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Graduate Automotive Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Post-secondary graduate with a degree/diploma in Quality Engineering and/or Mechanical/Automotive Engineering or equivalent work-related experience in the Quality or related field. WORK EXPERIENCE:

Post-secondary graduate with a degree/diploma in Quality Engineering and/or Mechanical/Automotive Engineering or equivalent work-related experience in the Quality or related field. WORK EXPERIENCE:

Summary: This role will support Test Engineers in prepping the cars and doing the test setup ... Minimum High School graduate or GED or technical school degree required. * 5+ years relevant ...

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 ...

Quality Engineer

Mccalla, AL

$65K - $84K/yr

Quality, Industrial of Mechanical Engineering or equivalent work experience in Quality or ... graduate is considered acceptable). Less Than 1 Years of Experience within the automotive industry.

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Automotive Engineer information

See salary details

$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:
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.

Product/Test Engineer, Entry Level

NXP Semiconductors N.V.

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 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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