data acquisition and analysis.
  • The experience must include proficiency in Matlab, Simulink, Control Desk-Dspace, LabVIEW, National Instruments hardware, and the ability to communicate test data and results to clients through detailed reports.
  • The experience must include preparing bids, promotional materials and proposal presentations for new projects and clients.
  • Must travel 10% domestically to conduct promotional activities and support clients on-site.
Job Location

San Antonio, Texas

Benefits information available at this location and across other locations.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

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