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Automotive Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Engineer, World Models

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site +1

$155K - $269K/yr

Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. ... As a Research Engineer in the World Models team, you will develop algorithms and productionize the ...

Research Engineer, World Models

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$155K - $269K/yr

Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. ... As a Research Engineer in the World Models team, you will develop algorithms and productionize the ...

Research Engineer, World Models

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$155K - $269K/yr

Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. ... As a Research Engineer in the World Models team, you will develop algorithms and productionize the ...

Research Engineer, World Models

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$155K - $269K/yr

Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. ... As a Research Engineer in the World Models team, you will develop algorithms and productionize the ...

Research Engineer, World Models

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site +1

$155K - $269K/yr

Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. ... As a Research Engineer in the World Models team, you will develop algorithms and productionize the ...

SAE, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine [AAAM], International Research Council on the Biomechanics of Injury [IRCOBI], Stapp, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ...

Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. ... To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai As a Research Engineer in Neural Rendering, you will create the ...

Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. ... To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai As a Research Engineer in Neural Rendering, you will create the ...

Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. ... To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai As a Research Engineer in Neural Rendering, you will create the ...

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Automotive Research Engineer information

See salary details

$37K

$106K

$142.5K

How much do automotive research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive research engineer in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for Automotive Research Engineers?

Automotive Research Engineers often begin their careers in entry-level or junior engineering roles, focusing on research and product development. With experience, they can advance to senior engineer positions, project management, or specialize in areas like powertrain, vehicle safety, or autonomous systems. Many also progress to lead teams, contribute to strategic decisions, or move into R&D management roles. Continuous learning and staying current with industry technology can significantly enhance your career growth within the automotive sector.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Automotive Research Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Research Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, advanced problem-solving skills, and expertise in data analysis. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications (such as ISO/TS 16949) are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex results to multidisciplinary teams are valuable soft skills. These competencies enable you to develop innovative automotive solutions, ensure product safety, and collaborate effectively in a dynamic R&D environment.

What does an Automotive Research Engineer do?

An Automotive Research Engineer conducts studies and experiments to develop new vehicle technologies, improve performance, enhance safety, and increase efficiency. They work on designing, testing, and analyzing automotive components, materials, and systems. This role often involves using computer simulations, data analysis, and prototype testing to solve engineering challenges. Automotive Research Engineers collaborate with manufacturers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to meet industry standards. Their work is essential in driving innovation in areas like electric vehicles, autonomous technology, and sustainability.

More about Automotive Research Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Automotive Research Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Research Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Research Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Automotive Research Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Automotive Research Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Automotive Research Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Automotive Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.
Senior Research Engineer/Advanced Engineering

Senior Research Engineer/Advanced Engineering

Magna

Troy, MI

$99K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job descriptions may display in multiple languagesbased on your language selection.

What we offer:
At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.
Group Summary:
Magna is more than one of the world's largest suppliers in the automotive space. We are a mobility technology company built to innovate, with a global, entrepreneurial-minded team. With 65+ years of expertise, our ecosystem of interconnected products combined with our complete vehicle expertise uniquely positions us to advance mobility in an expanded transportation landscape.

Job Responsibilities:

Role Summary:

The Senior Research Engineer/Advanced Engineering will work on technology projects within the Corporate R&D Advanced Body Domain, supporting the technical evaluation and due diligence of new developments in multiple

areas of the complete vehicle, including body, exteriors, seating, mechatronics, vehicle integration, and other system-level engineering and product development.

The Senior Research Engineer/Advanced Engineering will plan, execute, and coordinate all related activities for/with all other internal Corporate R&D Domains, Magna Group R&D Departments, as well as external Supplier. companies, institutions, and academia as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Contribute to the development of new technologies and/or product and/or system ideas, either adding content per vehicle (CPV) - top line (revenue) and/or improving profitability (bottom line)

  • Analyze automotive market trends along with region-specific regulations and develop domain-specific, futuristic, two-generational product and technology roadmap, in collaboration with Magna groups. (body, structures, exteriors, seating, and mechatronics)

  • Collaborate with Magna groups' R&D teams to identify and develop product and process gaps to improve CPV or reduce product costs.

  • Initiate new R&D projects by developing problem statements and value propositions.

  • Execute end-to-end Proof of Technology (PoT) or Proof of Concept (PoC) using Ideation Development Process (IDP)

  • Provide input into project prioritization based on total addressable, relevant market analysis, working with other Magna R&D and business development groups.

  • Conduct advanced development studies to support program timing and budget goals.

  • Participate in the ideation process while identifying gaps in the current product or manufacturing technology, to guide and provide future R&D efforts to improve the top and/or bottom line.

  • Perform deep dive analyses on current problem statements (product and process), status quo (materials, design, process, BOM, DVP&R, D-FMEA, etc.), and its cost drivers or technology gaps.

  • Analyze engineering results and propose product changes to determine the feasibility and improvement of components, systems, and functional/performance specifications.

  • Analyze customer requirements and develop KPIs for new products or technologies in alignment with the Magna group/s.

  • Plan and lead IDP gate reviews, and related cross-functional efforts with internal/external customers with required documentation (example - DVP&R, D-FMEA, KPI, etc.) defined within IDP.

  • Confer with other Research Engineers to clarify or resolve problems and develop design solutions.

  • Collaborate with CAD Design Engineers and Designers for the generation of 2D/3D CAD data.

  • Continue to innovate on behalf of internal and external customers.

  • Perform other duties as required.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering ; Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering preferred.

  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes and assembly methods

Experience:

  • 5+ years of recent experience working either as a Researcher, Technical Lead, Product /System Engineer in body / exterior / seating/ mechatronics, and their integration into various systems.

  • Experience working with body, structures, exterior, seating, and mechatronics and their integration into various systems

  • Experience working with Teamcentre to review CAD, cut sections, and present (preferred)

Required Skills

  • Excellent collaborator seeking WIN-WIN scenario.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)

  • Technical ability and creativity to initiate, direct, and control specific projects.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • High Self-motivation, Never Settle, and Be-Curious (15-Why) thinking.

  • Ability to influence without authority and collaborate effectively across teams.

Health & Safety

  • Ensure all Company policies, procedures, plant standards, and safety rules are consistently adhered to.

  • Display a positive attitude towards safety, work safely, and follow all the Company's safety policies and procedures.

  • Comply with all Health, Safety and Environmental standards in accordance with the Magna Employee Charter, the Occupational Health & Safety Act, and the Michigan Occupational Health & Safety Act.

  • Ensure all employees and visitors have a safe environment in that safety and housekeeping standards are maintained; and all hazards, unsafe actions, or unsafe conditions have been identified, corrected, and/or eliminated.

  • Respond to and investigate all reports of injuries, accidents, illnesses, near misses and property damage immediately.

  • Take an active part in the office/division's safety program by performing regular workplace inspections, effectively investigate accidents/incidents promptly and assists in meeting or exceeding the office/division's safety goals.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment: At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.

Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker Type:
Regular / Permanent
Group:
Magna Corporate