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Chassis Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rivian

Sr. Lead Chassis Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$176K - $233K/yr

Role Summary As the Lead Chassis Engineer, you will hold cradle-to-grave accountability for vehicle ... Guide Design Release Engineers (DREs) through sophisticated design challenges and high-severity ...

Rivian

Sr. Lead Chassis Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$176K - $233K/yr

Role Summary As the Lead Chassis Engineer, you will hold cradle-to-grave accountability for vehicle ... Guide Design Release Engineers (DREs) through sophisticated design challenges and high-severity ...

Rivian

Sr. Lead Chassis Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$176K - $233K/yr

Role Summary As the Lead Chassis Engineer, you will hold cradle-to-grave accountability for vehicle ... Guide Design Release Engineers (DREs) through sophisticated design challenges and high-severity ...

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Chassis Design information

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How much do chassis design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for chassis design in the United States is $52.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.46 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is chassis design?

Chassis design refers to the process of creating the structural framework of a vehicle, which supports all its components such as the engine, transmission, suspension, and body. Designers consider factors like strength, weight, safety, and manufacturability to ensure the chassis can handle various loads and stresses while maintaining performance and durability. This field is essential in automotive, motorsports, and heavy machinery industries, where the chassis determines much of the vehicle's handling and safety characteristics.

What are common challenges faced by chassis design engineers when working on new vehicle models?

Chassis design engineers often encounter challenges such as meeting strict safety and performance standards while also optimizing for weight and cost. They must balance conflicting requirements from various teams, including aerodynamics, manufacturing, and electronics, which can lead to complex trade-offs. Additionally, integrating new materials and technologies requires constant learning and adaptation. Close collaboration with cross-functional teams and iterative prototyping are key parts of overcoming these obstacles.

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

To excel as a Chassis Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, structural analysis, and materials science, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), FEA tools, and knowledge of automotive industry standards is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for collaborating on complex projects. These competencies ensure the development of safe, efficient, and innovative vehicle chassis systems that meet performance and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Chassis Design vs Mechanical Design?

AspectChassis DesignMechanical Design
Primary FocusDesigning vehicle frames and structural componentsDesigning mechanical systems and parts across various industries
Required SkillsStructural analysis, CAD modeling, materials knowledgeMechanical principles, CAD, thermodynamics
Work EnvironmentAutomotive, aerospace, transportation industriesManufacturing, machinery, consumer products
CertificationsEngineering degrees, CAD certificationsEngineering degrees, CAD certifications

Chassis Design focuses on creating vehicle frames and structural components, primarily in automotive and transportation sectors. Mechanical Design covers a broader range of mechanical systems and parts across various industries. While both roles require engineering knowledge and CAD skills, Chassis Design emphasizes structural integrity and vehicle-specific requirements, whereas Mechanical Design involves designing diverse mechanical systems.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Chassis Design jobs?

The most popular types of Chassis Design jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Chassis Design jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Chassis Design jobs are:

Chassis Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chassis Design job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,095 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Chassis Design Engineer

Martinez, GA • On-site

Carman Solutions Group
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Carman Solutions Groupexternal

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Automotive Design Engineer with Creo with strong expertise in chassis and structural component development. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in designing metallic, plastic, and welded structural components for passenger vehicle applications, along with a strong understanding of manufacturing and product development processes.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop various vehicle chassis and structural components, including suspension-related parts, structural supports, mounting systems, and underbody assemblies.
  • Develop components such as suspension members, subframe structures, brackets, cross members, cradles, and other load-bearing assemblies.
  • Design mounting provisions and structural interfaces for steering, braking, powertrain, and related vehicle systems.
  • Generate detailed 3D models and 2D engineering drawings using industry-standard CAD tools.
  • Apply GD&T principles, tolerance requirements, and engineering standards to ensure designs are suitable for production.
  • Perform vehicle-level packaging and integration studies to ensure proper fitment, accessibility, and system compatibility.
  • Work closely with CAE, validation, testing, manufacturing, and other engineering teams to incorporate performance and test requirements into the design.
  • Develop cost-effective and robust designs considering manufacturability, assembly, serviceability, and overall product requirements.
  • Support design reviews, engineering changes, issue resolution, and product release activities.
  • Maintain engineering documentation and follow established product lifecycle and change-management processes.
  • Analyze field or test failures, identify potential root causes, and implement appropriate design improvements.
  • Support tolerance stack-up studies and engineering assessments related to product performance and assembly.
Required Skills & Experience
  • 5–7 years of relevant experience in automotive chassis, structural, or mechanical component design.
  • Strong hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling and detailed drawing creation.
  • Good knowledge of sheet-metal components, welded assemblies, fabricated structures, and related manufacturing processes.
  • Strong understanding of GD&T, DFM/DFA, tolerance analysis, and engineering design practices.
  • Experience with product design, engineering change, and design-release processes.
  • Understanding of chassis load conditions, vehicle dynamics, durability requirements, and validation/test feedback.
  • Ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and translate performance requirements into practical design solutions.
  • Exposure to CAE analysis and correlation of simulation results with physical test observations.
  • Experience in failure investigation and root-cause analysis is desirable.
  • Knowledge of applicable automotive standards and regulatory requirements will be an advantage.
  • Experience with PLM or product data management systems is preferred.
Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.

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