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Senior Automotive Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Harley-Davidson

Senior Design Engineer

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

Senior Design Engineer Job Function: Engineering Location: PDC Workplace Category: Onsite Company ... automotive, transportation, or agriculture industries. * Demonstrated ability to develop and ...

Harley-Davidson

Senior Design Engineer

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

Senior Design Engineer Job Function: Engineering Location: PDC Workplace Category: Onsite Company ... automotive, transportation, or agriculture industries. * Demonstrated ability to develop and ...

AprilAire

Senior Product Engineer

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

Responsibilities The Senior Engineer is tasked with responsibilities in the following key areas ... or automotive products. * Experience in the design of high volume products is desirable

Oshkosh Corporation

Sr Engineer - Controls

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

$94K - $125K/yr

The Sr. Engineer - Software and Controls Test team member will test high-quality vehicle control ... Experience with automotive, commercial vehicle, off-highway, industrial, or similar embedded ...

Oshkosh Corporation

Sr Engineer - Controls

Oshkosh, WI

$94K - $125K/yr

The Sr. Engineer - Software and Controls Test team member will test high-quality vehicle control ... Experience with automotive, commercial vehicle, off-highway, industrial, or similar embedded ...

NVIDIA

WI · On-site

NVIDIA is seeking a Senior Process Architect for DriveOS to harmonize automotive process engineering with first-principles judgment, enabling scalable, evidence-based development across safety ...

100249 Saia-Burgess LLC

WI · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Join Our Team as a Sr. Engineer, Controls & PLC at Johnson Electric! Location: Springfield, TN (100 ... Experience supporting IATF 16949 automotive manufacturing environments. Lean Manufacturing and/or ...

AprilAire

Senior Product Engineer

Sun Prairie, WI · Hybrid

Responsibilities The Senior Engineer is tasked with responsibilities in the following key areas ... or automotive products. * Experience in the design of high volume products is desirable

AprilAire

Senior Product Engineer

Sun Prairie, WI · Hybrid

Responsibilities The Senior Engineer is tasked with responsibilities in the following key areas ... or automotive products. * Experience in the design of high volume products is desirable

LiveWire Group

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$75 - $145/hr

... Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer Full Time Professional Salary Range: $74,900.00 To $145,000.00 ... Enthusiasm for problem solving in automotive and motorcycle applications. * Ability to communicate ...

New

Front Door Defense

WI · On-site

$90 - $135/hr

Manufacturing Engineer II, III, Sr. (All Shifts) Lead the design and implementation of robust ... Prior manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace or automotive * Experience with design ...

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All JobsAutomotive Engineer JobsSenior Automotive Engineer JobsSenior Automotive Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin

Senior Automotive Engineer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$60.1K

$127.7K

$185.2K

How much do senior automotive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior automotive engineer in Wisconsin is $127,741.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $144,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior automotive engineer do?

A Senior Automotive Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving vehicles and their systems. They lead engineering teams, oversee the testing of prototypes, and ensure that automotive designs meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. Senior Automotive Engineers also collaborate with other departments, manage project timelines and budgets, and mentor junior engineers. Their expertise helps bring innovative and efficient vehicles to market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior automotive engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Automotive Engineer, you need strong expertise in automotive design, engineering principles, and a relevant degree such as mechanical or automotive engineering, often supplemented by several years of industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of regulatory standards are typically required, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) being advantageous. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills to excel in project management and cross-functional collaboration. These skills ensure innovative solutions, adherence to safety and quality standards, and successful project delivery in the competitive automotive industry.

How does a senior automotive engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a vehicle development project?

Senior Automotive Engineers frequently work with cross-functional teams, including designers, software developers, manufacturing specialists, and quality assurance experts. They often lead technical discussions, ensure that engineering requirements are understood across departments, and facilitate problem-solving when challenges arise in the development process. This collaborative environment helps integrate various disciplines to achieve project goals, meet safety and regulatory standards, and deliver innovative solutions. Effective communication and leadership are key to successfully navigating these collaborations.

What is the difference between Senior Automotive Engineer vs Automotive Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Automotive EngineerAutomotive Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Industrial Design Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, manufacturing plantsDesign studios, CAD labs, prototype workshops
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, suppliers, R&D centersAutomotive OEMs, design firms, engineering consultancies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Senior Automotive Engineer and an Automotive Design Engineer lies in their focus areas. Senior Automotive Engineers typically oversee vehicle systems, testing, and integration, while Automotive Design Engineers concentrate on creating vehicle aesthetics and conceptual designs. Both roles require engineering backgrounds, but their daily tasks and specializations differ significantly.

What type of senior automotive engineers make the most money?

Senior automotive engineers specializing in advanced powertrain systems, autonomous vehicle technology, or electric vehicle development tend to earn the highest salaries. Engineers with expertise in software integration, systems engineering, and those holding professional certifications or advanced degrees often command higher compensation due to their specialized skills and industry demand.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Automotive Engineer jobs in Wisconsin?

For Senior Automotive Engineer jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Automotive Engineer jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Automotive Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Senior Automotive Engineer jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Senior Automotive Engineer job openings:

Senior Automotive Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Automotive Engineer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,741 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

S & S Cycle

Viola, WI • On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Senior Controls and Automation Engineer

DEPARTMENT: Engineering

REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager

LOCATION: Viola


JOB SUMMARY:

A Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to design, build, and support custom automated test equipment, manufacturing systems, and embedded control solutions for powertrain development and production support.This role bridges industrial automation, embedded hardware/firmware, and system integration, supporting everything from robotic test cells and PLC-controlled machinery to ECU-integrated embedded devices and Windows-based engineering tools.


The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer comfortable working across electrical design, firmware, PLCs, robotics, HMIs, and on-site commissioning of one-off and low-volume systems


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Industrial Automation & Controls

  • Design, modify, and maintain automated test stands, endurance systems, and manufacturing equipment

  • Program and troubleshoot PLCs and HMIs for presses, test fixtures, and special-purpose machinery

  • Integrate industrial robots with presses and test systems, including interlocks and safety logic

  • Retrofit and modernize legacy equipment where original electronics or controls are obsolete

  • Support and repair custom, one-off automation equipment used in engineering and manufacturing


Embedded Hardware & Firmware

  • Design custom embedded control hardware for test systems and product prototypes

  • Develop firmware in C/C++ for microcontroller-based controllers

  • Implement CAN bus communication with ECUs and vehicle subsystems

  • Create embedded solutions for sensors, actuators, motor control, and data acquisition

  • Support prototype development through testing, iteration, and limited production readiness


Test Systems & Instrumentation

  • Develop automated engine and motorcycle test systems for endurance, EPA mileage accumulation, and performance testing

  • Build systems for dyno automation, robotic control, and long-duration unattended operation

  • Integrate sensors, cameras, and data acquisition hardware for mechanical and powertrain analysis

  • Develop data visualization and processing tools for test and lab environments


Software & Interfaces

  • Develop Windows-based engineering and test applications (Visual Studio / C#)

  • Interface off-the-shelf HMIs and custom hardware for operator control and remote monitoring

  • Support configuration and calibration tools for embedded and test systems


ECU & System Integration

  • Integrate and interface with automotive ECUs, including CAN messaging and control features

  • Support ECU feature development and experimentation for R&D projects

  • Work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to support powertrain development

  • Reverse engineer CAN bus data in order to interface various ECUs with custom test equipment



QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience

  • 5+ years experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or custom machinery

  • Strong experience with:

    • PLC programming and industrial I/O

    • Embedded firmware development (C/C++)

    • Electrical schematics and hardware design, PCB layout. 

    • Sensors, actuators, motors, VFDs, and safety circuits

  • Hands-on experience commissioning and troubleshooting machines in real-world environments