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Research Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Design Release Engineer

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$40 - $45.75/hr

... 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 ...

... researchers, students and industry professionals Are you looking to work for a company that ... We have a position for a Senior Engine Design Engineer to work onsite at our client in Auburn Hills ...

* Plans, organizes, leads, and directs technical work related to product design and development ... Research, recommends, and implements or improves new and/or existing products, processes, materials ...

Plans, organizes, leads, and directs technical work related to product design and development ... Research, recommends, and implements or improves new and/or existing products, processes, materials ...

Design Engineer - Senior

Hudson, MI · On-site

$82K - $134K/yr

Our range of research & development, engineering, prototype manufacturing, test & validation, and ... Experienced design engineer with core responsibilities including product and system design and ...

With deep domain expertise and extensive engineering capabilities, Invio partners with clients from early-stage product design and R&D through to full-scale automation. Customers value Invio ...

The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research ... Have good understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals such as precision machine design ...

The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research ... Have good understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals such as precision machine design ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Design Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$34.1K

$96.2K

$124.4K

How much do research design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for research design engineer in Michigan is $96,192.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research design engineer?

A Research Design Engineer is a professional who develops and tests new product concepts, technologies, or processes, often in a laboratory or research environment. They bridge the gap between pure research and product development by applying engineering principles to design experiments, analyze data, and create prototypes. Their work is critical in advancing innovation within industries such as electronics, automotive, biotechnology, and more. Research Design Engineers collaborate with scientists, engineers, and product teams to turn novel ideas into practical solutions. They often document their findings and may contribute to patent applications or academic publications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research design engineer?

To thrive as a Research Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, strong analytical skills, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and common prototyping methods is essential, along with knowledge of industry standards. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing innovative solutions and ensuring successful project outcomes in a competitive and evolving field.

What are some common challenges faced by research design engineers when transitioning prototypes to large-scale production?

A common challenge for Research Design Engineers is ensuring that innovative prototypes can be efficiently and cost-effectively scaled for mass production. This often involves collaborating closely with manufacturing teams to adapt custom or experimental components to standard processes, while maintaining performance and quality standards. Engineers must also address potential issues related to material availability, manufacturability, and compliance with industry regulations. Effective communication and flexibility are key to overcoming these hurdles and successfully bringing new designs to market.

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

AspectResearch Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, specialized research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, design certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, innovation centersDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research institutions, aerospace, automotiveManufacturers, engineering firms, product companies
Common Search & ComparisonResearch Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer

Research Design Engineers focus on developing new concepts, conducting experiments, and advancing technology through research. Mechanical Design Engineers primarily work on designing, analyzing, and improving mechanical components and systems for products. While both roles require engineering backgrounds, Research Design Engineers emphasize innovation and research, whereas Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on practical design and implementation.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Research Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Research Design Engineer job openings:

Design Release Engineer

Pontiac, MI • On-site

General Motors
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$40 - $45.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 310 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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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