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Automotive Research And Development Engineer Jobs

City of Detroit

Automotive Research Assistant

Detroit, MI

$52.37K - $56.69K/yr

Automotive Research Assistant Print ( Apply Automotive Research Assistant Salary $52,370.00 - $56 ... D. (General Education Development) equivalent. * Three (3) years of experience in the repair and ...

HiFyve

R&D Engineer

Wichita, KS

$60K - $72K/yr

HiFyve is hiring a Research & Development Engineer in the Aerospace Manufacturing industry in Wichita, KS! Salary : $60,000-$72,500 Shift : Day Shift Location : Wichita, KS Benefits : Full benefits ...

AXIUS GROUP LLC

R&D Engineer Apprentice

Wichita, KS · On-site

SUMMARY The Research & Development Engineer Apprentice supports engineering and testing activities ... Experience may include automotive, aircraft, machining, welding, fabrication, motorsports ...

Endologix

Sr. R&D Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA

$114.30K - $156.90K/yr

Join our innovative, patient-focused Research & Development team as a Sr. R&D Engineer at Endologix! WHO WE ARE: Endologix LLC is a California-based global medical device company dedicated to ...

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Automotive Research And Development Engineer information

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$20K

$96.6K

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How much do automotive research and development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive research and development engineer in the United States is $96,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Research and Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Research and Development Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and knowledge of regulatory standards are typically required, along with certifications such as FE or PE being advantageous. Strong project management, teamwork, and innovative thinking are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing advanced automotive systems, ensuring safety and efficiency, and driving technological innovation in the automotive industry.

What are the typical challenges faced by an Automotive Research and Development Engineer during the product development cycle?

Automotive Research and Development Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with strict regulatory and safety standards, managing tight project timelines, and coordinating with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing, procurement, and marketing. They must also stay updated with rapidly evolving automotive technologies and ensure new products meet both customer expectations and environmental requirements. Effective problem-solving and adaptability are key, as unexpected technical issues or changing project scopes are common in this dynamic field.

What does an Automotive Research and Development Engineer do?

An Automotive Research and Development (R&D) Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and improving vehicles and their components. They work on developing new technologies, enhancing performance, safety, and fuel efficiency, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This role often involves collaborating with other engineers, using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and conducting experiments or simulations to validate new ideas and products. Ultimately, their work helps bring innovative and reliable vehicles to market.

What is the difference between Automotive Research And Development Engineer vs Automotive Design Engineer?

AspectAutomotive Research And Development EngineerAutomotive Design Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping new technologies, testing prototypes, and improving vehicle performanceCreating detailed vehicle designs, styling, and engineering drawings
Required SkillsEngineering analysis, prototyping, testing, and research methodsCAD design, styling, ergonomics, and technical drawing skills
Work EnvironmentLabs, testing facilities, R&D departmentsDesign studios, CAD labs, and engineering offices
Industry UsageUsed across automotive manufacturers and R&D centersPrimarily in design departments of automotive companies

While both roles are essential in automotive development, the Automotive Research And Development Engineer focuses on innovation, testing, and improving vehicle technologies, whereas the Automotive Design Engineer concentrates on creating the vehicle's aesthetic and functional design. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Research And Development Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs are:
Automotive Research And Development Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Research And Development Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 86% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 65% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,571 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Automation Research & Development Engineer

Kaiser Aluminium

Spokane, WA

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 hours ago

Job description

Kaiser Aluminum is known around the world for its superior quality. Our secret is what we put into it-innovative thinking, industry-leading reliability, and a world-class commitment to customer service. In short, the same qualities we look for in our people. We are looking for anAutomation & Development Engineer to join Kaiser Aluminum onsite in Spokane Washington!

We are seeking an engineer or scientist who solves real-world manufacturing problems by writing code, with a deep interest and knowledge about manufacturing process optimization and data analytics. The ideal candidate will have expertise in using modern technologies and data-driven methodologies to enhance manufacturing processes.

MustbeaU.S.person(identifiedasU.S.Citizen,U.S.PermanentResident(GreenCard),anyindividualwhoisgrantedstatusasa"protectedperson"under8U.S.C.1324b(a)(3).

Benefits

  • Salary range $85,000 to $125,000 commensurate with experience.
  • High deductible medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, including spouse and children (modest payroll deductions).
  • 10 paid holidays per year.
  • Vacation (3 weeks starting out).
  • Supplemental leave (used in conjunction with Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave).
  • 401K with matching company funds.
  • Quarterly bonus structure.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • A collaborative, team-oriented culture that values initiative and continuous improvement.
  • Opportunities to work on a wide range of projects, from low-level equipment/process control to high-level, plant-wide digital integration systems.
  • Hands-on work with Industry 4.0 tools such as IoT sensors, data analytics, machine learning, digital twins, and smart factory systems.
  • Dedicated time and resources to explore, test, and implement new solutions and technologies.
  • Training in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, advanced manufacturing software/hardware, metrology, and more.
  • Mentorship, cross-functional team experiences, and exposure to leadership - technical or Management - for those looking to advance.

Ideal Candidate:

  • Proficient in process control, data analytics, and optimization using modern tools.
  • Experienced in design of equipment and processes to solve manufacturing challenges.
  • Has strong knowledge of advanced technologies, such as machine learning and simulation tools

What you will work on:

  • Leverage data analytics, process control, and cutting-edge technologies to improve and optimize manufacturing processes.
  • Develop and deploy software and systems supporting Industry 4.0 initiatives, including:
    • Data warehousing for advanced analytics.
    • Vertical & horizontal integration of manufacturing information and control systems.
    • Simulation and Digital Twins to model and optimize processes.
    • Advanced measurement systems for capturing and analyzing critical process variables.
    • Implement advanced technologies, such as:
      • Computer Vision
      • Machine Learning
      • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Support new process and product R&D by developing control systems, data collection, visualization, and analysis tools.
  • Build and deploy software solutions to improve process visualization and control, with metrics such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), Statistical Process Control (SPC), and Quality Compliance.
  • Drive continuous process and production improvements through control system enhancements.
  • Develop a strong technical understanding of aluminum casting, rolling, heat treatment, and related operations.
  • Provide expert technical support to teams in Metallurgy, Quality Control, Engineering, Maintenance, and Production.
  • Create and maintain web applications for internal use, improving process transparency and access to critical data.

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