Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Development Engineer jobs in Michigan are highly active, concentrated in automotive engineering, advanced manufacturing, and mobility technology, with openings at every level from early-career positions through senior and principal roles. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids are the primary hiring centers, where established employers like Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis maintain large engineering workforces and regularly recruit development engineers. The most in-demand specialties include powertrain and propulsion systems development, electric vehicle platform engineering, and product validation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Development Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 123+ Development Engineer jobs
Overview
At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.
- Job Type: Full time
- Work Type: Hybrid
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life.We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!
In this position...
Are you passionate about shaping the future of automotive comfort and safety? The interior systems engineering at seat is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Seat Complete Engineer to join our product development team in the USA. In this critical role, you will be at the forefront of designing, developing, releasing, and launching complete seat systems and components, playing a pivotal part in the Global Product Development System (GPDS) from concept to Job 1. You will be responsible for managing Quality, Weight, Cost, and Timing for your assigned parts, ensuring compliance with all System Design Specifications (SDS) and Federal Regulations.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with diverse cross-functional teams, lead integration efforts, and bring innovative seating solutions to life in a fast-paced and challenging environment. If you are a proactive problem-solver with a strong engineering background and a desire to make a tangible impact on the driving experience, we encourage you to apply.
What you'll do...
- Design, develop, release, and launch seat systems or components through Ford's Global Product Development System (GPDS), from PRE-PSC (Program Strategic Confirmation) to J1 (Job 1).
- Manage Quality, Weight, Cost, and Timing for assigned parts throughout the product lifecycle.
- Actively participate in and lead program-related meetings, including To4, Seat Complete, EMMs, TDRMs, supplier meetings, and purchasing meetings, as required.
- Develop and execute Seat system/component level Design Verification Plans (DVP), support vehicle/system level DVP, and ensure full compliance with all System Design Specifications (SDS) and Federal Regulations, including unique Export Market Requirements.
- Create and maintain a detailed timing/Gantt chart (PDP) for assigned parts and projects to track progress and milestones.
- Document and maintain a list of recurrence prevention actions, lessons learned, and required design rules, cascading this knowledge to the Core team for continuous improvement.
- Coordinate effectively with various internal and external stakeholders, including Seat Complete, Seat Structure, Seat Features, Studio, Safety, Craftsmanship, Vehicle Operations (VO), Product Verification & Test , Suppliers, Tool shops, Purchasing, Finance, and Program teams, to ensure design intent meets all requirements.
- Lead the integration of seating components into the overall seat system, ensuring seamless functionality and performance.
- The Product Development Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis. This role also includes facilitating supplier data integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.
- The Product Development Engineer is expected to understand and effectively utilize product check-in/check-out processes, version control, data release, and change management within Ford’s PLM ecosystem.
- The Product Development Engineer will perform feasibility analyses using CAD tools, including draft angle analysis, undercut detection, minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal, and clearance checks to support manufacturing and machining requirements.
You'll have...
2+ years of experience with complete seat systems and/or components in an automotive domain or similar.
1 year of CAD experience.
Even better, you may have...
Master's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
Experience in product development and parts verification/validation.
Knowledge and experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
Ability to read and conceptualize 2D and 3D Engineering Drawings, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
2D/3D CAD capable on parametric software and Teamcenter, VisMockup, CATIA, Solid Edge, Solid Works, or equivalent.
Proficiency in MS Office applications, including MS Project.
Strong communication skills.
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
- Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
- Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments and more
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- Tuition assistance
- Established and active employee resource groups
- Paid time off for individual and team community service
- Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
This position is a salary grade 5 and ranges from $65,100-$109,300
This position is a salary grade 6 and ranges from $74,300-$124,500.
This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.
This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-DW1
#VehicleHardwareEngineering
Overview
At Ford, you’ll work on ideas that matter, alongside passionate people who want to make a global impact. Together, we’re shaping the next era of transportation—grounded in purpose, driven by progress. Make your move.
- Job Type: Full time
- Work Type: Hybrid
We made history and now we work to transform the future – for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
Product Development uses design thinking & user experience methods to deliver breakthrough products and services that delight our customers. We bring innovative, exciting, and sustainable ideas to life.We have opportunities around the world for you to contribute to advancements in autonomy, electrification, smart mobility technologies, and more!
In this position...
Are you passionate about shaping the future of automotive comfort and safety? The interior systems engineering at seat is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Seat Complete Engineer to join our product development team in the USA. In this critical role, you will be at the forefront of designing, developing, releasing, and launching complete seat systems and components, playing a pivotal part in the Global Product Development System (GPDS) from concept to Job 1. You will be responsible for managing Quality, Weight, Cost, and Timing for your assigned parts, ensuring compliance with all System Design Specifications (SDS) and Federal Regulations.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with diverse cross-functional teams, lead integration efforts, and bring innovative seating solutions to life in a fast-paced and challenging environment. If you are a proactive problem-solver with a strong engineering background and a desire to make a tangible impact on the driving experience, we encourage you to apply.
What you'll do...
- Design, develop, release, and launch seat systems or components through Ford's Global Product Development System (GPDS), from PRE-PSC (Program Strategic Confirmation) to J1 (Job 1).
- Manage Quality, Weight, Cost, and Timing for assigned parts throughout the product lifecycle.
- Actively participate in and lead program-related meetings, including To4, Seat Complete, EMMs, TDRMs, supplier meetings, and purchasing meetings, as required.
- Develop and execute Seat system/component level Design Verification Plans (DVP), support vehicle/system level DVP, and ensure full compliance with all System Design Specifications (SDS) and Federal Regulations, including unique Export Market Requirements.
- Create and maintain a detailed timing/Gantt chart (PDP) for assigned parts and projects to track progress and milestones.
- Document and maintain a list of recurrence prevention actions, lessons learned, and required design rules, cascading this knowledge to the Core team for continuous improvement.
- Coordinate effectively with various internal and external stakeholders, including Seat Complete, Seat Structure, Seat Features, Studio, Safety, Craftsmanship, Vehicle Operations (VO), Product Verification & Test , Suppliers, Tool shops, Purchasing, Finance, and Program teams, to ensure design intent meets all requirements.
- Lead the integration of seating components into the overall seat system, ensuring seamless functionality and performance.
- The Product Development Engineer is responsible for managing product release CAD and BOM structures, including assembly positioning and mass attribute analysis. This role also includes facilitating supplier data integration and developing CAD studies to support and drive design improvements.
- The Product Development Engineer is expected to understand and effectively utilize product check-in/check-out processes, version control, data release, and change management within Ford’s PLM ecosystem.
- The Product Development Engineer will perform feasibility analyses using CAD tools, including draft angle analysis, undercut detection, minimum bend radius validation for sheet metal, and clearance checks to support manufacturing and machining requirements.
You'll have...
2+ years of experience with complete seat systems and/or components in an automotive domain or similar.
1 year of CAD experience.
Even better, you may have...
Master's degree in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
Experience in product development and parts verification/validation.
Knowledge and experience with Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
Ability to read and conceptualize 2D and 3D Engineering Drawings, including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
2D/3D CAD capable on parametric software and Teamcenter, VisMockup, CATIA, Solid Edge, Solid Works, or equivalent.
Proficiency in MS Office applications, including MS Project.
Strong communication skills.
You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder…or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
- Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
- Paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
- Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments and more
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- Tuition assistance
- Established and active employee resource groups
- Paid time off for individual and team community service
- Generous vacation time, sick/personal time, and paid holidays, including between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
This position is a salary grade 5 and ranges from $65,100-$109,300
This position is a salary grade 6 and ranges from $74,300-$124,500.
This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $86,600-$144,900.
This position is a salary grade 8 and ranges from $99,100-$166,200.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week.
#LI-Hybrid
#LI-DW1
#VehicleHardwareEngineering
See All 123+ Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Development Engineer JobsDevelopment Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Development Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Ford Motor Company32
- Stellantis8
- General Motors (GM)6
- Forvia3
- Whirlpool Corporation3
Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Manufacturing
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in development engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or automotive engineering or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience with product development lifecycle from concept through validation and launch
- Proficiency in CAD software such as CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks for design and modeling work
- Familiarity with DFMEA, GD&T, and APQP processes commonly required in Michigan automotive programs
- Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, and suppliers
- Professional Engineer licensure or active pursuit of PE registration through Michigan's LARA licensing board preferred for senior roles
Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a development engineer in Michigan?
Most development engineer roles in Michigan require a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or a related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program. Michigan does not mandate a state license for most industry development engineer positions, but obtaining a Professional Engineer license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs strengthens candidacy for senior roles. Automotive-focused coursework and co-op experience with Michigan-based manufacturers significantly improves hiring prospects.
How much do development engineers make in Michigan?
Development engineers in Michigan earn a median of about $103,230 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $63,930 for the lowest 10% to over $155,420 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire development engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring development engineers in Michigan right now include Ford Motor Company, Stellantis, and General Motors (GM), based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's deep automotive and advanced manufacturing base means hiring is sustained year-round across both large OEMs and their extensive regional supplier networks.
Which Michigan cities have the most development engineer jobs?
Dearborn, Troy, and Auburn Hills lead Michigan for development engineer openings. Detroit and its metro suburbs anchor the largest concentration because of the headquarters and major engineering campuses of the domestic automotive OEMs, while Ann Arbor draws significant hiring from university-connected mobility startups and Tier 1 suppliers, and Grand Rapids supports openings tied to West Michigan's diversified manufacturing and medical device sectors.
Are there remote development engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're rare. Development engineering is predominantly hands-on work involving lab testing, prototype builds, and supplier collaboration that requires physical presence. About 74% of development engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those openings tend to cover simulation, CAE analysis, or systems requirements roles where computer-based work can be done independently of a test facility.
How can I get hired as a development engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a co-op or internship with a Michigan automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier while finishing an engineering degree, since Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis all run structured new-graduate and intern programs that convert directly to full-time offers. Adjacent roles like test technician, quality engineer, or product validation associate at Michigan suppliers are common lateral entry points. Pursuing Fundamentals of Engineering exam certification through LARA also signals readiness and gives early-career candidates a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to development engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to development engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across the automotive, manufacturing, and mobility sectors. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 123+ Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Development Engineer Jobs