1

Design Engineering Technology Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer - Mechanical, RISE

Portage, MI · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

Exposure to cutting edge technology * Engineering mentorship * Personal and professional ... Participants will work within the design phase process researching, developing, and delivering new ...

Exposure to cutting edge technology * Engineering mentorship * Personal and professional ... Participants will work within the design phase process researching, developing, and delivering new ...

Design Engineer - Mechanical, RISE

Portage, MI · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

Exposure to cutting edge technology * Engineering mentorship * Personal and professional ... Participants will work within the design phase process researching, developing, and delivering new ...

Showing results 41-60

Design Engineering Technology information

See Michigan salary details

$45.8K

$117.2K

$180.9K

How much do design engineering technology jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineering technology in Michigan is $117,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $130,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is design engineering technology?

Design Engineering Technology is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles of engineering, technology, and design to create and improve products, systems, or processes. Professionals in this field use technical knowledge and design skills to develop functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions for manufacturing, construction, or other industries. They often work with CAD software, prototyping tools, and collaborate with engineers and designers to turn concepts into practical, manufacturable products.

What are some typical projects or tasks a design engineering technologist works on within a multidisciplinary team?

As a Design Engineering Technologist, you’ll often collaborate with engineers, architects, and manufacturing professionals on projects such as designing prototypes, creating detailed CAD models, and improving existing product designs. Your daily tasks may include preparing technical drawings, conducting tests or simulations, and ensuring that designs meet both client specifications and regulatory standards. Working within a multidisciplinary team environment means strong communication skills are essential, as you’ll regularly coordinate with colleagues from different backgrounds to find practical and innovative solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design engineering technologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Engineering Technologist, you need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically supported by a degree or diploma in design engineering technology. Familiarity with industry-standard CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks), prototyping tools, and knowledge of manufacturing processes are essential. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and attention to detail help you collaborate effectively and ensure design accuracy. These skills are crucial for creating innovative, functional, and manufacturable designs that meet client and project requirements.

What is the difference between Design Engineering Technology vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectDesign Engineering TechnologyMechanical Engineering
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Design Engineering TechnologyBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing settings, CAD softwareResearch labs, manufacturing plants, design offices
Industry UsageProduct design, prototyping, technical supportProduct development, analysis, system design

Design Engineering Technology focuses on applying engineering principles to design and develop products using CAD and technical skills, often with a focus on manufacturing and prototyping. Mechanical Engineering involves more theoretical analysis, system design, and research, requiring a deeper understanding of physics and mathematics. Both roles are essential in product development but differ in scope and educational background.

What do design engineering technologists do?

Design engineering technologists develop and modify product designs, create technical drawings, and use computer-aided design (CAD) software to support engineering projects. They often collaborate with engineers and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are feasible and meet specifications, typically working in engineering or manufacturing environments. Strong technical skills and knowledge of engineering principles are essential for this role.

What job categories do people searching Design Engineering Technology jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Engineering Technology jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Design Engineering Technology jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Design Engineering Technology job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Engineering Technology job openings in Michigan as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,200 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST - SR. ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIST - Control Systems - Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Southwest Research Institute
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, install, and calibrate automotive test instrumentation to ensure reliable data collection.

  • Lead lab testing and validation by designing and executing custom wiring, electronic integration, and mechanical fabrication.

  • Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and calibration of test equipment, dynamometers, and test cell systems.


Southwest Research Institute rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

03-01576

Who We Are:

The Control Systems Department supports a wide variety of Sustainable Energy, Mobility, Powertrain, Aerospace and Defense projects across SwRI. We develop practical solutions by combining off-the-shelf and custom electronics, embedded systems and algorithms. System-level thinking is essential to support design and troubleshooting. Ideal candidates are insatiably curious to understand how things work, and how we can manipulate them. They are exceptionally high aptitude individuals who collaborate well with others.

Objectives of this Role:
  • Design Accurate Automotive Test Instrumentation. Design, install and calibrate high-quality instrumentation for both low- and high-voltage vehicle systems, ensuring reliable data collection for vehicle and component control and testing.
  • Support Engineering and R&D Efforts. Lead lab testing and validation by designing and executing custom wiring, electronic integration, and mechanical fabrication that align with engineering requirements.
  • Maintain Test Lab and Dyno Functionality. Schedule and perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory test cells, dynamometers, and related equipment to ensure minimal downtime.
  • Promote a Safe and Compliant Work Environment. Adhere to and advocate for safety procedures, proper PPE use, and clean work practices in all lab and shop activities involving high voltage, welding, and mechanical operations.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
  • Weld and Fabricate Custom Components. Design fixtures, execute welding and fabrication tasks to build or modify brackets, mounts, enclosures, or test rigs necessary for specific vehicle and component testing.
  • Perform Routine Equipment Maintenance. Inspect, calibrate, and maintain test cell systems, including dynamometers, data acquisition hardware, and control systems to support uninterrupted testing operations.
  • Read and Interpret Electrical Schematics. Use detailed wiring diagrams and technical documentation to install, test, and modify automotive electrical systems and instrumentation accurately.
  • Wire and Integrate Low/High Voltage Systems. Perform hands-on wiring, harness assembly, sensor installation, and signal routing for a variety of automotive test setups involving both conventional and EV platforms.
Requirements:
  • Requires a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Automotive Engineering Technology or Electronics Engineering Technology, or an Associates in a related field, or a High School diploma or equivalent with continued education, certifications, and 25 years of related professional level experience.
  • ASE certified mechanic preferred, but not required.
  • 3 years: Mechanical Fabrication and Welding. Proficient in MIG/TIG welding and basic fabrication techniques, including cutting, drilling, and assembly of test fixtures or mounting hardware.
  • 3 years: Electrical and Electronic Troubleshooting. Strong ability to diagnose and resolve issues in low- and high-voltage automotive systems using schematics, meters, and diagnostic tools.
  • 3 years: Test Equipment Operation and Maintenance. Hands-on experience with dynamometers, data acquisition systems, and routine maintenance of test cell components.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.
Special Requirements:

Work assignment is in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here .
For benefits information at all other locations, click here .

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Southwest Research Institute employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom