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Engineering Design Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineering Manager - Grand Rapids, MI DISHER is currently partnering with a world leader in the design and manufacture of fluid application systems for the industrial market. Their main focus ...

Design Engineering Manager - Grand Rapids, MI DISHER is currently partnering with a world leader in the design and manufacture of fluid application systems for the industrial market. Their main focus ...

Design Engineering Manager - Grand Rapids, MI DISHER is currently partnering with a world leader in the design and manufacture of fluid application systems for the industrial market. Their main focus ...

Electrical Design Manager

Southfield, MI

$112K - $144K/yr

Engineers with less than 5 years' experience are encouraged to apply if there is a strong desire to ... Manage the design/engineering on behalf of the Barton Malow team; Establish protocols for ...

Electrical Design Manager

Southfield, MI · On-site

$112K - $144K/yr

Engineers with less than 5 years' experience are encouraged to apply if there is a strong desire to ... Manage the design/engineering on behalf of the Barton Malow team; Establish protocols for ...

VP, Engineering, Design & Construction

Troy, MI · On-site

$170K - $219K/yr

This role requires a true design-build leader with experience managing complex projects from ... Engineering, Design & Preconstruction * Lead the architectural and engineering design process for ...

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Engineering Design Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$45.8K

$117.2K

$180.9K

How much do engineering design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering design manager 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 the difference between Engineering Design Manager vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineering Design ManagerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with management certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams, oversees projects, collaborates with cross-functional departmentsDesigns, analyzes, and tests mechanical systems, often working in labs or on-site
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and engineering firms for leadership rolesCommon in product design, manufacturing, and R&D sectors

The Engineering Design Manager focuses on leading design teams and managing projects, requiring leadership skills and project management experience. In contrast, Mechanical Engineers are involved in the technical design and analysis of mechanical systems. Both roles often require similar engineering credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engineering Design Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineering Design Manager, you need a strong background in engineering principles, project management, and team leadership, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, PLM systems, and certifications such as PMP or PE are commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to inspire and coordinate multidisciplinary teams make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering innovative design solutions, meeting project deadlines, and ensuring effective collaboration across the organization.

What does an Engineering Design Manager do?

An Engineering Design Manager oversees the design process for engineering projects, coordinating teams of engineers and designers to ensure that project goals are met efficiently and effectively. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and reviewing design work, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements. Additionally, they often liaise with clients, stakeholders, and other departments to align the design vision with project specifications and timelines. Their leadership is crucial in solving technical challenges and delivering innovative solutions within budget.

What are the main challenges an Engineering Design Manager faces when balancing project deadlines with innovation?

Engineering Design Managers often need to ensure that their teams deliver high-quality designs within tight project timelines while also encouraging creativity and innovation. One of the main challenges is managing stakeholder expectations and resource constraints, as pushing for innovative solutions can sometimes require more time and iterative testing. Effective communication, prioritization, and fostering a collaborative environment help address these challenges, ensuring that projects remain on schedule without stifling new ideas. Managers frequently coordinate between engineering teams, clients, and other departments to align goals and keep projects moving forward.

What Does an Engineering Design Manager Do?

The job duties of an engineering design manager include overseeing a team of engineers and CAD designers on engineering projects. In addition to providing leadership to staff, in this career, you manage the budget planning for each project, work with concept development, and ensure that plans meet company or client needs and engineering standards. You offer guidance throughout the design process and inspect and sign off on design plans to ensure that they meet quality standards. As a manager, you are also responsible for providing effective staffing strategies and workflow.

What are popular job titles related to Engineering Design Manager jobs in Michigan? For Engineering Design Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Engineering Design Manager jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Engineering Design Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Engineering Design Manager job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,200 per year, or $56.3 per hour.
Design Engineering Manager

Design Engineering Manager

DISHER

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Design Engineering Manager - Grand Rapids, MI
DISHER is currently partnering with a world leader in the design and manufacture of fluid application systems for the industrial market. Their main focus areas are machining lubrication, stamping and metal forming lubrication, precision fluid dispensing, and fluid mixing and supply. The company serves a global industrial client base and works to improve process efficiency and sustainability by helping manufacturers reduce fluid consumption, optimize tool performance, and eliminate excess waste.
The Design Engineering Manager leads, inspires, and manages the design engineering team, with responsibility for new product development, product improvements, and support of OEM and large end-user projects.
What it's like to work here:
This hands-on leader drives engineering projects from concept through production. The role requires strong technical judgment, disciplined project management, and the ability to make timely, well-reasoned decisions while maintaining high standards for quality, accuracy, cost, and performance. In addition to team leadership, the Design Engineering Manager contributes directly to design work and ensures accountability for results across the team. This position demands an analytical, detail oriented, and results-driven leader who can manage multiple priorities, quickly identify and correct issues, set clear expectations, and ensure all engineering work is completed accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with company objectives.
What you will get to do:
  • Lead and control engineering projects from concept through production.
  • Provide hands-on design leadership, technical direction, and problem-solving support.
  • Drive new product development, product improvement, and customer-specific engineering projects.
  • Maintain the appropriate engineering focus across:
    • 30% revolutionary product development
    • 30% iterative product improvement
    • 40% OEM and large end-user projects
  • Establish clear work plans, priorities, responsibilities, timelines, and performance expectations.
  • Review designs for accuracy, manufacturability, cost, quality, performance, and regulatory compliance.
  • Ensure clean handoffs to Production for successful product launch.
  • Maintain accuracy and consistency of 3D models, drawings, documentation, and Bills of Materials.
  • Identify product performance, quality, and process issues and drive corrective action.
  • Build, lead, and coach a capable, accountable design engineering team.
  • Create and maintain engineering processes, standards, documentation, and training materials.
  • Collaborate with the President, Sales, Marketing, and Production teams as needed.
  • Stay aware of relevant industry trends, technologies, and design improvements.
  • Aligned with the company's core values and culture.
  • Innovative, curious, and focused on continuous improvement.
  • Communicates clearly, directly, and factually.
  • Delegates clearly while maintaining effective oversight and follow-through.
  • Coaches and mentors team members to support growth and performance.
  • Strong analytical and technical skills.
  • Makes fast, thoughtful, and decisive decisions.
  • Makes independent decisions and takes calculated risks with confidence.
  • Maintains high standards for quality, accuracy, structure, and execution.
  • Detail-oriented with strong accountability and follow-through.
  • Organized, disciplined, and highly efficient.
  • Takes full ownership of results from start to finish.
  • Manages multiple projects effectively.

What will make you successful:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.
  • 10+ years of team management experience with proven success.
  • Proven ability to lead projects from concept through production.
  • Strong design experience, including SolidWorks and machine design.
  • Knowledge of machining and metal forming processes.
  • Strong organizational, technical, and decision-making skills.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills.
  • ERP experience; Epicor preferred.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.