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Automotive Exterior Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Purple Hires Inc

Exterior Lighting Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in automotive interior and exterior lighting design * Work with Styling team to perform feasibility studies ...

General Motors

Creative Designer

Warren, MI

Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or related field, or equivalent experience * 2+ years of professional experience in automotive exterior design, concept design, or ...

General Motors

Creative Designer

Warren, MI

Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or related field, or equivalent experience * 2+ years of professional experience in automotive exterior design, concept design, or ...

General Motors

Creative Designer

Warren, MI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or related field, or equivalent experience * 2+ years of professional experience in automotive exterior design, concept design, or ...

Hyundai Motor Company

Kia Design Center - Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE * BS, BFA, MS, MFA or Diploma in Transportation / Product Design with a primary focus on Exterior Design. * Professional design experience at an Automotive Design ...

Hyundai Motor Company

Kia Design Center - Designer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$75K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE * BS, BFA, MS, MFA or Diploma in Transportation / Product Design with a primary focus on Exterior Design. * Professional design experience at an Automotive Design ...

Ford Motor Company

Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI

$86K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... Automotive or Transportation Design experience; including experience with final design product ... Demonstrated creative exterior/interior design perceptions and capability. A design portfolio (pdf ...

North American Lighting

Equipment Design Engineer - II

Flora, IL · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the market share leader in exterior automotive lighting, NAL provides advanced lighting technology, engineering design expertise, and state-of-the-art production capabilities to auto makers based ...

North American Lighting

Equipment Design Engineer - II

Flora, IL · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the market share leader in exterior automotive lighting, NAL provides advanced lighting technology, engineering design expertise, and state-of-the-art production capabilities to auto makers based ...

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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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What states have the most Automotive Exterior Design jobs?

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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.

Exterior Creative Designer - Performance Studio

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 306 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,283 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Description
The Role
Our Design organization plays a critical role in realizing GM's vision by shaping the emotional and functional character of every vehicle and experience we create. Within Global Design, the General Motors Performance Studio is at the forefront of expressive, driver-focused performance design that elevates our iconic nameplates and future products.
As a Creative Designer - Performance Studio, you will contribute to both advanced and production exterior performance design for General Motors performance vehicles and programs. You will focus on a range of performance-oriented products, including aero packages, exterior graphics, appearance packages, and performance accessories.
The ideal candidate is a highly creative, hands-on exterior designer with a deep understanding of performance vehicle proportion, brand character, aerodynamics, and motorsports-inspired aesthetics. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners in a fast-paced studio environment to deliver performance products that are both aspirational and authentic.
What You'll Do
  • Drive the creative development of exterior performance design concepts for new and existing GM performance vehicles, programs, and accessories from early ideation through production execution.
  • Define and communicate a compelling performance design vision that aligns with each brand's DNA and GM's overall design strategy.
  • Generate high-quality sketches, renderings, and digital models that explore proportion, surface development, graphics, and aero elements with a strong sense of stance, emotion, and performance authenticity.
  • Partner closely with studio leadership, Clay and Digital Sculpting, Engineering, Aerodynamics, Performance Engineering, Marketing, and Program Management to balance design intent with feasibility, performance targets, cost, and timing.
  • Lead execution of exterior performance appearance and accessory programs, including body kits, spoilers, splitters, diffusers, wheels, and graphics/stripe packages.
  • Champion brand-appropriate performance graphics, color-breaks, and visual signatures that reinforce vehicle identity on both road and track.
  • Participate in design reviews, leveraging GM's evolving digital design workflows (including VR reviews, digital visualization, and collaboration tools) to present design directions, gather feedback, refine quality, and accelerate decision-making while staying current on industry, motorsports, and cultural trends related to performance and customization.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or a related field from an accredited institution.
  • 2+ years of professional experience in automotive exterior design with a strong portfolio demonstrating performance-oriented vehicle design, advanced and/or production exterior programs, and high-quality ideation sketches, renderings, and 3D collaboration.
  • Demonstrated experience developing exterior design themes or sub-programs from concept through production, working closely with clay and digital sculpting as well as engineering teams.
  • Expert-level sketching and visualization skills (traditional and digital) with proficiency in relevant design and visualization tools (such as Adobe Creative Suite, Alias, Blender, VRED, or similar).
  • Strong understanding of proportion, surfacing, aero principles, and performance design language, with proven ability to clearly present design intent, collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams, and work on-site at the GM Global Technical Center - Design Center West in Warren, MI with normal corporate flexibility.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Experience working specifically on performance or motorsports programs (road cars, track cars, racing, or aftermarket performance products).
  • Familiarity with GM brands and performance heritage, and enthusiasm for the performance and enthusiast community.
  • Experience with VR-based design reviews, real-time visualization, and/or innovative digital design workflows.
  • Strong storytelling skills, including the ability to connect design solutions to brand strategy, customer insights, and broader business objectives.
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

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General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908

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