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Graduate Automotive Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

A Graduate degree in Business Administration (MBA), Technical Management, or Engineering is a plus. Preferred Skills - Experience with any of the following: * Experience at automotive OEM's or other ...

Personal Background Bachelor of Science in Engineering required New Graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA Experience in Automotive /Manufacturing, preferred Experience in GD&T, DVP&R, DFMEA, and BOM ...

Personal Background Bachelor of Science in Engineering required New Graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA Experience in Automotive /Manufacturing, preferred Experience in GD&T, DVP&R, DFMEA, and BOM ...

Senior Industrial Engineer

Armada, MI · On-site

$41 - $56.25/hr

As a partner to all of the major automobile manufacturers, as well as key players in the aerospace ... Graduate Degree in Industrial Engineering, Engineering * 5 to 10 years As a global company with ...

Senior Industrial Engineer

Armada, MI · On-site

$41 - $56.25/hr

As a partner to all of the major automobile manufacturers, as well as key players in the aerospace ... Graduate Degree in Industrial Engineering, Engineering * 5 to 10 years As a global company with ...

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Graduate Automotive Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$26.6K

$59.8K

$100.7K

How much do graduate automotive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate automotive engineer in Michigan is $59,806.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $64,900.00 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.
What job categories do people searching Graduate Automotive Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Automotive Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Graduate Automotive Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,806 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Design Release Engineer

General Motors

Pontiac, MI • On-site

$40 - $45.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 306 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,272 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
DUTIES: 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. Hybrid Work Policy - 3 Days In-Office, 2 Days Remote - Must be able to report to listed local office.
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).
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About General Motors

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General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908