Mechanical Designer Jobs in Michigan
Mechanical designer jobs in Michigan are consistently active, concentrated in automotive engineering, industrial manufacturing, and defense systems, with demand at every level from entry-level drafters through senior design engineers. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor account for the bulk of openings, where employers like General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Stellantis maintain large engineering staffs alongside a network of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. The most in-demand specialties include powertrain component design, tooling and fixture design, and CAD-driven product development using CATIA and SolidWorks. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Mechanical Designer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 28+ Mechanical Designer jobs
Position Summary
We are seeking a Mechanical Designer / Mechanical Project Engineer with strong experience in Autodesk Inventor, including advanced use of iLogic scripting and standardized design libraries. This role is responsible for developing, automating, and maintaining mechanical designs for industrial equipment and custom automation systems, with a focus on design efficiency, repeatability, and quality.
The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a project-based environment, understands manufacturing constraints, and actively leverages automation tools (iLogic, templates, libraries) to reduce engineering effort and errors.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and maintain 3D mechanical designs and detailed drawings using Autodesk Inventor
-
Develop and maintain iLogic rulesfor:
- Automated part sizing and configuration
- Parametric assemblies
- Drawing automation (views, dimensions, notes, iProperties)
- Build, manage, and enforce standard part libraries (frames, fasteners, purchased components, common mechanisms)
- Apply company design standards for modeling, naming conventions, and drawing practices
- Support project execution from concept through release, fabrication, and installation
-
Collaborate with:
- Controls engineering
- Manufacturing / panel build
- Purchasing and vendors
- Generate BOMs, fabrication drawings, and release packages
- Support design changes, redlines, and field feedback
- Participate in continuous improvement of engineering workflows and automation tools
Required Qualifications
- Strong proficiency in Autodesk Inventor (Assemblies, Drawings, Parameters)
- Demonstrated experience with iLogic scripting
- Experience creating and maintaining standardized design libraries
- Ability to design manufacturable components and assemblies
-
Understanding of mechanical systems such as:
- Frames and structures
- Conveyors, tooling, fixtures, or automation equipment
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a project-driven environment
- Strong attention to detail and documentation
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in industrial automation, special machines, or custom equipment
-
Knowledge of:
- Frame generators
- Content Center customization
- iProperties and metadata automation
- Experience with revision control and release processes
- Familiarity with ERP or PLM systems
- Hands-on shop or installation experience (plus)
Core Skills & Competencies
- Parametric modeling mindset
- Design standardization and reuse
- Problem-solving and root-cause thinking
- Clear communication with cross-functional teams
- Continuous improvement mentality
What Success Looks Like
- Designs are repeatable, configurable, and cleanly documented
- iLogic tools reduce manual modeling and drawing time
- Standard libraries are used consistently across projects
- Minimal rework due to design or documentation errors
- Engineering output supports on-time project delivery
Position Summary
We are seeking a Mechanical Designer / Mechanical Project Engineer with strong experience in Autodesk Inventor, including advanced use of iLogic scripting and standardized design libraries. This role is responsible for developing, automating, and maintaining mechanical designs for industrial equipment and custom automation systems, with a focus on design efficiency, repeatability, and quality.
The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a project-based environment, understands manufacturing constraints, and actively leverages automation tools (iLogic, templates, libraries) to reduce engineering effort and errors.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and maintain 3D mechanical designs and detailed drawings using Autodesk Inventor
-
Develop and maintain iLogic rulesfor:
- Automated part sizing and configuration
- Parametric assemblies
- Drawing automation (views, dimensions, notes, iProperties)
- Build, manage, and enforce standard part libraries (frames, fasteners, purchased components, common mechanisms)
- Apply company design standards for modeling, naming conventions, and drawing practices
- Support project execution from concept through release, fabrication, and installation
-
Collaborate with:
- Controls engineering
- Manufacturing / panel build
- Purchasing and vendors
- Generate BOMs, fabrication drawings, and release packages
- Support design changes, redlines, and field feedback
- Participate in continuous improvement of engineering workflows and automation tools
Required Qualifications
- Strong proficiency in Autodesk Inventor (Assemblies, Drawings, Parameters)
- Demonstrated experience with iLogic scripting
- Experience creating and maintaining standardized design libraries
- Ability to design manufacturable components and assemblies
-
Understanding of mechanical systems such as:
- Frames and structures
- Conveyors, tooling, fixtures, or automation equipment
- Ability to manage multiple tasks in a project-driven environment
- Strong attention to detail and documentation
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in industrial automation, special machines, or custom equipment
-
Knowledge of:
- Frame generators
- Content Center customization
- iProperties and metadata automation
- Experience with revision control and release processes
- Familiarity with ERP or PLM systems
- Hands-on shop or installation experience (plus)
Core Skills & Competencies
- Parametric modeling mindset
- Design standardization and reuse
- Problem-solving and root-cause thinking
- Clear communication with cross-functional teams
- Continuous improvement mentality
What Success Looks Like
- Designs are repeatable, configurable, and cleanly documented
- iLogic tools reduce manual modeling and drawing time
- Standard libraries are used consistently across projects
- Minimal rework due to design or documentation errors
- Engineering output supports on-time project delivery
See All 28 Mechanical Designer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Designer JobsMechanical Designer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Designer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical designer jobs across Michigan.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology or mechanical engineering
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or AutoCAD
- Experience creating detailed engineering drawings and GD&T documentation
- Familiarity with automotive or industrial manufacturing design processes
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional engineering and production teams
- Knowledge of materials selection, tolerancing, and design-for-manufacturability principles
Mechanical Designer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical designer in Michigan?
Most Michigan employers require at minimum an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology or a bachelor's in mechanical engineering, with strong CAD proficiency treated as essential rather than a bonus. Michigan does not require a state-issued license specifically for mechanical designers, though engineers-of-record on stamped drawings must hold a Professional Engineer license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Building a portfolio of detailed drawings and GD&T work is the most direct path to landing your first role.
Which companies hire mechanical designers in Michigan?
Employers hiring mechanical designers in Michigan right now include Fishbeck, GableTek, and BorgWarner, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's deep automotive supply chain means that both OEMs and their Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers post regularly, making the state one of the most target-rich markets in the country for this role.
Which Michigan cities have the most mechanical designer jobs?
Ann Arbor, Southfield, and Warren have the most mechanical designer openings in Michigan. The Detroit metro dominates because it is home to the headquarters and major engineering centers of the domestic auto industry, while Grand Rapids draws openings from its strong industrial manufacturing and office furniture sectors, and Ann Arbor benefits from university-affiliated research, medical device firms, and a growing tech-adjacent engineering cluster.
Are there remote mechanical designer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since mechanical designers frequently need to collaborate on physical prototypes and visit production floors. About 67% of mechanical designer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is lower than software or analytics roles. The parts of the work most suited to remote arrangements are concept modeling, CAD drafting, and drawing reviews, while prototype validation and tooling sign-off typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a mechanical designer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a co-op or internship through Michigan's engineering programs, particularly at the University of Michigan, Michigan State, or Michigan Technological University, all of which have structured placement relationships with automotive and manufacturing employers. Major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers including those in the Metro Detroit area regularly hire new graduates into junior designer or CAD technician roles. Candidates who can demonstrate proficiency in SolidWorks or CATIA through a school project portfolio, a certificate from a community college like Macomb or Henry Ford College, or even self-directed work have a clear edge over those who cannot.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical designer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to mechanical designer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings, find the roles that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 28 Mechanical Designer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Designer Jobs