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Entry Level Automotive Engineering Jobs in Michigan

Industrial Engineer - Entry Level Position Summary Growing automotive manufacturing company is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Entry Level Process Engineer to support manufacturing operations ...

Entry Level Emissions Technician at HONDA $23.00/hr. 1st shift - Monday- Friday TEMP TO HIRE Ann ... Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly ...

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Entry Level Automotive Engineering information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$17

$32

How much do entry level automotive engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level automotive engineering in Michigan is $17.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level automotive engineer?

Entry level automotive engineers are professionals who have recently started their careers in the automotive engineering field. They typically hold a bachelor's degree in mechanical, automotive, or a related engineering discipline and work under the supervision of senior engineers. Their responsibilities often include assisting with the design, testing, and development of vehicles and automotive systems, as well as conducting research and troubleshooting issues. Entry level automotive engineers gain hands-on experience and knowledge to advance to more specialized or senior roles over time.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level automotive engineer expect to work on during their first year?

As an entry level automotive engineer, you can expect to be involved in a range of tasks such as assisting with vehicle component design, performing basic testing and analysis, and supporting senior engineers in troubleshooting mechanical or electronic systems. Early projects often include CAD modeling, preparing reports, and participating in prototype builds or validation testing. You'll frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality assurance, and suppliers, which provides valuable exposure to the full vehicle development process and helps build a strong foundation for future growth in the field.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Automotive Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry standards like ISO/TS 16949 is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart. These skills and qualifications ensure you can contribute to vehicle design and development while collaborating efficiently within multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Automotive Engineering vs Automotive Technician?

AspectEntry Level Automotive EngineeringAutomotive Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive EngineeringHigh school diploma or equivalent; ASE certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, engineering offices, research facilitiesRepair shops, service centers, dealerships
Industry UsageDesigning and developing automotive systems and componentsDiagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles

Entry Level Automotive Engineering focuses on designing and developing vehicle systems, requiring a degree in engineering. Automotive Technicians work directly on vehicle repairs and maintenance, often with certifications. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ in education, work environment, and job functions.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Entry Level Automotive Engineering jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Entry Level Automotive Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Automotive Engineering job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,486 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Entry-Level Brake & Ride and Handling Engineer

Chelsea, MI โ€ข On-site

ALTEN Technology USA
Engineering Professional Servicesย โ€ขย 10K+ employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Weโ€™re ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company that provides solutions for engineering, technology, and product development projects. For decades, weโ€™ve been helping our clients develop products that are changing the world, whether thatโ€™s by shaping the future of space exploration, saving lives with medical devices that set a new standard of care, or creating the fully autonomous electric taxi of tomorrow. Our team of more than 600 people works across industries including aerospace, medical devices and life sciences, unmanned systems and robotics, automotive OEM and tier 1 suppliers, commercial vehicle, electric vehicles, rail, and more. Our offices across the US have different industry focuses and engage with our clients in different ways, ranging from working on-site at client facilities to performing product development at our delivery centers.


ALTEN Group, our parent company, has been a leader in engineering and information technology for more than 30 years. ALTEN Group operates in 30 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East and employs more than 36,000 people, 88% of whom are engineers. The company covers the whole development cycle and offers a choice of service levels, from technology consulting to complete project outsourcing.


When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you join a group of people passionate about collaborating to solve some of the worldโ€™s most technical engineering challenges. Our success is tied to taking care of our employees by building relationships and providing opportunities for mentorship and career growth. We offer comprehensive benefits for all full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) plan with employer matching; paid time off (PTO); paid parental leave; and mentorship to help you take your career to the next level. You donโ€™t have to take our word for it that we are a great place to workโ€”we were named on the 2023 Top Workplaces list thanks to feedback from our proud employees.


For a quicker response, send your resume to Leo.Stephen@alten.com or apply directly on LinkedIn! ๐Ÿš€


ALTEN Technology USA is seeking a hands-on, entry-level engineer with a passion for vehicles, driving, and performance to join our engineering team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys understanding how a vehicle behaves on the road, identifying suspension and brake-related issues, and making small mechanical changes that improve ride comfort, handling, and braking performance.


Job Summary

The engineer will support vehicle brake and suspension development through hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and tuning. You will drive vehicles to evaluate ride and handling, identify issues, and work with the engineering team to improve vehicle behavior. The role is especially suited to a recent graduate who has gained practical experience through SAE Baja, Formula SAE, racing teams, autocross, or similar hands-on automotive projects.


Key Responsibilities

  • Drive test vehicles to evaluate ride comfort, handling, braking performance, and overall vehicle behavior.
  • Identify, document, and help troubleshoot suspension and brake-related issues during vehicle testing.
  • Work with senior engineers to understand vehicle dynamics and recommend improvements.
  • Support ride and handling tuning to help achieve smooth, predictable, and well-balanced vehicle performance.
  • Perform hands-on work such as changing brake pads, adjusting suspension components, and making small mechanical changes to improve vehicle performance.
  • Assist with brake and suspension tuning, including evaluating the effects of component changes on vehicle behavior.
  • Participate in vehicle testing, data collection, and test-result analysis.
  • Help prepare vehicles for testing and ensure components are installed and functioning properly.
  • Collaborate with engineering and test teams to investigate issues and implement improvements.
  • Maintain accurate test records and communicate findings clearly to the team.
  • Follow all vehicle testing, workshop, and safety procedures.


Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Vehicle Dynamics, or a related field.
  • Entry-level candidates and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
  • Strong interest in automotive engineering, vehicle dynamics, and hands-on vehicle development.
  • Willingness to drive test vehicles and work directly on mechanical components.
  • Basic understanding of brake systems, suspension systems, and vehicle dynamics.
  • Ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues and understand how component changes affect vehicle behavior.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
  • Valid driverโ€™s license and ability to meet company and project driving requirements.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Automotive industry experience preferred, or experience in a similar technical or motorsports environment.
  • Experience with SAE Baja, Formula SAE, or other collegiate automotive racing teams.
  • Participation in autocross, road racing, off-road racing, or other vehicle-related racing activities.
  • Hands-on experience with brake pad changes, suspension adjustments, vehicle maintenance, or tuning.
  • Experience with vehicle testing, data collection, or basic vehicle dynamics analysis.
  • Passion for cars, driving, and understanding how small mechanical changes affect vehicle performance.


Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for someone who is passionate about cars, enjoys driving, and is not afraid to get their hands dirty. The ideal candidate may be a recent engineering graduate who has worked on a college racing team, participated in SAE Baja or Formula SAE, or gained practical experience through personal vehicle projects or motorsports.


Examples of relevant backgrounds include:

  • SAE Baja / Formula SAE team member
  • Suspension or brake subsystem experience
  • Collegiate racing team or motorsports project
  • Autocross or road racing enthusiast
  • Hands-on automotive repair or tuning experience
  • Mechanical engineering graduate with strong automotive interest


This is an opportunity to build practical experience in vehicle dynamics, brake systems, suspension tuning, and automotive testing while working closely with experienced engineers. The role offers the chance to learn how engineering decisions translate into real-world vehicle performance.



ALTEN Technology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Policy is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individualโ€™s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.


Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.