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Body Design Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

G-TECH Services

Mechanical Design Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

The Layout Integration Engineer will support the Central Layout Group by developing and integrating ... Execute layout development and integration for multiple North America facilities, including Body ...

Ford Motor Company

Studio Design Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

As a Studio Design Engineer, you will work with many team members to make the design vision a ... Body and Trim * 1+ years of experience in Catia V5 or 3DX Even better, you may have.. . * Strong ...

Waltonen

NX Product Designer

Warren, MI · On-site

Waltonen Engineering is actively seeking several NX Product Designers to join our team ... Associates in Vehicle Design or Product Development * Powertrain, Chassis, or Body Design

Waltonen

NX Product Designer

Warren, MI · On-site

Waltonen Engineering is actively seeking several NX Product Designers to join our team ... Associates in Vehicle Design or Product Development * Powertrain, Chassis, or Body Design

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsBody Design Engineer JobsBody Design Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

Body Design Engineer information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$13

$42

$65

How much do body design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for body design engineer in Detroit, MI is $42.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.37 and $52.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Body Design Engineer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectBody Design EngineerStructural Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Aerospace EngineeringBachelor's in Civil, Mechanical, or Structural Engineering
Work EnvironmentAutomotive, aerospace, or manufacturing industriesConstruction, infrastructure, or building projects
Industry UsageDesigning vehicle bodies, aircraft fuselages, or product shellsDesigning load-bearing structures for buildings and bridges

While both roles involve engineering design, a Body Design Engineer focuses on creating vehicle or product shells, emphasizing aerodynamics and aesthetics, whereas a Structural Engineer specializes in ensuring the safety and stability of buildings and infrastructure. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in related industries, but their specific applications and design focus differ significantly.

What is a body design engineer?

A Body Design Engineer is a professional who designs and develops the structural and exterior components of vehicles, such as doors, hoods, fenders, roofs, and frames. They focus on ensuring that these parts meet safety, durability, and aesthetic requirements while collaborating with other engineering teams. Body Design Engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software and work closely with manufacturing to ensure that designs can be efficiently produced. Their role is essential in creating vehicles that are safe, functional, and visually appealing.

What are some common challenges faced by body design engineers in automotive projects?

Body Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing aesthetic requirements with structural integrity, meeting safety regulations, and integrating new materials or technologies. They must coordinate closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, electrical, and safety engineers, to ensure that all design aspects are feasible for mass production and meet quality standards. Additionally, tight project timelines and evolving customer expectations can add complexity to the role, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a body design engineer?

To thrive as a Body Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, knowledge of automotive body structures, and proficiency in CAD software, often supported by a relevant degree. Experience with tools like CATIA, NX, and familiarity with GD&T standards and manufacturing processes are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating across design, engineering, and manufacturing teams. These skills ensure that vehicle body components are engineered for safety, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness in a competitive automotive industry.
What are popular job titles related to Body Design Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI? For Body Design Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Body Design Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Body Design Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Body Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Body Design Engineer job openings:
Body Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Body Design Engineer job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,544 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer - CATIA V5

GABLETEK

Southfield, MI • On-site

$69K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Senior CATIA V5 Mechanical Designer / Checker - Body-in-White (BIW) Tooling & Transfer Systems
Location: Southfield, MI
Travel: 5-20% (Domestic & International as Required)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior CATIA V5 Mechanical Designer / Checker with a strong background in Body-in-White (BIW) tooling, transfer systems, and fixture design. This position is focused on automotive body shop automation and requires hands-on experience designing and checking tooling for production environments.
Responsibilities
Design and check Body-in-White (BIW) tooling using CATIA V5
Develop detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings
Design transfer systems and tooling fixtures for automotive body shops
Modify existing tooling and develop new mechanical designs for simple to complex systems
Create kit sheets illustrating design revisions and modifications
Review customer specifications, sketches, and engineering data to ensure design accuracy
Apply North American automotive standards and customer specifications throughout the design process
Coordinate with Project Engineers, Technical Leaders, Mechanical Engineers, suppliers, and manufacturing teams
Support supplier integration, purchased components, and imported CAD models
Participate in installation, startup, debugging, and final equipment acceptance as needed
Required Qualifications
Approximately 8+ years of mechanical design experience
Expert proficiency with CATIA V5
Extensive experience with Body-in-White (BIW) tooling
Strong background in Transfer System Design & Coordination
Experience designing:
GEO Systems
Framing Lines
Bodyside Systems
Sub-Assembly Fixtures
Tooling Fixtures
Transfer Systems
Knowledge of:
North American automotive standards
Body assembly geometry
Fixture tooling
Tool stack-up methodology
Auto assembly strategies
Part flow through body shops
Pallet systems
Robot systems
Experience importing and coordinating purchased components including:
Weld Guns
End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT)
Switches
Supplier Models
Familiarity with:
NAAMS Standards
Customer CAD Standards
CAD attributes
CAD checking procedures
Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Preferred Qualifications
Associate Degree in Mechanical Technology or equivalent experience
Additional experience with Powertrain automation projects
Understanding of mechanical design sequences and controls documentation
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Ability to interpret customer specifications and technical documentation
Knowledge of manufacturing processes and mechanical systems
Ability to work independently and within cross-functional engineering teams
Travel
Domestic and international travel may be required (approximately 5-20%) to support equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
Ideal Backgrounds
Body-in-White (BIW)
Automotive Tooling
Automation Systems
Transfer Systems
Tooling Fixtures
Machine Building
Automotive Assembly Equipment
CATIA V5 Mechanical Design

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