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Mechanical Research Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Research Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$95K - $184K/yr

Master's degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Global Automotive and ... The Research Engineer will also support internal customers, including the propulsion systems team ...

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital ... SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich ...

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital ... SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich ...

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital ... SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich ...

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, Applied ... Research experience in X-ray optics, synchrotron instrumentation, or related fields * Hands-on ...

Hybrid Staff Mechanical Engineer, R&D Portage, MI Join a team developing innovative medical device technologies from concept through commercialization. This role provides the opportunity to ...

Hybrid Staff Mechanical Engineer, R&D Portage, MI Join a team developing innovative medical device technologies from concept through commercialization. This role provides the opportunity to ...

Hybrid Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer Lead, R&D Portage, MI Join a team focused on advancing complex medical technologies through engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration. This ...

Hybrid Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer Lead, R&D Portage, MI Join a team focused on advancing complex medical technologies through engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration. This ...

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, Applied ... Research experience in X-ray optics, synchrotron instrumentation, or related fields * Hands-on ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mechanical Research Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$39.7K

$89.7K

$145.1K

How much do mechanical research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical research engineer in Michigan is $89,668.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $110,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mechanical research engineer do?

A Mechanical Research Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing new mechanical devices and systems. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and use advanced software to improve product performance and efficiency. Their work often involves collaborating with other engineers and scientists to innovate and solve complex engineering problems. Mechanical Research Engineers play a crucial role in advancing technology in fields like automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical research engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Research Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, analytical problem-solving, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like ANSYS, and experience with lab equipment or research-specific certifications are commonly required. Strong communication, creativity, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for sharing findings and driving innovation. These skills enable engineers to develop effective solutions, collaborate on research projects, and advance technological progress in their field.

What are some common challenges mechanical research engineers face when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

Mechanical Research Engineers moving from academia to industry often encounter challenges such as adapting to faster project timelines, prioritizing commercially viable solutions over purely theoretical work, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. In industry, there is a stronger emphasis on meeting client requirements, cost-effectiveness, and product manufacturability, which may differ from academic research priorities. Building effective communication and project management skills is essential to succeed in these dynamic work environments.

What is the difference between Mechanical Research Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Research EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping new theories, materials, and prototypes through researchCreating detailed designs and specifications for manufacturing
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D centers, academic settingsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, CAD environments
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD proficiency

Mechanical Research Engineers focus on exploring new concepts and materials, often working in labs or research settings. Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on designing and developing products for manufacturing. Both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, but their daily tasks and environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Research Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Mechanical Research Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Research Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,668 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Research Engineer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$95K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Ford Motor Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 527 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 45 rated automakers


Job description

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. We also believe in providing you with the freedom to define and realize your dreams. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career potential as you help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Ford's Research and Advanced Engineering team takes new ideas from theory to reality. Every day, we develop advanced energy management and propulsion technologies, create cutting-edge materials and manufacturing processes, and curate world-class cabin experiences that redefine what it means to drive a Ford.

You'll have... 

Master's degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering or a related field and 2 years of experience in the job offered or a related occupation.   2 years of experience with each of the following skills is required:  1. Designing and developing high-voltage (HV) battery systems and components, including structural, electrical, and thermal systems. 2. Performing and interpreting Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis including structural, crash safety, and durability simulations for HV battery components and assemblies, using SimSolid and NX, and modifying designs based on analysis results. 3. Leading and documenting failure mode analysis (FMEA) for complex high-voltage automotive battery systems. 4. Using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and other engineering toolsets for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) including CATIA, Teamcenter, or SAP PLM, for product design and development. 5. Identifying, defining, and developing system-level interfaces and requirements for high-voltage battery applications. 6. Applying Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles for cost optimization and efficient production of automotive components. 7. Managing and collaborating with battery system and component suppliers for key project execution and development.

We are offering a salary of $95,930.00 - $184,135.20/yr. 

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

For a detailed look at our benefits, click here:

https://fordcareers.co/GSR-HTHD

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

#LI-DNI

#DNP

Master's degree or foreign equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering or a related field and 2 years of experience in the job offered or a related occupation.   2 years of experience with each of the following skills is required:  1. Designing and developing high-voltage (HV) battery systems and components, including structural, electrical, and thermal systems. 2. Performing and interpreting Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis including structural, crash safety, and durability simulations for HV battery components and assemblies, using SimSolid and NX, and modifying designs based on analysis results. 3. Leading and documenting failure mode analysis (FMEA) for complex high-voltage automotive battery systems. 4. Using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and other engineering toolsets for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) including CATIA, Teamcenter, or SAP PLM, for product design and development. 5. Identifying, defining, and developing system-level interfaces and requirements for high-voltage battery applications. 6. Applying Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles for cost optimization and efficient production of automotive components. 7. Managing and collaborating with battery system and component suppliers for key project execution and development.

We are offering a salary of $95,930.00 - $184,135.20/yr. EOE.

This Job Notice is posted as a result of the filing of an application for permanent alien labor certification for the relevant job opportunity. Any person may provide documentary evidence bearing on the application to the Certifying Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Room N-5311, Washington, DC 20210.

Note, this is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the aforementioned worksite. Hence, the employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance from the worksite.  Developing high-voltage (HV) battery technologies for electric vehicles, specifically addressing challenges related to safety, cost, life, fast charge time, and range. This includes leading the design creation of sophisticated HV battery system technologies across multiple disciplines, such as thermal, mechanical, and electrical engineering. The engineer will identify and develop system-level interfaces and requirements, lead the design of battery components or sub-systems, and support the modeling and validation of advanced HV battery systems and components through CAE and testing, with a focus on durability and crash safety. Responsibilities also include leading failure mode analysis documentation (e.g., FMEAs, P-diagrams, interface diagrams) and collaborating with battery system and component suppliers on key projects. The Research Engineer will also support internal customers, including the propulsion systems team and vehicle architecture, utilizing Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools for design and analysis.

What you'll be able to do: 

Research Engineer - positions offered by Ford Motor Company (Dearborn, Michigan). Note, this is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the aforementioned worksite. Hence, the employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance from the worksite. Developing high-voltage (HV) battery technologies for electric vehicles, specifically addressing challenges related to safety, cost, life, fast charge time, and range. This includes leading the design creation of sophisticated HV battery system technologies across multiple disciplines, such as thermal, mechanical, and electrical engineering. The engineer will identify and develop system-level interfaces and requirements, lead the design of battery components or sub-systems, and support the modeling and validation of advanced HV battery systems and components through CAE and testing, with a focus on durability and crash safety. Responsibilities also include leading failure mode analysis documentation (e.g., FMEAs, P-diagrams, interface diagrams) and collaborating with battery system and component suppliers on key projects. The Research Engineer will also support internal customers, including the propulsion systems team and vehicle architecture, utilizing Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools for design and analysis. 


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