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Vehicle Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Exponent Inc.

Vehicle Engineer, ADAS/AV (MS/PhD)

Natick, MA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

D.s * 90+ Disciplines * 30+ Offices globally Our Opportunity We are currently seeking a Vehicle Engineer with expertise in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and automated vehicles (AVs) for ...

Exponent Inc.

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

Atlanta, GA · On-site

D.s * 90+ Disciplines * 30+ Offices globally Our Opportunity We are currently seeking a Vehicle Engineer (MS/PhD) for our Vehicle Engineering Practice in Atlanta, GA . In this role, you will work as ...

Exponent Inc.

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

Tampa, FL · On-site

D.s * 90+ Disciplines * 30+ Offices globally Our Opportunity We are currently seeking a Vehicle Engineer (MS/PhD) for our Vehicle Engineering Practice in Tampa, FL . In this role, you will work as ...

Exponent Inc.

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

Austin, TX · On-site

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 ...

Exponent Inc.

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

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

D.s * 90+ Disciplines * 30+ Offices globally Our Opportunity We are currently seeking a Vehicle Engineer (MS/PhD) for our Vehicle Engineering Practice in Atlanta, GA . In this role, you will work as ...

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All JobsVehicle Engineer Jobs

Vehicle Engineer information

See salary details

$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do vehicle engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 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 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 does a Vehicle Engineer do?

A Vehicle Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, and improvement of vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. They work on various aspects of a vehicle, including its engine, transmission, suspension, and safety systems. Vehicle Engineers collaborate with other professionals to ensure that vehicles meet safety standards, performance goals, and environmental regulations. Their work often involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software and conducting simulations to test new designs before production.
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:
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Engineer jobs are:
Vehicle Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% 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.

Lead Vehicle Engineer, Components

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Description
As the Lead for Spacecraft Components, you will own all aspects of spacecraft component design, analysis, implementation, operation, sustainment, and improvement while working with a fast paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft components from clean sheet design. 

Responsibilities
  • Lead a team of all-star responsible engineers working on components including but not limited to deployable structures, actuators, COPVs, solar modules, and separation systems 
  • Determine product roadmap of spacecraft components by working closely with partner teams, leadership, and business development 
  • Architect and implement engineering processes to streamline component development, test, and sustainment through production ramp 
  • Create and execute spacecraft component test campaigns 
  • Work with wide ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing, and operations to deliver reliable high-performing components to flight vehicles 
  • Direct technical ownership and individual contributor work of a components 


Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or related field 
  • Past results and execution developing, testing, and flying spacecraft components as a technical individual contributor 
  • Strong technical knowledge in one or more spacecraft component types 
  • 5+ years of demonstrated experience in spacecraft components 
  • Professional experience managing and growing a team  


Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering 
  • 2+ years of demonstrated experience working in lead roles on spacecraft component design and development 
  • Ownership of the technical development of a spacecraft component through the entirety of its design cycle: conceptualization, system level trades, design, analysis, test, build, integration, and flight operations 
  • Experience in a startup or agile development environment 

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.