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Sr Design Engineer Jobs in Chelsea, MI (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY The Senior Design Engineer will coordinate all product development activities of new and current products. This role will provide support, input, and guidance on all product design ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Senior Design Engineer will coordinate all product development activities of new and current products. This role will provide support, input, and guidance on all product design ...

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Sr Design Engineer information

See Chelsea, MI salary details

$66.8K

$127.5K

$184.8K

How much do sr design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr design engineer in Chelsea, MI is $127,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,900.00 and $149,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sr Design Engineer?

Sr Design Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for leading the design and development of products, systems, or components within an engineering team. They oversee the design process, ensuring projects meet technical specifications, regulatory standards, and budget constraints. Sr Design Engineers often mentor junior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and use advanced software tools for modeling and analysis. Their expertise helps drive innovation and ensures the successful delivery of complex engineering projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Design Engineer?

To thrive as a Sr Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering, advanced problem-solving skills, and a relevant engineering degree, often with several years of industry experience. Expertise in CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and familiarity with manufacturing processes are typically required, along with certifications like PE or Six Sigma being advantageous. Leadership, collaboration, and effective communication are vital soft skills for guiding teams and managing complex projects. These competencies are crucial to ensure innovative, reliable designs that meet technical requirements and project goals.

What are some common challenges faced by Sr Design Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Sr Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design solutions with cost and manufacturability constraints, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and ensuring effective communication across multidisciplinary teams. To address these challenges, it's important to stay current with industry tools and best practices, regularly collaborate with manufacturing and quality departments, and prioritize clear documentation. Developing strong project management and interpersonal skills can also help streamline workflow and reduce project bottlenecks.

What is the difference between Sr Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectSr Design EngineerDesign Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, 3+ years experience, possibly professional engineering licenseBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsDesign teams, project-based environments, product development
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, electronicsSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Sr Design Engineer and a Design Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. A Sr Design Engineer typically has more years of experience, takes on complex projects, and may mentor junior staff. In contrast, a Design Engineer is often in an earlier career stage, focusing on executing design tasks under supervision. Both roles are essential in product development, but the Sr Design Engineer plays a leadership role in design innovation and project management.

How much does a senior design engineer get paid?

A senior design engineer's average salary typically ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have advanced skills in CAD software and engineering principles, which can influence compensation levels.

What cities near Chelsea, MI are hiring for Sr Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chelsea, MI with the most Sr Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Sr Design Engineer job openings in Chelsea, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,545 per year, or $61.3 per hour.

Senior Design Engineer

RealTruck

Ann Arbor, MI

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


RealTruck rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

482nd of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Senior Design Engineer will coordinate all product development activities of new and current products. This role will provide support, input, and guidance on all product design and development activities based on extensive product knowledge and expertise. This position will be a subject matter expert of current products as well as internal engineering processes and procedures. 

CORE FUNCTIONS 

  • Engineer innovative design concepts for new products utilizing CAD and other software tools. 
  • Perform redesigns on existing products to improve manufacturability, reduce warranty, or reduce costs. 
  • Initiate and validate ECNs as they relate to product improvements and/or modifications. 
  • Analyze QA warranty data to identify areas of potential improvement. 
  • Define, oversee, and help to perform testing and auditing of new products and product modifications. 
  • Provide support to product manufacturing engineering and manufacturing during the "hand-off" of a new product. 
  • Update and ensure accuracy of BOMs within ERP software and design intent of controlled drawings/CAD within file management software. 
  • Coordinate all product development activities, including new product development and product improvements. 

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS 

Education and Experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required. 
  • 7+ years of product design experience required. 

Required Licenses 

  • None. 

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge 

  • Skilled in spreadsheets and Microsoft Office.  
  • Skilled in ERP Software and File Management. 
  • Skilled in 3D CAD. 
  • Skilled in advanced mathematics.  
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret spreadsheets. 
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables.  
  • Ability to problem solve. 
  • Ability to write, speak, and comprehend English. 
  • Ability to effectively communicate. 

Travel 

  • Occasional travel may be required. 

COMPETENCIES 

  • Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures. 
  • Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail. 
  • Innovative - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas 
  • Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. 
  • Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. 
  • Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. 
  •  

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • This position is an individual contributor; a working team member with no oversight of others and no management responsibilities. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

  • This position is subject to medium work; Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. 

Physical Activities 

  • Reaching, Standing, Walking, Lifting, Grasping, Talking, and Hearing. 

Visual Acuity  

  • The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes. 

Working Conditions 

  • The worker is subject to an office environment along with inside production environment, including noise, vibration, and other hazards from a production-based environment. 

RealTruck is the premier manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for truck, Jeep®, Bronco® and off-road enthusiasts around the world. Globally headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, RealTruck’s 6,000+ associates operate from 35+ facilities across four continents. RealTruck’s industry leading product portfolio, which includes the Husky Liners total vehicle protection brand, boasts over 1,000 patents and pending applications. The company’s omni-channel retail approach delivers a seamless consumer experience online at RealTruck.com, as well as through its 12,000+ dealer network and automotive (OEM) partnerships.


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