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Car Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lead Automation Engineer

Southfield, MI · On-site

$97K - $143K/yr

The Lead Automation Engineer is responsible for leading efforts to drive manufacturing efficiency ... Develop Capital Appropriation Requests (CAR) for automation projects * Work with Finance and ...

There is a bit of EDAG in almost every car. We are experts in complete vehicle development and the optimization of production facilities for the automotive industry. As a Designing Engineer, you will ...

Project Engineer

Brighton, MI · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Car allowance of approximately $400 per month for project engineers If you are a construction professional looking for hands-on project experience, strong mentorship, and a long-term growth ...

Showing results 41-60

Car Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$34K

$88.7K

$119.8K

How much do car engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for car engineer in Michigan is $88,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a car engineer do?

A car engineer, also known as an automotive engineer, is responsible for designing, developing, and testing vehicles or their components. Their work involves collaborating with other engineers to improve vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. Car engineers may specialize in areas such as engine design, electronics, or aerodynamics. They use advanced tools and technologies to create prototypes, conduct simulations, and solve engineering challenges. Their goal is to ensure that vehicles meet industry standards and customer expectations.

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

To thrive as a Car Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and knowledge of vehicle systems. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry standards like ISO/TS 16949 or Six Sigma certification is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate on complex projects and innovate within multidisciplinary teams. These abilities ensure the design, development, and production of safe, efficient, and competitive vehicles in a fast-evolving industry.

What are some common challenges car engineers face when working on new vehicle models?

Car engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with strict safety and regulatory requirements, meeting tight project deadlines, and collaborating with cross-functional teams including designers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists. They must also stay current with rapidly evolving automotive technologies like electric drivetrains and advanced driver-assistance systems. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as priorities can shift quickly during the prototyping and testing phases.

What is the difference between Car Engineer vs Automotive Technician?

AspectCar EngineerAutomotive Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related engineeringHigh school diploma or associate degree; specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D centers, manufacturing facilitiesRepair shops, service centers, dealerships
Industry UsageDesigning and developing new vehicle models and systemsDiagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles

Car Engineers focus on designing and developing vehicles, requiring engineering degrees and working in labs or design centers. Automotive Technicians primarily diagnose and repair vehicles, often with technical certifications and working in service environments. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

Do car engineers make money?

Car engineers typically earn a salary that varies based on experience, education, and location, with median annual wages often ranging from $60,000 to $100,000. Senior or specialized engineers can earn higher salaries, especially if they work in advanced fields like automotive design or electric vehicle development. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans.

What are popular job titles related to Car Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Car Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Car Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Car Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Car Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Car Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Car Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 58% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,687 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Lead Automation Engineer

Eaton

Southfield, MI • On-site

$97K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Eaton rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 227 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Eaton's Mobility division is currently seeking a Lead Automation Engineer. This is a hybrid work opportunity for the business. Candidates must live within 50 miles of one of the following Eaton locations: Southfield MI, Marshall MI, South Bend IN, Indianapolis IN and/or Kings Mountain NC. This role will support 5+ Mfg. site US locations . Travel is expected to be 50%-75% .
The Lead Automation Engineer is responsible for leading efforts to drive manufacturing efficiency through implementation of automation projects.
The expected annual salary range for this role is $97000 - $143000 a year.
Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Eaton announced, on January 26, 2026, the intent to separate its Mobility Group (including both the Vehicle and eMobility segments) into an independent, publicly traded company. We expect to complete the separation by the end of the first quarter of 2027. The compensation and benefits that will initially be offered for this position are based on Eaton's plans, programs and practices. If you are offered and accept this position and are actively employed by the Mobility Group when the spinoff closes, the new company will provide further details to employees concerning compensation and benefits at that time.
What you'll do:
  • Identify automation opportunities within the North American region
  • Develop scopes of work for automation opportunities
  • Establish a reliable automation supply base and work with them to obtain proposals for automation opportunities
  • Prepare financial justification for automation projects
  • Develop Capital Appropriation Requests (CAR) for automation projects
  • Work with Finance and regional leadership to obtain CAR approvalManage capital and expense spending for assigned projects
  • Procure equipment and tooling per project plan and standards
  • Investigate, analyze and recommend new and/or alternate equipment and manufacturing methods
  • Identifies and coordinates best practice implementation between multiple facilities
  • Recommends and implements improvements to existing manufacturing operations, equipment and procedures
  • Troubleshooting support for existing automation with controls and robotic programming expertise
  • Attend Trade shows and seminars to stay current with automation technology

Qualifications:
Required Basic Qualifications:
  • Minimum Bachelors Degree in Engineering and/or Engineering Technology from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum of three (3) years experience in automating manufacturing processes.
  • Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any "CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc."
  • No relocation is being offered for this position. Candidates must reside within 50 miles of the following Eaton facilities: Southfield MI, Marshall MI, South Bend IN, Indianapolis IN and/or Kings Mountain NC. Active Duty Military is exempt from this geographical limitation .

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Five (5) years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as Forging, Machining, Grinding, Assembly
  • Experience writing and debugging PLC ladder logic
  • Experience Programming HMI's (human machine interface) and developing/implementing Robot programs
  • Bi-Lingual (Spanish)

Skills
  • Ability to define specifications for automation of manufacturing operations
  • Proficient with managing suppliers to ensure on time project execution
  • Project management skills to define, track, and report project statusesTeam oriented, flexible, must be able to work with all levels of management
  • Recognize and define safety improvements for all aspects of manufacturing processes
  • Travel will range between 50-75% to support business

All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates' privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.
We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.
You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.
We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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About Eaton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US