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 95+ Development Engineer jobs











Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.Group/Division
With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA’s metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. Central Engineering is KLA's largest engineering organization comprised of 9 Centers-of-Excellence (CoE) in various disciplines applied across all product groups in the company. These CoE include Handling & Automation, Precision Motion Control, Sensors & Image Acquisition, Platform Design, and Packaging Engineering, among others. Talent includes over 500 engineers across global centers in Israel, China, India, and the US. Each CoE contributes not just talent and deliverables per discipline toward product programs, but also subject matter expertise, best practices, roadmaps, specialized facilities, apparatus, models, and analytics. These differentiate KLA not only in WHAT we do, but also in HOW we do it.Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Responsibilities
The Applications Engineer will be responsible for developing and implementing product applications for existing and pre-release products to provide solve high-value customer problems.
The candidate is expected to support the following:
- Focus on projects related to new product introduction such as characterization, alpha testing, beta testing and pilot tools in the ramp phase.
- Potentially support the development of a system at the customer site.
- Perform product diagnosis, problem resolution, collaborate with software and systems engineering to verify that hardware and software problems have been resolved.
- Conduct customer product demonstrations and technical training including on-site training of Applications Engineers and end users.
- Document all test results and lessons learned in BKMs (Best Known Methods), training documents, Demo reports, or, Alpha/Beta test reports and transfer product knowledge to other Applications teams.
- Generate demo and test reports for internal and customer review.
Requirements
- Master’s or PhD, in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Material Science or related fields.
- We are looking for high energy, self-driven and motivated engineers who are interested in working in high-tech environment. The semiconductor space is a fast-paced, vibrant environment that gives applications engineers a lot of autonomy to work and drive projects on their own. Ideal candidates will appreciate the opportunity to have high levels of accountability, working well with limited supervision and thrive in a work environment where they can lead their own projects.
- Strong troubleshooting skills combined with a methodical approach.
- Well organized, hard-working, strong follow-up abilities with a proven track record to thrive in a multifaceted technical environment.
- Experience with analytical software such as MATLAB, JMP and Power BI is desired.
- Having a background in IC processing/Semiconductor equipment is a plus.
- Programming and scripting skills in MATLAB or Python are a plus.
- Additional (<50%) domestic and international travel may be required.
Minimum Qualifications
Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years
Base Pay Range: $93,300.00 - $158,600.00 Annually Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-KLA KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA . Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.
See All 95 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 Company12

- Stellantis7

- General Motors (GM)6

- KLA3

- Atwell3

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Electronics & Hardware
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
- Automotive
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 August 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?
Auburn Hills, Ann Arbor, and Novi 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 53% of development engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 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 95 Development Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Development Engineer Jobs