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Vehicle Design Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Expertise in vehicle or subsystem design, CAE/CAD/simulation engineering , manufacturing/process engineering, or quality engineering. * Day-to-day use of ANSYS Fluent / STAR-CCM+ , Siemens Opcenter ...

BENG5 DRE Exterior

Troy, MI · On-site

$37.75 - $43/hr

Be an integral part of an energetic team that's challenging the status quo of vehicle design. * Responsible for the design and development of exterior components and assemblies. * Develop and ...

BSME or similar degree * 8+ years of vehicle design in interior or exterior trim * Knowledge of NHSTA / FMVSS requirements * Experience with DVP&R, DFMEA, GD&T, DFM, DFA, etc. * Understanding of ...

Design Release Engineer, Interior

Troy, MI · On-site

$38.25 - $43.50/hr

ABOUT SLATE At Slate, we're building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize ... The DRE will be responsible for design and development of Interior Trim accessories, components ...

Design Release Engineer, Interior

Troy, MI · On-site

$38.25 - $43.50/hr

ABOUT SLATE At Slate, we're building safe, reliable vehicles that people can afford, personalize ... The DRE will be responsible for design and development of Interior Trim accessories, components ...

Building relationships with key stakeholders (such as drivetrain and vehicle design, engine design, purchasing and assembly plants) * Project managing NA suppliers to ensure on-time delivery of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Vehicle Design information

See Michigan salary details

$53.2K

$114.7K

$136.4K

How much do vehicle design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for vehicle design in Michigan is $114,679.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,400.00 and $135,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a person that designs cars called?

A person who designs cars is called an automotive designer or car designer. They develop the exterior and interior concepts of vehicles, often using CAD software and collaborating with engineers. Automotive designers typically have a background in industrial design or engineering and may work for car manufacturers or design firms.

What is the highest salary for Automotive Designer?

The highest salaries for automotive designers can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for senior or lead roles in large companies or luxury automakers. Factors such as experience, location, and expertise with CAD software influence earning potential.

What is the difference between Vehicle Design vs Automotive Engineering?

AspectVehicle DesignAutomotive Engineering
Primary FocusCreating the aesthetic and ergonomic aspects of vehiclesDeveloping the technical and functional systems of vehicles
Required SkillsDesign software, creativity, understanding of ergonomicsMechanical engineering, systems integration, technical analysis
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, CAD labs, collaborative teamsResearch labs, manufacturing plants, testing facilities
Common EmployersAutomotive manufacturers, design consultanciesAutomotive companies, engineering firms, R&D centers

Vehicle Design focuses on the visual and user experience aspects of vehicles, emphasizing aesthetics and ergonomics. Automotive Engineering involves technical development, systems integration, and ensuring vehicle performance and safety. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What is vehicle design?

Vehicle design is the process of creating the appearance, structure, and functionality of automobiles and other vehicles. This field combines elements of engineering, aesthetics, ergonomics, and technology to develop vehicles that are safe, efficient, and visually appealing. Vehicle designers work on both the exterior and interior aspects, considering factors like aerodynamics, materials, safety features, and user experience. The goal is to create vehicles that meet performance standards while also appealing to consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vehicle Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vehicle Designer, you need strong skills in automotive engineering principles, 3D modeling, and a degree in industrial or transportation design. Proficiency with CAD software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or Alias, and familiarity with prototyping tools and industry standards, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills that set top designers apart. These skills and qualifications enable the creation of innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing vehicles that meet safety and market demands.

How does a Vehicle Design professional typically collaborate with engineers and other departments during a project?

Vehicle Design professionals work closely with engineers, marketing teams, and manufacturing specialists throughout the design process. They participate in cross-functional meetings to ensure that creative concepts meet technical requirements, safety standards, and market needs. Regular feedback sessions and collaborative problem-solving are common, as design ideas must often be adapted to address engineering constraints or manufacturing capabilities. This collaborative environment helps ensure that the final vehicle design is both aesthetically appealing and feasible to produce.

How do I become a car designer?

To become a car designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial design, automotive design, or a related field, along with strong skills in sketching, 3D modeling, and CAD software. Gaining experience through internships or a portfolio of design projects is essential, and knowledge of automotive engineering and materials can be beneficial.

What job lets you design cars?

A vehicle designer or automotive designer is responsible for creating the exterior and interior concepts of cars. They use skills in sketching, 3D modeling, and knowledge of engineering and aerodynamics, often working with CAD software. This role typically requires a degree in industrial design, automotive engineering, or a related field.
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Design jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Design jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Vehicle Design jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Vehicle Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Vehicle Design job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $114,679 per year, or $55.1 per hour.
Vehicle Design Specialist - AI Trainer

Vehicle Design Specialist - AI Trainer

Mercor

Detroit, MI • On-site, Remote

$1.1K - $1.4K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Manufacturing - Automotive (Mechanical Engineering) Expert
Type: Contract
Compensation: $1,150–$1,450/task
Location: Remote

Role Responsibilities

  • Build a realistic digital workspace centered on the Drive folders you use daily. Include design reviews, DFMEA/PFMEA documents, PPAP packages, tolerance analyses, benchmarking decks, test reports, and email threads.
  • Design multi-step tasks grounded in real workflows. Require navigation of multiple apps, files, and stakeholders to challenge frontier AI agents.
  • Collaborate with other automotive engineering experts to design the environment, shape task scope, and review scenarios for realism and rigor.
  • Work asynchronously with research teams to refine task designs and evaluation criteria for automotive engineering agent benchmarks.
  • Contribute to frontier AI research and benchmarking. Your work directly informs how leading labs train and evaluate the next generation of AI systems.

Qualifications

Must-Have

  • BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
  • 3+ years of full-time experience at a Fortune 500 automotive OEM or Tier-1 supplier.
  • Expertise in vehicle or subsystem design, CAE/CAD/simulation engineering, manufacturing/process engineering, or quality engineering.
  • Day-to-day use of ANSYS Fluent/STAR-CCM+, Siemens Opcenter, or SAP S/4HANA.
  • Strong analytical thinking and writing skills.

Compensation & Legal

  • Task Completion Pay: Competitive and based on task quality.
  • Performance Bonus: Weekly bonus incentive for top performers.
  • Hourly Opportunity: Potential transition to hourly compensation for sustained quality and throughput.

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

  • Upload resume
  • AI interview based on your resume
  • Submit form

Resources & Support

  • For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
  • For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.


#hiringmercor