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Automotive Exterior Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

G-TECH Services

Senior Automotive Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Automotive Exterior Designer We are seeking a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer for our new state-of-the-art design studio in Dearborn. You'll be working in the Thrill Studio ...

Hyundai Motor Company

KIA Exterior Designer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong attention to design detail and problem solving. * Research and analyze trends in automotive exterior design as well as emerging technologies, product design, fashion, and architecture.

Hyundai Motor Company

KIA Exterior Designer II

Irvine, CA

$90K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong attention to design detail and problem solving. * Research and analyze trends in automotive exterior design as well as emerging technologies, product design, fashion, and architecture.

Ford Motor Company

Exterior Design Manager

Long Beach, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Awareness of global automotive and consumer electronics to ensure Ford competes with the ability to lead. * Demonstrated creative exterior design perceptions and capability. A design portfolio (pdf ...

Pentangle Tech

Exterior Design release Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$81K - $110K/yr

Design of automotive component parts in CATIA V6. * Actively engage with Automotive OEM /Tier-I ... Good knowledge of Exterior trim manufacturing processes * Develop and execute Exterior system ...

Ford Motor Company

Exterior Design Manager

Long Beach, CA

$127K - $239K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Awareness of global automotive and consumer electronics to ensure Ford competes with the ability to lead. * Demonstrated creative exterior design perceptions and capability. A design portfolio (pdf ...

Ford Motor Company

Senior Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$96K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

A portfolio to share that focuses on Automotive Exterior Design. * Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, or equivalent; can include graduates earning their degree in the same ...

Ford Motor Company

Senior Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$96K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

A portfolio to share that focuses on Automotive Exterior Design. * Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, or equivalent; can include graduates earning their degree in the same ...

Purple Hires Inc

Exterior Trim Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Irvine, CA Responsibilities Design of automotive Exterior trim component in a DRE role * Develop and execute Exterior Trim system requirements for Automotive (Cars and SUVs) * Complete and release ...

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Automotive Exterior Design information

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How much do automotive exterior design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive exterior design in the United States is $26.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is automotive exterior design?

Automotive exterior design is the process of creating the outward appearance and aesthetic features of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and other automobiles. It involves shaping the body, selecting materials, determining the color palette, and ensuring the vehicle's style meets both functional and brand requirements. Exterior designers use sketches, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and physical models to develop and refine their ideas. Their work balances aerodynamics, safety, manufacturability, and visual appeal to create vehicles that attract customers and align with a company's brand identity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive exterior designer?

To thrive as an Automotive Exterior Designer, you need strong skills in 3D modeling, sketching, and a background in industrial or transportation design, usually supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with design software such as Autodesk Alias, Adobe Creative Suite, and CAD systems is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication help designers present concepts and collaborate with engineering teams. These abilities are crucial to creating innovative, visually appealing vehicles that meet both aesthetic and functional standards.

How does an automotive exterior designer typically collaborate with engineers and other departments during the vehicle development process?

Automotive Exterior Designers work closely with engineers, manufacturing teams, and marketing professionals throughout the vehicle development cycle. They collaborate with engineers to ensure that their designs are not only visually appealing but also aerodynamically efficient and manufacturable. Regular meetings and iterative feedback sessions are common, allowing designers to adjust their concepts based on technical constraints and feasibility. This cross-functional teamwork helps bring innovative concepts to market while meeting safety, cost, and production requirements.

What is the difference between Automotive Exterior Design vs Automotive Interior Design?

AspectAutomotive Exterior DesignAutomotive Interior Design
FocusDesigning the vehicle's outer appearance, including body shape, surfaces, and aestheticsDesigning the vehicle's interior, including dashboards, seats, and cabin layout
SkillsSketching, 3D modeling, understanding aerodynamics, exterior materialsErgonomics, material selection, user experience, interior aesthetics
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, CAD software, collaboration with engineering teamsDesign studios, CAD software, collaboration with engineering and marketing teams

Automotive Exterior Design and Automotive Interior Design are specialized roles within vehicle design. Exterior designers focus on the vehicle's outer appearance, while interior designers concentrate on the cabin's comfort and aesthetics. Both roles require strong CAD skills and collaboration with engineering teams, but they differ in their focus areas and design considerations.

Are automotive exterior designers in demand?

Automotive exterior designers are in steady demand as automakers focus on innovative and aerodynamic vehicle designs. The role requires skills in CAD software and a strong understanding of automotive trends, with employment opportunities often linked to automotive industry growth and electric vehicle development.

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

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

How to become an automotive exterior designer?

To become an automotive exterior designer, typically a bachelor's degree in industrial design, transportation design, or a related field is required. Developing strong skills in sketching, 3D modeling, and computer-aided design (CAD) software is essential, along with building a portfolio to showcase your work. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in automotive design firms can also help establish a career in this field.

Is automotive exterior design a good career?

Automotive exterior design is a specialized field that involves creating the visual appearance of vehicles, requiring skills in CAD software, creativity, and knowledge of automotive trends. It offers opportunities in automotive companies and design studios, with a focus on innovation and aesthetics, but can be competitive and may require a relevant degree or certification. Career prospects depend on industry demand and individual skill development.
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Automotive Exterior Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Exterior Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,562 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Genesis Design Center - Senior Exterior Designer

Hyundai Motor Company

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Genesis Design Center - Senior Exterior Designer
Genesis Design Center is seeking a Senior Exterior Designer with a strong background in automotive exterior production design for manufacturing, combined with deep expertise in design principles, industry trends, and global standards. This role will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to create innovative, production-feasible, and visually compelling vehicle designs that reinforce the brand's identity and meet customer expectations
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Create innovative and compelling luxury exterior design proposals for concept cars and production car programs
  • Strong ability to visually communicate design proposals in the form of sketches, rendering and 3D digital modeling.
  • Independently be able to quickly generate high quality 3D sketch models using Alias/SubD, Maya or Blender.
  • Demonstrate the ability to lead design and follow the development of the entire automotive exterior from start to finish, including traveling to Korea.
  • Research and analyze trends in automotive exterior design as well as emerging technologies, product, fashion, architecture, and have a strong interest in luxury.
  • Be able to attend auto shows and other design related events.
  • Be able to work self-sufficiently, while mentoring junior designers.
  • Oversee the development models with Clay and CAS sculptors.
  • Work closely with Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Design Team to discuss design criteria. Incorporate the criteria to meet engineering, and manufacturing requirements.
  • Produce presentation ready materials to support design reviews.
  • Travel up to 20% of the time domestically and internationally.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
  • BS, BFA, MS or MFA in product/transportation design with a focus on interiors.
  • Minimum 6+ years of professional design experience at an Automotive Design studio
  • Strong ability to utilize various types of 2D and 3D visualization software (Photoshop, VRED, etc.) and strong digital modeling skills (preferably, Alias, SubD, Maya or Blender)
  • Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.
  • Candidates applying for positions with Genesis must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment will be required at the time of hire.
  • HATCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.

WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU
  • Zero dollar employee premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for you and your family
  • 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, sick and abundant holidays
  • A global environment that fosters diversity
  • Competitive salaries
  • Retirement savings and planning benefits
  • Flexible work hours, and hybrid work schedule options
  • Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts

Compensation Range : $115K~$165K

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