Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Design Engineer jobs in Michigan are in strong demand, concentrated in automotive and advanced manufacturing, industrial machinery, and aerospace defense, with openings at every level from entry-level drafters to senior systems designers. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor anchor the market, and established employers such as Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis consistently hire design engineers across product development, powertrain, and tooling disciplines. The most sought-after specialties in Michigan right now are mechanical design, CAD-intensive product development, and electrification systems engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 144+ Design Engineer jobs
- Create and refine mechanical systems, managing the entire lifecycle from initial ideas to final manufacturing.
- Integrate practical development with rigorous engineering standards, such as conducting design evaluations and validation testing, to help guarantee consistent product quality.
- Construct and evaluate functional prototypes within our facility and occasionally at external locations.
- Address complex engineering challenges while operating within practical project limitations.
- Utilize analytical techniques like FEA, fatigue, and motion studies to verify the integrity of your designs.
- Collaborate effectively alongside manufacturing, controls, and client teams to drive project success.
- Analyze system failures to implement design enhancements that improve overall performance.
- Assist with on-site installations and performance testing at client locations as required, involving approximately 10% travel.
- Minimum of 3 years of practical experience in mechanical R&D or design roles.
- Solid grasp of material science, structural integrity, and motion control principles.
- Proven ability to design components specifically for efficient manufacturing processes.
- High level of proficiency in 3D CAD platforms, with a preference for SolidWorks, Catia, or Inventor.
- Familiarity with PDM systems, specifically Autodesk Vault.
- Willingness to engage in direct, hands-on work within the shop environment and at field sites.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and ensure projects reach completion.
- Undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
- Practical knowledge of FMEA, validation strategies, and APQP workflows.
- Comprehensive understanding of fabrication methods including welding, casting, machining, and additive manufacturing.
- Direct experience working with magnetic systems or conveyor technology.
- Deep understanding of real-world design factors such as material selection, tolerance stacks, fasteners, and fabrication techniques.
- Background in robotics, heavy machinery, or automation systems.
- Expertise in vibration analysis or the study of dynamic systems.
- Prior experience collaborating closely with production and manufacturing departments.
- Familiarity with motion feedback and integrated control systems.
- Proficiency in scripting or programming languages like Python, iLogic, or VBA.
- Experience utilizing parametric configuration tools.
- Create and refine mechanical systems, managing the entire lifecycle from initial ideas to final manufacturing.
- Integrate practical development with rigorous engineering standards, such as conducting design evaluations and validation testing, to help guarantee consistent product quality.
- Construct and evaluate functional prototypes within our facility and occasionally at external locations.
- Address complex engineering challenges while operating within practical project limitations.
- Utilize analytical techniques like FEA, fatigue, and motion studies to verify the integrity of your designs.
- Collaborate effectively alongside manufacturing, controls, and client teams to drive project success.
- Analyze system failures to implement design enhancements that improve overall performance.
- Assist with on-site installations and performance testing at client locations as required, involving approximately 10% travel.
- Minimum of 3 years of practical experience in mechanical R&D or design roles.
- Solid grasp of material science, structural integrity, and motion control principles.
- Proven ability to design components specifically for efficient manufacturing processes.
- High level of proficiency in 3D CAD platforms, with a preference for SolidWorks, Catia, or Inventor.
- Familiarity with PDM systems, specifically Autodesk Vault.
- Willingness to engage in direct, hands-on work within the shop environment and at field sites.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and ensure projects reach completion.
- Undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
- Practical knowledge of FMEA, validation strategies, and APQP workflows.
- Comprehensive understanding of fabrication methods including welding, casting, machining, and additive manufacturing.
- Direct experience working with magnetic systems or conveyor technology.
- Deep understanding of real-world design factors such as material selection, tolerance stacks, fasteners, and fabrication techniques.
- Background in robotics, heavy machinery, or automation systems.
- Expertise in vibration analysis or the study of dynamic systems.
- Prior experience collaborating closely with production and manufacturing departments.
- Familiarity with motion feedback and integrated control systems.
- Proficiency in scripting or programming languages like Python, iLogic, or VBA.
- Experience utilizing parametric configuration tools.
See All 144+ Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Design Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Stellantis11
- Ford Motor Company9
- General Motors (GM)8
- ALTEN7
- Pentangle Tech Services | P55
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services14
- Automotive7
- Manufacturing4
- Electronics & Hardware3
- Government & Public Sector2
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in design engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering from an accredited program
- Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or NX for 3D modeling and drafting
- Experience with GD&T, engineering drawings, and product lifecycle management tools
- Familiarity with automotive or manufacturing design standards and DFMEA processes
- Strong collaboration skills for cross-functional work with manufacturing and quality teams
- EIT or PE licensure through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs preferred for senior roles
Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a design engineer in Michigan?
The standard path is a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering from an accredited university, followed by entry-level work in product or manufacturing design. Michigan does not require a state license to work as a design engineer, but pursuing the Engineer-in-Training credential and eventually a Professional Engineer license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs strengthens long-term career prospects, especially in automotive and defense.
Which companies hire design engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring design engineers in Michigan right now include Stellantis, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors (GM), based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Michigan's deep automotive supply chain means many openings also come from Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers serving the Detroit metro's assembly plants.
Which Michigan cities have the most design engineer jobs?
Auburn Hills, Novi, and Plymouth have the most design engineer openings in Michigan. Detroit and its suburbs dominate because of the headquarters and engineering centers of the major automakers and their global suppliers, while Grand Rapids draws openings from West Michigan's sizable office furniture, medical device, and diversified manufacturing base.
Are there remote design engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical fields, because design engineering often requires lab access, prototype reviews, and on-site collaboration with manufacturing teams. About 31% of design engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with remote work most likely in software-integrated design, simulation, and CAD review tasks rather than hands-on prototype work.
How can I get hired as a design engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a co-op or internship during your engineering degree, since automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis all run structured early-career programs that convert to full-time offers. New graduates who enter as junior mechanical or product engineers, or move laterally from drafting or tooling technician roles, build the hands-on experience employers expect. Completing your EIT credential and assembling a CAD portfolio with real project files gives you a measurable edge in Michigan's competitive market.
Where can I find and apply to design engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to design engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from Michigan employers. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 144+ Design Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Engineer Jobs