R D Engineering Jobs in Michigan
R D Engineering jobs in Michigan are concentrated in automotive and advanced manufacturing R&D, with demand running from entry-level lab and test engineers through senior systems researchers at firms rooted in the state's industrial corridor. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids anchor the largest share of openings, where employers like General Motors, Ford, and the University of Michigan continuously staff research and development functions. Powertrain systems, electrification, and materials science are the most in-demand specialties as automakers accelerate their transition programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find R D Engineering JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 20+ R D Engineering jobs
Why join Stryker?
Looking for a place that values your unique talents? Discover Stryker's award-winning culture.We are proud to offer you our total rewards package which includes bonuses, healthcare, insurance benefits, retirement programs, wellness programs, as well as service and performance awards – not to mention various social and recreational activities, all of which are location specific.
Job description
We are excited to be named one of the World’s Best Workplaces by Fortune Magazine! We are proud to offer you 12 paid holidays annually. For an overview of our benefits and time off, please follow this link to learn more:US Stryker employee benefits.Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer Lead, R&D
Portage, MI
Join a team focused on advancing complex medical technologies through engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration. This role offers the opportunity to lead technical development efforts, contribute to innovation initiatives, and apply advanced engineering expertise across the full product development lifecycle. The Senior Staff R&D Engineer Lead serves as a technical leader, guiding design decisions, mentoring engineers, and supporting the development of compliant, high-quality products.
Work Flexibility:
Hybrid: candidates must reside within commuting distance of Portage, MI and be able to work onsite several days per week.
What You Will Do
- Lead the research, design, development, modification, and evaluation of complex modules, assemblies, and subsystems throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Translate user needs into engineering requirements, specifications, and system-level designs, ensuring alignment with product and business objectives.
- Design and execute advanced prototyping and testing activities to verify product performance and design requirements.
- Resolve complex product design challenges and drive implementation of corrective actions to support product readiness and quality standards.
- Explore emerging technologies and recommend applications that support product innovation and business needs.
- Develop invention disclosures, patents, and trade secret documentation to support intellectual property initiatives.
- Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, Marketing, and Project Management teams to deliver projects according to business and development milestones.
- Mentor engineers on engineering principles, design controls, industry standards, engineering documentation, and technical best practices.
What You Will Need
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Minimum 6 years of engineering experience in Research & Development (R&D)
- Experience creating engineering drawings, technical documentation, and 3D models.
- Proficiency with PTC Creo for 3D modeling and engineering design.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing and optimizing complex mechanical and/or electro-mechanical assemblies using Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
- Experience applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in engineering drawings.
- Experience using Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools to evaluate and optimize product designs.
- Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and processing technologies used in complex product development.
- Experience supporting medical device development within a regulated environment.
$102,600 - $171,000 USD Annual
Why join Stryker?
Looking for a place that values your unique talents? Discover Stryker's award-winning culture.We are proud to offer you our total rewards package which includes bonuses, healthcare, insurance benefits, retirement programs, wellness programs, as well as service and performance awards – not to mention various social and recreational activities, all of which are location specific.
Job description
We are excited to be named one of the World’s Best Workplaces by Fortune Magazine! We are proud to offer you 12 paid holidays annually. For an overview of our benefits and time off, please follow this link to learn more:US Stryker employee benefits.Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer Lead, R&D
Portage, MI
Join a team focused on advancing complex medical technologies through engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration. This role offers the opportunity to lead technical development efforts, contribute to innovation initiatives, and apply advanced engineering expertise across the full product development lifecycle. The Senior Staff R&D Engineer Lead serves as a technical leader, guiding design decisions, mentoring engineers, and supporting the development of compliant, high-quality products.
Work Flexibility:
Hybrid: candidates must reside within commuting distance of Portage, MI and be able to work onsite several days per week.
What You Will Do
- Lead the research, design, development, modification, and evaluation of complex modules, assemblies, and subsystems throughout the product development lifecycle.
- Translate user needs into engineering requirements, specifications, and system-level designs, ensuring alignment with product and business objectives.
- Design and execute advanced prototyping and testing activities to verify product performance and design requirements.
- Resolve complex product design challenges and drive implementation of corrective actions to support product readiness and quality standards.
- Explore emerging technologies and recommend applications that support product innovation and business needs.
- Develop invention disclosures, patents, and trade secret documentation to support intellectual property initiatives.
- Collaborate with Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, Marketing, and Project Management teams to deliver projects according to business and development milestones.
- Mentor engineers on engineering principles, design controls, industry standards, engineering documentation, and technical best practices.
What You Will Need
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Minimum 6 years of engineering experience in Research & Development (R&D)
- Experience creating engineering drawings, technical documentation, and 3D models.
- Proficiency with PTC Creo for 3D modeling and engineering design.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing and optimizing complex mechanical and/or electro-mechanical assemblies using Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
- Experience applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in engineering drawings.
- Experience using Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools to evaluate and optimize product designs.
- Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and processing technologies used in complex product development.
- Experience supporting medical device development within a regulated environment.
$102,600 - $171,000 USD Annual
See All 20 R D Engineering Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find R D Engineering JobsR D Engineering Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
R D Engineering Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Medical Devices
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in R D engineering jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program required
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the State of Michigan preferred for senior roles
- Three or more years of hands-on R&D or product development experience
- Proficiency with CAD, simulation, or lab data acquisition tools relevant to the specialty
- Demonstrated experience writing technical documentation, test plans, or research reports
- Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced engineering environment
R D Engineering Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a r d engineering in Michigan?
Start with a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program. Michigan does not mandate a state license to hold most R&D engineering titles, but senior roles often expect a Professional Engineer license issued through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Earning the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and then the Principles and Practice exam after gaining required experience is the most direct path to that credential.
Which companies hire r d engineerings in Michigan?
Employers hiring r d engineerings in Michigan right now include Stryker, Toyota North America, and FANUC Corporation, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Michigan's deep automotive supply chain means research-focused roles appear at both original equipment manufacturers and their Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers concentrated in the southeast part of the state.
Which Michigan cities have the most r d engineering jobs?
Portage, Ann Arbor, and Rochester Hills hold the most r d engineering openings in Michigan. Detroit and its surrounding metro lead because the global headquarters and major technical centers of the domestic automotive industry are based there, while Ann Arbor draws significant R&D volume from the University of Michigan, its spin-off companies, and the medical device and mobility tech firms that cluster around campus.
Are there remote r d engineering jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're rare. R&D engineering work is largely hands-on and tied to labs, test tracks, and prototype facilities, so most roles require an on-site presence. About 60% of r d engineering openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to cover data analysis, computational modeling, or program management functions that don't require physical access to equipment.
How can I get hired as a r d engineering in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a co-op or internship through a Michigan engineering program, since General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis run structured programs that regularly convert participants into full-time hires. Look for titles like junior test engineer, R&D technician, or associate product engineer, which are common stepping-stone roles at Michigan automotive suppliers. A completed FE exam, a strong senior capstone project, or documented lab work gives candidates a concrete edge when competing for new-grad openings.
Where can I find and apply to r d engineering jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to r d engineering jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 20 R D Engineering Jobs in Michigan
Find roles in Michigan that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find R D Engineering Jobs