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Body Design Engineer Jobs in Frederick, MD (NOW HIRING)

Development scope includes identifying inputs, detailed design and analysis, design reviews ... Upper body twist: N/A COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00 ...

Development scope includes identifying inputs, detailed design and analysis, design reviews ... Upper body twist: N/A COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00 ...

Development scope includes identifying inputs, detailed design and analysis, design reviews ... Upper body twist: N/A COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Pay Range: Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD

$106K - $127K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness ...

Nuclear Engineer

Emmitsburg, MD

$102K - $122K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness ...

Nuclear Engineer

Leesburg, VA

$99K - $119K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness ...

Nuclear Engineer

Darnestown, MD

$98K - $117K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness ...

Nuclear Engineer

Damascus, MD

$104K - $124K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness ...

Nuclear Engineer

Smithsburg, MD

$96K - $116K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness ...

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Body Design Engineer information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$13

$42

$65

How much do body design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for body design engineer in Frederick, MD is $42.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.06 and $52.47 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, and why are they important?

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 Frederick, MD? For Body Design Engineer jobs in Frederick, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Body Design Engineer job openings in Frederick, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,772 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Build Engineer, COPVS (Starship)

Build Engineer, COPVS (Starship)

SpaceX

Westminster, MD • On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

BUILD ENGINEER, COPVS (STARSHIP)

The build engineer is responsible for production, qualification, and the design/analysis of hardware manufactured on the lines, as well as advancement of the manufacturing system itself. Development scope includes identifying inputs, detailed design and analysis, design reviews, qualification, and production implementation. This includes mechanical testing, weld process development, inspection techniques, personnel access, and all associated tooling required to create COPVs for Starship and Super Heavy Booster. Additional responsibilities include developing and reviewing work instructions as designs evolve and resolving issues that often require one-off analysis to determine the path forward.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Work closely with vehicle analysts to ensure solutions meet the requirements for vehicle design as well as the manufacturing processes
  • Develop production procedures/processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
  • Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines
  • Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency
  • Create original CAD models and prints for flight and/or tooling components
  • Lead the on-site design engineering for the efficient build of parts and assemblies
  • Create and maintain build schedules
  • Resolve and analyze manufacturing discrepancies while interfacing with the quality team (resolving issues for design, fabrication, and assembly)
  • Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers
  • Partner with engineering & production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles 
  • Source, retain, and advise new and experienced vendors from a technical perspective

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
  • 1+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing or production (internship and school projects experience qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, materials or industrial engineering
  • Involvement in a professional engineering society or collegiate design project
  • Experience with the build, assembly, or integration of large mechanical assemblies
  • Knowledge of composite manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to resin curing, cylinder cleaning & inspection, and pressurized testing
  • Knowledge of metallic manufacturing techniques, processes, and equipment related to welding, metal forming, fastening, drilling, bonding and automation
  • Mechanical component and/or tooling design and analysis experience using 3D CAD software
  • Experience with design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA)
  • Experience transitioning complex products from R&D to high-volume manufacturing in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience writing work instructions and procedures for critical aerospace parts
  • Experience in a production environment within the aerospace industry

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Position will be based in Westminster, MD and will require relocation if not already local
  • Must be able to work extended hours and weekends based on site operational needs
  • Stand: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Sit: Up to 6 hours per day
  • Push/Pull: Up to 50lbs. (unassisted) Up to 15 minutes per day
  • Overhead reach: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Walk: Up to 3 hours per day
  • Lift/Carry: Up to 25lbs. (unassisted) Up to 15 minutes per day
  • Climb (ladder/stairs): Up to 1 hour per day
  • Kneel/Crouch: N/A
  • Upper body twist: N/A

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 1: $100,000.00 - $117,500.00
Level 2: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.


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