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Suspension Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Suspension DRE

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$38 - $43.50/hr

The Chassis Suspension Design and Release Engineer is responsible for the suspension component and system design, development, and engineering release for FCA production vehicles. The Engineer will ...

Description Design Engineer Reports To: Senior Design Engineer Location: Cresco, IA Job Summary ... suspension systems, braking components, and load-handling features. The ideal candidate will ...

Design Engineer

Cresco, IA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Job Title Design Engineer Job Roles and Responsibilities ... Design and develop trailer components, including structural frames, axles, suspension systems ...

Design and release engineers assume a major role in the product development organization - we are ... Join a dynamic and vibrant team of suspension engineers with a passion for delivering excellence.

Suspension DRE

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$38 - $43.50/hr

The Chassis Suspension Design and Release Engineer is responsible for the suspension component and system design, development, and engineering release for FCA production vehicles. The Engineer will ...

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the design ... Key Responsibilities Design and develop trailer components, including frames, axles, suspension ...

... Suspension Lines and Fittings, Fuel Lines, and Quick Connect Systems. We are currently seeking a ... Design Engineer Location: Fort Wayne, IN This Design Engineer will support the Engineering ...

Suspension PD Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$65K - $166K/yr

Design and release engineers assume a major role in the product development organization - we are ... Experience in suspension preferred but not required. Additional experience in Chassis Systems ...

Design and develop Suspension and Steering components. * Work with test engineers and suppliers to analyze and resolve technical problems. * Must be able to handle multiple projects and work with a ...

This role is responsible for designing innovative, high-performance products such as suspension ... all engineering drawings. Must be proficient with SolidWorks CAD software for 3D modeling.

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Suspension Design Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do suspension design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for suspension design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Suspension Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, expertise in vehicle dynamics, and proficiency in CAD software, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Experience with tools like CATIA, SolidWorks, and simulation software such as MATLAB/Simulink is common, along with knowledge of industry standards. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help set candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, efficient, and innovative suspension systems that meet performance and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Suspension Design Engineer vs Chassis Engineer?

AspectSuspension Design EngineerChassis Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning suspension systems, CAD modeling, testingDesigning chassis structures, integration, testing
Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, suppliersAutomotive manufacturers, racing teams
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both Suspension Design Engineers and Chassis Engineers work in automotive design, often collaborating on vehicle performance. Suspension Engineers focus on developing and testing suspension systems to improve ride quality and handling, while Chassis Engineers work on the overall vehicle frame and structural integrity. Understanding their roles helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within automotive engineering.

What is a suspension design engineer?

Suspension Design Engineers are professionals who specialize in designing, developing, and testing vehicle suspension systems. These systems are crucial for ensuring ride comfort, handling, and safety by managing how a vehicle responds to road conditions. Suspension Design Engineers work closely with other automotive engineers to create components like springs, shock absorbers, and control arms, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software and simulation tools. Their role also involves prototyping, analyzing test data, and making improvements to meet performance and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by suspension design engineers during the development process?

Suspension Design Engineers often encounter challenges related to balancing performance, comfort, and cost constraints. They must ensure that their designs meet strict safety and regulatory standards while also accommodating manufacturing limitations and tight deadlines. Additionally, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams—such as vehicle dynamics, manufacturing, and testing—requires strong communication and problem-solving skills to integrate feedback and quickly address unforeseen issues during prototyping and validation phases.
More about Suspension Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Suspension Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Suspension Design Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Suspension Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Suspension Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Suspension Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Senior Suspension DRE - Performance Damper Design and Release

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

$37.75 - $43.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 306 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,274 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We're turning today's impossible into tomorrow's standard -from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.

Every day, our products move millions of peopleas we aim to makedriving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

We are looking for a Senior Suspension Design Release Engineer or a Design Release Engineer who will be owning performance damper and suspension hardware for high-performance vehicles. This role combines deep damper technology expertise, strong suspension design skills, and vehicle dynamics knowledge to deliver best-in-class ride, handling, and track performance.

What You'll Do
  • Own design, release, and lifecycle of performance dampers and related suspension hardware for assigned programs.

  • Define damper specifications (force-velocity targets, tuning ranges, durability/NVH requirements) aligned to vehicle ride and handling targets.

  • Integrate dampers into the suspension system, ensuring robust packaging, mounting, travel management, and compatibility with springs, bushings, and anti-roll systems.

  • Partner with vehicle dynamics to translate attribute targets into hardware specs and support ride/handling and track development trips.

  • Plan and execute validation (damper dyno, K&C, rig testing, vehicle-level durability and performance).

  • Lead technical interface with suppliers on damper design, innovation, quality, timing, and cost.

  • Maintain core DRE documents: drawings/3D models, DFMEA, BOM, DVP&R, and issue tracking; drive timely resolution of issues and engineering changes.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Senior Design Release Engineer (Level 7)

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related engineering field.

  • 5+ years experience in vehicle suspension design

  • Relevant experience in suspension/damper engineering with direct design/release responsibility.

  • Strong knowledge of damper design and technology (internal architecture, valving concepts, friction, durability, NVH).

  • Solid background in suspension design and vehicle dynamics (kinematics/compliance, spring-damper matching, ride/handling fundamentals).

  • Experience with damper and suspension testing (dyno, K&C, rigs, vehicle evaluations) and related analysis tools.

  • Proven ability to manage timing, cost, and quality in a cross-functional program environment.

  • Clear, concise technical communication and effective collaboration with internal teams and suppliers.

Design Release Engineer (Level 6)

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or related engineering field.

  • 3+ years experience in vehicle suspension design

  • Relevant experience in suspension/damper engineering with direct design/release responsibility.

  • Strong knowledge of damper design and technology (internal architecture, valving concepts, friction, durability, NVH).

  • Solid background in suspension design and vehicle dynamics (kinematics/compliance, spring-damper matching, ride/handling fundamentals).

  • Experience with damper and suspension testing (dyno, K&C, rigs, vehicle evaluations) and related analysis tools.

  • Proven ability to manage timing, cost, and quality in a cross-functional program environment.

  • Clear, concise technical communication and effective collaboration with internal teams and suppliers.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Experience on performance or track-focused vehicle programs.

  • Exposure to electronically controlled or semi-active dampers and chassis control systems.

  • Master's degree in a relevant engineering discipline.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.


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About General Motors

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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