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Upfit Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kona Ice

Upfit Technician

Florence, KY · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Kona Ice Corporate has a team of over 100 support staff with various backgrounds and skills, including accountants, project managers, engineers, upfit technicians, vehicle wrappers, and even a full ...

Kona Ice

Upfit Technician

Florence, KY · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Kona Ice Corporate has a team of over 100 support staff with various backgrounds and skills, including accountants, project managers, engineers, upfit technicians, vehicle wrappers, and even a full ...

Kona Ice

Upfit Technician

Florence, KY

$18 - $24/hr

Kona Ice Corporate has a team of over 100 support staff with various backgrounds and skills, including accountants, project managers, engineers, upfit technicians, vehicle wrappers, and even a full ...

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Upfit Engineer information

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$37K

$79.5K

$101K

How much do upfit engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for upfit engineer in the United States is $79,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an upfit engineer?

Upfit Engineers are professionals who specialize in modifying and customizing vehicles to meet specific requirements, often for commercial, emergency, or specialty use. They design, plan, and oversee the installation of additional equipment or features, such as specialized lighting, storage systems, or electronic components. Upfit Engineers work closely with clients to ensure that modifications comply with safety regulations and industry standards, while also meeting the unique needs of the end user. Their expertise is essential for turning standard vehicles into purpose-built solutions for various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an upfit engineer?

To thrive as an Upfit Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, experience with vehicle modification, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, vehicle diagnostics systems, and industry-specific certifications such as ASE or OEM training is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating with teams and clients. These abilities ensure safe, compliant, and innovative vehicle modifications that meet client specifications and industry standards.

What are some common challenges an upfit engineer faces when coordinating vehicle modifications with multiple vendors?

Upfit Engineers often face the challenge of aligning specifications and timelines between various vendors, such as body builders, electronics suppliers, and OEMs. Ensuring that each modification meets safety and regulatory standards, while staying on schedule and within budget, requires strong project management skills. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial, as even small misalignments can lead to costly delays or rework. Building strong relationships with vendors and maintaining thorough documentation can help minimize these challenges.

What are popular job titles related to Upfit Engineer jobs?

For Upfit Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Upfit Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,521 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Senior Manufacturing Manager - Truck Upfit

Fontana, CA • On-site

ZM Trucks
See more jobs at ZM Trucksexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About ZO Motors North America LLC
ZM Trucks is a trusted leader in commercial vehicles, specializing in durable and high-performance trucks for a wide range of industries. We design and manufacture vehicles that excel in both reliability and fuel efficiency, offering solutions for cargo transport, construction, logistics, and more.
Focused on innovation and customer satisfaction, we provide not only top-quality trucks but also exceptional after-sales support to keep fleets running smoothly. With a commitment to performance, safety, and efficiency, ZM Trucks is dedicated to driving success for businesses worldwide.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Manufacturing Manager - Truck Upfit to lead the development and operation of our truck upfit assembly line while supporting upfit manufacturing engineering activities within our manufacturing operations.
This role will be responsible for upfit assembly line planning, manufacturing process development, tooling and equipment selection, and production process optimization. The position will also oversee manufacturing engineering activities supporting upfit assembly operations.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in commercial vehicle manufacturing, truck body installation (upfit), or automotive assembly operations, and will play a key role in building efficient and scalable manufacturing processes.
What you'll do
Upfit Assembly Line Development
  • Lead the design and implementation of the truck upfit assembly line
  • Define production layout, workstation design, and material flow
  • Develop assembly processes and installation procedures for upfit
  • Select and implement manufacturing equipment, tools, and fixtures
  • Support the launch and ramp-up of upfit production operations

Manufacturing Engineering Leadership
  • Manage manufacturing engineering activities supporting upfit assembly operations
  • Develop and improve upfit assembly process documentation
  • Create and maintain work instructions and assembly process sheets
  • Develop Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, WI and assembly sheet
  • Ensure manufacturing processes meet quality and production standards

Production Support and Process Improvement
  • Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, throughput, and process stability
  • Support troubleshooting of manufacturing and upfit assembly issues
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing operations

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with production, quality, supply chain, and engineering teams
  • Support engineering changes and product improvements
  • Ensure upfit assembly processes remain aligned with product design updates

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
  • 8+ years of experience in automotive or commercial vehicle manufacturing
  • Experience in truck upfit, truck body installation, or commercial vehicle assembly preferred
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and assembly operations
  • Experience developing work instructions, PFMEA, and control plans
  • Experience selecting manufacturing equipment, tools, and assembly fixtures
  • Strong leadership and project management skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Preferred Background
Candidates with experience in the following industries are strongly preferred:
  • Commercial vehicle manufacturing
  • Truck assembly
  • Truck body manufacturing or upfit operations
  • Automotive OEM manufacturing

Apply