ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Automotive Design Engineering Jobs in California

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 ...

Slate Auto

Design Project Manager

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $132K/yr

Minimum of 5 years' experience in a professional product development environment, ideally in an automotive design studio * Bachelor's degree in design, Engineering or Business disciplines * Good ...

Recar

Design Project Manager

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$105K - $132K/yr

Minimum of 5 years' experience in a professional product development environment, ideally in an automotive design studio * Bachelor's degree in design, Engineering or Business disciplines * Good ...

Phenix Truck & Van

Be Seen First

Mechanical Design Engineer III, Automotive Industry

Pomona, CA · On-site

$38 - $56/hr

The Candidate must be proficient in sheet metal layout design and automotive mechanical design ... Engineering Mathematics * Finite element analysis (FEA) experience Required Skills * Ability to ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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.

Hyundai Design Center - Interior Designer I

Hyundai Motor Company

Irvine, CA

$75K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Hyundai Design Center - Interior Designer I

Hyundai Design Center is currently looking for an Interior Designer I at our Irvine, CA facility who will:

  • Create compelling and appropriate design proposals for various concept and production car programs in the form of sketches, renderings and 3D digital models.
  • Research and analyze trends in overall packaging, dimension, materials, products and trends using online and print resources and by attending auto shows and other events.  Report on these trends to Management using Powerpoint presentations.
  • Meet with Management, Engineering, Marketing and Design Team to discuss design criteria.  Incorporate design criteria provided.
  • Develop design over engineering package, primarily using Alias software.
  • Oversee and / or support the development of interior design models by clay, CAS modelers and fabricators.
  • Consult with engineering and manufacturing to meet styling and manufacturing requirements.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Display a strong sense of creativity and positivity.
  • Apply knowledge of current automotive design trends and technology.
  • Adopt a digitally driven design process to effectively create compelling Interior Design proposals.
  • Work with cross-departmental teams and balance design intent with vehicle feasibility.
  • Show passion and dedication to learn and integrate into modern flexible work schedule.
  • Create high-quality publication images for use in press releases and design brochures using Photoshop, Blender or Alias, and photographed images.
  • Provide oversight, guidance and support to vendors producing one-of-a-kind concept vehicles for auto shows worldwide.
  • Travel to Korea to oversee further product development by working with Namyang Design and Engineering teams and offside vendors for model builds.
  • Travel up to 20% of time domestically and internationally.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
  • BS, BFA, MS or MFA in Transportation Design
  • Internship(s) in automotive design field is preferred
  • Knowledge in Alias,Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender, VRED,  Sub-D, AI Software, MS Office, clay
WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU
  • Zero dollar employee premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for you and your family
  • 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, sick and abundant holidays
  • A global environment that fosters diversity
  • Competitive salaries
    • Compensation Range: $75,000 ~ $112,000
  • Retirement savings and planning benefits
  • Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
  • Up to 20% travel (domestic and international)
OTHER DETAILS

Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer included Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.

Apply