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Automotive Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Midwest Automotive Design Detailer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/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 ...

Local Travel 10% * Overtime 20% What you bring • Bachelor of Science Degree (or above) in Mechanical Engineering • 4+ years in automotive design/development • Demonstrable CAD skills and a ...

Minimum 6 months working in or for an OEM automotive design studio * A portfolio is a MUST. * BS, BA or MFA degree in design, engineering or transportation-related * High proficiency in Alias, ICEM ...

Minimum 6 months working in or for an OEM automotive design studio * A portfolio is a MUST. * BS, BA or MFA degree in design, engineering or transportation-related * High proficiency in Alias, ICEM ...

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, or BS in Industrial, Product, or Automotive Design * 8+ years professional experience in automotive design or related field * Working knowledge of Alias ...

Role Descriptions: MUST HAVE: Creo Tool Knowledge (Surfacing| GDT| DFX| DFA| Automotive design experience) Plastic| Sheetmetal and Casting components NICE TO HAVE: Should be able to work ...

The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading program level designs and prototype ... Conceptual and detailed designs of automotive towing components and assemblies * Ability to perform ...

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Automotive Design information

See salary details

$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:
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 Design & Manufacturing Account Technical Lead

Automotive Design & Manufacturing Account Technical Lead

Autodesk

Michigan, ND

$154K - $277K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Autodesk rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 215 rated software companies


Job description

Job Requisition ID #

26WD98531

Position Overview

TheAccount Technical Lead (ATL)leadscustomer technical engagements,drivescustomer workflow analysis, develops theCustomer Technical Vision (CTV), and creates Customer Outcome proposals (COP).Thisrole is designed forthe Design & Manufacturingprofessionals with a background in the Automotive industry and Factory Design
Responsibilities
Drive technical discovery across multiple workflows, systems, and disciplines

Gather, document, and validate customer technical requirements and current-state environments
Create technical Customer Outcome Proposals(COP) and deployment paths, creating clear ROI narratives and solution justification artifacts
Build and maintain deep, long-term relationships with technical and business stakeholders as a strategic technical advisor
Develop and maintain a Customer Technical Vision (CTV) capturing technical footprint, long-term goals, and adoption strategy
Proactively identify expansion opportunities to drive revenue growth
Help coordinate internal specialists for demonstrations and technical discussions
Collaborate with Account Executives to shape opportunity strategy using technical insights
Maintain accurate documentation, notes, and action items in internal systems
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor degree in a technical field or equivalent experience
2-5 years of industry knowledge or Autodesk expertise
Goodunderstanding of software applications, SaaS platforms, or technical workflows
Experience building long-term relationships with technical and business stakeholders
Strong interest in customer-facing technical rolesand developing storytelling andpersuasion skills
Clear written and verbal communication skills

Prove abilityto learn complex technologies and industry workflows

Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional

Ability to travel 25% of the time throughout North America and Europe


Preferred Qualifications
Degree in design, engineering, computer science, or a related field
Background in the Design and Manufacturing industry with a focus on Automotive
Expertise in Autodesk solutions or comparable enterprise technology platforms
Experience supporting customers, users, or stakeholders in a technical or service-oriented environment
Experience representing organizations at industry events
Ability to develop compelling customer-centric narratives and solution justification artifacts

Learn More

About Autodesk

Welcome to Autodesk! Amazing things are created every day with our software - from the greenest buildings and cleanest cars to the smartest factories and biggest hit movies. We help innovators turn their ideas into reality, transforming not only how things are made, but what can be made.

We take great pride in our culture here at Autodesk - it's at the core of everything we do. Our culture guides the way we work and treat each other, informs how we connect with customers and partners, and defines how we show up in the world.

When you're an Autodesker, you can do meaningful work that helps build a better world designed and made for all. Ready to shape the world and your future? Join us!

Benefits

From health and financial benefits to time away and everyday wellness, we give Autodeskers the best, so they can do their best work. Learn more about our benefits in the U.S. by visiting https://benefits.autodesk.com/

Salary transparency

Salary is one part of Autodesk's competitive compensation package. For U.S.-based sales roles, we expect a starting On-Target Earnings (OTE) between $154,900 and $277,750. OTE is comprised of base salary plus commission target for sales roles. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and geographic location and may exceed this range. In addition to base salaries, our compensation package may include annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock grants, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Sales Careers

Working in sales at Autodesk allows you to build meaningful relationships with customers while growing your career. Join us and help make a better, more sustainable world. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/careers/sales

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Autodesk, we're building a diverse workplace and an inclusive culture to give more people the chance to imagine, design, and make a better world. Autodesk is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic. We also consider for employment all qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.

Diversity & Belonging

We take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/diversity-and-belonging

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About Autodesk

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Autodesk is changing how the world is designed and made. Our technology spans architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment, empowering innovators everywhere to solve challenges big and small. From greener buildings to smarter products to more mesmerizing blockbusters, Autodesk software helps our customers to design and make a better world for all. For more information visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.

Industry

Software development

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Rafael, CA, US

Year founded

1982