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Senior Mechanical Engineer Automotive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Grote Industries

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Madison, IN · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

The Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and support of automotive headlamp and signal lamp systems for OEM customers in the heavy-duty market. This role ...

groteindustries

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Madison, IN

$95K - $126K/yr

The Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and support of automotive headlamp and signal lamp systems for OEM customers in the heavy-duty market. This role ...

Cadcam Ecom Inc

$110 - $150/hr

Com, Inc. (CCE) has an opening for the position of Sr. Mechanical Engineer (Ref# SME819KS). Work ... Master's degree or foreign academic equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering ...

New

Tolomatic, Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hamel, MN · On-site

$95 - $130/hr

Senior Mechanical Engineer $95,000 to $130,000 In-Office Role: Hamel, MN Tolomatic designs and ... automotive, semiconductor, and general automation. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Teraflex Inc

Senior Mechanical Engineer

West Jordan, UT · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Senior Mechanical Engineer (Falcon Shocks)Location: West Jordan, UtahPosition Type: Full-Time, On ... for automotive performance and innovation. Previous work in the shock/damper and suspension ...

Parallel Systems

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer Parallel Systems is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with expertise ... Experience working with mechanical systems in transportation, automotive, or railway applications.

Stefanini, Inc

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Job Details Engineering Sr. Mechanical Engineer Greensboro, NC Posted: 6/4/2026 Job ID#: 63999 Job ... the automotive industry utilizing all of the following: JIRA; Agile methodologies; vehicle ...

Link Technical Talent

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Manufacturing Peoria, IL + Relocation Assistance $120,000 - $150,000 + Career Progression + Specialist Training + Relocation Assistance + Excellent Company Benefits Are ...

Terran Orbital Corporation

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

The Sr. Mechanical Engineer will turn designs into reality via prototyping, development testing ... automotive, or a similar sector. * Robust capability with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD software.

Terran Orbital Corporation

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

The Sr. Mechanical Engineer will turn designs into reality via prototyping, development testing ... automotive, or a similar sector. * Robust capability with SolidWorks, Creo, or similar CAD software.

Cosmic Robotics, Inc.

$120 - $190/hr

Senior Mechanical Engineer Location: San Francisco, CA (full time, in-person) Company Overview Our ... Experience designing or developing high volume large form factor products like automobiles and ...

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Senior Mechanical Engineer Automotive information

See salary details

$74.5K

$122.6K

$171K

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior mechanical engineer automotive in the United States is $122,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $138,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior mechanical engineer do in the automotive industry?

A Senior Mechanical Engineer in the automotive industry leads the design, development, and testing of mechanical systems and components for vehicles. They work on projects such as engine design, powertrain integration, chassis development, and thermal management systems. Their responsibilities include overseeing junior engineers, ensuring compliance with industry standards, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and solving complex engineering challenges to improve vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency.

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

To thrive as a Senior Mechanical Engineer in automotive, you need deep knowledge of mechanical design, materials science, and automotive systems, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering and several years of industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software (such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD), FEA tools, and knowledge of industry standards and certifications like Six Sigma or ASME are crucial. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills set top performers apart in leading teams and managing complex projects. These skills and qualifications ensure the effective design, development, and delivery of innovative and reliable automotive products in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges faced by senior mechanical engineers in the automotive industry, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Mechanical Engineers in the automotive industry often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with manufacturability, meeting strict safety and regulatory standards, and coordinating with cross-functional teams. To address these challenges, strong project management skills and effective communication are essential, as is staying up-to-date with the latest industry technologies and regulations. Collaborating closely with design, manufacturing, and testing teams ensures that engineering solutions are practical, cost-effective, and compliant with all requirements.

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

AspectSenior Mechanical Engineer AutomotiveMechanical Engineer Automotive
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, professional experience, possibly PE licenseBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, entry-level or 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and project leadership in automotive manufacturing or R&DDesign, testing, and analysis tasks within automotive companies or suppliers
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, R&D centersAutomotive manufacturing plants, suppliers, engineering consultancies

The main difference between a Senior Mechanical Engineer Automotive and a Mechanical Engineer Automotive lies in experience, responsibility, and leadership. Senior roles typically involve project management and advanced design, while entry-level roles focus on technical tasks. Both roles require a background in mechanical engineering and work within the automotive industry, but senior positions demand more experience and often involve mentoring or overseeing projects.

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Senior Mechanical Engineer Automotive jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Mechanical Engineer Automotive job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,564 per year, or $58.9 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Grote Industries

Madison, IN • On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Business Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer
Reports to: Senior Engineering Manager
Leadership Scope: Individual Contributor
Company Info: With a heritage of nearly 120 years, we aren't just a company; we are a brand of trust. But more than anything, we are a collection of individuals who, together, give Grote Industries a decisive competitive advantage. At Grote, our shared vision is clear - to meet the needs of the customers we serve. We accomplish that mission every day by following a set of core values that makes us who we are.
Innovation has been the hallmark of Grote Industries from the start. From durable, easy to see stop lights to the latest in LED lighting technology, Grote has been leading the way in advanced vehicle system solutions from early in the last century right up to today. With these innovations, Grote has helped millions of people throughout North America and the world benefit from the innovation and design excellence of Grote products.
Position Summary: The Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and support of automotive headlamp and signal lamp systems for OEM customers in the heavy-duty market. This role leads mechanical design activities, supports cross-functional teams, and ensures products meet regulatory, customer, performance, durability, quality, manufacturing, and cost requirements while mentoring less-experienced engineers.
Position Duties:
  • The Senior Mechanical Engineer will be working with project team members to understand/develop requirements and to develop new or improved lamp concepts/designs satisfying regulatory and customer performance, durability, and quality requirements along with meeting internal manufacturing process requirements and cost targets.
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer will developing the design of mechanical systems and components for lamps and directing/reviewing the development of the CAD models of all components and assemblies including molded plastic lenses, housings, brackets, and bezels, die cast and stamped heatsinks, fasteners, etc.
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer will leading the development of drawings for all components and assemblies ensuring the proper use of GD&T and linear dimensioning/tolerancing as appropriate, that all critical features are defined, that all relevant specifications are noted, completeness and accuracy, etc.
  • Performing tolerance stack-up analysis using statistical methods as appropriate
  • Coordinating/reviewing simulations including static and vibration FEA, thermal FEA/CFD, and plastic part MFA.
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer will ensuring designs meet all thermal, vibration, corrosion, impact, chemical, abrasion, and other mechanical requirements.
  • Performing and/or coordinating testing of lamps and components to ensure the product meets all requirements.
  • Developing/improving and documenting design, simulation, and testing standards related to all aspects of lamp mechanical design.
  • Researching, interpreting, and applying relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards including FMVSS 108, UN Regulations (R148-R150), SAE Lighting Systems Group standards, and those from ASTM, ANSI, ISO, etc.
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer will working with the Manufacturing and Quality teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to manufacturing processes and quality controls.
  • Working with the Purchasing team in the sourcing of purchased components and validation of suppliers and ensuring that purchased components are properly designed/spec'd to conform to industry standards, minimize cost, and maximize supply chain flexibility.
  • Working with the Sales team in the quoting of new or revised business and customer management including the estimation of part and capital costs.
  • Mentoring other engineers and team members in all aspects, and optical aspects in particular, of lamp quoting, design, manufacturing, validation, etc.

Requirements: The Senior Mechanical Engineering candidate will have a Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field and extensive (3-5+ years) mechanical engineering design experience in automotive headlamps and/or signal lamps including familiarity with relevant optical and/or electrical engineering design principles, along with experience with the manufacturing processes relevant to automotive lighting, such as injection molding, plastic part assembly, coatings, etc. Good documentation, communication, and teamwork are essential. Specific relevant skills/experience are listed below:
  • Injection molded plastic part design including a thorough understanding of injection mold tooling and plastic part assembly and a range of plastic materials including PC, PMMA, ABS, ASA, nylon, and PP including fillers.
  • Heatsink design, specifically utilizing die cast or stamped aluminum or injection molded thermally conductive plastics
  • Creo CAD experience is optimal, followed by Catia or NX and then other systems
  • Performing and/or coordinating/reviewing the listed simulations/analyses utilizing the listed or similar software:
    • Vibration/Static/Thermal FEA utilizing Ansys Mechanical
    • Thermal CFD utilizing FloEFD
    • Mold flow analysis utilizing MoldEx, followed by AutoDesk MoldFlow
    • Part measurement and dimensional analysis utilizing PolyWorks
  • Advanced GD&T application
  • Tolerance stack-up analysis
  • Research, review, interpretation, and application of relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards, specifically in relation to FMVSS 108, UN Regulations (R148-R150), and the SAE Lighting Systems Group

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