Top 10 Automotive Engineering Jobs in Detroit for 2025
Published:
October 24, 2025
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Ready to engineer the next big shift in Detroit autos? These 10 roles are leading the charge.
Detroit remains an epicenter of automotive innovation in 2025. With large OEMs, suppliers and new electric-vehicle ventures all converging on the region, demand for automotive engineering professionals is surging. From electrification and autonomous systems to drivetrain innovations and chassis design, Detroit’s engineering hub offers rich opportunities for engineers at all levels.
Below are ten automotive engineering roles expected to be highly in-demand in Detroit this year — each with a role overview, salary insight and hiring sectors.
Design Engineers create vehicle systems and components — everything from chassis and body architecture to interiors, exteriors and ergonomics. In Detroit, their work feeds into mainline vehicle programs as well as mobility and EV initiatives.
Salary Range: ~$95,000–$140,000+ (Typical Automotive Engineer total pay in Detroit is around $116,000/year)
Hiring: Major OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, EV startups
Engineers in this role focus on the design, modeling and validation of propulsion systems — internal combustion, hybrid and increasingly electric powertrains. Detroit’s legacy automakers and new electrification programs need strong talent in these domains.
Salary Range: ~$100,000–$150,000+
Hiring: Powertrain divisions of OEMs, transmission & e-drive suppliers
Embedded Software Engineers work on firmware, control algorithms and embedded systems for vehicle modules (ECUs, ADAS, infotainment). With Detroit firms accelerating software content in vehicles, this skill set is critical.
Salary Range: ~$110,000–$160,000+
Hiring: OEM software teams, mobility & AV firms, supplier software groups
These engineers build perception, sensor fusion, vehicle control and autonomy features. Detroit’s drive into advanced driver assistance systems and self-driving vehicles makes this role a high priority.
Salary Range: ~$120,000–$170,000+
Hiring: Mobility divisions, AV startups, sensor & software suppliers
Test and Integration Engineers validate vehicle systems, oversee test plans, manage prototypes and ensure that components work together seamlessly. Given Detroit’s large vehicle programs and prototyping culture, these roles are plentiful.
Salary Range: ~$90,000–$135,000+
Hiring: OEM validation teams, supplier test labs, R&D centers
These engineers focus on how vehicle components are manufactured — selecting materials, managing cost, process feasibility and ensuring quality. With Detroit’s strong manufacturing ecosystem, marrying engineering and production remains key.
Salary Range: ~$95,000–$140,000+
Hiring: Manufacturing divisions of OEMs, supplier manufacturing engineering groups
As electric vehicles continue to proliferate, Battery Engineers work on cell modules, pack design, thermal management and integration into the vehicle. Detroit’s pivot toward EVs means increased hiring in this area.
Salary Range: ~$110,000–$160,000+
Hiring: EV divisions, battery suppliers, energy-storage startups
Chassis and NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) Engineers specialize in vehicle dynamics, suspension, steering and ride quality, as well as acoustic performance. Detroit’s legacy in vehicle refinement ensures ongoing demand for this specialty.
Salary Range: ~$100,000–$145,000+
Hiring: OEM vehicle dynamics groups, chassis suppliers, NVH labs
Quality & Reliability Engineers focus on component and system longevity, failure analysis, root-cause investigations and overall vehicle reliability. Given Detroit’s scale of production, these roles are essential.
Salary Range: ~$90,000–$130,000+
Hiring: OEM quality teams, supplier reliability engineering departments
With increased vehicle connectivity and automation, Cybersecurity and Functional Safety Engineers protect vehicles from hacking and ensure functional safety compliance (ISO 26262, ISO 21434). Detroit’s vehicles are increasingly software-defined — making this role critical.
Salary Range: ~$110,000–$165,000+
Hiring: OEM cybersecurity groups, AV software teams, supplier cyber-safety divisions
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