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Automotive Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vast

Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$86K - $122K/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 ...

EDAG INC.

Design Engineer

Troy, MI

We are experts in complete vehicle development and the optimization of production facilities for the automotive industry. As a Designing Engineer, you will be responsible for the CAD design and ...

Vast

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$137K - $195K/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 ...

Chipton Ross

Senior CAD Design Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$71.05/hr

Aerospace or automotive design experience. * Experience designing and managing large CAD assemblies and associated drawings. * Self-motivated with strong multi-tasking, organizational, communication ...

Alliance RV

Midwest Automotive Design--Detailer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Job Title: Detailer I What a day in the life of a Detailer at Alliance RV looks like: * Cleaning and detailing the exterior and interior of vehicles in the production process * Visually inspect ...

General Motors

Lead/Studio Design Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

The optimal candidate has a passion for the automotive industry and can work objectively to balance the vehicle for the customer while working hard to enable design. A considerable amount of ...

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All JobsAutomotive Design Jobs

Automotive Design information

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$50.5K

$73.4K

$91.5K

How much do automotive design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive design in the United States is $73,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $80,000.00 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.
More about Automotive Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Automotive Design jobs? Cities with the most Automotive Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Design jobs? The most popular types of Automotive Design jobs are:
What states have the most Automotive Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Automotive Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Design jobs are:
Automotive Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,374 per year, or $35.3 per hour.
Automotive Experience Designer - Sound & HMI

Automotive Experience Designer - Sound & HMI

Harman International Industries

Novi, MI • On-site

$109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

A Career at HARMAN
As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move, HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation, inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together, you'll discover that at HARMAN you can grow, make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.
About HARMAN
HARMAN is a global leader in connected technologies for automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets. Our iconic audio brands - including JBL, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, Bang & Olufsen Automotive, AKG, Revel, and others - shape how millions of people experience sound every day.
Within automotive, HARMAN holds a unique position in the industry. Our technologies and sound brands are integrated into vehicles across a wide range of global automotive manufacturers, creating premium in-car experiences at scale.
Our award-winning Automotive Design Team works at the intersection of automotive UX/UI, branded experiences, sound innovation, and emerging technology. Together, we create next-generation interfaces and interactions that redefine how people connect with sound inside the vehicle.
Learn more about HARMAN Automotive and our branded in-car audio experiences: https://car.harman.com/solutions/car-audio
About The Role
Join HARMAN's Automotive Design Team in Novi, Michigan and help shape the future of premium in-car experiences for some of the world's most recognized audio brands.
This is not a traditional UX/UI role focused on flat mobile apps, marketing websites, or generic digital products. We are looking for a highly creative automotive experience designer who can craft emotionally engaging HMI systems, advanced touchscreen interactions, and visually sophisticated interfaces that bring our brands to life inside the vehicle.
You will create the digital face of premium automotive sound brands across OEM platforms - designing immersive experiences that combine interface design, sound interaction, motion, branding, and emerging technologies.
Working at the intersection of automotive HMI, premium branding, and future mobility, you will explore new interaction models beyond traditional lists and toggles, helping define next-generation sound experiences for millions of drivers worldwide.
This role combines high-level UX thinking with hands-on visual execution and production-ready delivery. You will collaborate with a global network of designers, developers, sound engineers, and OEM partners while maintaining strong creative ownership from concept to final integration.
If you are passionate about designing visually rich, highly polished, and emotionally resonant automotive experiences - this role offers a rare opportunity to shape products that will be publicly visible in production vehicles around the world.
What You Will Do
Design Premium Automotive Experiences
  • Design visually stunning and emotionally engaging UX/UI experiences for branded automotive audio systems and sound features
  • Create immersive touchscreen interfaces, interaction concepts, animations, and visual systems for in-car environments
  • Develop innovative interaction models and explore alternative input mechanics beyond traditional automotive UI patterns
  • Translate brand identity into highly polished digital experiences that feel premium, recognizable, and future-facing
  • Design for concept vehicles, production programs, and standalone automotive applications

Bring Brands To Life On Screen
  • Shape the digital identity of globally recognized audio brands across multiple OEM integrations
  • Work closely with brand teams to ensure every interaction reflects the emotional character and visual language of the brand
  • Create visually deep and sophisticated interfaces - balancing aesthetics, usability, motion, and technical feasibility
  • Contribute to the evolution of branded HMI systems, sound interactions, and future design directions

Collaborate Across Disciplines
  • Work closely with UX designers, developers, sound engineers, acoustic specialists, industrial designers, and motion designers
  • Collaborate with OEM partners and understand automotive development and production workflows
  • Present concepts, prototypes, and design rationale to internal stakeholders, leadership teams, and customers
  • Partner with engineering teams to ensure seamless implementation and high-quality production delivery

Drive Innovation
  • Research future trends in automotive UX, behavioral design, interaction systems, AI workflows, and emerging technologies
  • Experiment with new tools, creative workflows, and AI-supported design approaches
  • Explore future-facing experiences involving sound, motion, immersive interaction, AR/VR, and speculative UX
  • Help push HARMAN's automotive experiences beyond industry standards

What We're Looking For
We are looking for a highly creative and visually driven automotive designer who combines strong conceptual thinking with exceptional execution quality.
Required Experience
  • 5+ years of professional experience in Automotive UX/UI, HMI Design, or related in-vehicle experience design
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating automotive touchscreen interfaces, embedded systems, or complex interaction design
  • Proven experience designing visually sophisticated and production-ready digital experiences
  • Understanding of OEM collaboration models and automotive software development processes
  • Advanced skills in Figma and modern design workflows
  • Strong understanding of interaction design, visual hierarchy, motion, and human-centered design principles
  • Ability to work independently with high creative ownership and self-direction
  • Strong communication and presentation skills across multidisciplinary teams

We Are Specifically Looking For Designers Who
  • Create visually rich, emotionally engaging, and highly polished interfaces
  • Understand interaction design beyond standard mobile app patterns
  • Can balance conceptual exploration with production-ready execution
  • Have strong visual craft and attention to detail
  • Are passionate about sound, motion, branding, and future mobility experiences
  • Thrive in highly creative and collaborative environments
  • Are open to experimenting with AI tools and emerging creative workflows

Portfolio Expectations
Your portfolio should clearly demonstrate:
  • Automotive HMI, touchscreen, or embedded UX/UI work
  • Strong visual design craft and premium interface execution
  • Complex interaction systems and user flows
  • Branded digital experiences with emotional depth
  • High-fidelity concepts and production-level thinking
  • Innovation beyond standard app or web design patterns

What Makes This Role Unique
This is a rare opportunity to shape highly visible automotive experiences at global scale.
At HARMAN, your work will not remain a concept on a presentation slide - it will become part of production vehicles used by millions of people worldwide.
You will join an award-winning global design team with exceptional creative freedom, working on experiences that blend sound, technology, interaction, and premium branding in ways few companies in the industry can offer.
Our team collaborates with a wide range of leading automotive OEMs and works across more than a dozen world-class audio brands, giving you the opportunity to influence the future of automotive experiences across multiple markets and vehicle platforms.
What We Offer
Flexible Work Environment: Option for remote work globally for roles that can be performed outside a Harman or customer location.
Exclusive Discounts: Access to employee discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products, including JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, and more.
Continuous Learning: Extensive training opportunities through Harman University, supporting ongoing professional growth.
Wellness & Work-Life Balance: Competitive benefits designed to promote health, well-being, and balance.
Education Support: Tuition reimbursement program to encourage further education and skill development.
Inclusive Culture: A diverse and collaborative work environment that fosters professional and personal development while promoting a positive, inclusive culture.
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Salary Ranges:
$ 78,750 - $ 115,500
HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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