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Entry Level Automotive Product Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Monaco Ford

Entry Level Automotive Technician

Niantic, CT

$36K - $50K/yr

... products. Responsibilities: -Perform basic automotive maintenance services such as oil changes ... Entry Level Automotive Technician position at Monaco Ford of Niantic, Connecticut! Join our team ...

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Entry Level Automotive Product Engineer information

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$53K

$144.1K

$205K

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

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level automotive product engineer in the United States is $144,072.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $205,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Automotive Product Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Automotive Product Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in mechanical or automotive engineering, a solid grasp of vehicle systems, and foundational design skills. Familiarity with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), simulation tools, and an understanding of automotive standards is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate and adapt in cross-functional environments. These skills are crucial for developing innovative, reliable automotive products and ensuring smooth integration within fast-paced engineering teams.

What does an Entry Level Automotive Product Engineer do?

An Entry Level Automotive Product Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, development, and testing of new automotive products and components. They often work under the supervision of more experienced engineers to create prototypes, perform quality checks, and troubleshoot issues during the manufacturing process. Their role may also involve collaborating with other departments, such as manufacturing and quality assurance, to ensure products meet safety and performance standards. This position is ideal for recent engineering graduates who are looking to start a career in the automotive industry.

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

Entry-level automotive product engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced development cycles, learning to use specialized design software, and communicating effectively with cross-functional teams like manufacturing and quality assurance. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to seek out mentorship from experienced colleagues, proactively ask questions, and participate in training sessions. Building strong collaboration skills and being open to feedback will also accelerate your learning curve and help you contribute effectively to project goals.

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

AspectEntry Level Automotive Product EngineerAutomotive Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or related engineering; internshipsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Design Engineering; internships
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D departments, cross-functional teamsDesign studios, CAD labs, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, suppliers, OEMsAutomotive manufacturers, design firms, OEMs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Automotive Product Engineers focus on developing and testing automotive components and systems, working closely with manufacturing teams. Automotive Design Engineers primarily concentrate on creating vehicle designs and CAD models. While both roles require engineering degrees and internships, Product Engineers are more involved in production processes, whereas Design Engineers focus on conceptual and detailed design work.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Automotive Product Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Automotive Product Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Product Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Automotive Product Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Automotive Product Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Automotive Product Engineer jobs include:
Entry Level Automotive Product Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Automotive Product Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,072 per year, or $69.3 per hour.

Entry Level Product Engineer - Manufacturing

Performance Seats

Clinton Township, MI • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Product Engineer I

About Us

Performance Seats is a global leader in performance and comfort automotive seating. We design, engineer, and manufacture seating systems for OEM, commercial, motorsports, and aftermarket applications. Our vertically integrated capabilities allow us to take products from concept through production with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and performance.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Product Engineer I to support the development and ongoing production of complete seating systems. This role plays a key part in ensuring our products meet performance, quality, cost, and manufacturing objectives throughout the product lifecycle.

The Product Engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, purchasing, suppliers, and CAD design teams to resolve production issues, implement engineering changes, and support new product launches. While this role does not perform primary CAD design work, the ability to review CAD models and provide clear technical direction is essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer looking to build a strong foundation in automotive product development and production engineering.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development Support

  • Support engineering activities for complete seating systems from concept through production launch.
  • Define and review functional, structural, ergonomic, and performance requirements.
  • Review CAD models and engineering drawings to ensure compliance with technical and manufacturing standards.
  • Participate in design reviews and program milestone activities.

Production Engineering & Issue Resolution

  • Support current production parts and assemblies by investigating and resolving design-related issues.
  • Lead or participate in root cause analysis for fit, function, durability, ergonomic, or quality concerns.
  • Develop and implement corrective actions in collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and suppliers.
  • Initiate and manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
  • Ensure timely and accurate implementation of design updates.

Change Management & Documentation

  • Coordinate drawing updates, BOM revisions, and documentation changes through established release processes.
  • Maintain accurate engineering records, validation documentation, and design history files.
  • Support APQP activities including DFMEA updates and DVP&R tracking.
  • Ensure compliance with internal standards, procedures, and ERP/PLM systems.

Validation & Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Support prototype builds, pilot runs, and production readiness activities.
  • Assist in coordinating component and system validation testing.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure product feasibility, manufacturability, and production stability.
  • Support communication of technical updates to internal stakeholders and customers as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and GD&T fundamentals.
  • Ability to interpret 3D CAD models and 2D engineering drawings.
  • Working knowledge of CAD software (Catia V5 preferred; NX helpful) for review and collaboration purposes.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.

Preferred:

  • Internship or co-op experience in product development, manufacturing, or automotive engineering.
  • Exposure to APQP, DFMEA, validation testing, or structured change management processes.
  • Familiarity with PLM or ERP systems (Teamcenter, SAP, PLEX).

What We Offer

  • Hands-on exposure to complete automotive seating systems
  • Cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced engineering environment
  • Professional development and growth opportunities
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Performance Seats Clinton Inc./ Performance Seats Spartanburg LLC will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).