Engineering Manager Jobs in Michigan
Engineering Manager jobs in Michigan are in strong demand, concentrated in automotive engineering, advanced manufacturing, defense systems, and industrial technology, with openings at every level from first-time team leads to senior directors overseeing multi-site operations. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor are the most active hiring metros, anchored by long-established employers like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, which continually recruit engineering managers across vehicle development, manufacturing systems, and electrification programs. Software and controls engineering management has also grown sharply, particularly in the Detroit metro corridor. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions—we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!
Position Description
Title: R&D Engineering Manager
Department: Research and Development
Immediate Supervisor: R&D Director
Status: Exempt
Position Purpose: Responsible for leading the development, transition, and integration of new technologies and process platforms from R&D into production. The R&D Engineering Manager will provide engineering leadership and people leadership to the R&D process team as well as leading process and product development projects.
Principle Accountabilities
- Create and sustain a safe work environment; support safety programs, encourage incident reporting, and support investigations/corrective actions.
- Lead, coach, and develop the R&D process team; set direction, expectations, and an execution rhythm
- Provide performance feedback and career development support to the R&D process team; build a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth
- Partner across R&D, Operations, Quality, Sales, EHS, Supply Chain, Finance, and other stakeholders to align priorities and execute project plans in support of strategic corporate initiatives
- Build strong vendor relationships; lead vendor evaluations, technical reviews, and collaboration to accelerate prototyping and problem-solving
- Oversee R&D’s technology pipeline and ongoing capabilities including capital deployment and asset management
- Drive continuous innovation by evaluating new technologies and processes, making recommendations, and initiating proof of concept testing
- Apply Design of Experiments (DoE), statistics, and advanced analytics to plan experiments, interpret results, and guide decisions
- Establish strong technical documentation practices; experimental plans, run logs, interpretive reports, work instructions, and clear recommendations
- Utilize project management skills to define, plan, schedule and control the tasks that must be completed to reach project goals
- Ability to work with a union and facilitate teamwork, open communication and compliance to the current collective bargaining agreement
- Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field
- Master’s degree in engineering or management is preferred
- 10+ years of engineering experience and 3+ years supervisory experience
- Strong competency with digital tools that support digital transformation and data analysis
- Strong mechanical aptitude with industrial mechanical process systems
- Experience with extrusion, mixing, coating, and packaging process experience is preferred
- Innovative, organized, self-starter with great problem-solving skills
- Collaborative interpersonal style
- Strong technical and non-technical communication skills, including written and verbal reports, and presentations to diverse audiences
At IPG, you will find more than just a job—you will find a place where your success is our success. We pride ourselves on a culture built around strong relationships, where every team member plays a crucial role in our growth. Whether it is through cross-department collaboration, continuous training, or sustainability-driven initiatives, we create an environment where you can thrive.
Our commitment to sustainability influences everything we do, from designing eco-friendly products to minimizing waste in our production processes. We are dedicated to building a greener future while providing safe, supportive workplaces for our people.
With over 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of growth and innovation, IPG offers a stable, secure environment where you can flourish!
We offer competitive pay, extensive benefits that support you and your family, and exciting career development opportunities. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills or advance your career, we offer ongoing training and the support you need to succeed. Think big, dream bigger, and make an impact with IPG.
You belong here. Join us today!
See All 85 Engineering Manager Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Engineering Manager JobsEngineering Manager Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Engineering Manager Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Chemicals & Materials
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in engineering manager jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, industrial, or software engineering required
- Five or more years of engineering experience with direct people management responsibility
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams in an automotive or advanced manufacturing environment
- Proficiency with program management methodologies such as APQP, PPAP, or Agile
- Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement practices
- Experience collaborating with suppliers, OEMs, or Tier 1 partners common in Michigan hiring
Engineering Manager Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a engineering manager in Michigan?
Becoming an engineering manager in Michigan typically starts with earning a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, followed by several years of hands-on technical experience in automotive, manufacturing, or technology. Michigan does not require a state-issued management license for this role, but a Professional Engineer license issued through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs strengthens candidacy at many employers, particularly in automotive and civil infrastructure.
Which companies hire engineering managers in Michigan?
Employers hiring engineering managers in Michigan right now include General Motors (GM), KLA, and Molex, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Michigan's deep automotive and advanced manufacturing base means many of these openings sit within vehicle development, electrification, and production systems organizations headquartered or operating across the state.
Which Michigan cities have the most engineering manager jobs?
Troy, Grand Rapids, and Warren lead Michigan for engineering manager openings. Detroit and its surrounding suburbs in Oakland and Macomb counties drive the largest share, powered by Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, and their extensive supplier networks, while Grand Rapids attracts openings tied to medical device and consumer products manufacturing and Ann Arbor draws from its technology and university research corridor.
Are there remote engineering manager jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely software-focused fields. About 67% of engineering manager openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the hands-on oversight many Michigan roles require on the plant floor or in design studios. The sub-areas most likely to accommodate remote work are software engineering management and program management roles with distributed teams.
How can I get hired as a engineering manager in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a lead engineer or technical lead role first, which major Michigan employers like Ford and General Motors treat as the primary proving ground before promoting into people management. Pursuing a Professional Engineer license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, completing a Six Sigma Green Belt, or finishing a leadership development rotation program at a large Michigan OEM or Tier 1 supplier significantly strengthens the transition from individual contributor to manager.
Where can I find and apply to engineering manager jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to engineering manager jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across automotive, manufacturing, defense, and technology employers. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly.
See All 85 Engineering Manager Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Engineering Manager Jobs