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First Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

1ST SHIFT QUALITY ENGINEER NEEDED - ADRIAN, MICHIGAN A Leading Automotive Supplier in the Adrian, Michigan area needs a 1st Shift Quality Engineer. This is a Full Time, Permanent, Direct Hire ...

WELDING ENGINEER NEEDED - DUNDEE, MICHIGAN AREA A Leading Automotive Supplier near Dundee, Michigan ... We will always contact you first before submitting your resume to our client(s) for review. If you ...

Staff Site Reliability Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$55.75 - $74/hr

Champion an agentic-AI-first engineering mindset: identify where AI-driven automation and agent-based tooling can replace manual toil, and hold that work to the same quality, testing, and reliability ...

Interim Frontend Developer

Holland, MI · On-site

$97K - $112K/yr

... first ben ik op zoek naar een Frontend Developer die gaat bijdragen aan de doorontwikkeling van een bestaande digitale ketenomgeving binnen het zorgdomein. De druk binnen het team is opgelopen ...

Controls Engineer (1st Shift)

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising all aspects of the plant electrical control systems, equipment, and machinery. Responsible for the installation and ...

Controls Engineer (1st Shift)

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supervising all aspects of the plant electrical control systems, equipment, and machinery. Responsible for the installation and ...

Data Engineering Manager

Warren, MI · On-site

$107K - $129K/yr

Experience with or exposure to AI-first engineering concepts, including Generative AI, Agentic AI, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), vector search, and LLM-powered applications. * Strong ...

Salesforce Developer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Implementing Menlo Software Factory key practices, such as Co-Location, Paired Programming, Expert Within Earshot, Collective Code Ownership, Test-First Programming, Unit Tests Run Continually ...

Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements. * Apply advanced GD&T principles in accordance with ASME Y14.5. * Support First Article Inspections in accordance with ...

Lathe CNC Programmer

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$38.46 - $48.08/hr

CNC Lathe Programmer / Manufacturing Analyst 1st Shift | Flexible start between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. (8-hour shifts) Salary: $80,000 - $95,000 The Opportunity We're hiring a CNC Lathe Programmer ...

Showing results 41-60

First Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$34K

$88.7K

$119.8K

How much do first engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for first engineer in Michigan is $88,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between First Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectFirst EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; often requires experience in project managementBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; may require licensure or certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, or project sites; often involved in overseeing initial phases of projectsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, or R&D labs; focused on design, analysis, and testing
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, oil & gas, or heavy industry; used for lead or senior roles in project initiationManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors; common for design and development roles

First Engineers typically oversee early project phases and require experience in project management, while Mechanical Engineers focus on design, analysis, and testing within manufacturing or R&D environments. Both roles require engineering degrees but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

How to get a first engineer job?

To secure a first engineer position, candidates should develop relevant technical skills through education or training, build a portfolio of projects, and gain practical experience via internships or entry-level roles. Strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency with engineering tools, and effective communication are also important for success in the hiring process.

What do beginner first engineers do?

Beginner first engineers typically assist with basic tasks such as troubleshooting, testing, and maintaining systems or equipment. They often work under supervision, learn industry tools and safety protocols, and focus on gaining practical experience in engineering environments.

What does a first engineer do?

A first engineer is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for assisting in design, development, and testing of engineering projects. They often perform routine tasks, follow technical instructions, and work under supervision to gain experience and develop skills in their field.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for First Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most First Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various First Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,687 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Engineer - First Class

Detroit, MI

Wayne State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

290th of 633 rated colleges and universities


Job description

POSITION PURPOSE
 
Perform highly skilled work in the repair, operation and maintenance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, mechanical equipment, pneumatic control systems, building electrical systems, plumbing systems and DDC systems throughout the University.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
 
Operate and monitor environmental systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water, lighting, cooling tower water chemical maintenance and building security systems. Access units in windows, on rooftops, above ceilings, behind walls, in crawl spaces or closets, etc.; use appropriate safety precautions, which may require wearing a ventilator; evaluate equipment and order parts; ensure fire prevention consistent with specifications and energy guidelines.
 
Perform preventive maintenance on equipment. Troubleshoot heating/ventilation and air conditioning systems; make necessary repairs to ensure proper environmental temperatures and maximize service life of equipment; manipulate equipment using hand tools to access parts.
 
Check and repair pumps, condensate tanks, valves, water heaters, sump pumps, reducing stations, swimming pool equipment, boilers and plumbing systems. Access equipment which may be at any eight and in any location on campus; inspect systems; diagnose problems; obtain and install replacement parts to ensure efficient operation; work with hand tools and at any angle.
Clean all plenum chambers, fans, boiler rooms and other areas designated for heating and ventilation use.
 
Clean and change air filters. Access filter chambers which may be located at any height and angle with cumbersome boxes containing replacement filters; adjust and replace belts on equipment. Align pump/motor couplings. Replace steam traps. Control flow by opening and closing gate, globe and/or butterfly valves; respond to emergencies such as floods, fires, equipment failures, etc. and assess the situation and determine how to minimize harm to equipment, ventilation systems, facilities, and people; supervise response; perform repairs as necessary.
 
Maintain communication with building personnel necessary for proper maintenance and operation of buildings; respond to calls for service; open and close dampers; generate work orders to have additional work done and follow through on its completion; coordinate repair work on existing heating/ventilation and air conditioning systems; work with architects and engineers to develop systems for new construction. Prepare and maintain records, logs and work requests.
 
All Operating Engineers are considered to be "Essential Personnel," and are required to report during a university emergency closure period.
 
Perform other duties as assigned.

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