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Suspension Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. System Engineer - Swaybar

Detroit, MI · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Advanced engineering degree preferred. * 5+ years of product design and development experience, specifically in suspension systems, swaybar tuning, and electromechanical actuator development (both ...

... suspension systems, vehicle chassis, and other powered or manual positioning systems • Develop ... Design Engineer I at Pride Mobility Products Corporation, OR at least 3 years of experience in ...

Suspension architecture development, hardpoint creation, and initial design selection * Suspension Lift and Lower Kit design and release * Suspension component product engineering and release

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Suspension Design Engineer information

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$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do suspension design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 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 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.

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.

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 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Staff Chassis Systems Design Engineer

Lightship

Broomfield, CO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview
Lightship is the first American all-electric recreational vehicle manufacturer currently developing an aerodynamic, battery-powered trailer for the electric age. As the macro transition to an all-electric transportation ecosystem accelerates, Lightship is bringing the increased convenience and superior performance that electrification offers to a pastime enjoyed by over 11 million American families.
 
Honoring Diverse Perspectives
Lightship is committed to hiring and developing top talent from diverse backgrounds. We believe representing and supporting diverse groups is key to the success of our team members, customers, shareholders and the achievement of our mission and vision. We operate in a collaborative environment with a flat organizational structure and expect a high degree of integrity, autonomy and creativity from all members of the team.

About the Role

As a Staff Chassis Systems Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, integration, and validation of vehicle chassis structures and related mechanical systems. This position will own components and assemblies from requirements definition and concept development through detailed design, prototype build, validation, and production release.

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical design fundamentals, CAD ability, understands structural load paths and vehicle-level interfaces, and can develop manufacturable designs using sound engineering judgment, analysis, and testing.

Responsibilities
  • Design and develop vehicle chassis systems and components, including suspension, braking, drive unit integration, wheels and tires, structural members, brackets, mounts, crossmembers, and subframes from concept through production.

  • Support definition and translate vehicle- and system-level requirements into detailed designs that meet strength, stiffness, durability, mass, packaging, serviceability, cost, and manufacturability targets.

  • Define subsystem load cases and structural load paths, and perform engineering calculations including static loading, stress, deflection, bolted-joint analysis, fatigue, and appropriate factors of safety.

  • Develop component and assembly interfaces, mounting strategies, datum structures, tolerances, clearances, and packaging requirements; apply GD&T and tolerance analysis in accordance with ASME Y14.5.

  • Create, release, and maintain production-quality 3D CAD, engineering drawings, specifications, and other design documentation throughout the product development lifecycle.

  • Select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes based on design requirements, production volumes, cost, and performance, including welded/fabricated structures, sheet metal, machining, castings, forgings, and extrusions.

  • Lead or support engineering analysis and risk-assessment activities including design reviews, CAE, DFMEA, PFMEA, tolerance analysis, trade studies, and functional analysis.

  • Develop and execute component and subsystem Design Verification and Production Validation plans, evaluate test results and failures, and implement design improvements and corrective actions.

  • Support prototype and production vehicle builds, troubleshooting fit, function, packaging, manufacturing, and assembly issues through root-cause resolution.

  • Support supplier selection and serve as the primary engineering interface with chassis component suppliers throughout RFQ, DFM, prototyping, validation, tooling, and production readiness.

  • Collaborate with suspension, braking, powertrain, body, electrical, CAE, manufacturing, quality, and supplier engineering teams to ensure successful vehicle-level integration.

Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline; M.S. preferred.

  • 8+ years of relevant mechanical or structural design experience in automotive, commercial vehicle, off-highway, motorsports, aerospace, or a similar industry.

  • Demonstrated experience developing mechanical systems or components from concept through prototype, validation, and production release.

  • Understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including vehicle loads, structural load paths, stress, stiffness, fatigue, bolted joints, and suspension and braking principles.

  • Proficiency with 3D CAD and engineering drawing creation; CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE experience preferred.

  • Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and design for manufacturing and assembly.

  • Experience with common chassis manufacturing processes, including welded steel or aluminum structures, sheet metal, machining, castings, forgings, or similar processes.

  • Experience working directly with suppliers, manufacturing teams, and cross-functional engineering organizations to resolve design and production issues.

  • Collaborative and detail-oriented, with strong written and verbal communication skills and a commitment to engineering quality and thoroughness.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 5+ years of direct experience designing and integrating vehicle chassis, suspension, steering, braking, axle, wheel-end, frame, or subframe systems.

  • Experience developing vehicles or mechanical systems in low- to medium-volume production environments.

  • Experience with structural FEA, fatigue analysis, modal analysis, and vehicle durability analysis.

  • Experience developing and executing DVP&R or equivalent design verification and validation plans.

  • Experience applying AIAG/VDA DFMEA methodologies.

  • Hands-on experience with vehicle assembly, fabrication, machining, welding, instrumentation, or mechanical testing.

Equity
  • Lightship compensation consists of the yearly salary above plus equity, which gives you a stake in the company.
$130,000 - $150,000 a year
Employee Benefits & Philosophy - Applies to Full Time Employees only
- Healthcare, Dental, Vision
- 401k
- Flexible Paid Time Off - that we actually want you to use!
- 13 Company Holidays: 8 throughout the year + the company observes a week of scheduled downtime during the end of the year, allowing all employees to enjoy a break
- 12 weeks paid parental leave
- Yearly LightTrip stipend for an RV trip &/or professional development opportunities 
 
Lightship offers all of its full time employees and their dependents full benefits including health, dental and vision insurance. We are on a mission to create a more healthful all-electric experience for a pastime that millions of families enjoy and believe strongly that our team should not have to worry about quality healthcare for themselves or their loved ones along the way.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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