Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Propulsion Engineer jobs in Michigan are concentrated in aerospace, automotive propulsion systems, and defense, with the state holding one of the most active hiring markets in the country for engineers working on rocket, turbine, and next-generation propulsion technologies. Most openings are in and around Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Warren, where established employers like Raytheon, General Motors, and Ford Motor Company maintain long-running propulsion and powertrain engineering programs. The most in-demand specialties are propulsion system integration, computational fluid dynamics, and electric and hybrid powertrain development. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Propulsion Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 17+ Propulsion Engineer jobs
Position Overview
We are seeking an analytical, proactive, and cross-functional Value Optimization Analyst to lead cost reduction tracking, budgeting, benchmarking, and database management across key automotive subsystems. In this role, you will interface across global engineering, procurement, finance, and supplier networks to identify material cost reduction opportunities—ensuring all value optimization (VO) initiatives maintain performance, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Idea Generation, Benchmarking & Standardization
Cross-Functional Benchmarking: Lead and support systems and components teardowns, vehicle hoist reviews, physical part inspections, and external database teardown reviews (e.g., A2MAC).
Design-to-Cost Support: Collaborate with Metafunction and Design-to-Cost engineering teams during upfront development to optimize component architectures.
Idea Pipeline & Evaluation: Lead workshops and coordinate supplier and engineering submissions; evaluate initial technical feasibility and conduct competitive benchmarking.
Global Best Practices: Interact with global regional counterparts to share technical proposals and maximize cross-regional knowledge sharing.
Budgeting, Tracking & Tool Management
Target Setting & Budgeting: Define budget needs for global finance approval and support executive target-setting initiatives.
Database & Tool Optimization: Manage, maintain, and optimize internal value optimization systems and tools (e.g., eVOS, MCM) across all operating regions.
KPI Management: Track value optimization KPIs (status vs. target charts) and present regular regional and subsystem performance overviews to leadership.
Governance: Ensure full compliance with company Internal Control System rules and standard operating procedures.
Education & Experience:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field from an accredited institution.
Product Knowledge: Direct experience in design, release, or processing of automotive components across one or more key areas:
Body, Interior, or Chassis Components
Electrical Systems, Hardware & Architecture
Propulsion Systems, IC Engines, Transmissions, ePT, or Battery Components
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) & Engine Systems
Product Lifecycle: Demonstrated experience spanning the full product lifecycle, from concept and design-to-cost through production.
Cost Engineering: Hands-on experience in activity-based costing, quoting, and developing engineering design & development (EDD), variable, or tooling costs.
Technical & Software Skills:
CAD & PLM: High proficiency in Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
Quality & Engineering Tools: Knowledge of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) (proactive), Shainin Red X (reactive), or related quality engineering toolsets.
Lean Practices: Applied experience in Lean Product Development principles.
Professional & Interpersonal Skills:
Excellent analytical skills with a proven track record of reviewing designs and manufacturing processes to uncover cost savings.
Strong negotiation, cross-functional leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
High level of proficiency in written and spoken English.
Position Overview
We are seeking an analytical, proactive, and cross-functional Value Optimization Analyst to lead cost reduction tracking, budgeting, benchmarking, and database management across key automotive subsystems. In this role, you will interface across global engineering, procurement, finance, and supplier networks to identify material cost reduction opportunities—ensuring all value optimization (VO) initiatives maintain performance, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
Idea Generation, Benchmarking & Standardization
Cross-Functional Benchmarking: Lead and support systems and components teardowns, vehicle hoist reviews, physical part inspections, and external database teardown reviews (e.g., A2MAC).
Design-to-Cost Support: Collaborate with Metafunction and Design-to-Cost engineering teams during upfront development to optimize component architectures.
Idea Pipeline & Evaluation: Lead workshops and coordinate supplier and engineering submissions; evaluate initial technical feasibility and conduct competitive benchmarking.
Global Best Practices: Interact with global regional counterparts to share technical proposals and maximize cross-regional knowledge sharing.
Budgeting, Tracking & Tool Management
Target Setting & Budgeting: Define budget needs for global finance approval and support executive target-setting initiatives.
Database & Tool Optimization: Manage, maintain, and optimize internal value optimization systems and tools (e.g., eVOS, MCM) across all operating regions.
KPI Management: Track value optimization KPIs (status vs. target charts) and present regular regional and subsystem performance overviews to leadership.
Governance: Ensure full compliance with company Internal Control System rules and standard operating procedures.
Education & Experience:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field from an accredited institution.
Product Knowledge: Direct experience in design, release, or processing of automotive components across one or more key areas:
Body, Interior, or Chassis Components
Electrical Systems, Hardware & Architecture
Propulsion Systems, IC Engines, Transmissions, ePT, or Battery Components
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) & Engine Systems
Product Lifecycle: Demonstrated experience spanning the full product lifecycle, from concept and design-to-cost through production.
Cost Engineering: Hands-on experience in activity-based costing, quoting, and developing engineering design & development (EDD), variable, or tooling costs.
Technical & Software Skills:
CAD & PLM: High proficiency in Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
Quality & Engineering Tools: Knowledge of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) (proactive), Shainin Red X (reactive), or related quality engineering toolsets.
Lean Practices: Applied experience in Lean Product Development principles.
Professional & Interpersonal Skills:
Excellent analytical skills with a proven track record of reviewing designs and manufacturing processes to uncover cost savings.
Strong negotiation, cross-functional leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
High level of proficiency in written and spoken English.
See All 17 Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Propulsion Engineer JobsPropulsion Engineer Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Propulsion Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Stellantis10
- General Motors (GM)3
- Slate Auto1
- Michigan Wheel1
- Ford Motor Company1
Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in propulsion engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or propulsion engineering from an accredited institution
- Hands-on experience with propulsion system design, analysis, or testing in aerospace or automotive
- Proficiency in computational fluid dynamics software such as ANSYS Fluent or STAR-CCM+
- Experience with propulsion modeling and simulation tools including MATLAB or NPSS
- Familiarity with ITAR regulations and ability to obtain or hold a U.S. security clearance
- Strong background in thermodynamics, combustion theory, and propulsion cycle analysis
Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a propulsion engineer in Michigan?
Most propulsion engineers in Michigan enter the field with a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering from an accredited program, and many roles at defense-adjacent employers require or prefer a master's degree. Michigan does not issue a state-specific propulsion engineering license, but engineers who offer services directly to the public may pursue Professional Engineer licensure through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Employers in automotive and defense routinely prioritize candidates with relevant internship or co-op experience alongside their degree.
Which companies hire propulsion engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring propulsion engineers in Michigan right now include Stellantis, General Motors (GM), and Slate Auto, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's deep automotive and aerospace supplier base means both legacy OEMs and specialized propulsion contractors post regularly across the greater Detroit and Ann Arbor areas.
Which Michigan cities have the most propulsion engineer jobs?
The cities with the most propulsion engineer openings in Michigan are Auburn Hills, Milford, and Troy. Detroit and its suburban corridor, including Warren and Dearborn, dominate because of the headquarters and major engineering centers of the domestic automotive industry, while Ann Arbor draws openings tied to the University of Michigan's aerospace programs and the high-technology firms clustered nearby.
Are there remote propulsion engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're rare. Propulsion engineering is a hands-on discipline where most roles require access to test rigs, wind tunnels, or laboratory equipment, making full remote work the exception. About 50% of propulsion engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to be systems analysis, modeling, or proposal engineering roles that don't require daily lab presence.
How can I get hired as a propulsion engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a co-op or internship during your engineering degree, as General Motors, Ford, and Michigan-based aerospace suppliers run structured programs that regularly convert to full-time offers. New graduates who cannot land a direct propulsion role often move in from adjacent positions in thermal systems engineering, powertrain testing, or mechanical design, building propulsion-specific skills on the job. Completing a capstone or thesis project focused on combustion, turbomachinery, or electric propulsion gives Michigan hiring managers a concrete portfolio to evaluate even without industry experience.
Where can I find and apply to propulsion engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to propulsion engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings in the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit your experience and location preferences.
See All 17 Propulsion Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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