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Vehicle Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

Atlanta, GA ยท 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 ...

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

Atlanta, GA ยท 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 ...

The Vehicle Engineer Technician, Prototype plays an integral role with the Engineering team throughout product development and through launch. As a member of the Vehicle Integration team, the Vehicle ...

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Vehicle Engineer information

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$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do vehicle engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 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 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Vehicle Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)

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

Exponent Inc.

Tampa, FL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

About Exponent

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. ย 

We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our 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. ย 

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!ย 

Key statistics:ย 

  • 950+ Consultantsย 
  • 640+ Ph.D.sย 
  • 90+ Disciplinesย 
  • 30+ Offices globallyย 
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 part of a team to analyze transportation and heavy equipment accidents, mechanical failures, and the evaluation of the design and safety of consumer and industrial products. You will have excellent technical skills, hands-on skills, communication skills, and be motivated to ultimately develop your own consulting practice and grow professionally within Exponent.ย 

You will be responsible for
  • 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
  • Identifying areas of, and performing, original research that furthers knowledge in the field of accident reconstruction/automotive technology
  • Developing 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
  • Traveling to perform site, scene, vehicle and equipment inspections
  • Preparing written reports and presenting results/findings to diverse audiences
  • The ideal candidate should be willing and able to work overtime occasionally to fulfill client needsย 
You will have the following skills and qualifications
  • Master's degree (with thesis) or Ph.D. in an Engineering field is required (at least one of the degrees, B.S./M.S./Ph.D., must be in Mechanical Engineering)
  • Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required
  • Knowledge and interest in automotive systems and vehicles
  • 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)
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Must have knowledge of dynamics, mechanical design, and 3D CAD
  • Must have analytical and problem-solving skills
  • P.E. license or the willingness to obtain a P.E. licenseย 
  • Must possess strong leadership and verbal communication skills with the ability to synthesize and present technical information to a non-technical audience
  • Clear written communication and technical writing skills are required
  • Experience writing a thesis, dissertation, peer-reviewed technical paper, and/or experience presenting at a conferenceย 
  • Must have a proven dedication to quality and accuracy

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with thesis/dissertation title(s), publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending), and presentations [not restricted to 1 page]. ย 

Life @ Exponent

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.

Work Environment

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.ย 

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. ย ย ย #LI-Onsiteย 

Compensation

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.

Benefits you will enjoy

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.

Job LocationsUS-FL-TampaEmployment Type: FULL_TIME