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Vehicle Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

TRG

Vehicle Cost Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

We are looking for multiple Cost Engineers with a Design/Release or Product Development background ... Provide idea generation and cost support during vehicle development to help achieve cost targets ...

G-TECH Services

Product Development Engineer

Warren, MI · 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 ...

Ford Motor Company

HIL Development Engineer

Dearborn, MI · 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 ...

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All JobsVehicle Development Engineer JobsVehicle Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan

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 3, 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:
Vehicle Development Engineer jobs near you
Vehicle Cost Engineer

Vehicle Cost Engineer

TRG

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

We are looking for multiple Cost Engineers with a Design/Release or Product Development background to fill various roles with experience in one or more of the following Automotive Systems:
  • DRIVELINE - Axles, Transfer Case, Assembly, Casting, Machining, Forging, Halfshaft, Rear Drive Unit, Front Drive Unit
  • ELECTRO-MECHANICAL - Electric Pump, Engine Ignition
  • HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRONICS - Electric Drive Module, Converter DC DC, Charger, Inverter
  • ENGINE - Casting, Engine Block, Oil Pan, Cylinder Head
  • INTERIOR SOFT TRIM/CARPET/NVH - Thermoforming, Compression, NVH, Carpet, Insulator
  • INTERIOR TRIM - HARD/SOFT - Headliner, Insulator, NVH
  • SEATING - Foaming process, Sewing and Trimming process, Seat Assembly, Injection Molding
  • SUNVISOR/GRAB HANDLE
  • FLOOR CONSOLE DOOR TRIM
  • BODY EXTERIOR - Plastic, Injection, Painting, Resin, Trims, Bumpers, Fascias
  • SEALING/GLAZING - Glazing, Sealing, Washing, Wiping
  • LIGHTING
  • SUSPENSION STAMPING
  • AIR INTAKE
  • SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
  • SUSPENSION CASTING/MOUNTS
  • SUSPENSION STAMPING
  • COMPRESSOR/HEAT PUMP

The Cost Engineer role develops detailed cost estimates for components and tooling using an activity-based costing approach. This role works directly with bills of material, drawings, and physical samples to understand how parts are made and to estimate the associated component, manufacturing, and investment costs.
In this position, you will use established methods and processes to analyze costs, provide guidance to internal teams, and support cost convergence activities. You will collaborate with global engineering, purchasing, finance, and supplier teams to ensure competitive and transparent cost structures from early concept through serial production.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop component cost estimates for new programs, including:
  • Early-phase cost engineering estimates
  • Detailed "should-cost" calculations using a bottom-up manufacturing approach
  • Provide idea generation and cost support during vehicle development to help achieve cost targets (Design-to-Cost)
  • Support purchasing during supplier negotiations by completing gap analyses of supplier cost breakdowns (Piece Price, ED&D, Tooling)
  • Contribute to benchmarking and value optimization activities, including serial life should-cost assessments
  • Collaborate closely with internal global team, Engineering, Buyers, and Suppliers
  • Provide global cost comparison analysis in partnership with the broader Cost Engineering community

REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelors Degree in Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of experience in the automotive industry or related technical field
  • Strong English verbal and written skills to support role job key deliverables
  • Ability to manage a high volume of parts and varying levels of complexity
  • Proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
  • Ability to work effectively across multiple levels of the organization, functions, and global regions
  • All Cost Engineer roles - common must-haves
  • 5+ years of relevant experience (design, manufacturing, tooling, cost engineering, or deep process/commodity expertise; relevant internships may be considered).
  • Strong technical understanding of parts and how they are manufactured (materials, processes, assembly flow).
  • Experience in at least one high-volume manufacturing environment; automotive strongly preferred.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering and Purchasing, and to interpret drawings, specifications, and BOMs.
  • Comfort learning and using standardized cost models, formulas, and tools (prior formal costing experience is a plus, not mandatory).*

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
  • Familiarity with cost model structures and activity-based costing for component development
  • Experience in within one or multiple areas: Design Responsible Engineering, Manufacturing, Component Tool development, or Component Purchasing

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Full-time on site in Auburn Hills, MI
  • Standard day shift
  • Limited travel 5-10%

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