Engineering Director Jobs in Michigan
Engineering Director jobs in Michigan are in active demand, concentrated in automotive engineering, advanced manufacturing, defense systems, and mobility technology, with openings at every level from newly promoted senior managers through seasoned vice-president-level directors. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids are the primary hiring centers, anchored by major employers such as Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis, which maintain large Michigan engineering operations and regularly seek directors to lead product, systems, and manufacturing functions. The most sought-after specialties include electric vehicle systems engineering, embedded software and controls, and manufacturing process engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 31+ Engineering Director jobs
Who is Trace3?
Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate.
Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it!
Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco.
Ready to discover the possibilities that live in technology?
Come Join Us!
Street-Smart - Thriving in Dynamic Times
We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the "big picture." We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems.
Juice - The "Stuff" it takes to be a Needle Mover
We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentally mapping out every checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like.
Teamwork - Humble, Hungry and Smart
We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it's due and demonstrate transparency. We "bring the weather" by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures – not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Senior Regional Director, Engineering, is an engineering leader and client-facing strategist who leads a team of Solution Architects to shape and execute Trace3's technology strategy. This role develops engineering talent, strengthens technical excellence, aligns resources to business priorities, and partners closely with regional Sales leadership, Advisory, Innovation, Business Units, and Services leadership to deliver differentiated customer outcomes and regional growth.
As a leader, the Regional Director brings technical credibility, executive presence, and business acumen to complex customer engagements and strategic pursuits. The role helps define the region's engineering vision, elevate consistency across the presales motion, strengthen account alignment, and position Solution Architects to deliver measurable business value while expanding Trace3's trusted-advisor relationships and market impact.
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Solution Architects focused on customer outcomes, technical excellence, consultative engagement, and continuous growth.
- Drive the presales engineering component of the region's business strategy, execution, and growth objectives in partnership with regional Sales leadership.
- Partner closely with regional Sales leadership, Advisory, Innovation, Business Units, and Services leadership to align technical strategy with regional priorities, customer initiatives, and go-to-market opportunities.
- Establish operational consistency across the Solution Architecture team, including account engagement, opportunity alignment, technical discovery, solution development, and presales-to-delivery handoffs.
- Serve as a senior escalation point for complex customer opportunities, architectural strategy, executive engagement, and cross-functional coordination.
- Foster strong collaboration between Solution Architects, Services, Managed Services, and Project Management teams to ensure successful transition from presales to delivery and sustained customer outcomes.
- Align technical resources to strategic accounts, partner initiatives, priority pursuits, and regional growth priorities.
- Collaborate with partner and OEM teams to strengthen technical alignment, enablement, market relevance, and go-to-market execution.
- Identify capability gaps across the engineering organization and help develop training, mentoring, and enablement plans that strengthen team readiness and career progression.
- Support recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and talent development efforts to maintain a strong engineering pipeline for future growth.
- Partner with Services and customer success organizations to reinforce a culture focused on delivering validated business outcomes and durable client value.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and customer leadership teams to strengthen Trace3's technical credibility, trusted-advisor position, and strategic account presence.
- Continuously assess regional pipeline activity, pursuit priorities, and resource alignment to ensure effective utilization and engagement of Solution Architecture resources.
- Promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and reusable practices across regional engineering teams, Advisory, Innovation, and business units.
- Partner with Innovation to identify emerging technologies, develop differentiated points of view, and translate innovation into practical customer and market opportunities.
- Support Proof of Concept (POC) strategy, technical validation efforts, and innovation-led pursuits within the region.
- Contribute to the ongoing evolution of engineering processes, engagement models, technical standards, and regional go-to-market capabilities across the organization.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree or higher.
- At least 15 years of progressive technical experience.
- A minimum of 7 years' management experience in motivating and building strong teams; able to influence and inspire commitment.
- Excellent understanding of business environments and the challenges of IT operations in an enterprise-level corporation.
- Strong financial and business acumen, with an understanding of multi-faceted business operations.
- Ability to think outside the box and develop solutions to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks while remaining risk- and objective-focused.
- Ability to approach customer and sales requests proactively and consultatively; listen to and understand user requests and needs and deliver effectively.
- Ability to cope with change, make decisions, and act comfortably with risk and uncertainty.
- Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to present technical issues to C-Level Executives and non-technical audiences.
The Perks
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
- Competitive Compensation
- Training and development programs
- Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages
- Collaborative and cool culture
- Work-life balance and generous paid time off
Our Commitment
At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do.
We're committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fosters collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Trace3 bases all employment decisions based on individual qualifications, merit, and business requirements. We do not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Any demographic information provided is strictly voluntary, kept confidential in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, and will not be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or mentorship programs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process or participate in an interview, please email recruiting@trace3.com.
***To all recruitment agencies: Trace3 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Trace3 employees or any other company location. Trace3 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.
Who is Trace3?
Trace3 is a leading Transformative IT Authority, providing unique technology solutions and consulting services to our clients. Equipped with elite engineering and dynamic innovation, we empower IT executives and their organizations to achieve competitive advantage through a process of Integrate, Automate, Innovate.
Our culture at Trace3 embodies the spirit of a startup with the advantage of a scalable business. Employees can grow their career and have fun while doing it!
Trace3 is headquartered in Irvine, California. We employ more than 1,200 people all over the United States. Our major field office locations include Denver, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Texas, San Francisco.
Ready to discover the possibilities that live in technology?
Come Join Us!
Street-Smart - Thriving in Dynamic Times
We are flexible and resilient in a fast-changing environment. We continuously innovate and drive constructive change while keeping a focus on the "big picture." We exercise sound business judgment in making high-quality decisions in a timely and cost-effective manner. We are highly creative and can dig deep within ourselves to find positive solutions to different problems.
Juice - The "Stuff" it takes to be a Needle Mover
We get things done and drive results. We lead without a title, empowering others through a can-do attitude. We look forward to the goal, mentally mapping out every checkpoint on the pathway to success, and visualizing what the final destination looks and feels like.
Teamwork - Humble, Hungry and Smart
We are humble individuals who understand how our job impacts the company's mission. We treat others with respect, admit mistakes, give credit where it's due and demonstrate transparency. We "bring the weather" by exhibiting positive leadership and solution-focused thinking. We hug people in their trials, struggles, and failures – not just their success. We appreciate the individuality of the people around us.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Senior Regional Director, Engineering, is an engineering leader and client-facing strategist who leads a team of Solution Architects to shape and execute Trace3's technology strategy. This role develops engineering talent, strengthens technical excellence, aligns resources to business priorities, and partners closely with regional Sales leadership, Advisory, Innovation, Business Units, and Services leadership to deliver differentiated customer outcomes and regional growth.
As a leader, the Regional Director brings technical credibility, executive presence, and business acumen to complex customer engagements and strategic pursuits. The role helps define the region's engineering vision, elevate consistency across the presales motion, strengthen account alignment, and position Solution Architects to deliver measurable business value while expanding Trace3's trusted-advisor relationships and market impact.
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Solution Architects focused on customer outcomes, technical excellence, consultative engagement, and continuous growth.
- Drive the presales engineering component of the region's business strategy, execution, and growth objectives in partnership with regional Sales leadership.
- Partner closely with regional Sales leadership, Advisory, Innovation, Business Units, and Services leadership to align technical strategy with regional priorities, customer initiatives, and go-to-market opportunities.
- Establish operational consistency across the Solution Architecture team, including account engagement, opportunity alignment, technical discovery, solution development, and presales-to-delivery handoffs.
- Serve as a senior escalation point for complex customer opportunities, architectural strategy, executive engagement, and cross-functional coordination.
- Foster strong collaboration between Solution Architects, Services, Managed Services, and Project Management teams to ensure successful transition from presales to delivery and sustained customer outcomes.
- Align technical resources to strategic accounts, partner initiatives, priority pursuits, and regional growth priorities.
- Collaborate with partner and OEM teams to strengthen technical alignment, enablement, market relevance, and go-to-market execution.
- Identify capability gaps across the engineering organization and help develop training, mentoring, and enablement plans that strengthen team readiness and career progression.
- Support recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and talent development efforts to maintain a strong engineering pipeline for future growth.
- Partner with Services and customer success organizations to reinforce a culture focused on delivering validated business outcomes and durable client value.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and customer leadership teams to strengthen Trace3's technical credibility, trusted-advisor position, and strategic account presence.
- Continuously assess regional pipeline activity, pursuit priorities, and resource alignment to ensure effective utilization and engagement of Solution Architecture resources.
- Promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and reusable practices across regional engineering teams, Advisory, Innovation, and business units.
- Partner with Innovation to identify emerging technologies, develop differentiated points of view, and translate innovation into practical customer and market opportunities.
- Support Proof of Concept (POC) strategy, technical validation efforts, and innovation-led pursuits within the region.
- Contribute to the ongoing evolution of engineering processes, engagement models, technical standards, and regional go-to-market capabilities across the organization.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree or higher.
- At least 15 years of progressive technical experience.
- A minimum of 7 years' management experience in motivating and building strong teams; able to influence and inspire commitment.
- Excellent understanding of business environments and the challenges of IT operations in an enterprise-level corporation.
- Strong financial and business acumen, with an understanding of multi-faceted business operations.
- Ability to think outside the box and develop solutions to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks while remaining risk- and objective-focused.
- Ability to approach customer and sales requests proactively and consultatively; listen to and understand user requests and needs and deliver effectively.
- Ability to cope with change, make decisions, and act comfortably with risk and uncertainty.
- Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to present technical issues to C-Level Executives and non-technical audiences.
The Perks
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans for you and your dependents
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match, 529 College Savings Plan, Health Savings Account, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
- Competitive Compensation
- Training and development programs
- Major offices stocked with snacks and beverages
- Collaborative and cool culture
- Work-life balance and generous paid time off
Our Commitment
At the core of Trace3's DNA is our people. We are a diverse group of talented individuals who understand the importance of teamwork and demonstrating leadership, character, and passion in all that we do.
We're committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to grow. We recognize that embracing diversity drives innovation, improves outcomes, fosters collaboration, boosts teammate satisfaction, and builds a more inclusive culture.
As an equal opportunity employer, Trace3 bases all employment decisions based on individual qualifications, merit, and business requirements. We do not engage in discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Any demographic information provided is strictly voluntary, kept confidential in accordance with Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations, and will not be used in employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, or mentorship programs. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process or participate in an interview, please email recruiting@trace3.com.
***To all recruitment agencies: Trace3 does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Trace3 employees or any other company location. Trace3 is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.
See All 31 Engineering Director Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Engineering Director JobsEngineering Director Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Engineering Director Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Insurance
- Automotive
- Medical Devices
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in engineering director jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering from an accredited program
- Professional Engineer license registered with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs preferred
- Ten or more years of progressive engineering experience including direct team leadership
- Demonstrated experience directing cross-functional engineering programs in automotive or advanced manufacturing environments
- Proficiency with program management frameworks and engineering development processes such as APQP or DFMEA
- Strong communication skills for reporting to executive leadership and coordinating with external suppliers or partners
Engineering Director Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a engineering director in Michigan?
Most engineering directors in Michigan follow a path from an accredited engineering degree through progressive technical and leadership roles in automotive, manufacturing, or defense industries. While a Professional Engineer license issued through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is not always mandatory, it carries significant weight, particularly at large OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. A master's degree in engineering or an MBA strengthens candidacy, and consistent advancement from engineer to senior engineer to manager typically precedes a director appointment.
How much do engineering directors make in Michigan?
Engineering directors in Michigan earn a median of about $166,930 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $117,490 for the lowest 10% to over $218,050 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire engineering directors in Michigan?
Employers hiring engineering directors in Michigan right now include Eccalon, CVS Health, and JLL, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Michigan's concentration of automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and defense contractors means the market for engineering director talent is broad and relatively stable compared to other states.
Which Michigan cities have the most engineering director jobs?
Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Troy have the most engineering director openings in Michigan. Detroit and its suburbs, including Dearborn and Auburn Hills, concentrate the bulk of postings due to the headquarters and technical centers of the major automotive OEMs and their supplier networks, while Ann Arbor attracts roles tied to university research commercialization and mobility technology startups, and Grand Rapids draws openings from advanced manufacturing and medical device firms anchored in west Michigan.
Are there remote engineering director jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're relatively limited. About 38% of engineering director openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the hands-on and cross-functional nature of most director roles in automotive and manufacturing settings. The parts of the role most compatible with remote work are program oversight, strategic planning, and stakeholder communication, while lab, plant, and supplier interactions typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a engineering director in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is advancing through structured engineering rotational programs at large Michigan employers, which develop engineers across vehicle systems, manufacturing, and product development before moving them into people-leadership tracks. Ford's College Graduate Program and General Motors' Engineering Development Program place new graduates into roles that build the cross-functional exposure directors need. Transitioning from a senior engineer or engineering manager role at a Tier 1 supplier is equally common. Earning a Professional Engineer license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs or completing a project management certification gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to engineering director jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to engineering director jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across automotive, manufacturing, defense, and technology sectors. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly from the listings.
See All 31 Engineering Director Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Engineering Director Jobs