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Mechanical Design Engineer Automotive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Design Engineer

Savannah, GA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

The ideal candidate will have hands-on expertise in mechanical design, manufacturing processes, and automotive/trailer engineering. This role involves working on large-scale product development ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Georgetown, KY

$68K - $93K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer This role focuses on designing custom welding equipment, fixtures ... Develop mechanical designs for automotive assembly equipment, including automated test and assembly ...

New

Mechanical Design Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

... automotive, and semiconductor industries. Key Responsibilities * Design and develop mechanical ... Collaborate with engineering, production, and machine shop teams to meet project goals * Support ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

... automotive, and semiconductor industries. Key Responsibilities * Design and develop mechanical ... Collaborate with engineering, production, and machine shop teams to meet project goals * Support ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Azusa, CA · On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

We are seeking an aspiring Mechanical Design Engineer to help us design and develop high-performance automotive products and systems using CAD, CFD, FEA tools. You will manage design projects from ...

Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking ... Knowledge of mechanical engineering design, analysis, and manufacturing. * Experience with ASME Y14 ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

The Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for designing engineered products, supporting new product development initiatives, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to bring innovative ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

Waltonen Engineering is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our team! Responsibilities ... As a trusted engineering company, we serve the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries with ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Design Engineer to join our Thermal Systems Team ... The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in automotive product design and development ...

New

Mechanical Design Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

Waltonen Engineering is looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to join our team! Responsibilities ... As a trusted engineering company, we serve the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries with ...

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Mechanical Design Engineer Automotive information

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$45.5K

$91.6K

$136.5K

How much do mechanical design engineer automotive jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical design engineer automotive in the United States is $91,578.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Mechanical Design Engineer do in the automotive industry?

A Mechanical Design Engineer in the automotive industry is responsible for creating, developing, and testing components and systems for vehicles. This includes designing parts such as engines, transmissions, chassis, and other structural elements using computer-aided design (CAD) software. They work closely with other engineers and departments to ensure designs meet safety, efficiency, and cost requirements while adhering to industry standards. Their role often involves problem-solving, prototyping, and improving existing vehicle designs to enhance performance and reliability.

What are typical challenges Mechanical Design Engineers face when working on automotive projects?

Mechanical Design Engineers in the automotive industry often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with strict safety and regulatory standards, managing tight project deadlines, and integrating new technologies while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—like electrical engineers, manufacturing, and quality assurance—is essential to ensure that designs are feasible for mass production and meet performance targets. Navigating frequent design revisions and adapting to evolving customer requirements also form a core part of the role.

What is the difference between Mechanical Design Engineer Automotive vs Mechanical Design Engineer Aerospace?

AspectMechanical Design Engineer AutomotiveMechanical Design Engineer Aerospace
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, certifications like CAD or FEABachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentAutomotive manufacturing plants, R&D labsAerospace manufacturing, research facilities
Industry UsageVehicle design, engine components, chassisAircraft parts, spacecraft components, aerodynamics

Both roles involve mechanical design and engineering principles, but Automotive engineers focus on vehicle systems and components for cars, while Aerospace engineers specialize in aircraft and spacecraft. The core skills and certifications overlap, but the industry-specific applications differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mechanical Design Engineer in the automotive industry, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Design Engineer in automotive, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, automotive systems, and a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software (such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD), familiarity with simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards like ISO/TS 16949 are typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective teamwork enable engineers to develop innovative solutions and collaborate across departments. These skills ensure the creation of safe, efficient, and high-quality automotive components that meet both performance and regulatory requirements.
More about Mechanical Design Engineer Automotive jobs
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Design Engineer Automotive jobs? Cities with the most Mechanical Design Engineer Automotive job openings:
What states have the most Mechanical Design Engineer Automotive jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Design Engineer Automotive jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Engineer Automotive job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,578 per year, or $44 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

MSI Defense Solutions

Mooresville, NC • On-site

$67K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Position Overview

The Mechanical Design Engineer's responsibilities include but are not limited to; review project design requirements, provide input for potential additional requirements, develop, and execute the design of ideas for the product, review and justify designs during preliminary and critical project design reviews. The Design Engineer will create CAD models using MSI's parametric skeleton strategy, fully defining the bill of materials of the system. The Design Engineer will also manage the development of the drawing package used to convey the system requirement to the production team. The Design Engineer will ensure designs meet the goals and requirements outlined for the project and will report the design's status to the Project Manager to ensure it remains in line with the master project schedule. The Design Engineer will work with the Engineering Team to continuously promote professional self-growth and design knowledge.

The Mechanical Design Engineers will report to the Design Engineer Manager. This position requires a full-time work week spent in the shop/office. Normal hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00am-4:30pm and Friday 7:00am-12:00pm. (Must be flexible to work additional hours as needed based on project requirements and deadlines).

Key Responsibilities

  • Must demonstrate understanding of the function and purpose of vehicle sub-systems including, but not limited to chassis, suspension, drive train, brakes, exterior and interior systems, payload capacity, electrical, HVAC, fluid cooling systems. General hands-on experience with automotive or vehicle systems is a plus.
  • Develop and manage vehicle components and assemblies in CAD. Use experience/knowledge to generate new design ideas. Work with Project Managers to provide continual schedule updates towards the progress of the overall project. MSI's design goals are to develop superior products by utilizing sound engineering principles and creative thinking. Our manufacturing goals are to minimize lead time and cost while building a high-quality component. The Design Engineer shall have experience with the application of GD&T techniques and ASME Y14.5 practices.
  • Modeling at MSI is performed using PTC Creo 7.0. MSI has proven itself to be a leader with an "unmatched speed to market" approach by utilizing skeleton top-down parametric modeling. The Design Engineer shall understand the relationships that are built throughout the model using "external copy geometry" through assembly skeletons. A Senior Design Engineer will provide guidance of the model tree's parent and child structure relationships for each project. Design Engineers execute the design structure in the CAD system throughout the products developmental lifecycle process.
  • The Design Engineer may perform structural FEA or mathematical analyses of a design within their capabilities. Experience with Ansys software is a plus. When necessary, the Design Engineer will work with outside FEA partners to manage and support the analysis effort by providing necessary information to these outside partners so they can provide MSI with a complete and through analysis summary that either confirms or directs modification of the design(s). The Design Engineer will also provide guidance to the Project Manager on when FEA should be used to validate a design. This will allow the Project Manager to plan and budget for the requested resources.
  • The Design Engineer will work with the production team and vendor base to produce the prototypes. The Design Engineer will be expected to support manufacturing in the development of prototypes to ensure that the required changes for manufacturing are reported and implemented back to the CAD system. The Design Engineer is required to have a strong understanding of standard prototyping manufacturing methods.
  • Contribute to developing and maintaining thorough and complete BOM's and production of accurate drawings for use in manufacturing processes and configuration management. Produce reports detailing analysis and design changes when necessary.
  • Be able to develop a clear understanding of MSI's ERP system and how the other departments of the company function throughout the product life cycle.

Skills and Qualifications Required

  • Minimum of a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering or similar
  • Minimum 5 years in appropriate automotive, motorsports or defense vehicle related field
  • Experience with sheet metal, weldments, and machined parts is a plus
  • 3+ years as high-level CAD user preferred (CREO Preferred)
  • Minimum of 1 year of PDM experience (Windchill Preferred)
  • Experience in FEA (Ansys) is a plus
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience designing and analyzing automotive components and systems
  • Highly motivated, organized, and responsible.
  • Leadership skills
  • Ability to interact with all types of people under pressure
  • Knowledge of machining practices, industry workings, fabrication shop procedures
  • Microsoft Office Suite experience
  • Must be able to verify U.S. Person Status as defined by International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
  • Ability to obtain security clearance if deemed necessary for position.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
  • Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

Benefits

  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Dental Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Parental and Maternity Leave
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off – 120 hours per year to start (prorated in first year of employment)
  • Continuing Education
  • Annual Year End Paid Holiday Closure

Classification

  • Position is full-time, Exempt

MSI Defense Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.