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Automotive Design Engineering Jobs in California

Meyers Manx

Digital Automotive Design Modeler

Irvine, CA · On-site

About the Role We are seeking a skilled Digital Automotive Design Modeler to join our design studio ... This role bridges creative design intent and engineering feasibility, translating sketches and ...

New

Czinger

Automotive Visualization Designer

Torrance, CA · On-site

Czinger Vehicles is redefining the future of automotive design and manufacturing. Founded in 2019 ... Act as a bridge between design, engineering data, and visualization workflows. * Access vehicle and ...

Vast

Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$86K - $122K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering with relevant CAD/Design experience or equivalent. Preferred Skills & Experience: * Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Self-motivated with strong multi ...

Vast

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$137K - $195K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering with 5+ years of relevant CAD/Design experience or equivalent ... Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking ...

Chipton Ross

Senior CAD Design Engineer

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$71.05/hr

... engineering design, analysis, and manufacturing. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES * Experience with Electronics, Altium to NX or equivalent PCBA development. * Aerospace or automotive design experience.

XDIN

Alias Modeler

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$59 - $76.50/hr

Minimum 3 years working in or for an OEM or Tier I automotive design studio * Portfolio is a MUST. * BS, BA or MFA degree in design, engineering or transportation related * High proficiency in Alias ...

Vast

Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Bachelor's degree in engineering with relevant CAD/Design experience or equivalent. Preferred Skills & Experience: * Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Self-motivated with strong multi ...

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All JobsAutomotive Design Engineering JobsAutomotive Design Engineering Jobs in California

Automotive Design Engineering information

See California salary details

$40K

$87K

$156.4K

How much do automotive design engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design engineering in California is $86,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is automotive design engineering?

Automotive design engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the development and design of vehicles, including their appearance, functionality, and performance. Professionals in this role combine creativity with technical knowledge to create innovative, safe, and efficient vehicles. They use advanced software and engineering principles to design components, systems, and the overall structure of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Automotive design engineers often work closely with other specialists, such as mechanical, electrical, and materials engineers, to bring a concept vehicle from idea to production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive design engineer?

To thrive as an Automotive Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, CAD proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD, and knowledge of industry standards like ISO/TS 16949 are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and strong teamwork skills help you innovate and efficiently address design challenges. These abilities ensure the development of safe, functional, and marketable vehicles in a highly competitive industry.

What are some typical challenges faced by automotive design engineers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Automotive Design Engineers often work closely with teams from manufacturing, electronics, and quality assurance. A common challenge is ensuring that design concepts are feasible within manufacturing constraints and cost targets, requiring frequent adjustments and clear communication. Balancing innovative design ideas with regulatory standards and safety requirements can also present difficulties. Effective collaboration and adaptability are essential for aligning different perspectives and achieving successful product development.

What is the difference between Automotive Design Engineering vs Automotive Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectAutomotive Design EngineeringAutomotive Manufacturing Engineering
Primary FocusDesign and development of vehicle components and aestheticsProduction processes, assembly, and manufacturing efficiency
Required SkillsCAD, design principles, vehicle dynamicsManufacturing processes, quality control, automation
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, R&D labsFactories, production lines
Common CertificationsEngineering degrees, CAD certificationsManufacturing certifications, Six Sigma

Automotive Design Engineering focuses on creating vehicle designs and prototypes, while Automotive Manufacturing Engineering emphasizes the production and assembly processes. Both roles require engineering backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work environments, with design engineers working in creative settings and manufacturing engineers in production facilities.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Design Engineering jobs in California?

For Automotive Design Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Design Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Design Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Design Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Automotive Design Engineering job openings:

Automotive Design Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Design Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,995 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Digital Automotive Design Modeler

Irvine, CA • On-site

Meyers Manx
1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Meyers Manxexternal

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled Digital Automotive Design Modeler to join our design studio. This role bridges creative design intent and engineering feasibility, translating sketches and design concepts into precise, production-viable 3D surface models. The ideal candidate combines strong artistic sensibility with technical discipline and is fluent across the modern automotive design toolchain — including class-A surfacing, real-time visualization, and AR/VR design review workflows.


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop exterior and/or interior class-A and class-B surface models from 2D sketches, clay models, or design briefs, ensuring accurate proportion, form language, and surface quality
  • Build and refine digital models through all stages of the design process — concept, exploration, refinement, and production handoff
  • Collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and studio engineers to balance creative vision with manufacturing and packaging constraints
  • Produce and manage real-time visualization scenes for design reviews, milestone presentations, and executive walkthroughs
  • Set up and present designs in AR/VR environments for immersive, full-scale design evaluation
  • Maintain surface continuity, tangency, and curvature standards across complex automotive forms
  • Support design sign-off processes by preparing models for CAS (Class-A Surfacing) handoff to engineering teams
  • Iterate quickly based on design and engineering feedback while maintaining data integrity
  • Contribute to the development and improvement of digital modeling workflows and studio best practices


Required Skills & Experience

  • 5–10 years of professional experience in automotive or transportation digital design modeling
  • Proficiency in Autodesk Alias (Class-A surfacing, sketching, and concept modeling)
  • Working knowledge of Blender for concept exploration, visualization, or asset preparation
  • Experience with Autodesk VRED for real-time rendering, lighting, and design review presentations
  • Experience with Unreal Engine for real-time visualization and interactive design reviews
  • Working knowledge of Gravity Sketch or similar AR/VR sketching and design tools
  • Strong understanding of surfacing principles: curvature continuity (G0/G1/G2/G3), reflection quality, and class-A standards
  • Solid grasp of automotive form, proportion, and design language
  • Engineering background or strong technical understanding (mechanical, industrial, or automotive engineering) preferred
  • Ability to interpret and work from 2D sketches, tape drawings, or physical/digital clay data

    • Preferred Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
    • Experience Level: 5–10 Years
    • Experience working with physical clay modeling teams and understanding the digital-clay feedback loop
    • Familiarity with CAD/CAS data exchange and downstream engineering handoff processes
    • Experience presenting in AR/VR/immersive design review environments
    • Understanding of manufacturing constraints (stamping, molding, tooling) as they relate to surface design
    • Portfolio demonstrating strong surfacing craftsmanship and automotive design sensibility


    What We're Looking For

    A hybrid creative-technical thinker who can move fluidly between artistic surface refinement and engineering-informed problem solving, while staying current with emerging real-time and immersive design tools. We welcome candidates across a range of experience levels — from strong mid-career modelers to seasoned senior specialists.

    Apply