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Graduate Automotive Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Production Technician

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

This is a hands-on, vehicle-focused role working closely with Control Systems Engineers in lab ... High School graduate with strong interest in a career in the automotive field. * Currently pursuing ...

Gain exposure to Mercedes-Benz technology, engineering, and diagnostic systems * Access to Mercedes ... Maintain accurate repair orders and documentation Qualifications * 3+ years of automotive ...

Quality Planning Engineer

Northville, MI · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

OEM Quality System knowledge (Automotive) * ASQ certification (CQE, CQA, CQRE, etc.) Education ... BA/BS Graduate Travel Requirements * Approximately 30 % * Must be willing and available to travel ...

We are an automotive supplier partner to automakers and new mobility actors worldwide. Our vision ... Seeking a current student or recent graduate who is available to start as soon as possible and work ...

Quality Planning Engineer

Northville, MI · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

OEM Quality System knowledge (Automotive) * ASQ certification (CQE, CQA, CQRE, etc.) Education ... BA/BS Graduate Travel Requirements * Approximately 30 % * Must be willing and available to travel ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Get to know East Penn!
Navitas Systems LLC, a leader in comprehensive energy storage solutions, was formed in 2011 with the merger of MicroSun Innovative Energy Storage Solutions and MicroSun Electronics, and the acquisition of lithium battery company A123 Systems' Government Solutions Group. In 2019, East Penn Manufacturing, one of the world's leading battery manufacturers, acquired majority interest in Navitas Systems. In SEVEN remarkable decades, East Penn has grown from a one-room shop with a product line of five automotive batteries to one of the world's leading battery manufacturers with over 10,500 full-time employees, 515 product designs, operations around the world, and hundreds of awards for industry excellence.
At our Navitas facilities we engage in the research, design, development, and manufacture of advanced lithium cells and energy storage products and systems for both commercial customers and U.S. Government/military customers. We invest in our people, they are and always will be the heart of this company. Are you ready to join a family-owned enterprise committed to honoring the contributions of everyone? Then Navitas is the right place for you.
Overview
Navitas Systems is seeking a Principal Battery Management System (BMS) Engineer to provide technical leadership, architectural ownership, and long-term stewardship of advanced BMS solutions for lithium-ion battery products serving military, commercial, and industrial markets.
The Principal BMS Engineer defines technical direction, owns system-level architecture decisions, ensures regulatory and functional safety compliance, and serves as the subject-matter expert across firmware, electronics, algorithms, and system integration.
In this role, you will own and steward multi-generation BMS platforms, define system-level technical direction, and guide cross-functional architectural decisions to ensure BMS solutions are robust, scalable, and aligned with current and future product roadmaps.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as technical authority for BMS architecture, including firmware, electronics, sensing, controls, and system integration.
  • Define and maintain system-level BMS architecture, design patterns, and technical standards across multiple product lines.
  • Lead technical trade studies for safety, performance, cost, manufacturability, and long-term maintainability.
  • Establish best practices for embedded firmware architecture, hardware abstraction, diagnostics, and fault handling.
  • Provide expert-level guidance on embedded firmware design, real-time systems, and safety-critical software.
  • Lead development and review of core BMS algorithms, including SOC, SOH, SOE, cell balancing, protection, diagnostics, and degradation monitoring.
  • Own interpretation and application of relevant safety and compliance standards (e.g., UL, IEC, ISO, functional safety guidance) as they relate to BMS design.
  • Drive system-level requirements decomposition, traceability, and verification strategy.
  • Lead DFMEA, FTA, and system-level risk assessments; ensure mitigation strategies are implemented and verified.
  • Guide development of end-of-line test strategies, diagnostic coverage, and service tools.
  • Ensure BMS designs are manufacturable, testable, and serviceable at scale.
  • Support long-term sustainment, reliability improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering preferred; or Bachelor's degree in a related field with relevant certifications or graduate-level coursework.
  • 15+ years of embedded systems work experience.
  • 7+ years of experience working with battery or relevant energy systems preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Recognized expert in BMS firmware, electronics, and system-level design.
  • Deep understanding of lithium-ion battery behavior, protection strategies, and safety mechanisms.
  • Proven ability to define and evolve system architectures across multiple product generations.
  • Advanced proficiency with embedded communication protocols (SPI, I2C, CAN, CANOpen, J1939, UDS).
  • Strong experience with verification, validation, and compliance in regulated or safety-critical environments.
  • Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, including root-cause analysis of complex system issues.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) the individual must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Disclaimer:This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
East Penn Benefits
Navitas/East Penn offers excellent benefits:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Group health insurance that includes high quality medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage with a low employee premium
  • Retirement Savings Plan with company match and a 3% employer contribution
  • Paid company holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Employee assistance program
  • Fitness Discounts
  • Promotional opportunities

At Navitas/East Penn, our employees are our culture; our employees will always be the heart of the company. We are a private, family-owned enterprise committed to cultivating an atmosphere that honors the contributions of everyone. We want our employees to have long-term careers, and many do. More than 38% of our workforce has over a decade of service. Our open-door management policy, comprehensive benefits package, employee appreciation and recognition events, and career advancement opportunities are just some of the ways we show our employees how incredibly valued they are.
EOE/VEVRAA