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Automotive Studio Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Highland Park, MI · On-site

$88K - $116K/yr

... automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources ... Develop, maintain, and optimize HMI and SCADA systems (e.g., Citect, FactoryTalk, RS Studio 5000 ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Highland Park, MI

$88K - $116K/yr

... automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources ... Develop, maintain, and optimize HMI and SCADA systems (e.g., Citect, FactoryTalk, RS Studio 5000 ...

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Experience supporting manufacturing, automotive, or industrial automation projects. PLC Programmer , Industrial Automation , Allen-Bradley , Rockwell Automation , Studio 5000 , RSLogix , Siemens ...

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Experience supporting manufacturing, automotive, or industrial automation projects. PLC Programmer , Industrial Automation , Allen-Bradley , Rockwell Automation , Studio 5000 , RSLogix , Siemens ...

New

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Automotive Product Development Program Manager This role for Product Development Program Manager ... with Engineering, Studio, Marketing, Manufacturing, New Model Programs, Finance, Purchasing ...

Showing results 41-60

Automotive Studio Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$70.2K

$100K

$127.7K

How much do automotive studio engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive studio engineer in Michigan is $100,013.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,200.00 and $115,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main responsibilities of an automotive studio engineer on a typical project team?

As an Automotive Studio Engineer, your main responsibilities include bridging the gap between the design and engineering teams by ensuring that vehicle concepts are not only visually compelling but also feasible to manufacture. You will create and refine 3D models, support the integration of engineering requirements, and facilitate technical reviews. Collaboration with industrial designers, clay modelers, and prototype teams is frequent, as you help guide projects from initial sketches to physical prototypes. This role offers valuable exposure to both creative and technical aspects of automotive development, providing opportunities for advancement into senior engineering or design leadership roles.

What does an automotive studio engineer do?

An Automotive Studio Engineer acts as a bridge between design and engineering teams, ensuring that a vehicle's aesthetic vision is maintained while meeting technical and manufacturing requirements. They work closely with designers, engineers, and modelers to resolve feasibility issues, optimize surfaces, and integrate components within design constraints. Their role involves problem-solving, using CAD tools, and collaborating with various departments to achieve a balance between design intent and functional feasibility.

What is an automotive studio engineer in automotive?

An automotive studio engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing vehicle components and systems, often focusing on aesthetics, ergonomics, and user experience. They work in a collaborative environment using CAD software and may require knowledge of automotive engineering standards and safety regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the automotive studio engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Studio Engineer, you need a strong background in automotive design, engineering fundamentals, and proficiency in 3D modeling, often supported by a degree in mechanical or automotive engineering. Mastery of CAD software such as CATIA, Alias, or Siemens NX, and knowledge of industry standards are typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset are crucial for working effectively with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams. These skills ensure that vehicle concepts are translated effectively into manufacturable designs while meeting aesthetic and performance goals.

Are automotive studio engineers in demand?

Automotive studio engineers are in demand due to the growing focus on vehicle design, advanced technology integration, and electric vehicle development. Skills in CAD software, prototyping, and automotive systems are highly valued in this field, which offers opportunities in automotive manufacturers, design firms, and technology companies.
What job categories do people searching Automotive Studio Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Studio Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Automotive Studio Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,013 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Lead Exterior Creative Designer - Performance Studio

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 306 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,272 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
The Role
Our Design organization plays a critical role in realizing GM's vision by shaping the emotional and functional character of every vehicle and experience we create. Within this organization, the General Motors Performance Studio is at the forefront of expressive, driver-focused performance design that elevates our iconic nameplates and future products.
The Lead Creative Designer - Performance Studio is responsible for leading advanced and production exterior performance design for GM performance vehicles and programs. This role focuses on performance-oriented products, including aero packages, exterior graphics, appearance packages, and motorsport opportunities.
The ideal candidate is a highly creative, hands-on exterior designer with a deep understanding of performance vehicle proportion, brand character, aerodynamics, and motorsports-inspired aesthetics, combined with the leadership skills to guide a team of designers and cross-functional partners.
What You'll Do
  • Lead the creative development of exterior performance design concepts for new and existing GM performance vehicles, programs, and accessories, from early ideation through production implementation.
  • Define and communicate a compelling performance design vision that aligns with each brand's DNA and GM's overall design strategy.
  • Generate high-quality sketches, renderings, and digital models that explore proportion, surface development, graphics, and aero elements with a strong sense of emotion, stance, and performance authenticity.
  • Direct, mentor, and inspire a small team of creative designers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in craft.
  • Partner closely with Studio leadership, Clay and Digital Sculpting, Engineering, Aerodynamics, Performance Engineering, Marketing, and Program Management to balance design intent with feasibility, performance targets, cost, and timing.
  • Champion brand-appropriate performance graphics, color-breaks, and visual signatures that reinforce vehicle identity on both road and track, leveraging GM's digital design workflows (including VR reviews and advanced visualization) to refine quality and accelerate decision-making.
  • Monitor industry, motorsports, and cultural trends related to performance, customization, and enthusiast communities and advocate for the customer and enthusiast perspective in all design decisions.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or related field from an accredited institution.
  • 7+ years of professional automotive exterior design experience with a strong portfolio of performance-oriented and advanced/production programs.
  • Proven experience leading design themes or sub-programs from concept through production in close partnership with clay/digital sculpting and engineering.
  • Expert sketching and visualization abilities (traditional and digital) plus proficiency in key design/visualization tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Alias, Blender, VRED or similar).
  • Deep understanding of proportion, surfacing, aero principles, and performance design language, with strong communication, collaboration, mentoring skills, and ability to work on-site in Warren, MI.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Experience working specifically on performance or motorsports programs (road cars, track cars, racing programs, or aftermarket performance products).
  • Prior experience in a lead, principal, or equivalent senior designer capacity within an OEM or advanced design studio.
  • Familiarity with GM brands and performance heritage and enthusiasm for the performance and enthusiast space.
  • Experience with VR-based design reviews, real-time visualization, and/or innovative digital design workflows.
  • Strong storytelling skills, including the ability to connect design solutions to brand strategy, customer insights, and business objectives.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908