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Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

IT8

Electrical Engineer - Automotive

Blythewood, SC · On-site

... bring engineering projects to life. Our more than 19 years of experience in the automotive and ... Design and update electrical diagrams using CAE software tools such as EPLAN P8, AutoCAD, or ...

IT8

Electrical Engineer - Automotive

Blythewood, SC · On-site

... bring engineering projects to life. Our more than 19 years of experience in the automotive and ... Design and update electrical diagrams using CAE software tools such as EPLAN P8, AutoCAD, or ...

IT8

Electrical Engineer - Automotive

Blythewood, SC · On-site

... bring engineering projects to life. Our more than 19 years of experience in the automotive and ... Design and update electrical diagrams using CAE software tools such as EPLAN P8, AutoCAD, or ...

Helion Group

Reliability Engineer

Columbia, SC

$30 - $45/hr

ENTRY-LEVEL RELIABILITY ENGINEER Location: Columbia, South Carolina Industry: Steel Manufacturing ... software, CAD or engineering-analysis tools * Hands-on mechanical, electrical, automotive ...

Helion Group

Reliability Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

ENTRY-LEVEL RELIABILITY ENGINEER Location: Columbia, South Carolina Industry: Steel Manufacturing ... software, CAD or engineering-analysis tools * Hands-on mechanical, electrical, automotive ...

Mead & Hunt

Entry Level Roadway Engineer

Lexington, SC · On-site

... an Entry-Level Roadway Engineer. Responsibilities include: * Develop horizontal and vertical ... Roadway Design Modeling using Bentley Open Roads Designer * Prepare plans, hearing maps, cost ...

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Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$27.8K

$64.2K

$109.2K

How much do entry level automotive design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level automotive design engineer in Columbia, SC is $64,169.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,600.00 and $72,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level automotive design engineer do?

An Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer assists in developing and improving vehicle components and systems, such as the body, chassis, and interior features. They typically work with senior engineers to create design concepts, prepare technical drawings, and use computer-aided design (CAD) software. Their role often involves collaborating with other teams to ensure designs meet safety, performance, and cost requirements, as well as participating in testing and prototyping. This position is ideal for recent engineering graduates looking to start their careers in the automotive industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level automotive design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles, proficiency in CAD software, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like CATIA, SolidWorks, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective teamwork make candidates stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for developing innovative automotive components that meet performance, safety, and manufacturing requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level automotive design engineers, and how can they effectively overcome them?

Entry level automotive design engineers often encounter challenges such as learning complex CAD software, understanding company-specific design standards, and effectively communicating ideas within multidisciplinary teams. Adapting to fast-paced project timelines and incorporating feedback from senior engineers or manufacturing teams can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, new engineers should actively seek mentorship, participate in training sessions, and regularly collaborate with colleagues in related departments to build both technical and soft skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer vs Automotive Design Technician?

AspectEntry Level Automotive Design EngineerAutomotive Design Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive EngineeringAssociate degree or technical certification in automotive technology
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, CAD labs, R&D departmentsManufacturing plants, testing facilities, repair shops
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, design firmsAutomotive service centers, manufacturing companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level design roles in automotive industryLearning about technical roles supporting automotive design

Entry Level Automotive Design Engineers focus on creating and developing vehicle designs using CAD software, often working in design studios. Automotive Design Technicians support these designs through testing, troubleshooting, and manufacturing processes. While both roles are essential in automotive development, the engineer primarily handles design concepts, whereas the technician focuses on implementation and testing.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,169 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Entry Level Civil Design Engineer in Training

Thomas & Hutton

Columbia, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Kick-start your civil-engineering career where your work shapes communities across the Southeast. At Thomas & Hutton, you’ll design real-world land-development projects, learn directly from seasoned mentors, and grow within a company celebrated as a Best Place to Work. If you’re eager to pair your classroom knowledge with hands-on experience, and do it alongside people who value relationships as much as results, this role is for you.

What You'll Do:
  • Design site-development plans for residential, commercial, and industrial sites
  • Create water, sewer, and storm-drainage layouts and construction drawings
  • Prepare permit packages and navigate agency requirements
  • Coordinate daily with clients, project managers, and discipline teams
  • Model designs in AutoCAD Civil 3D and refine them through reviews
  • Manage tasks to meet scope, schedule, and quality goals
What You Bring:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
  • Engineer-in-Training certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD; Civil 3D proficiency preferred
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills
  • Attention to detail and commitment to organized, accurate work
  • Drive to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
Why Thomas & Hutton?
  • Competitive salary plus performance bonus
  • Condensed work schedule for better work-life balance
  • Top-tier health, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
  • 401(k), generous PTO, holidays, and tuition assistance
  • Thomas & Hutton University and hands-on Civil 3D mentoring to advance your career

Schedule:
On-site: Monday–Thursday 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

How to apply:
Ready to design the future? Apply today at www.thomasandhutton.com/careers.

At Thomas & Hutton, our mission of "Building Relationships and Solutions for Success" shapes how we serve our clients, strengthen our communities, and invest in our team. As a private employee-owned firm consistently recognized as a Top Workplace and recipient of PSMJ's Build a Better World Award, we're known not only for exceptional projects but for how we treat people and our communities.

When you join Thomas & Hutton, you'll discover a career with real purpose. We equip you with cutting-edge tools, technology, and software to work efficiently and excel. Our career development programs, including PaTHways and T&H University, combine with approachable leadership and a collaborative environment to support your professional growth at every stage. Pair that with industry leading benefits, genuine work-life balance, and meaningful opportunities to give back through T&H Helping Hands, and it's clear why so many professionals choose to grow their careers here.

Learn more at www.thomasandhutton.com

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this position. Thomas & Hutton is a Drug-Free Workplace and an E-Verify participant.

We are an equal opportunity employer.
Qualified minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications and analyzing resumes. 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.