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Brake Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Astemo Ltd

Brake Test Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

The Brake Test Engineer will be working in a challenging environment that fosters creativity and problem solving. Job Responsibilities: * Comply with lab safety requirements and wear PPE, including ...

Astemo

Brake Test Engineer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

The Brake Test Engineer will be working in a challenging environment that fosters creativity and problem solving. Job Responsibilities: * Comply with lab safety requirements and wear PPE, including ...

Jireh Metal

Press Brake Lead

Grandville, MI · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Production, Engineering, Quality, Material Handling, Maintenance Role Purpose * Lead the safe and efficient operation of the press brake area and provide daily direction to a small team. * Set up ...

Jireh Metal Products

Press Brake Lead

Grandville, MI

$25 - $32/hr

Production, Engineering, Quality, Material Handling, Maintenance Role Purpose * Lead the safe and efficient operation of the press brake area and provide daily direction to a small team. * Set up ...

3-Dimensional Services Group

Press Brake Operator

Lapeer, MI · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Press Brake Operator UDM - Lapeer, MI 48446 Overview Level: Experienced Position Type: Full Time ... Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and job orders to determine specifications

3-Dimensional Services Group

Press Brake Operator

Lapeer, MI · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

Press Brake Operator UDM - Lapeer, MI 48446 Overview Level: Experienced Position Type: Full Time ... Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, and job orders to determine specifications

Jireh Metal Products

Press Brake Lead

Grandville, MI · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Production, Engineering, Quality, Material Handling, Maintenance Role Purpose * Lead the safe and efficient operation of the press brake area and provide daily direction to a small team. * Set up ...

Jireh Metals

Press Brake Lead

Grandville, MI · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Production, Engineering, Quality, Material Handling, Maintenance Role Purpose * Lead the safe and efficient operation of the press brake area and provide daily direction to a small team. * Set up ...

Jireh Metal Products Inc

Press Brake Lead

Grandville, MI · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Production, Engineering, Quality, Material Handling, Maintenance Role Purpose * Lead the safe and efficient operation of the press brake area and provide daily direction to a small team. * Set up ...

Aerotek

Press Brake Lead

Byron Center, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Press Brake Lead The Press Brake Lead operates and sets up brake press machinery on first shift ... Interpret and read engineering blueprints to determine bend sequences, dimensions, tolerances, and ...

Scout Motors

Sr Engineer, Brake System Development

Novi, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Engineer brake system components and subsystems, including brake calipers, rotors, hoses, lines, and actuation systems. Support the development, NVH, and validation of these components to meet ...

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All JobsBrake Engineer JobsBrake Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Brake Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$20.6K

$63.4K

$136.6K

How much do brake engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for brake engineer in Michigan is $63,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,931.00 and $87,817.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges brake engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams during vehicle development?

Brake Engineers often work closely with design, manufacturing, and testing teams, which can present challenges in aligning performance goals with practical constraints. For example, balancing braking performance with weight, cost, and manufacturability requires effective communication and compromise. Additionally, coordinating timelines and integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders is crucial to ensure the final product meets safety and regulatory standards. Building strong relationships and maintaining clear documentation can help overcome these common hurdles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a brake engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Brake Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, automotive systems, and materials science, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and industry standards such as ISO/TS 16949 is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex design challenges. These skills ensure the development of safe, high-performing braking systems that meet rigorous safety and quality standards in the automotive industry.

What is the difference between Brake Engineer vs Brake Technician?

AspectBrake EngineerBrake Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive EngineeringHigh school diploma or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D facilities, manufacturing plantsRepair shops, maintenance facilities, on-site vehicle service
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, heavy machinery manufacturingAutomotive repair, service centers, fleet maintenance

Brake Engineers focus on designing and developing braking systems, requiring engineering degrees and working in labs or design environments. Brake Technicians perform maintenance and repairs, working directly on vehicles in repair shops. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ in education, responsibilities, and work settings.

What does a brake engineer do?

A Brake Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and improving braking systems for vehicles such as cars, trucks, and trains. They work to ensure that braking systems are safe, reliable, and meet regulatory standards. Brake Engineers collaborate with other automotive engineers to integrate braking systems with other vehicle components, conduct simulations, analyze test data, and troubleshoot issues. Their work is critical in enhancing vehicle safety and performance.
What are popular job titles related to Brake Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Brake Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Brake Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Brake Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Brake Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Brake Engineer job openings:
Brake Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Brake Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,411 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Press Brake Programmer/Operator (3rd Shift)

Impact Fab

Holland, MI • On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Are you looking for a new opportunity where you can make an immediate impact in a fast-paced, growing West Michigan company? Do you enjoy metal fabrication and want to grow your skills? If so, Impact Fab could be a great fit for you. We are seeking a 3rd Press Brake Programmer/Operator to join our team.
Work Schedule: 8:00 pm - 6:30 am Monday night - Friday morning with a long weekend every week
Position Summary
This role is responsible for programming, setting up, and operating press brakes to produce accurate, high-quality formed parts. The mid-level operator is expected to work independently on standard jobs, troubleshoot basic issues, and support flow on the floor without constant oversight.
This is not a "button pusher" role - this is a thinking operator who understands bend sequences, material behavior, and how their work impacts downstream welding and assembly.
Key Responsibilities
Programming & Setup
  • Determine proper bend sequence, tooling selection, and tonnage requirements
  • Set up machines efficiently to minimize downtime and changeover time
  • Verify first-piece accuracy before releasing to production

Operation
  • Operate press brake to form parts to print specifications
  • Adjust programs and setups as needed to maintain quality
  • Monitor part quality throughout the run (angles, dimensions, flatness)

Print & Part Interpretation
  • Read and interpret blueprints, including:
    • Bend callouts
    • Tolerances
    • GD&T basics (as applicable)
  • Understand how forming affects downstream processes (fit-up, welding)

Quality & Accountability
  • Perform in-process inspections using calipers, angle gauges, etc.
  • Document required checks per job traveler or print
  • Identify and stop production on nonconforming parts
  • Work with Quality (Jeff/inspection team) when issues arise

Continuous Improvement
  • Suggest improvements to bend sequences, tooling, and setups
  • Reduce scrap and rework through better process control
  • Support lean initiatives (5S, setup reduction, flow improvement)

Team Support
  • Assist less experienced operators when needed
  • Communicate clearly with upstream (laser) and downstream (weld) teams
  • Maintain clean and organized work area

Successful candidates will have:
Experience
  • 3-7 years press brake operation experience in a fabrication environment
  • Experience programming CNC press brakes (not just running parts)
  • Familiar with a variety of materials (steel, stainless, aluminum)

Technical Skills
  • Strong blueprint reading skills
  • Solid understanding of:
    • Bend allowance / bend deduction
    • Grain direction
    • Springback
  • Comfortable using basic inspection tools

Preferred (Not Required, But Valuable)
  • Experience with offline programming software (e.g., AutoPOL, VPSS, RADAN)
  • GD&T familiarity
  • Experience in job shop / high-mix, low-volume environment

Performance Expectations (How You'll Be Measured)
  • Quality: Parts meet print without rework
  • Productivity: Jobs completed within estimated time
  • Setup Efficiency: Reduced setup and changeover time
  • Scrap Reduction: Minimal material waste
  • Ownership: Solves problems without waiting to be told

Impact Fab is a custom fabrication shop located in Holland, Michigan. We specialize in short run productions; machine build and part prototyping. Our commitment to quality service, quality parts, and genuine respect have earned us the loyalty of our customers and a prominent place in the design for manufacturing market.
If this sounds like a position for you and we are the kind of company you see yourself with, apply today for immediate consideration! To learn more about our organization, please visit our website at www.impactfab.com.

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