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Graduate Automotive Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobtailor

Design Release Engineer

Pontiac, MO · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field and Five (5) years of experience as a Design Engineer, Executive Engineer, Graduate ...

New

General Motors

Design Release Engineer

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$40 - $45.75/hr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field and Five (5) years of experience as a Design Engineer, Executive Engineer, Graduate ...

General Motors

Design Release Engineer

Pontiac, MI · Hybrid

$40 - $45.75/hr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field and Five (5) years of experience as a Design Engineer, Executive Engineer, Graduate ...

Goken

Automotive R&D Technician

Raymond, OH

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio (USA) with Engineering Centers in Pune, India and Yokohama, Japan ... Minimum High School graduate or GED or technical school degree required. * 5+ years relevant ...

Goken

Automotive R&D Technician

Columbus, OH

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio (USA) with Engineering Centers in Pune, India and Yokohama, Japan ... Minimum High School graduate or GED or technical school degree required. * 5+ years relevant ...

Goken

Automotive R&D Technician

Raymond, OH · On-site

Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio (USA) with Engineering Centers in Pune, India and Yokohama, Japan ... Minimum High School graduate or GED or technical school degree required. * 5+ years relevant ...

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Graduate Automotive Engineer information

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$30.5K

$68.6K

$115.5K

How much do graduate automotive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate automotive engineer in the United States is $68,617.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects does a graduate automotive engineer typically work on in their first year?

As a Graduate Automotive Engineer, you will often start by supporting more experienced engineers on projects such as vehicle testing, component design, or process improvement initiatives. Typical responsibilities include data analysis, creating CAD models, participating in prototype builds, and conducting performance tests under supervision. You'll likely rotate through different departments to gain exposure to various aspects of automotive engineering, helping you develop a comprehensive understanding of the industry while building specialized skills. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including design, manufacturing, and quality assurance—is common, ensuring you learn to communicate effectively across functions.

What is the difference between Graduate Automotive Engineer vs Automotive Design Engineer?

AspectGraduate Automotive EngineerAutomotive Design Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related engineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Industrial Design Engineering
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, team-based projects in automotive companiesDesign studios, R&D departments, collaborative design projects
Industry UsageCommonly used for new graduates starting in automotive companiesUsed for specialized design roles within automotive firms

The Graduate Automotive Engineer typically focuses on learning and supporting automotive engineering tasks, while the Automotive Design Engineer specializes in vehicle aesthetics and design development. Both roles require relevant engineering or design degrees and are integral to automotive industry projects, but they differ in focus and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate automotive engineer?

To thrive as a Graduate Automotive Engineer, you need a solid foundation in mechanical or automotive engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), simulation tools, and familiarity with automotive industry standards are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication help you excel in dynamic engineering environments. These skills ensure you can contribute to innovative vehicle design, collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, and meet industry safety and performance standards.

What is a graduate automotive engineer?

Graduate Automotive Engineers are recent university graduates who specialize in designing, developing, and testing vehicles and their systems. They typically work on projects involving the improvement of vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. These engineers may work for car manufacturers, suppliers, or research organizations, and often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Their responsibilities can include using computer-aided design (CAD) software, conducting experiments, and analyzing data to solve engineering problems in the automotive sector.
More about Graduate Automotive Engineer jobs
What states have the most Graduate Automotive Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Automotive Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Automotive Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Automotive Engineer jobs are:
Graduate Automotive Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Automotive Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,617 per year, or $33 per hour.

Design Release Engineer

Jobtailor

Pontiac, MO • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description


  • Utilizes engineering tools and processes to successfully develop components and systems for vehicle programs.

  • Develops onboard charger technical design requirements for electrical vehicles.

  • Designs operation control interface for onboard charger.

  • Participates in supplier and critical design review.

  • Performs duties related to technically approved supplier list (TASL), including searching and communicating with potential supplies, reviewing key components, and executing high voltage charging and discharging tests.

  • Develops engineering design and performs worst case analysis (WCA).

  • Keeps track of vehicle charging products from design to vehicle manufacturing.

  • Participates in design failure mode and effects analysis (DFMEA) reviews to ensure design compliance of power converter.

  • Utilizes Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) for design trade-off activities and decision making to achieve customer satisfaction.

  • Performs onboard charger benchmarking activity.


Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field and Five (5) years of experience as a Design Engineer, Executive Engineer, Graduate Research Assistant, or related role.

  • OR Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field, and three (3) years of experience as a Design Engineer, Executive Engineer, Graduate Research Assistant, or related role.

  • Three (3) years of experience with:

  • Optimizing power converter designs, including alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) converters;

  • Analyzing and integrating power converter requirements, including physical dimensions, thermal properties, coolant requirements, high voltage ripple, and transient performance;

  • System-level Simulation Tools, including Ansys Simplorer, PLECS, Simulink, and PSCAD;

  • and Performing Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA).


Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in developing technical design requirements for onboard chargers in electric vehicles, utilizing engineering tools and processes to ensure compliance and optimize power converter designs. Proficient in conducting design failure mode and effects analysis (DFMEA) and applying Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodologies to enhance product quality.


Highest-signal resume keywords

  • Power Converter Design Optimization

  • Design Failure Mode And Effects Analysis (DFMEA)

  • System-Level Simulation Tools

  • Onboard Charger Technical Design Requirements

  • Design For Six Sigma (DFSS)


ATS Optimization Keywords
Hard Skills

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Automotive Engineering

  • High Voltage Testing

  • Worst Case Analysis (WCA)

  • Alternating Current (AC) Converters

  • Direct Current (DC) Converters

  • Thermal Properties Analysis

  • Transient Performance Analysis

  • Design Compliance


Industry Keywords

  • Vehicle Programs

  • Onboard Charger

  • Supplier Review

  • Technical Design Requirements

  • Design Trade-Off Activities


Tools & Technologies

  • Ansys Simplorer

  • PLECS

  • Simulink

  • PSCAD

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