How to hire an automotive engineer

How to hire an automotive engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step automotive engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an automotive engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new automotive engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an automotive engineer do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring an automotive engineer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect automotive engineer also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of automotive engineers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Automotive Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Automotive Engineer	Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines.	$27-56
   Management Engineer	A management engineer specializes in designing and developing systems to optimize business or establishment procedures. Their duties typically revolve around coordinating with various departments to obtain necessary data, conducting observations and inspections to determine the strengths and weaknesses of existing processes, executing maintenance checks to ensure the efficiency of services, and performing research and analysis to come up with the ideal solutions... Show more	$31-60
   Research Engineer	Research Engineers are responsible for a wide range of duties, including researching and developing new technologies and prototypes, and finding solutions to improve techniques, procedures, and technologies.	$32-66

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CAD
   • ISO
   • Adaptive
   • MATLAB
   • Engineering Support
   • SAE
   • DFMEA
   • OEM
   • FEA
   • Product Development
   • Electrical Systems
   • Solidworks
   • Engine Performance
   • Test Equipment

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage Jenkins security by providing specific access to authorize developers/testers using project base matrix authorization strategy.
   • Design system components using SolidWorks and perform FEA structural analysis.
   • Calculate building heating/cooling loads using HVAC system design software to accurately size HVAC equipment for different applications.
   • Exercise judgement filling DFMEA, design validation with accept practices and policies.
   • Follow engineering change process and PPAP approval process for new and modify parts.
   • Provide assistance in prototyping, design, fabrication and implementation for DoD client requirements.

   More automotive engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your automotive engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An automotive engineer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, automotive engineers' average salary in arkansas is 50% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level automotive engineers earn 52% less than senior-level automotive engineers.
   • Certifications. An automotive engineer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an automotive engineer's salary.

   Average automotive engineer salary

   $82,211yearly

   $39.52 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level automotive engineer salary

   $57,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2026

   Average automotive engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$121,603	$58
   2	Arizona	$93,928	$45
   3	Washington	$91,207	$44
   4	Texas	$83,464	$40
   5	Indiana	$82,153	$40
   6	Michigan	$82,101	$39
   7	Georgia	$80,824	$39
   8	Florida	$76,974	$37
   9	Ohio	$76,100	$37
   10	North Carolina	$72,848	$35
   11	Alabama	$72,355	$35
   12	Pennsylvania	$71,140	$34
   13	South Carolina	$67,877	$33
   14	Missouri	$66,337	$32

   Average automotive engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Cal	$109,733	$52.76
   2	Faraday Technology	$103,495	$49.76
   3	Qualcomm	$99,409	$47.79	119
   4	Lucid Motors	$93,341	$44.88	18
   5	MEAA	$89,851	$43.20
   6	Oxford Global Resources	$89,057	$42.82
   7	Standard Motor Products	$88,341	$42.47	4
   8	Transwest	$88,157	$42.38	6
   9	Magna International	$88,149	$42.38	20
   10	Edwards	$86,978	$41.82
   11	Populus Group	$85,828	$41.26
   12	SABIC Innovative Plastics	$85,786	$41.24
   13	GLOVIS America	$85,359	$41.04
   14	auto	$85,240	$40.98	34
   15	ArcelorMittal	$85,188	$40.96	5
   16	Advanced Technology	$84,814	$40.78
   17	Mobis America Inc.	$84,814	$40.78
   18	Bayou Well Services	$84,607	$40.68
   19	Cognizant	$84,538	$40.64	64
   20	Mecum Auctions	$84,319	$40.54

4. Writing an automotive engineer job description

   A good automotive engineer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an automotive engineer job description:

   Automotive engineer job description example

   AAA is in need of an Automotive Technician in our Norfolk Car Care Center! $2,500 Sign On Bonus!
   Primary Job Functions:
   Perform minor diagnostics on automobiles as required Repair vehicles according to manufacturers' specifications including, but not limited to, brakes, suspension, exhaust, drive train, cooling system, tires, alignments, air conditioning/heating, ignition system, and fuel system Utilize software to obtain parts and labor requirements for repairs Communicate with the service writer/manager and manager about repair status and needs Perform state safety inspections as needed Keep his/her work area clean and safe Assist Lead Technician as required and in order to gain experience for future ASE CertificationsVarious miscellaneous duties as assigned by management Assists other level technicians as requested Performs other duties as assigned
   
   Qualifications:
   High School Diploma or GED required State Inspection License required.Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with an excellent driving record and the ability to operate passenger vehicles and light and medium-duty trucks with automatic and manual transmissions.Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time and ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
   
   Safe Business Driving Requirements:
   Possess a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record Provide proof of automobile liability insurance at time of hire
   
   Remarkable benefits:• Health coverage for medical, dental, vision• 401(K) saving plan with company match AND Pension• Tuition assistance• PTO for community volunteer programs• Wellness program• Employee discounts
   
   AAA Tidewater Virginia is part of the largest federation of AAA clubs in the nation. We have 14,000 employees in 21 states helping 17 million members. The strength of our organization is our employees. Bringing together and supporting different cultures, backgrounds, personalities, and strengths creates a team capable of delivering legendary, lifetime service to our members. When we embrace our diversity - we win. All of Us! With our national brand recognition, long-standing reputation since 1902, and constantly growing membership, we are seeking career-minded, service-driven professionals to join our team.
   
   "Through dedicated employees we proudly deliver legendary service and beneficial products that provide members peace of mind and value.”
   
   AAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right automotive engineer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your automotive engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit automotive engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with automotive engineer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new automotive engineer

   Once you've decided on a perfect automotive engineer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire an automotive engineer?