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Entry Level Automotive Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Goken

Automotive R&D Technician

Raymond, OH · On-site

Summary: This role will support Test Engineers in prepping the cars and doing the test setup ... Automotive teardown & reassembly of test vehicles (interior panels, bumpers, wiring harnesses)

Waabi

Research Engineer, Neural Rendering

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$134K - $235K/yr

Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. ... To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai As a Research Engineer in Neural Rendering, you will create the ...

Waabi

Research Engineer, Neural Rendering

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$134K - $235K/yr

Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. ... To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai As a Research Engineer in Neural Rendering, you will create the ...

Waabi

Research Engineer, Neural Rendering

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$134K - $235K/yr

Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. ... To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai As a Research Engineer in Neural Rendering, you will create the ...

Waabi

Research Engineer, Neural Rendering

$134K - $235K/yr

Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. ... To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai As a Research Engineer in Neural Rendering, you will create the ...

Horiba Instruments

R&D Coordinator

Reno, NV · On-site

... from automotive R&D, process and environmental monitoring, in-vitro medical diagnostics ... Minimum of two years' related experience in a high technology engineering/research environment ...

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Entry Level Automotive Research Engineer information

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level automotive research 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 research engineer do?

An Entry Level Automotive Research Engineer assists with the design, development, and testing of automotive systems and components. They typically support senior engineers by conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results to improve vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. Their work may involve using computer-aided design (CAD) software, running simulations, and working with prototypes. Entry level engineers often collaborate with other departments, such as manufacturing and quality assurance, to ensure projects meet technical specifications and industry standards.

What are some typical projects an entry level automotive research engineer might work on during their first year?

As an Entry Level Automotive Research Engineer, you can expect to be involved in projects such as conducting testing on new vehicle components, analyzing data from prototype evaluations, and assisting in the development of innovative automotive technologies. You'll often collaborate with senior engineers, designers, and manufacturing teams to support ongoing research initiatives. These projects help you build a strong foundation in problem-solving and technical skills, and provide valuable exposure to cross-functional teamwork within the automotive industry.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Automotive Research Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in mechanical or automotive engineering, strong analytical skills, and foundational knowledge of vehicle systems. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or Simulink, and basic laboratory testing equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and present research findings clearly. These abilities are essential for developing innovative automotive solutions, ensuring safety, and meeting industry standards.

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

AspectEntry Level Automotive Research EngineerEntry Level Automotive Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical EngineeringBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Industrial Design Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, testing facilities, R&D departmentsDesign studios, CAD labs, prototype workshops
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, research institutionsAutomotive manufacturers, design firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Automotive Research Engineers focus on testing, analyzing, and developing new automotive technologies, often working in labs and R&D settings. In contrast, Entry Level Automotive Design Engineers primarily work on creating vehicle designs using CAD software and prototypes. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right entry point in the automotive industry.

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

The most popular types of Automotive Research Engineer jobs are:

Entry Level Automotive Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Automotive Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Product/Test Engineer, Entry Level

NXP Semiconductors

Austin, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Seeking a high-potential recent engineering graduate for an entry-level automotive New Product Introduction (NPI) Test Engineer position. This role will work closely with Design-for-Test (DFT), Design, Product Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to develop and deploy scan test solutions for advanced automotive semiconductor microprocessors. This position provides an opportunity to learn semiconductor test development, DFT methodologies, silicon debug, and automotive quality practices.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Support development and implementation of scan-based test solutions for semiconductor devices.
  • Collaborate with DFT engineers to understand scan architectures, ATPG patterns, MBIST, LBIST, and test requirements.
  • Convert, emulate and validate scan patterns for Automated Test Equipment (ATE) platforms.
  • Assist with silicon bring-up, characterization, qualification, and production release activities.
  • Analyze test results and debug pattern execution issues using simulation and production data.
  • Support fault coverage analysis and identification of potential test quality gaps.
  • Work with cross-functional teams including Design, DFT, Product Engineering, Failure Analysis, and Manufacturing.
  • Develop AI solutions to improve test development efficiency and data analysis.
  • Participate in test reviews, peer reviews, lessons learned activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Generate technical documentation including test plans, debug reports, lessons learned, and engineering summaries.

What You Will Learn

  • End-to-end pre-silicon and post-silicon New Product Test development flow and methodologies
  • Automotive-grade semiconductor testing and quality requirements
  • Semiconductor product development lifecycle
  • Automotive quality and reliability requirements
  • Design-for-Test (DFT) methodologies
  • ATPG and scan pattern generation flows
  • Silicon bring-up and debug
  • Test program development, emulation and validation
  • Automated Test Equipment (ATE) platforms
  • Data analytics and engineering automation
  • Root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques

Job Qualifications:

  • BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering or related field.
  • Graduated within the last 12 months.
  • Strong fundamentals in circuits, semiconductors, and computer architecture.
  • Basic programming or scripting knowledge (C/C++, Python, Perl, etc.).
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a global cross-functional environment.
  • Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.
  • Curious and eager to learn in a technical R&D role
  • Internship or project exposure to IC semiconductor testing, validation, verification, or DFT (scan, BIST) is a plus.

Job Location:

  • Austin, TX

More information about NXP in the United States...

NXP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer regardless of age, color, national origin, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, status as a disabled veteran and/or veteran of the Vietnam Era or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, NXP will provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.

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