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Chassis Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ConGlobal

Container/Chassis Mechanic

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$18.27 - $38.46/hr

We are passionate about innovation and continue to lead the industry in developing and deploying ... We are currently seeking an experienced and reliable Chassis Mechanic to join our maintenance team.

ConGlobal

Container/Chassis Mechanic

Haslet, TX · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

We are passionate about innovation and continue to lead the industry in developing and deploying ... Inspect, repair, and maintain intermodal chassis , including braking systems, lights, suspensions ...

Rivian

Staff Tire Engineer - Chassis

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $172K/yr

As a Lead Tire Engineer, you will be responsible for the development of passenger car radial and ... with Chassis, Vehicle Dynamics, Range & Efficiency, NVH, Studio, CAE, Purchasing, Test ...

Rivian

Staff Tire Engineer - Chassis

Irvine, CA · On-site

$137K - $172K/yr

As a Lead Tire Engineer, you will be responsible for the development of passenger car radial and ... with Chassis, Vehicle Dynamics, Range & Efficiency, NVH, Studio, CAE, Purchasing, Test ...

Rivian

Staff Tire Engineer - Chassis

Irvine, CA

$137K - $172K/yr

As a Lead Tire Engineer, you will be responsible for the development of passenger car radial and ... with Chassis, Vehicle Dynamics, Range & Efficiency, NVH, Studio, CAE, Purchasing, Test ...

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Chassis Lead information

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How much do chassis lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for chassis lead in the United States is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chassis technician do?

A chassis technician inspects, repairs, and maintains the chassis of vehicles, ensuring proper alignment, suspension, and structural integrity. They use tools such as lifts, diagnostic equipment, and hand tools, often working in automotive repair shops or manufacturing environments. Certification in automotive technology can enhance job prospects and skill recognition.

What do you need to become a chassis engineer?

To become a chassis engineer, a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field is typically required. Strong knowledge of vehicle dynamics, CAD software, and testing methods is essential, along with experience in vehicle design and manufacturing processes.

What is the difference between Chassis Lead vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChassis LeadMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentAutomotive or vehicle manufacturing plants, R&D labsDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, R&D labs
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliersVarious industries including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in chassis designDesign and engineering roles in mechanical systems

The Chassis Lead typically oversees the design, development, and integration of vehicle chassis systems, requiring leadership skills and specialized automotive knowledge. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing and analyzing mechanical components, often working under the guidance of leads. While both roles require engineering credentials, the Chassis Lead emphasizes project management and team coordination within automotive projects, whereas Mechanical Engineers concentrate on technical design and analysis.

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

To thrive as a Chassis Lead, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, vehicle dynamics, and chassis design, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), simulation tools, and knowledge of automotive standards are typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and effective communication skills set outstanding Chassis Leads apart. These abilities are crucial for ensuring technical excellence, timely project delivery, and seamless collaboration among cross-functional automotive teams.

What is the highest paying job working with cars?

The highest paying jobs working with cars often include automotive engineering, high-performance vehicle design, and specialized roles such as automotive project managers or custom car builders, with salaries reaching six figures. Advanced certifications, experience, and working for luxury or performance brands can significantly increase earning potential.

What is a Chassis Lead?

A Chassis Lead is an engineering professional responsible for overseeing the design, development, and integration of a vehicle's chassis system, which includes components such as the frame, suspension, steering, and braking systems. They coordinate a team of engineers, ensure that the chassis meets safety and performance standards, and collaborate closely with other departments like powertrain and body engineering. Chassis Leads play a critical role in the development process, from concept through production, ensuring the structural integrity and handling characteristics of the vehicle. Their expertise helps ensure vehicles are safe, comfortable, and perform well.

What are some common challenges faced by a Chassis Lead when managing cross-functional teams during vehicle development projects?

As a Chassis Lead, one of the key challenges is coordinating efforts between engineering, manufacturing, and testing teams to ensure chassis components meet design, safety, and performance standards. Balancing technical requirements with cost and timeline constraints often requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, addressing unforeseen issues during prototyping or integration stages—such as fitment problems or unexpected material behaviors—demands flexibility and problem-solving abilities. Effective collaboration and proactive planning are crucial for overcoming these obstacles and delivering a successful chassis system.

What is the highest paying job in manufacturing?

In manufacturing, senior engineering roles such as Manufacturing Engineering Manager or Plant Manager tend to be among the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of production processes and safety standards.
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Chassis Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chassis Lead job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, 1% Nights, and 4% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $52,817 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Staff Engineer - Chassis and Motion Controls

Staff Engineer - Chassis and Motion Controls

Knightscope

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$180K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

About Knightscope

Knightscope is a security technology company building the Nation’s First Autonomous Security Force. The Company combines autonomous machines, advanced software, and human expertise to help protect people, property, and critical infrastructure. Knightscope’s long-term mission is to make the United States of America the safest country in the world


Job Summary

Knightscope is seeking a Staff Chassis and Motion Control Engineer to lead the mechanical and control systems development of our autonomous security robot platforms. In this role, you will own the design and integration of chassis architecture, suspension, drivetrain, and the motion control systems that govern how our robots move through complex, real-world environments. You will combine deep expertise in vehicle dynamics, mechanical design, and control theory to deliver platforms that are safe, reliable, and capable of operating autonomously across diverse terrain and conditions.


Location Requirement: Full-time, on-site at Sunnyvale HQ (no relocation provided)


About the Role

As a Staff-level engineer, you will set the technical directions for chassis hardware and motion controls and serve as a hands-on technical leader across cross-functional teams. Your responsibilities will span the full development lifecycle, from concept and requirements definition through prototyping, validation, and production.


You will architect chassis and suspension systems that balance stability, payload, durability, and manufacturability while meeting demanding operating requirements. On the controls side, you will develop and tune steering, traction, and motion control algorithms, including steer-by-wire and drive-by-wire subsystems, and define the interfaces between low-level motion control and higher-level autonomy. You will own vehicle-level requirements related to lateral acceleration limits, dynamic stability, and ride quality, deriving them with traceable rigor against relevant functional safety and robotics standards.


Day to day, you will work closely with autonomy, electrical, and systems teams to ensure motion control performance meets the needs of the full stack, lead design reviews and failure analysis, mentor junior engineers, and establish best practices for testing and validation. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and controls, extensive experience taking electromechanical platforms from concept to production, and the judgment to make sound architectural decisions in a fast-moving environment.


Key Responsibilities

  • Design and develop braking, steering, wheel, tire, and suspension concepts that improve cost, mass, efficiency, manufacturability, and serviceability for an autonomous security robot
  • Challenge existing requirements and define new ones for system sizing, functions, and features based on regulations, first principles, and product attributes
  • Appropriately scale automotive architectures for a smaller, lower-volume security robot
  • Assess and validate the manufacturing, assembly, and service feasibility of design proposals
  • Design, analyze, build, and test prototypes at the subsystem, system, and full-vehicle levels
  • Evaluate braking, steering, ride, and handling attributes—both subjectively and objectively—in production vehicles, prototype vehicles, and simulation
  • Collaborate closely with the autonomy team to ensure vehicle controllability
  • Work with cross-functional teams to ensure product requirements are met
  • Define and develop chassis control strategies and electrical architecture, and drive chassis software, electrical, and vehicle integration


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering
  • Experience designing systems with a combination of custom and off the shelf parts
  • 10+ years of automotive experience
  • Experience with Vector/ETAS/New Eagle tools (CANape, INCA, RaptorCAL, etc.)
  • Strong working knowledge of chassis systems and vehicle dynamics
  • Experience designing, prototyping, and testing mechanical and electromechanical systems
  • Proven delivery of chassis systems, with at least one product taken from concept to production
  • Hands-on experience in prototype development and vehicle validation
  • Familiarity with chassis software development (MATLAB/Simulink/RaptorDEV)
  • Ability to read and work with electrical schematics, with a sound understanding of automotive bus systems (CAN, Ethernet)
  • Understanding of fundamental engineering processes, including hardware and software release, requirements definition, and test planning


Compensation & Benefits

  • Base Salary: $180,000 - $210,000 DOE
  • Equity: Stock options
  • Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off
  • Location Requirement: Full-time, on-site at Sunnyvale HQ