Engineering Design Manager Jobs in Michigan
Engineering Design Manager jobs in Michigan are in steady demand, concentrated in automotive, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors, with openings at every level from early-career leads through senior directors overseeing cross-functional teams. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids are the primary hiring hubs, anchored by long-established employers such as Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Gentex Corporation. The most sought-after specialties in Michigan include product development engineering, systems integration, and manufacturing process design. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Product Layout Designer II is responsible for creating 3D designs using NX and Teamcenter to perform packaging, concept, design, layout, sections and envelopes of Interior, Mechatronics and NVH components and assemblies including, but not limited to the following: plastic, metal, and hybrid components for Instrument Panels, Cross Car Beams, Consoles, Headliners, Overhead Systems, Seats, Hard Trim, Soft Trim, Carpets, Door Trim, Functional Plastics, Lighting, Ducts, Wire Harness, Hoses and Drain Tubes. This role involves participation in the entire design process—from conceptual model creation to production-level design and detailing. This position offers firsthand involvement in the design and development of Interior, Mechatronics and NVH systems, providing an excellent opportunity to build foundational skills in automotive design.
Key responsibilities include:
Designing, laying out, and maintaining NX CAD models.
Supporting engineers, design supervisors, design leaders, and other designers as needed.
Ensuring accuracy and compliance with design standards throughout the development cycle.
Requirements:Basic Qualifications:
Minimum of an Associate degree in Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, or related field.
Minimum of 2 years of design experience in NX (Unigraphics) automotive design
Practical knowledge of automotive vehicles and the vehicle assembly process.
Basic understanding or training in manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, stamping, welding).
Strong mechanical aptitude, problem solving skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work in a collaborative team environment and communicate effectively.
Experienced with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, or related field.
Experience or training with Teamcenter or similar PLM systems.
Experience or training in CATIA R2026x.
Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) principles.
Exposure to automotive Interior, Mechatronics or NVH systems or related components.
Experience or training in CDD surface development.
Experience or training in Knowledge Based Engineering design using templates and linked models.
Experience working with Electromechanical components.
Experience conducting Homologation studies.
See All 14 Engineering Design Manager Jobs in Michigan
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Find JobsEngineering Design Manager Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Engineering Design Manager Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Aerospace & Defense
- Automotive
- Electronics & Hardware
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in engineering design manager jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering required by most Michigan employers
- Five or more years of engineering experience with at least two in a supervisory or lead role
- Proficiency in CAD platforms such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or NX commonly required
- Experience managing product development programs within automotive or defense environments
- Familiarity with APQP, DFMEA, and stage-gate product development processes
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills working with manufacturing, quality, and program management teams
Engineering Design Manager Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a engineering design manager in Michigan?
Most engineering design managers in Michigan start with a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or a related engineering discipline, often from Michigan universities such as University of Michigan or Michigan State University. From there, employers typically expect several years of hands-on engineering work before moving into a lead or management role. A Professional Engineer license issued through the Michigan Board of Licensure for Engineers and Surveyors strengthens candidacy considerably, particularly with larger automotive and defense employers.
Which companies hire engineering design managers in Michigan?
Employers hiring engineering design managers in Michigan right now include Stellantis, Holtec International, and ZF, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Michigan's deep roots in automotive manufacturing and defense contracting mean many of these employers maintain ongoing demand for design management talent across product lines and facilities.
Which Michigan cities have the most engineering design manager jobs?
Covert, Auburn Hills, and Fenton are the Michigan cities with the most engineering design manager openings, reflecting the concentration of automotive headquarters, Tier-1 suppliers, and defense contractors in the greater Detroit corridor, while Ann Arbor draws additional openings through its university research partnerships and technology-oriented engineering firms.
Are there remote engineering design manager jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're relatively uncommon. Engineering design manager roles often require hands-on oversight of prototypes, lab environments, or manufacturing floors, which limits full remote arrangements. About 14% of engineering design manager openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with hybrid schedules more available in program management or systems engineering tracks where day-to-day work is less tied to a physical facility.
How can I get hired as a engineering design manager in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is moving into a lead engineer or senior engineer role first, which many large Michigan automotive and defense employers use as a proving ground before promoting into management. Ford, General Motors, and major Tier-1 suppliers regularly bring on new engineering graduates through structured rotational and development programs that build exposure across design, manufacturing, and quality functions. Earning a Professional Engineer license early and building a portfolio of completed design projects signals readiness for management responsibility to Michigan hiring teams.
Where can I find and apply to engineering design manager jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to engineering design manager jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 14 Engineering Design Manager Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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