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Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

System Design Engineer

Plymouth, MI ยท On-site +1

$95K - $130K/yr

The System Design Engineer is responsible for the design, integration, and technical execution of advanced emissions measurement and test systems supporting automotive, heavy-duty, non-road ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Lake Orion, MI ยท On-site

$70K - $94K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer (Auburn Hills, MI) Our client, an engineering, manufacturing, and service company specializing in medical devices and gas separation technologies is currently hiring two ...

New

Senior Design Engineer Our Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading program level designs and prototype fabrications for Aftermarket and OE automotive design solutions. They will utilize ...

Senior Design Engineer Our Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading program level designs and prototype fabrications for Aftermarket and OE automotive design solutions. They will utilize ...

Senior Design Engineer Our Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading program level designs and prototype fabrications for Aftermarket and OE automotive design solutions. They will utilize ...

Design Engineer Salary Grade: E-2 Purpose: Create mechanical designs for machines, tooling and mechanisms based on machine specifications, customer replacement part orders, special requests, industry ...

Design Engineer

Lansing, MI ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Start your engineering career where your work makes a real impact. Our Grain & Protein Technologies team is looking for a Design Engineer who is curious, collaborative, and excited to learn how ...

The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, and continuous improvement of Morbark equipment and systems. This role will lead engineering projects involving steel ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Norton Shores, MI ยท On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer - Norton Shores, MI DISHER is partnering with a leading U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of LED lighting solutions to add a Mechanical Design Engineer to their growing ...

New

Mechanical Design Engineer

Norton Shores, MI ยท On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer - Norton Shores, MI DISHER is partnering with a leading U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of LED lighting solutions to add a Mechanical Design Engineer to their growing ...

Participate in formal design/engineering reviews (Design Checklist, DFMEA, specification review, etc.), and informal reviews with development team. * Ensure designs meet milestones to support ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$35.3K

$76.8K

$138.1K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Michigan is $76,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,300.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into workable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, efficient, and manufacturable solutions that meet both technical and client requirements.

What is the difference between Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design certifications often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, project planningManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork, CAD and testing
Employer & Industry UsageProduct design firms, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

Design Engineers focus on creating and developing product designs using CAD tools, while Mechanical Engineers often work on the broader application, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Design Engineers typically emphasize design skills and software proficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers may engage more in analysis and system integration.

What does a Design Engineer do?

A Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new products, systems, or structures by combining engineering principles with creative design. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings and specifications, working closely with other engineers and teams to ensure functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final production. Their work often requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

How does a Design Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Design Engineers regularly work alongside teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and product management to ensure that designs are both innovative and feasible for production. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, reviewing prototypes, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This teamwork is essential to address technical and practical challenges early in the design process, which ultimately helps in delivering a successful product to market. Strong communication and adaptability are key skills for thriving in this collaborative environment.

What Is a Design Engineer?

Design engineers develop ideas for new products and determine ways to improve existing products. As a design engineer, you put a creative perspective on your technical engineering knowledge to perform your job duties, which include creating sketches of design ideas and using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to generate plans for prototypes. To ensure the product is viable, you also evaluate other aspects of the product design, such as safety, cost, sustainability, aesthetics, and user experience. You collaborate with a team of technicians and other engineers to run tests, troubleshoot problems, and ultimately produce a newly designed product.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,831 per year, or $36.9 per hour.

System Design Engineer

AVL DiTEST

Plymouth, MI โ€ข On-site, Remote

$95K - $130K/yr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

AVL Test Systems Incย offers a job in theย United States (US)ย as

System Design Engineer

AVL Test Systems, Inc. is seeking a System Design Engineer to join our Emissions Design Services team. The System Design Engineer is responsible for the design, integration, and technical execution of advanced emissions measurement and test systems supporting automotive, heavy-duty, non-road, aerospace, and emerging powertrain applications.

Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, the System Design Engineer develops complete emissions laboratory and test cell solutions that meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, and project objectives. This includes defining system architectures, specifying equipment and instrumentation, developing technical documentation, and ensuring seamless integration of emissions measurement systems with facility, automation, electrical, mechanical, and safety subsystems.

The System Design Engineer serves as the technical owner of complex emissions testing projects and is responsible for one or more subsystems throughout the project lifecycle. Responsibilities include managing technical interfaces between emissions analyzers, sample handling systems, dilution tunnels, particulate measurement equipment, automation systems, facility utilities, and customer-owned equipment while balancing engineering cost, quality, and schedule objectives.

The role collaborates closely with project managers, applications engineers, controls engineers, electrical and mechanical designers, and commissioning teams to ensure successful implementation and operation of the complete test solution. The System Design Engineer also supports system integration, troubleshooting, verification, validation, and customer acceptance activities, ensuring that delivered systems achieve required performance, accuracy, and compliance with applicable emissions testing standards.

Work Location & Travel

  • This position follows a hybrid work arrangement, allowing a combination of remote and office-based work.
  • Engineers are expected to periodically support onsite project activities, including system integration, commissioning, and customer acceptance testing.
  • Customer projects are primarily located in Michigan and the Midwest; therefore, occasional travel to customer locations may be required based on project needs.
  • Typical travel is expected to be less than 25%.

Applicants must have the unrestricted authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Employer will not sponsor an applicant for a work visa for this position.

ย 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design and develop emissions testing systems and laboratory solutions for engine, powertrain, vehicle, and component testing applications.
  • Define system architectures, equipment specifications, and technical requirements based on customer needs and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and review system layouts, process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), functional descriptions, and technical documentation.
  • Coordinate technical interfaces between emissions measurement equipment, automation systems, facility infrastructure, and test cell subsystems.
  • Support equipment selection, procurement, factory acceptance testing, commissioning, and site acceptance activities.
  • Troubleshoot system design and integration issues and develop effective technical solutions.
  • Support verification and validation activities to ensure system performance and compliance with applicable industry standards.
  • Collaborate with project teams to manage technical risks, engineering schedules, and project deliverables.
  • Provide technical guidance to customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders throughout project execution.
ย 

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

Experience & Education
  • 3-5+ years of relevant engineering experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • Master's degree in Engineering preferred.
Technical Knowledge
  • Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and chemical process calculations.
  • Experience with dew point analysis, air flow characterization, pressure loss calculations, duct sizing, calibration methods, and mass/chemical balance calculations.
  • Knowledge of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and emissions measurement principles is a plus.
  • Familiarity with automotive emissions regulations, testing standards, and laboratory quality systems, including ISO 9001 and ISO 17025, is a plus.
  • Understanding of mechanical, electrical, controls, automation, and facility infrastructure systems used in test laboratories.
Industry Experience
  • Experience with emissions measurement systems, engine or vehicle testing, laboratory design, test cell integration, or related engineering applications.
  • Working knowledge of emissions analyzers, particulate measurement systems, dilution systems, sample handling systems, and associated instrumentation.
  • Automotive experience, particularly with combustion engine, hybrid, or alternative powertrain technologies, is preferred.
Professional Skills
  • Strong systems engineering and analytical problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues and develop practical solutions.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills for working across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
ย 

AVL provides a competitive compensation and benefits package to all direct hires. ย Specific benefit details and offer packages will be communicated during the interview and/or offer stage.

ย 

We look forward to receiving your details; please use our online application form or send your application to AVL North America, Inc. / AVL Test Systems, Inc. / AVL Mobility Technologies, Inc. EOE Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.ย Click Here to see the EEO is the Law poster.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access www.avl.com as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling (734)-446-4106.

ABOUT AVL NORTH AMERICA

AVL North America has a staff of more than 550 people and has four technical centers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Metro Detroit area, and Lake Forest, California.