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Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$85K - $96K/yr

In this role, you will bring automotive filtration systems to life, from initial concept through ... You will create CAD models and engineering drawings and ensure that the design meets Filtran ...

Our projects span the automotive, motorsports, defense, nuclear, and aerospace markets. Recent ... We are looking for an entry-level or early career Mechanical Engineer with strong technical skills ...

Design Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$85 - $96/hr

In this role, you will bring automotive filtration systems to life, from initial concept through ... You will create CAD models and engineering drawings and ensure that the design meets Filtran ...

Design Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$85 - $96/hr

In this role, you will bring automotive filtration systems to life, from initial concept through ... You will create CAD models and engineering drawings and ensure that the design meets Filtran ...

Design Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$85K - $96K/yr

In this role, you will bring automotive filtration systems to life, from initial concept through ... You will create CAD models and engineering drawings and ensure that the design meets Filtran ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

$65 - $95/hr

At least 1-2 years of experience in automotive field, especially in engineering design environment. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Required: * Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ...

We are seeking entry-level to experienced candidates to become an integral part of our engineering ... Familiarity with off‑highway, automotive, or aerospace electrical systems * Understanding of ...

Product Design Engineer

Rochester Hills, MI · On-site

$118K - $142K/yr

Product Design Engineer I - Location: Rochester Hills, Michigan Wintegrity is searching for a ... This position is responsible for designing and developing automotive products that meet or exceed ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer information

See salary details

$30K

$69.4K

$118K

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level automotive design engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 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.

More about Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Design Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Automotive Design Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Automotive Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Design Engineer

Filtration Group Corp

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$85K - $96K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Filtration Group rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
Filtran is seeking a Design / Project Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced filtration systems for automotive powertrain applications.
In this role, you will bring automotive filtration systems to life, from initial concept through production launch.
You will be responsible for all phases of product development, be the primary technical liaison to the customer, and perform technical project management duties.
You will create CAD models and engineering drawings and ensure that the design meets Filtran quality and manufacturing standards.
In this role, you will gain a broad view of the automotive industry, working closely with cross-functional teams including the test lab, quality, manufacturing, sales, and sourcing departments.
U.S. Citizenship Requirement: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or support for employment-based immigration for this position.
Responsibilities
Design & Development
  • Design innovative filtration products using Creo, adhering to Filtran standards and modeling best practices.
  • Generate 3D CAD models, drawings, and APQP documentation.
  • Ensure manufacturability, performance, and cost-optimization through DFMA and FEA/CFD simulations and test results.
  • Apply strong understanding of powertrain filtration systems gained through hands-on experience, training, and collaboration.

Project & Technical Leadership
  • Lead technical discussions in weekly customer meetings.
  • Organize and facilitate cross-functional meetings to track technical open items.
  • Collaborate with program managers and internal stakeholders to meet project milestones and deliverables.

Product Testing & Validation
  • Develop validation plans and submit testing requests to the Filtran internal test lab.
  • Coordinate test fixture design and validation activities based on customer and internal standards.
  • Utilize knowledge of industry-specific testing standards and validation procedures.

Engineering Support
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation including engineering drawings, bills of materials, failure mode and effects analyses, and engineering change orders.
  • Support design changes, cost-reduction efforts, and technical reviews.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement
  • Contribute to new product innovation and existing product enhancements.
  • Participate in IP generation, competitive benchmarking, and R&D initiatives.

Qualifications
U.S. Citizenship Requirement: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or support for employment-based immigration for this position.
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
  • Previous product design experience (professional and/or internship).
  • Proficient in Creo with knowledge of modeling best practices, and experience optimizing designs based on simulation and/or test results. Advanced surfacing knowledge is a plus
  • Ability to understand and interpret detailed engineering and testing specifications.
  • Familiarity with automotive quality standards and processes.
  • Hands-on experience working with cross-functional teams, group facilitation, and problem-solving.
  • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Fluent in English, including excellent communication skills (listening, written, verbal, and presentation).

Preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or automotive engineering.
  • 2-3 years of project engineering and/or R&D experience with automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers, preferably with hydraulic or filtration products.
  • Direct customer interaction experience.
  • Experience modelling production-ready injection molded parts.
  • Proficient conducting and/or utilizing FEA and CFD in the design process.
  • Good understanding of fluid dynamics and simulation/analysis software (SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Flow Simulation, Creo Simulate, etc.).
  • Experience with high volume production (100,000 to 1,000,000 units/year), preferably injection molding of engineered resins, steel stampings, and/or filtration components.
  • Proficient with MS Project and/or similar project tracking tools.
  • Active member of engineering societies (SAE, ASTM, ISO, etc.)
  • Experience as a US patent inventor or in novel product development.
  • Ability to converse in additional languages (German, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, etc.)

Compensation / Benefits
  • Salary Range - $85,000 - $96,000 (DOE).
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Programs.
  • 401K with company matching.
  • Generous paid time off.
  • Employee wellness program.
  • Inclusive culture.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
  • Primarily office-based and requires the ability to travel independently (less than 10%) to customer or supplier locations as project needs arise.
  • Requires the ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods to complete engineering and documentation tasks.
  • Occasionally it is necessary to walk through the production facility to observe machinery, equipment, and manufacturing operations.

Why Join Filtran?
Filtran is a global leader in filtration technology for the automotive industry. We are committed to quality, innovation, and delivering outstanding engineered solutions. At Filtran, you'll work with talented engineers across the globe and contribute to the next generation of filtration systems that keep vehicles performing at their best.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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