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Automotive Clay Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stellantis

Clay Modeler

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

... modeling in clay to produce three dimensional full-size and scale automotive models and/or components from verbal instruction and various two-dimensional specifications. This position requires a high ...

Epitec

Designer/Stylist/B General

Dearborn, MI · On-site

Automotive Shift: Morning, 8am-5pm Expected hours per week : 40/week Pay Range : $34-36.25 : About ... Develop physical clay models to showcase design intent * Collaborate with cross-functional design ...

Actalent

Exterior Designer - Automotive

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$32 - $38/hr

Coordinate with clay modeling and digital sculpting teams to bring designs to life * Solve design ... Proven experience in automotive exterior design (concept +/or production) * Proficiency in Alias or ...

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Senior Automotive Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$36/hr

Senior Automotive Exterior Designer We are seeking a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior ... 3D digital and clay models. · Having the ability to think creatively, strategically, and ...

Aptera Motors

Aerodynamicist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$104K - $141K/yr

Familiarity with automotive surface modeling (CATIA, NX, SolidWorks). * Experience with pressure ... Comfort with clay modeling and surface modification for rapid shape iteration. * Valid driver ...

Mahindra Tractors

Studio Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Automotive Studio Engineer An Automotive Studio Engineer acts as the crucial technical bridge ... Create, refine, and manage 3D CAD data, working closely with clay modelers and designers to ensure ...

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Automotive Clay Modeling information

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$11K

$105.5K

How much do automotive clay modeling jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive clay modeling in the United States is $97,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by automotive clay modelers during the design process?

Automotive clay modelers often face challenges such as translating digital designs into precise, tangible models and ensuring that every curve and contour accurately reflects the designer’s vision. Balancing creative input with strict engineering and manufacturing requirements can also be demanding, as models must be both visually appealing and feasible for production. Additionally, working collaboratively with designers, engineers, and other modelers is essential, requiring strong communication and adaptability to incorporate feedback quickly and efficiently.

Do car companies still use clay models?

Automotive clay modeling remains an important part of the car design process, with car companies using clay models to refine vehicle shapes and details before digital modeling and manufacturing. Clay modeling specialists work in design studios, often collaborating with CAD tools and prototype teams to ensure accurate and aesthetic vehicle prototypes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Clay Modeler, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Clay Modeler, you need strong artistic ability, spatial visualization, and a background in industrial design or a related field. Familiarity with specialized tools like clay modeling instruments, 3D scanners, and CAD software is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure the creation of accurate, innovative, and visually compelling vehicle prototypes that align with design objectives.

How much do Ford clay modelers make?

Ford clay modelers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience and location. The role involves detailed sculpting skills, often requiring proficiency with modeling tools and materials, and may include benefits and overtime pay.

What is the highest paying job in automotive?

In automotive, high-paying roles include automotive design directors, engineering managers, and senior vehicle development engineers, often requiring advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions typically involve leadership, specialized technical skills, and oversight of large projects, with salaries reaching six figures or more.

How to become a car clay modeler?

To become a car clay modeler, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, along with skills in sculpture, design, and knowledge of automotive aesthetics. Many professionals gain experience through specialized training, apprenticeships, or a degree in industrial design or automotive design, and proficiency with sculpting tools and materials is essential.

What is automotive clay modeling?

Automotive clay modeling is a process used in the automotive design industry to create full-scale or scale models of vehicles using a special type of industrial clay. Designers and modelers use clay to sculpt and refine the shape of a car, allowing teams to visualize, evaluate, and make adjustments to the vehicle’s exterior before manufacturing. This hands-on method remains integral to car design because it provides a tangible, three-dimensional representation that digital models cannot fully replicate.

What is the difference between Automotive Clay Modeling vs Automotive CAD Designer?

AspectAutomotive Clay ModelingAutomotive CAD Designer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized training, or associate degree; hands-on skillsBachelor's degree in engineering, design, or related field; proficiency in CAD software
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, workshops, automotive manufacturersOffice settings, design studios, engineering departments
Industry UsagePhysical prototype development, early-stage design refinementDigital modeling, detailed design, engineering documentation
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Automotive Clay Modeling involves hands-on sculpting of physical clay models to visualize and refine vehicle designs, while Automotive CAD Designers create detailed digital models using computer-aided design software. Both roles are essential in the automotive design process but differ in tools, environment, and skill sets.

Infographic showing various Automotive Clay Modeling job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $97,166 per year, or $46.7 per hour.
Clay Modeler

Clay Modeler

Stellantis

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Stellantis rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers

Job description

The Clay Modeler's primary responsibilities are to perform hand modeling in clay to produce three dimensional full-size and scale automotive models and/or components from verbal instruction and various two-dimensional specifications.
This position requires a high degree of creativity, skill, accuracy, and coordination in a collaborative team-based environment with the ability to exercise independent judgment with available supervision as needed. This position also requires personal clay tools and specific knowledge of clay application, roughing in and hand sculpting clay to achieve a presentation level class "A" surface.
The selected candidate must apply the appropriate use of all clay modeling equipment. The Modeler must possess the ability of form development through creative clay sculpting, work closely with Designers to successfully integrate design sketches, verbal direction, and engineering criteria into a design theme. The selected candidate must also be proficient in the safe use of all common shop power equipment.
Basic Qualifications:
  • A minimum of 5 years of Industrial Sculpting experience or a Certificate in Industrial Sculpting
  • Must adhere to curve and surface creation standards for development of "class A" quality surfacing
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
  • Understand process between clay modeling, milling & digitizing, plus support the workflow and setup between these tasks
  • Physical ability to stand for long periods and work in difficult positions around models with regular reaching, pushing, bending, and lifting
  • Proficient usage of computer equipment and Microsoft Office Products
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and with others
  • Detail oriented, self-motivated with the ability to accomplish work without supervision
  • Good oral and written communications skills
  • Must submit portfolio along with application to be considered a viable candidate for the position

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Understand process between clay modeling, milling & digitizing, plus support the workflow and setup between these tasks
  • Proficient usage of computer equipment and Microsoft Office Products

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS:
This position requires a portfolio in a PDF format be submitted with your application. Applications will not be processed without meeting this requirement.
Please ensure your portfolio meets the following requirements:
  • Your portfolio should represent your skills as it pertains to the position to which you're applying
  • Your most current work should be presented first and displayed in descending order of most current to oldest
  • When appropriate, provide a brief description of your contributions to work that is submitted for review. (i.e.: if a full model is presented, provide explanation to explain you were responsible for the full model or that your involvement was limited to specific areas of the model) Although depictions of your professional work are needed, you're also welcome to submit work you've accomplished on a personal basis however, the two should be separated and kept in separate sections of the portfolio
  • When naming your portfolio, please use the following naming convention: Lastname-firstname portfolio.pdf
  • Portfolio's displayed on personal websites will not be accepted

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