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Automotive Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

XDIN

Alias Modeler

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$59 - $76.50/hr

Automotive surfaces range from early concept to production Class-A level * Work closely and collaborate together with exterior and interior design staff * Work cross functionally together with ...

Vast

Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$112K - $159K/yr

Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking, organizational, communication and documentation skills. * Ability to work well in an integrated team including ...

Rivian

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, ECU

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$149K - $187K/yr

At least 10+ years industry experience within automotive or other industries, experience in ... Be a proficient CAD designer, ideally within Catia V5 / V6 / 3DX, though other equivalent systems ...

Rivian

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, ECU

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$149K - $187K/yr

At least 10+ years industry experience within automotive or other industries, experience in ... Be a proficient CAD designer, ideally within Catia V5 / V6 / 3DX, though other equivalent systems ...

Rivian

Staff Mechanical Design Engineer, ECU

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$149K - $187K/yr

At least 10+ years industry experience within automotive or other industries, experience in ... Be a proficient CAD designer, ideally within Catia V5 / V6 / 3DX, though other equivalent systems ...

Rezvani

Composite Car Assembly and Fabricator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Join Rezvani Motors, a leader in high-performance automotive design and fabrication, as a Composite Vehicle Assembly and Fabrication specialist. This exciting position offers the opportunity to work ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAutomotive Design JobsAutomotive Design Jobs in California

Automotive Design information

See California salary details

$50.7K

$73.7K

$91.9K

How much do automotive design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design in California is $73,676.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,300.00 and $80,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Automotive Design vs Automotive Engineering?

AspectAutomotive DesignAutomotive Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, CAD software, concept modelingR&D labs, testing facilities, manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, design consultanciesAutomotive manufacturers, engineering firms
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on aesthetics, user experience, and concept creationFocuses on vehicle performance, safety, and technical systems

Automotive Design primarily involves creating the visual and aesthetic aspects of vehicles, emphasizing concept sketches and CAD modeling. Automotive Engineering, on the other hand, concentrates on the technical development, performance, and safety of vehicles. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but serve different functions in the vehicle development process.

How to get hired as an automotive designer?

To get hired as an automotive designer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial design, automotive design, or a related field, along with a strong portfolio showcasing their design skills and creativity. Proficiency in CAD software such as Alias, Rhino, or SolidWorks is often required, and relevant internship experience can improve job prospects. Networking within the industry and staying updated on automotive trends also enhance chances of employment.

How do you become an automotive designer?

To become an automotive designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial design, automotive design, or a related field, along with strong skills in sketching, 3D modeling, and computer-aided design (CAD) software. Gaining experience through internships or portfolio work is important, and a good understanding of engineering and manufacturing processes can enhance job prospects.

What is automotive design?

Automotive design is the process of creating the appearance, functionality, and ergonomics of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. This field combines art, engineering, and technology to develop both the exterior and interior look of vehicles, ensuring they are attractive, safe, and efficient. Automotive designers work closely with engineers and manufacturers to translate ideas into practical and aesthetically pleasing vehicles that meet safety and regulatory standards. The role requires skills in sketching, computer-aided design (CAD), and an understanding of materials and manufacturing processes.

How hard is it to get a job in automotive design?

Securing a job in automotive design can be competitive, often requiring a relevant degree in industrial design, automotive engineering, or a related field, along with strong portfolio work. Experience with CAD software and knowledge of automotive trends can improve chances, but entry-level positions may be limited and require networking or internships.

How does collaboration typically work between automotive designers and engineering teams during the vehicle development process?

Automotive designers regularly collaborate with engineering teams to ensure that their creative concepts are feasible, safe, and manufacturable. Throughout the development process, designers attend cross-functional meetings, share digital models, and iterate on designs based on engineering feedback related to materials, aerodynamics, and manufacturing constraints. This close teamwork helps streamline the design process, resolve conflicts early, and achieve a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and cost. Effective communication and openness to feedback are key to success in this collaborative environment.

What does an automotive designer do?

An automotive designer creates the exterior and interior visual concepts of vehicles, focusing on aesthetics, ergonomics, and functionality. They use design software like CAD programs and collaborate with engineers to ensure designs are feasible and meet safety standards. The role often requires a strong understanding of automotive engineering, creativity, and proficiency in sketching and modeling tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Designer, you need a strong background in industrial or transportation design, creativity, and a solid understanding of engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with CAD software like Autodesk Alias, CATIA, and Adobe Creative Suite is essential, and portfolios demonstrating design projects are often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills set outstanding designers apart by enabling effective collaboration and innovative solutions. These skills and qualifications are crucial for creating visually appealing, functional, and marketable vehicles in a highly competitive industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Automotive Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Design jobs in California? For Automotive Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Design jobs? Cities in California with the most Automotive Design job openings:
Automotive Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,676 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Alias Modeler

XDIN

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$59 - $76.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 hours ago

Job description

XDIN subsidiary of ALTEN Group, includes 500 employees dedicated to the automotive engineering development. ALTEN is a Leader in Engineering & Information Technology system, and operates in over 21 countries (Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Middle East) with more than 28,000 employees of which 88% are engineers.

At XDIN, we are always looking for world-class talent to lead our global teams through commitment and dedication to our OEM and Tier I clients. We believe in quality support from concept through production, and delivering the best customer experience while at the same time attaining a great place to work!

XDIN Offers

  •  Competitive wages, BOE.
  • Major health, dental insurance benefits and vision savings plan. 401k, and basic life.
  • Supplemental benefits such as short-term disability, accident, cancer and life insurance.
  • Paid company holidays and earned time off.


We place a high value on thought leadership. We want every employee to develop all the skills required to become an engineering and technology thought leader; contributing to the knowledge assets of our team and our clients. From day one, every consultant is trained and mentored to elevate their careers.

 Responsibilities:

  • Generate complex and high quality digital automotive surface models according to designer specifications from sketches, renderings, concept designs and scan data.
  • Develop surface data according to packaging information and technical specifications. Ensure quality standards.
  • Automotive surfaces range from early concept to production Class-A level
  • Work closely and collaborate together with exterior and interior design staff
  • Work cross functionally together with engineering and packaging engineers to incorporate all feasibility criteria
  • Generate and verify a surface model for release
  • Generate renderings to present and review current data models
  • Utilize digital tools to carry out real-time visualization and quality control of generated data models

Requirements:

  • 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, ICEM Surf or equivalent surfacing program
  • Proficiency in VRED, Keyshot or equivalent rendering program
  • Understanding of production automotive development and procedures
  • Intuitive feeling and passion for automotive design
  • Work in high-pressure environment with quick turn-around
  • Proactive team player with excellent communication skills
  • Forward, innovative thinking for future vehicles
    • Professional, motivated and pro-active working attitude

    The Location: This opportunity is based in Greensboro, NC,
    Los Angeles, CA

     

    Employment Type: Full-Time

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