1

Vehicle Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

D.s * 90+ Disciplines * 30+ Offices globally Our Opportunity Exponent's is seeking a Vehicle Engineer with a fundamental interest in the automotive field for our Vehicle Engineering practice in ...

STV's Vehicle Group is seeking an experienced Vehicle Engineering Project Manager to join our Vehicles/Systems Engineering team as part of the Centers of Excellence in in Texas, with a strong ...

STV's Vehicle Group is seeking an experienced Vehicle Engineering Project Manager to join our Vehicles/Systems Engineering team as part of the Centers of Excellence in in Texas, with a strong ...

STV's Vehicle Group is seeking an experienced Vehicle Engineering Project Manager to join our Vehicles/Systems Engineering team as part of the Centers of Excellence in in Texas, with a strong ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Vehicle Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$36.3K

$94.8K

$128.1K

How much do vehicle engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for vehicle engineer in Texas is $94,798.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $108,500.00 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.
What cities in Texas are hiring for Vehicle Engineer jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Vehicle Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Vehicle Engineer job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,798 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Vehicle Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)

Vehicle Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc.

Austin, TX

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! 

Key statistics: 

  • 950+ Consultants 
  • 640+ Ph.D.s 
  • 90+ Disciplines 
  • 30+ Offices globally 

Exponent's is seeking a Vehicle Engineer with a fundamental interest in the automotive field for our Vehicle Engineering practice in Austin, TX. The candidate should be technically talented with good hands-on skills, have excellent communication skills, and be motivated to ultimately develop their own consulting practice and grow professionally within Exponent. The individual in this position will initially be responsible for the support of existing consulting projects that involve the analysis of transportation accidents, mechanical failures, and the design of consumer and industrial products. We expect the individual to ultimately develop a specialized expertise in the automotive field such as the design and performance of existing or emerging automotive technology, or analysis and reconstruction of transportation accidents. It is expected that some projects will include the setup and execution of various test programs, including full-scale tests (crash, sled, and handling tests) and component or control systems evaluations. The successful candidate is also expected to manage projects from initiation to completion and ensure that Exponent meets its deadlines and produces exceptional work product.


  • Managing projects from initiation to completion; communicating project updates to other team members, clients, and administrative staff; ensuring that Exponent meets its deadlines and produces exceptional work product; and identifying business development opportunities
  • Performing technical engineering analysis
  • Field and laboratory testing
  • Identifying areas of, and performing, original research
  • Conducting site, scene, vehicle and equipment inspections
  • Preparing written reports and presenting results/findings in a logical and cogent manner to diverse audiences
  • The ideal candidate should be willing and able to work overtime occasionally and travel as needed to fulfill client needs 

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering (or a M.S. and 2 years of experience) and knowledge of automotive systems
  • Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required
  • Field and/or lab measurement experience required
  • Must have knowledge of dynamics, mechanical design, and 3D CAD (AutoCAD or Rhino3D preferred)
  • Must have analytical and problem solving skills
  • P.E. license or the willingness to obtain a P.E. license
  • Must possess strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to synthesize and present technical information
  • Clear written communication and technical writing skills are required
  • Must have a proven dedication to quality and accuracy
  • Field and/or lab measurement experience with excellent hands-on skills (i.e., experience taking something apart to either fix it, or see how it works)

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].


To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.  

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference. 


At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients. #LI-Onsite


Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.


Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:  https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent 

 
Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. 

 
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com. 


US-TX-Austin