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Automotive Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Diverse design experience required, preferably to include design for military and/or automotive systems * Experience bringing a product to full-scale production preferred * Strong reasoning and math ...

Diverse design experience required, preferably to include design for military and/or automotive systems * Experience bringing a product to full-scale production preferred * Strong reasoning and math ...

Diverse design experience required, preferably to include design for military and/or automotive systems * Experience bringing a product to full-scale production preferred * Strong reasoning and math ...

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Automotive Design information

See Virginia salary details

$49.2K

$71.5K

$89.1K

How much do automotive design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design in Virginia is $71,483.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,400.00 and $77,900.00 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.

What is an Automotive Designer?

An automotive designer is a professional responsible for creating the visual appearance and overall aesthetic of vehicles, including exterior and interior designs. They use tools like CAD software and collaborate with engineers to ensure designs are functional and manufacturable. Strong artistic skills, knowledge of engineering principles, and a background in industrial design or automotive engineering are typically required.

What job lets you design cars?

A career in automotive design involves creating the exterior and interior concepts of vehicles, often requiring skills in CAD software, engineering, and aesthetics. Automotive designers typically work for car manufacturers or design firms and may need a degree in industrial design, automotive engineering, or a related field.

How do you get into automotive design?

To pursue a career in automotive design, individuals typically earn a bachelor's degree in industrial design, automotive design, or a related field, and develop strong skills in sketching, 3D modeling, and CAD software. Building a portfolio of design projects and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions are essential steps to enter the field.

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 a strong portfolio demonstrating design skills. 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 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Automotive Design jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Automotive Design jobs in Virginia? For Automotive Design jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Design jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Automotive Design job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,483 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Company Description
THE COMPANY
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.
ContiTech is one of the world's leading industry specialists. The Continental group sector offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe, and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 42,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.8 billion euros (2023), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.
Are you ready to shape the future with us?
Job Description
THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA. There is no relocation or sponsorship available for this role.
Job Description
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
Design and Customer Responsibility:
• development of feasible designs (grain, color, prints, combinations) and ensuring of receiving customer approvals incl. documentation within PLC process
• being involved in design developments and in design releases for customer projects
• identifying customer/market Design needs
• design presentations Internal / External
• responsibility for the surface design developments with the affected customers
Strategy Design Americas:
• support Segment Automotive Interior and Segment LivTec in the Americas region for strategic decision-making and/or acquisition phase of strategic important customer/market projects for the region
• networking and expanding partnerships between SSL Design and affected departments at customers
• observation of competitive Design technologies/activities together with sales.
• Design - Plant Support Winchester
Design and Project Management:
• Initiating and/or Monitoring of trial batches through the internal process
• Tracking color developments through the internal development process
• Tracking grain developments through the internal development process
• Tracking color developments through the internal development process
• Tracking of internal Design Projects
Customer Projects:
• Americas customer project management of Design projects in Americas
• Attending color, print, or/and texture evaluations at suppliers, production, customer
• Escalation management within the Americas Design department
Collaboration:
• Collaboration and advising all BA SSL stakeholder and departments involved in the Product Life Cycle (PLC) which have an impact on Design related product / production properties (e.g feasibility and impact on BA SSL)
• Building up and extending collaboration between SSL and the affected departments at the customer. Main task is the acquisition of new projects
Reporting:
• reporting based on defined cycles within a defined reporting system (1:1 Meetings, Dashboard, Actionlist etc)
• Report status updates, projected timelines to customer
• Report to affected internal departments with recommendations basis customer feedback
• Reporting and documenting customer approval status (establish ISAR, transfer form roller to serial status, master creation...)
Design Support:
• Collecting necessary input from the customers
• Presenting color submissions and grain developments to the customer
• Building up and extending collaboration between SSL Design and the affected departments at the customer
• Support PM team for acquisition of new projects
• internal presentations
Team Work:
• Team Member within a PM Team.
• Responsibility for the surface design developments with the affected customer.
• Collaboration with all parties and departments involved in the Product Life Cycle Process PLC.
• Collaboration with Creative Design, Automotive Design, LivTec Design, DTS SSL
Trend/Market Research:
• Supervision, observation, gathering, and analysis of the American market, especially colors, textures, prints, and materials of competitors
• Recognize of Design and color trends of the American market
• Observation and analysis of the color and trim area and the surface material of SSL versus competitors' portfolios in regards of color, grains, prints, and structures, surface characteristics, haptics...
Other:
• Traveling to suppliers, fair/tradeshows, and customers
• Reports, presentations and updates from customer, shows, events
• Preparation of Design Presentations
• Presenting of SSL product portfolio design samples and design presentations
THE ENVIRONMENT
  • Safety is our highest priority and safety procedures and guidelines must always be adhered to. Applicants must be able to work in a manufacturing industrial environment and be able to wear personal protective equipment such as safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.

Qualifications
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
  • Bachelor's Degree in Related Field

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO STAND OUT
  • Degree in Design
  • 3 years of experience
  • Adobe Suite experience
  • Previous experience in production and product management

Additional Information
THE PERKS
  • Competitive Pay
  • Immediate Benefits
  • Paid Time Off
  • Employee Discounts, including tire discounts
  • Competitive Bonus Program
  • Employer 401(k) Match
  • On-Site Gym
  • And more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.