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While Detroit certainly has experienced tough, trying times, it has always come out stronger, becoming the resilient, vibrant hub of opportunity it is today. Whether you are just starting your job search or looking for a career change, consider Detroit’s automotive industry for a great work opportunity or living.

Aside from being a well-known automotive hub, the city has many offerings that set it apart from other cities. Here’s why Detroit is the perfect place to start your career in automotive and call it home.

Opportunity

Detroit is incredibly diverse and has been cited as one of the best cities for women in technology. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, it’s rated as one of the top 10 cities for economic growth and potential and was named one of the best places to live for tech entrepreneurs. The state of Michigan has the highest concentration of engineers in the nation, with 133,000 engineers statewide.

Community

The city offers a wide range of community organizations with opportunities to participate in, give back, and lean on if you need support. Some of these incredible organizations include food support organizations like Gleaners Food Bank and Forgotten Harvest, single-parent support like Single Family Living, and at-risk youth support like At Bat, to name a few. These groups constantly collaborate to achieve common goals and help Detroiters gain access to wealth, health, and opportunities.

Affordability

Per the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the cost of living is the fourth lowest in the nation.

Environment

Detroit offers the chance to live in a unique, historical, walkable, culturally diverse, and affordable city while being a part of a global community whose backdrop happens to be beautiful. Over 3,288 miles of freshwater coastline surround Michigan, which is more than any other state in the nation. Beyond coastlines, there is something for every nature lover. From beautiful hiking opportunities like Rouge Park, the largest in the city, Community Gardens scattered throughout the city, Belle Isle, and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, to the International RiverWalk on the Detroit River, the list is endless.

Careers

According to the Detroit Regional Partnership, the Detroit region is the densest automotive cluster on the planet with 26 OEM headquarters and tech centers, 96 of the Top 100 suppliers to North America, $14 billion in annual auto R&D spending, and 1,700+ automotive suppliers.

Here are a few examples of some career roles necessary to support Detroit’s automotive industry:

Engineering and Design

• Automotive Engineer: Focuses on the development of vehicle systems and components, ensuring safety, performance, and efficiency.
• Design Engineer: Works on the aesthetic and functional aspects of vehicle design, including exterior and interior styling.
• Mechanical Engineer: Specializes in designing, analyzing, and implementing mechanical aspects of vehicles, such as engines, transmissions, and suspension systems.
• Electrical Engineer: Develops and maintains the electrical and electronic systems within vehicles, including infotainment and navigation systems.
• Software Engineer: Works on the software and control systems for vehicles, particularly in the areas of autonomous driving, AI, robotics, and connectivity.
• Materials Engineer: Researches and develops materials to improve vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency.

Manufacturing and Production

• Manufacturing Engineer: Optimizes the manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Production Manager: Oversees the production process, ensuring that manufacturing runs smoothly and meets quality and industry standards.
• Quality Control Inspector: Through thorough inspections and testing, the quality control inspector ensures that the vehicles and components meet specified quality and safety standards.

Sales and Marketing

• Sales Manager: Leads and manages sales teams and strategies to achieve sales targets for dealerships or manufacturers.
• Marketing Specialist: Develops marketing campaigns to promote vehicles, products, and brands, using various channels such as digital marketing, communications, public relations, advertising, branding, and events.
• Product Manager: Oversees the development and lifecycle of specific vehicle models, coordinating between engineering, marketing, and sales.

Research and Development (R&D)

• R&D Engineer: Engages in the research and development of new technologies, solutions, and innovations for future vehicles, including alternative fuels and autonomous driving.

Supply Chain

• Supply Chain Manager: Manages the flow of materials and components from suppliers to the manufacturing plants.

Finance

• Financial Analyst: Provides financial planning, analysis, and reporting to support business decisions.

Human Resources

• Human Resources Specialist: Manages recruitment, training, and employee relations.

Customer Service and Support

• Customer Service Representative: Handles customer inquiries and issues related to vehicle sales, warranties, and services.

Overall, Detroit is a great place to be, whether for work or play. Check it out.

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Written by freelancer Megan Childress.