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

Resolves engineering and design conflicts * Responsible for 3D/2D CAD design of components and ... Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or crouching on narrow ...

Design Release Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

$38 - $43.25/hr

10-15+ yrs Automotive + Body Electronics + DRE + Electrical + ECU ownership + OEM/Tier 1 experience ... Must have worked as a Design & Release Engineer (DRE) * Must have owned Body Electronics/ECU ...

Discipline Design Leader - Systems Design

Troy, MI · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Requires Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical or Electronics Engineering or closely ... body interior & exterior control systems; assigning work packages to multifunctional teams; and ...

Discipline Design Leader - Systems Design

Troy, MI · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Requires Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical or Electronics Engineering or closely ... body interior & exterior control systems; assigning work packages to multifunctional teams; and ...

Design and release engineer for rocker moldings, supporting rocker molding design and development, with additional responsibility for body scope oversight across related components/systems. Skills ...

Showing results 41-60

Body Design Engineer information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$13

$42

$65

How much do body design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 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 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 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 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 cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Body Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Body Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Body Design Engineer job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% 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.

Design Release Engineer - BIW Upper body Structures

ALTEN Technology USA

Auburn Hills, MI

$38 - $43.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Key Responsibilities:

  • Own and manage the design, development, and release of BIW upper body components/subassemblies.
  • This includes parametric modeling using NX.
  • Work with external suppliers, internal stamping plants, and vehicle plant body shop to ensure manufacturability, cost, and material performance meet project milestones and vehicle functional objectives.
  • Develop and manage CBOM and Quadris for subassemblies.
  • Create Source Package technical documentation and manage technical reviews with the suppliers and internal Client teams.
  • Define and track engineering validation plans (DVP&R, DFMEA, PFMEA) and coordinate physical testing.
  • Provide onsite plant launch support to triage, root cause and establish corrective actions to address assembly, build variation, BSR or any other fit and finish items or launch gating issues.
  • Ensure designs comply with internal standards, vehicle performance targets, and regulatory requirements.
  • Communicate project status, risks, and deliverables to stakeholders across engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and quality teams.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field.
  • 3-5 years of experience in automotive sheet metal development or related area.
  • Proficient in CAD software (Teamcenter, NX, Vis Pro) and PLM systems.
  • Strong knowledge of metal forming and joining techniques.
  • Familiarity with GD&T, DFMEA, DVP&R, tolerance stack up, and typical automotive validation testing.
  • Excellent problem-solving and project management skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Self-motivated individual.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in engineering or related technical field.
  • KBE trained.
  • Experience working directly with internal and/or tier 1 stamping suppliers.
  • Experience with problem solving such as Red-X.
  • Experience with robust design such as DFSS.
  • Experience with Client change management, release, and warranty systems.
  • Knowledge of global automotive standards.
  • Understanding of sheet metal grades and applications.
  • Hands-on experience with vehicle body shop, pre-production builds and plant launch activities.