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Chief Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

MalaceHR

Chief Engineer

Detroit, MI

Chief Engineer Responsible for the operation management and effective daily leadership and administration of the facility maintenance team with the objectives of safety, efficiently, and effectively ...

Schulte Companies

Chief Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

Schulte Hospitality Group is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Chief Engineer to join our team! Schulte Hospitality Group is an organization whose success is rooted in its service culture. Our ...

Schulte Companies

Chief Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Schulte Hospitality Group is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Chief Engineer to join our team! Schulte Hospitality Group is an organization whose success is rooted in its service culture. Our ...

Schulte

Chief Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Schulte Hospitality Group is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Chief Engineer to join our team! Schulte Hospitality Group is an organization whose success is rooted in its service culture. Our ...

Zobility

Chief Engineer III

New Hudson, MI · On-site

$125K - $196K/yr

The Chief Engineer plays a crucial role in project execution to ensure customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and project profitability. Responsibilities: * Assist in market intelligence ...

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All JobsChief Engineer JobsChief Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Chief Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$28.3K

$81K

$157.8K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief engineer in Michigan is $81,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,400.00 and $104,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Chief Engineers face when managing multidisciplinary engineering teams?

Chief Engineers often oversee teams that include specialists from various engineering disciplines, which can present challenges in aligning different technical perspectives and ensuring effective communication. Balancing project deadlines, resource allocation, and maintaining quality standards while navigating these differences is a frequent part of the role. Successful Chief Engineers foster strong collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing, and implement standardized processes to address these challenges. They also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and promoting professional development within the team.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

What Is a Chief Engineer?

Chief engineer is a job title that has a range of meanings across different industries. A chief engineer is the head of the engineering department in an organization. The duties and responsibilities of this role vary in different industries. In general, a chief engineer must have engineering experience in the industry, strong leadership qualities and problem-solving skills. Depending on the industry, the education requirements for a chief engineer job range from an associate degree to advanced degrees in engineering.

What does the Chief Engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the technical operations and maintenance of a facility, ship, or industrial plant. They manage engineering staff, ensure safety and compliance standards are met, and often handle budgeting and project planning. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and relevant certifications are essential for this role.

How much does a Chief Engineer earn?

A Chief Engineer's salary varies depending on industry, location, and experience, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often hold certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) and oversee technical operations, maintenance, and safety protocols in engineering projects or facilities.

What is the difference between Chief Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectChief EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, professional engineering license, leadership experienceEngineering degree, possibly licensure, technical skills
Work EnvironmentProject management, overseeing teams, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and development of mechanical systems
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, HVAC, robotics
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Chief Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in their responsibilities and seniority. The Chief Engineer typically oversees projects, manages teams, and ensures technical standards at a strategic level, often requiring leadership experience and licensure. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems, working on technical tasks without the managerial responsibilities of a Chief Engineer. Both roles are vital in engineering industries, but the Chief Engineer holds a higher-level, supervisory position.

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

To thrive as a Chief Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, leadership experience, and a relevant degree such as a bachelor's or master's in engineering. Familiarity with project management tools, CAD software, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and team management skills help drive innovation and ensure smooth coordination across engineering teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for overseeing complex projects, maintaining high technical standards, and achieving organizational goals.

What does a Chief Engineer do?

A Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the engineering operations of an organization or project. They lead engineering teams, manage technical projects, and ensure that systems and infrastructure are maintained and improved according to industry standards. Chief Engineers also develop policies, coordinate with other departments, and solve complex technical problems to support the organization's goals. Their role often involves budgeting, staff management, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.
More about Chief Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Chief Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Chief Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chief Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Chief Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Chief Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Chief Engineer jobs in MI? For Chief Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,010 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Chief Engineer - LMC

Mormac Marine Group Inc

Ludington, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

The Chief Engineer is responsible for overseeing the safe operation and maintenance of all machinery aboard the historic steamship Badger, including her unique 7,000 HP Skinner Unaflow reciprocating engines and coal fired boilers. The Chief Engineer also handles the day-to-day administrative duties involving the engineering crew, the ordering of needed supplies, and maintenance tasks using the NS software. Chief Engineers work a rotating schedule and sail with the Badger during the summer season. The Chief Engineer is expected to maintain a respectful working relationship with the Senior Chief, the Captains, as well as the shore side personnel. Competitive wages, Holiday pay, and benefits package after completing a 60-day probationary period includes medical, dental vision and 401K. Mandatory Pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.