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Automotive Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Joby Aviation

Senior Industrial Designer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$136K - $187K/yr

This role is at the intersection of aerospace precision and automotive-grade luxury, requiring a designer who can balance the "magic" of the passenger experience with the "mechanics" of FAA ...

Joby Aviation

Senior Industrial Designer

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$136K - $187K/yr

This role is at the intersection of aerospace precision and automotive-grade luxury, requiring a designer who can balance the "magic" of the passenger experience with the "mechanics" of FAA ...

Fabrion

Founding Designer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

Founding Designer Location: San Francisco Bay Area Type: Full-Time Compensation: Competitive salary ... This is a high-impact opportunity to design tools that will reshape how the automotive world ...

Hyundai Motor Company

KIA Exterior Designer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $165K/yr

KIA Exterior Designer KIA America Design Center is currently looking for an Exterior Designer for ... Research and analyze trends in automotive exterior design as well as emerging technologies, product ...

Hyundai Motor Company

KIA Exterior Designer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $165K/yr

KIA Exterior Designer KIA America Design Center is currently looking for an Exterior Designer ... Research and analyze trends in automotive exterior design as well as emerging technologies, product ...

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All JobsAutomotive Designer JobsAutomotive Designer Jobs in California

Automotive Designer information

See California salary details

$50.7K

$73.7K

$91.9K

How much do automotive designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive designer 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 does an automotive designer do?

An automotive designer is a creative professional that works in the automobile industry. Automotive designers are responsible for designing nearly all aspects of a car, including both external and internal components. As an automotive designer, your job duties revolve around using software like AutoCAD to create plans that can then be executed by the manufacturing team. You work with a creative team of designers to ensure you have a cohesive product that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

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 automotive design, proficiency in sketching, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Mastery of design software such as Autodesk Alias, CATIA, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with familiarity with 3D modeling and prototyping tools, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills help set exceptional designers apart. These skills are crucial for developing innovative, functional, and aesthetically appealing vehicles that meet both client and industry standards.

What are some common challenges automotive designers face when balancing creativity with engineering constraints?

Automotive designers often encounter the challenge of blending innovative, visually striking concepts with practical engineering and safety requirements. While creativity is highly encouraged, every design must adhere to regulations, aerodynamics, manufacturability, and budget constraints. Effective collaboration with engineers, marketing teams, and production specialists is essential to ensure that the final vehicle is both aesthetically appealing and feasible to produce. Navigating these trade-offs is a key part of the role and can be both demanding and rewarding for designers who enjoy problem-solving in a team environment.

What is the difference between Automotive Designer vs Automotive Engineer?

AspectAutomotive DesignerAutomotive Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, CAD software, collaborative teamsResearch labs, testing facilities, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageFocuses on aesthetics, style, and user experience of vehicle exteriors and interiorsFocuses on vehicle performance, safety, and technical systems

Automotive Designers primarily focus on the visual appearance and user experience of vehicles, working in design studios using CAD tools. Automotive Engineers concentrate on vehicle performance, safety, and technical systems, often working in labs and manufacturing settings. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but serve different functions in vehicle development.

Are automotive designers in demand?

Automotive designers are in demand as automakers focus on innovative vehicle designs, electric vehicles, and sustainability. The profession requires strong skills in CAD software and knowledge of industry trends, with job growth expected to be steady in the automotive industry.

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

Getting a job as an automotive designer can be competitive due to the specialized skills required, such as proficiency in CAD software and a strong portfolio. Candidates typically need a relevant degree in industrial design or automotive engineering and relevant experience or internships to improve their chances.
More about Automotive Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Automotive Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Designer jobs in California?

For Automotive Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Automotive Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Automotive Designer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Designer jobs in CA?

For Automotive Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Automotive Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,676 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

HMI Automotive Designer | Hybrid

Stellent IT LLC

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Hi,
We have urgent role of Human Machine Interaction Designer | Hybrid. Please revert if you are interested in applying for this position.
HMI Automotive Designer
Duration: 1 year contract
Location: Palo Alto, CA (Hybrid - 3 days onsite)
Job Summary:
We are seeking a skilled Human Machine Interaction Designer specialized in creating intuitive interfaces for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and automated driving. The candidate should possess experience in complex automation systems design with a strong understanding of automotive human factors requirements and design documentation.
Key Responsibilities:
Design and develop user interfaces for ADAS and automated driving systems, ensuring they are intuitive and user-friendly and in compliance with automotive relevant regulations for instrument cluster and display interfaces. (e.g. ISO26262, ISO 15008, UNR171, UL4600, FMVSS, etc.)
Perform information requirement analysis to determine essential data for interfaces and ensure these requirements are met in the design.
Translate complex technical requirements into accessible design solutions to enhance user experience and functionality.
Document design processes, maintain clear specifications, and ensure effective communication within multidisciplinary teams.
Ensure all interfaces comply with automotive regulations and standards for HMI in automated driving systems.
Lead design projects from their conceptual phase to market launch, ensuring cohesive and effective designs.
Required Qualifications:
At least 5 years of experience in Interaction design role, ideally in the automotive industry
Experience in information requirement analysis and interface design for complex automation systems, ideally in the automotive industry.
Strong understanding of automotive and human factors requirements, with proven ability to apply these in practical design solutions.
Proficiency in using design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, or similar software for creating sophisticated UI/UX designs.
Familiarity with automotive regulations and industry standards regarding HMI for automated driving and ADAS.
Soft Skills Requirements:
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent and direct communications skills
Ability to prioritize and convey rationale for prioritization to other stakeholders
Team player, must work well within a team environment
Desired Skills and Experience:
Good understanding of the technologies and systems behind automotive interfaces, particularly concerning automated driving and ADAS.
Experience in guiding design projects from conception to market, ensuring innovative solutions meet technical and user requirements.

Avnish Rao

Technical Recruiter

3213351706

avnish@Stellentit.com

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About Stellent IT

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Stellent IT, based in St Augustine, Florida, USA, is a renowned company in the IT sector whose primary focus is providing top-tier IT consulting and staffing services. Stellent IT's expertise lies not just in fulfilling IT staffing needs but in offering comprehensive technological solutions that enhance and drive business performance. Despite the limited information about their founding history, the company has earned a name for itself in the IT industry due to its commitment to quality and consistent delivery. With a mission centered around helping businesses efficiently navigate the IT landscape by providing strategic technology-inspired solutions, Stellent IT prides itself as a leader in its field.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

St Augustine, FL, US

Social media

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