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Chief Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Chief Engineer plays a crucial role in project execution to ensure customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and project profitability. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SKILLS: Typical responsibilities ...

Manages the building engineering staff in conjunction with the Property Manager. Responsible for implementing and tracking company policies and procedures to maintain the asset at the highest level.

Manages the building engineering staff in conjunction with the Property Manager. Responsible for implementing and tracking company policies and procedures to maintain the asset at the highest level.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Chief Engineer to lead a team in the design, development, and deployment of innovative engineering solutions. This role requires a strong technical ...

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Chief Engineer to lead a team in the design, development, and deployment of innovative engineering solutions. This role requires a strong technical ...

Showing results 21-40

Chief Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$28.3K

$81K

$157.8K

How much do chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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 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 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 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 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.

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 advanced technical skills and certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE) licenses, which can influence compensation.

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:

Infographic showing various Chief Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,010 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Defense Chief Engineer

Oshkosh Corporation

Hudson, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Oshkosh Corporation rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

293rd of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

About Pratt Miller, an Oshkosh company
Pratt Miller is a product development company in motorsports, defense, and mobility industries providing clients with product engineering and low-volume production solutions. Our range of research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and low-rate production capability help our customers bring their high-quality products to market faster.
Job Description
Pratt Miller Defense is a leader in driving innovation, with a talented and dynamic team dedicated to transforming the future of defense solutions. We integrate cutting-edge technologies, develop unique toolsets, and leverage our expertise in ground vehicles to deliver groundbreaking solutions for our warfighters. We are seeking an entrepreneurial spirit and defense subject matter expert to help align our organization in delivering unique defense solutions and products.
This position reports to the Defense Technical Director and offers opportunities for growth through business unit alignment, increased direct reports, and strategic partnerships. A successful candidate will be flexible, self-directed, team-oriented, and capable of managing ambiguity. The Chief Engineer plays a crucial role in project execution to ensure customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and project profitability.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND SKILLS:
Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Assist in market intelligence, customer lead generation, scope meetings, opportunity evaluation, and leading proposal efforts.
  • Oversee the engineering execution of projects, ensuring technical approach, customer satisfaction, quality, timing, and profitability.
  • Lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering growth and team development.
  • Plan and formulate engineering programs, reviewing product designs for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer requirements.
  • Approve design changes, specifications, and drawing releases.
  • Coordinate technical development, scheduling, and resolve engineering design and testing challenges.
  • Lead the identification of electrical and hybrid vehicle technical architectures and system partitioning.
  • Develop SWOT analyses and identify competitive advantages, proposing PM solutions based on market needs.
  • Integrate engineering best practices across the organization.
  • Present technical capabilities and solutions to management, customers, and partners.
  • Ensure alignment of project solutions with broader organizational goals, industry roadmaps, and emerging technologies.
  • Set technical objectives, resolve conflicts, and make decisions based on trade studies and requirements.
  • Coordinate resource forecasting, program management, and recruiting efforts.
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks to customer satisfaction and project deliverables.
  • Lead internal and external technical communications to keep projects on track.
  • Oversee financials and ensure project profitability.
  • Manage customer relationships, provide status updates, and ensure on-time deliverables.
  • Offer feedback on customer needs and continuous process improvements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
In addition to the responsibilities mentioned, the following qualifications and experience are desired:
  • Experience in full vehicle design and development, including chassis systems, propulsion, and energy systems.
  • Expertise in testing, evaluation, and verification/validation of vehicle systems.
  • Strong technical background with deep understanding of system engineering, systems safety, and safety-critical software.
  • Familiarity with the lean product development process, including CAE tools and optimization.
  • Experience in test and evaluation, including developmental and integrated verification strategies.
  • Hands-on experience in maintaining and repairing systems in the field is an advantage.
  • Knowledge of functional safety systems, associated software, and architecture leadership.
  • Familiarity with industry standards and the ability to build team capabilities.
  • Solid understanding of vehicle architecture and integration of subsystems.
  • Expertise in specific areas such as:
    • Weapon Systems
    • Combat Vehicle Engineering
    • Fire Control Systems
    • Turrets and Ammo Handling Systems
    • Virtual Environments and Battlefield Systems
    • Defense AI and Software
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Ability to communicate strategic vision and convert it into actionable operational plans.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:
  • BS or MS in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or a similar engineering discipline.
  • Minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience in the Defense industry.
  • Ability to obtain Security Clearance.

WORK REQUIREMENTS:
  • Hybrid work environment; as a leader, expected to be in the office 50% or more, depending on the program.
  • Minor or extensive travel may be required depending on the program.
  • Flexibility to work long hours as needed to meet deadlines.

#LI-TA1
Pay Range:
$118,600.00 - $204,000.00
The above pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target pay for the position across all U.S. locations. Within this range, individual pay is determined by various factors, including the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, education and skills, as well as the equity of pay among team members in similar positions. Beyond offering a competitive total rewards package, we prioritize a people-first culture and offer various opportunities to support team member growth and success.
Oshkosh is committed to working with and offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability for any part of the recruitment process, please contact our talent acquisition team by email corporatetalentacquisition@oshkoshcorp.com.
Oshkosh Corporation is a merit-based Equal Opportunity Employer. Job opportunities are open for application to all qualified individuals and selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. To the extent that information is provided or collected regarding categories as provided by law it will in no way affect the decision regarding an employment application.
Oshkosh Corporation will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with Oshkosh Corporation's legal duty to furnish information.
Certain positions with Oshkosh Corporation require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations or the Export Administration Regulations. Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. Persons," as defined in these regulations. Generally, a "U.S. Person" is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or an individual who has been admitted as a refugee or granted asylum.

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