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Vehicle Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Product Development Engineer

Warren, MI ยท On-site

$50 - $53/hr

The Product Development Engineer will lead cross-functional teams to support the design ... Coordinate with program teams and leadership to ensure timely release of hardware into vehicle ...

HIL Development Engineer

Dearborn, MI ยท On-site

$115K - $170K/yr

Experience with Electrified or Connected vehicle development or testing is desired. * Experience ... Work closely with control system developers to create HIL test plans, validate operation of Control ...

Responsible for new product development and associated engineering requirements, including design ... Act as the company's engineering representative on Customer vehicle teams. Essential position ...

Driving better future mobility VS (Vehicle component Solutions) Company ( of LG Electronics focuses ... Release weekly development progress report and communicate with customer's engineers * Other duties ...

Responsible for new product development and associated engineering requirements, including design ... Act as the company's engineering representative on Customer vehicle teams. Essential position ...

Driving better future mobility VS (Vehicle component Solutions) Company ( of LG Electronics focuses ... Release weekly development progress report and communicate with customer's engineers * Other duties ...

Sr Engineer, Steering Gear

Novi, MI

$98K - $134K/yr

Highly motivated engineer with a passion for electric vehicle development, capable of driving innovative technical solutions and engaging in hands-on validation, testing, and root-cause analysis.

Product Development Engineer

Dearborn, MI ยท Hybrid

$96K - $162K/yr

Design and release engineers assume a major role in the product development organization - we are ... Have a direct impact on vehicle attributes (ride, handling, and NVH) * Engage with multiple cross ...

Showing results 21-40

Vehicle Development Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$42.7K

$83.8K

$133.8K

How much do vehicle development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for vehicle development engineer in Michigan is $83,808.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,300.00 and $92,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Vehicle Development Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles or highly specialized positions in the automotive industry. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD, simulation, and project management, or those working in leadership or consulting roles may reach this level of compensation, often supplemented by bonuses and stock options.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior vehicle development engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in areas like electric vehicles or autonomous systems, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives, particularly in leading automotive or technology companies.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Development Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, strong analytical skills, and experience with vehicle systems and design principles. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or Simulink, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as ISO/TS 16949 are typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and project management skills help you collaborate effectively and drive innovation. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, efficient, and market-ready vehicles in a highly competitive industry.

What are Vehicle Development Engineers?

Vehicle Development Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test vehicles or vehicle systems to ensure they meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. They work on the overall development process, which includes concept design, prototyping, testing, and refinement of both mechanical and electronic systems. Their role often involves collaboration with other engineers, project managers, and manufacturers to bring innovative vehicles from concept to production. Vehicle Development Engineers play a critical part in advancing automotive technology, including electric and autonomous vehicles.

What does a vehicle development engineer do?

A vehicle development engineer designs, tests, and improves vehicles to meet safety, performance, and efficiency standards. They work with CAD software, conduct prototype testing, and analyze data to optimize vehicle systems throughout the development process.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Vehicle Development Engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD and testing, and working in high-paying industries such as automotive or aerospace can earn $200,000 or more annually. Senior engineers, those with specialized expertise, or those in managerial roles are more likely to reach this salary level.

How does a Vehicle Development Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the design and testing phases?

Vehicle Development Engineers work closely with a variety of teams such as design, manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance throughout the vehicle development process. During the design phase, they coordinate with designers to ensure that conceptual models are practical and meet engineering standards. In the testing phase, they partner with test engineers to analyze performance data and resolve any issues that arise. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Vehicle Development Engineers often act as a bridge between technical and non-technical departments to ensure project goals are met on time and within budget.
What are popular job titles related to Vehicle Development Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Vehicle Development Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Development Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Development Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Vehicle Development Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $83,808 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
Exterior Trim Program Engineer

Exterior Trim Program Engineer

KCM Technical

Auburn Hills, MI โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Project Chief โ€“ Exterior Trim (Vehicle Programs)


This position functions as the Project Chief for Exterior Trim, leading and coordinating the development of exterior trim systems across an assigned vehicle program from concept through production launch.


We're seeking an experienced engineering professional to lead Exterior Trim activities for a major automotive vehicle program. In this highly visible role, you'll coordinate cross-functional engineering teams, drive program execution from concept through production launch, and ensure quality, timing, cost, and technical objectives are achieved.


This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys leading programs, collaborating across multiple engineering disciplines, and influencing vehicle development from the ground up.


What You'll Do

  • Lead Exterior Trim engineering activities for an assigned vehicle program from concept through production launch.
  • Coordinate design, development, validation, timing, cost, and engineering deliverables.
  • Partner with Design Release Engineers (DREs), Design Leads, Vehicle Systems teams, suppliers, and program leadership.
  • Resolve engineering and program issues while driving projects to successful completion.
  • Coordinate supplier activities, engineering changes, sourcing, and part releases.
  • Support Engineering Design & Development (EDD), change management, and program execution.
  • Provide technical leadership within a matrix organization while working with multiple cross-functional teams.


We're Looking For

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
  • 5+ years of automotive engineering experience.
  • Experience supporting vehicle development from concept through launch.
  • Background with exterior vehicle systems or plastic exterior components such as:
  • Fascias
  • Bumpers
  • Cladding
  • Moldings
  • Grilles
  • Badges
  • Exterior trim systems
  • Strong project coordination, leadership, and communication skills.
  • Experience working with suppliers and cross-functional engineering organizations.


Great Backgrounds Include

  • Exterior Trim Engineer
  • Design Release Engineer (DRE)
  • Design Lead
  • Product Engineer
  • Vehicle Systems Engineer
  • Body Systems Engineer
  • Program Engineer
  • Technical Project Lead
  • Lead Engineer
  • Senior Mechanical Engineer (Automotive)


Why You'll Love This Opportunity

  • Work on high-profile vehicle programs.
  • Collaborate with engineering leaders across multiple disciplines.
  • Influence vehicle development from concept through launch.
  • Long-term opportunity with potential for direct hire.