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Chassis Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Chassis Steering - Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Mechanical Design & Release Engineer, you'll be instrumental in the product development of chassis steering hardware components -- from steering columns, intermediate shafts, and electric ...

Sr. Chassis Steering - Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Mechanical Design & Release Engineer, you'll be instrumental in the product development of chassis steering hardware components - from steering columns, intermediate shafts, and electric ...

This role does not own primary vehicle structure or chassis design, and it does not cover drivetrain-specific mounting or integration hardware, which are owned elsewhere; instead, you'll provide ...

Sr. Chassis Steering - Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Mechanical Design & Release Engineer, you'll be instrumental in the product development of chassis steering hardware components - from steering columns, intermediate shafts, and electric ...

Showing results 41-60

Chassis Design information

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$20

$52

$99

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.

More about Chassis Design jobs

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

The most popular types of Chassis Design jobs are:

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.

Technical Specialist - Advanced Chassis Structural Design & Manufacturing Engineering

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Ford Motor Company
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Ford Motor Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 530 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.

At Ford, the Vehicle Hardware Engineering teams are using Design Thinking & User Experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that will delight our customers. Our employees are laser-focused on bringing innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life. From autonomy and electrification to smart mobility technologies, our teams around the world are working together with excitement to make smart vehicles for a smart world.

This is a Technical Expert (LL6) position leading the technical design, development, and in-house process delivery for Suspension Structural Components (stampings, castings, and forgings) in Ford Vehicles. The main role of this position will be to develop and deliver an in-house design process, executing engineering, manufacturing feasibility, and tooling optimization.

In this position...
  • Lead the development and delivery of an in-house design and manufacturing process for suspension structural parts (stampings, castings, forgings), internalizing responsibilities.

  • Develop and maintain the Suspension Structural Component internal engineering foundation documents including design guides, design rules (DR’s), Requirements (RQTs), and interface contracts/agreements.

  • Create and manage Level 2 technical materials including Process FMEAs, Control Plans, Safe Launch Control Plans, and Sub-component BOMs.

  • Lead Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) feasibility reviews prior to tool kickoff, ensuring designs align with tool design specifications, plant equipment compatibility, and normal process capability limits.

  • Drive in-house manufacturing process simulations (e.g., stamping formability, casting solidification, forging flow) to optimize structure and ensure manufacturing process feasibility.

  • Lead OK to tool process with BTP supplier including approving steel purchase, OK to rough cut, and OK to finish steps.

What you'll do...
  • Conduct test facility correlation study between Ford test facility (DV) to BTP supplier facility (PV) to ensure proper validation of the structure per core ES at both locations.

  • Develop component and assembly GD&T for in-house designs and sign-off program prints for BTP structural parts.

  • Support prototype development process with program teams on BTP parts.

  • Manage the data collection and capability analysis for Significant/Critical Characteristics (SC/CC), calculating Ppk to ensure pre-production and production capability requirements are met.

  • Lead demonstrable process optimization trials and Design of Experiments (DOE) to confirm manufacturing processes are optimized.

  • Develop comprehensive APQP plans, conduct OK-To-Build and OK-To-Ship reviews, and oversee Gauge R&R trials, including the review and sign-off of gauge and check fixture designs.

  • Lead root cause analysis and problem resolution (8D, JIRA ) for dimensional, processing, and manufacturing quality issues during launch, DV/PV testing, and production.

You'll have...
  • BS-Engineering required.

  • 10 Years of experience in chassis structural design + engineering.

  • Extensive component engineering design and release experience in suspension structural components (stampings, castings, forgings), including specific experience on launch.

  • Deep understanding of Build-to-Print Supplier (BTPS) deliverables and the proven ability to execute manufacturing, tooling feasibility, and PPAP requirements in-house.

  • Extensive experience creating and managing DFMEA, PFMEA, SCCAF, Control Plans, and drawings with advanced GD&T.

  • Experience with CAE tools, manufacturing simulation software, and process optimization methodologies (DOE).

  • Strong analytical, math, and problem-solving skills to lead root cause analysis for complex manufacturing and dimensional issues.

Even better, you may have...
  • Understanding of GPDS deliverables and basic Ford engineering tools including Teamcenter, WERS, and buck environments.

  • Required leadership skills - quality-focused as #1 priority, innovative, excellent communicator, strong organizational skills, highly motivated self-starter.

  • Ability to handle complex tasks and challenging situations under compressed timing.

  • Experience communicating with senior leaders, design and release, manufacturing, and tooling suppliers.

  • Outstanding planning, organizational, and project management skills with proper follow-up to accomplish multiple objectives.

  • Strong One Ford Leadership Behaviors with a demonstrated ability to drive and deliver results.

  • Ability to build strong effective relationships with cross-functional teams (Foundation Chassis, Design and Release, Vehicle Operations, Testing Centers, and Suppliers).

Position requires occasional travel to assembly plants and other global chassis engineering centers to support new process development, issue resolution, and Design and Release engineer training.

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

  • Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
  • Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
  • Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
  • Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
  • Tuition assistance
  • Established and active employee resource groups
  • Paid time off for individual and team community service
  • A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
  • Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

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