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Vehicle Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vehicle Engineer

Happy Valley, OR ยท On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Vehicle/Automotive Engineer We are seeking a Vehicle Engineer to join our team in support of the design, documentation, and integration of complete vehicle systems, including advanced and autonomous ...

The Vehicle Engineer will be responsible for maintaining, updating, and adding vehicle support and features to VCM Suite, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to conduct simulations and ...

New

Vehicle Engineer

Happy Valley, OR ยท On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Vehicle/Automotive Engineer We are seeking a Vehicle Engineer to join our team in support of the design, documentation, and integration of complete vehicle systems, including advanced and autonomous ...

The Space Vehicle Engineer will work daily on-site with the Government to provide advice and guidance on technical and programmatic aspects of a critical space system; ensuring the space vehicle can ...

The Space Vehicle Engineer will work daily on-site with the Government to provide advice and guidance on technical and programmatic aspects of a critical space system; ensuring the space vehicle can ...

The Space Vehicle Engineer will work daily on-site with the Government to provide advice and guidance on technical and programmatic aspects of a critical space system; ensuring the space vehicle can ...

Senior Vehicle Engineer

Evans, GA ยท On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

GENERAL The position offers the opportunity to be a Mechanical Engineer focused on the development of vehicles used by customers around the world. The position requires a passion for vehicles and the ...

What You'll Do As a Staff Vehicle Engineer at Inversion, you will report directly to the Chief Engineer of Arc . In this role, you will tackle some of the most complex, interdisciplinary technical ...

Job Title Advanced Vehicle Engineer About Canoo Canoo's mission is to bring EVs to Everyone and build a world-class team to deploy this sustainable mobility revolution. We have developed breakthrough ...

Staff Vehicle Engineer

Vista, CA ยท On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

What You'll Do As a Staff Vehicle Engineer at Inversion, you will report directly to the Chief Engineer of Arc . In this role, you will tackle some of the most complex, interdisciplinary technical ...

Sr Vehicle Engineer

Evans, GA ยท On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

GENERAL The position offers the opportunity to be a Mechanical Engineer focused on the development of vehicles used by customers around the world. The position requires a passion for vehicles and the ...

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Vehicle Engineer information

See salary details

$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do vehicle engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for vehicle engineer in the United States is $101,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in vehicle design or manufacturing. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and industry-specific standards or certifications like ISO/TS 16949 is vital. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary environments. These competencies are essential to ensure innovative, safe, and efficient vehicle development that meets regulatory and market demands.

What is the difference between Vehicle Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectVehicle EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Vehicle Engineering; certifications like SAE or ASEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; optional certifications in specialized fields
Work EnvironmentAutomotive manufacturing plants, R&D labs, testing facilitiesFactories, design firms, research labs across various industries
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive companies, vehicle manufacturers, transportation firmsBroad industry use including aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and automotive

Vehicle Engineers focus specifically on designing, developing, and testing vehicles, often working within automotive companies. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working across multiple industries on various mechanical systems. While both roles require similar foundational skills, Vehicle Engineers specialize in vehicle-specific technologies and standards.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior vehicle engineers, automotive design engineers, and aerospace engineers often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in leadership roles. High salaries are common in specialized fields such as electric vehicle development, autonomous vehicle technology, and aerospace engineering, often requiring advanced degrees and certifications.

What are some common challenges Vehicle Engineers face when working on new automotive projects?

Vehicle Engineers often encounter challenges such as meeting strict safety and emission standards, integrating new technologies, and balancing cost with performance during the design and development process. They must collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including designers, manufacturing specialists, and suppliers, to ensure all components fit together seamlessly. Additionally, tight project timelines and the need for rapid prototyping can add pressure, requiring strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior vehicle engineers, automotive design engineers, and engineering managers in the automotive industry can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD and simulation tools, and working for major automakers or suppliers. High-level roles often require advanced degrees and leadership responsibilities.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior vehicle engineers, especially those in executive or specialized roles such as chief engineers or lead design engineers in the automotive industry, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves extensive experience, advanced skills in CAD and simulation tools, and leadership responsibilities in large companies or innovative projects.

What does a vehicle engineer do?

A vehicle engineer designs, develops, and tests vehicles and their components, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. They often work with CAD software, perform simulations, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to improve vehicle performance and reliability.
More about Vehicle Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Vehicle Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Vehicle Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Vehicle Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Vehicle Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Vehicle Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Vehicle Engineer

Actalent

Happy Valley, OR โ€ข On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Vehicle/Automotive Engineer

We are seeking a Vehicle Engineer to join our team in support of the design, documentation, and integration of complete vehicle systems, including advanced and autonomous vehicle platforms. This role involves collaborating cross-functionally with engineering, design, manufacturing, quality, and program management teams to ensure vehicle designs are accurately documented and fully aligned with physical builds. The position is crucial in driving first-time build accuracy, predictable quality, and seamless transition from concept through production.

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Responsibilities
  • Review, validate, and approve Bills of Materials (BOM) for vehicle hardware, including wiring and electrical components.
  • Ensure complete vehicle documentation from early concepts and sketches through prototype and production builds.
  • Review Digital Mockups (DMU) and align frequently with design, build, and manufacturing teams.
  • Serve as the liaison between project management, design engineering, production, and quality teams.
  • Participate in cross-functional design task forces to ensure concepts are fully documented and ready for implementation.
  • Track and report design completeness and readiness for upcoming vehicle builds and design iterations.
  • Provide consulting and support for design challenges and documentation gaps.
  • Own and manage the issues tracking and burn-down process, ensuring timely resolution.
  • Create and maintain work instructions, handbooks, and build documentation.
  • Support prototype and pre-production documentation efforts.
  • Provide production procedures and assist with production support and training.
  • Deliver clear status updates and visibility to leadership to support prioritization and execution.

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Essential Skills
  • Strong knowledge of vehicle systems, BOM structures, and engineering documentation.
  • Experience working with CAD systems and DMU environments.
  • Proven ability to collaborate across multiple teams in a fast-paced development environment.
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

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Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
  • 1+ year experience in full vehicle design, vehicle integration, or automotive engineering - experience from Formula or Baja SAE teams and/or internships will be considered.
  • Experience with autonomous vehicles, ADAS, or advanced vehicle technologies is a bonus.
  • Experience supporting prototype builds, pre-production, or manufacturing launch activities.
  • Familiarity with production readiness, quality processes, and build validation.

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Work Environment

The position is located onsite in Portland, OR to work on Actalent's outsourced services team that owns the work being done for DTNA. This role provides an opportunity to work on cutting-edge vehicle and advanced technologies, influence the entire vehicle lifecycle from concept to production, and collaborate with highly skilled engineering and manufacturing teams. You will make a direct impact on vehicle quality, build accuracy, and program success.

We prefer regional talent from the Pacific NW, but may consider highly qualified non-local prospects who are relocating themselves to Portland quickly.

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Use the following link to speak with a recruiter and learn more: click here

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Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: โ€ข Medical, dental & vision โ€ข Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital โ€ข 401(k) Retirement Plan โ€“ Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available โ€ข Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) โ€ข Short and long-term disability โ€ข Health Spending Account (HSA) โ€ข Transportation benefits โ€ข Employee Assistance Program โ€ข Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Portland,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffingยฎ winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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