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Automotive Exterior Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Purple Hires Inc

Lighting Hardware Engineer

Allen Park, MI · On-site

$112K - $148K/yr

... automotive exterior lighting hardware for headlamps, signaling lamps, and rear combination lamps . * Handle end-to-end hardware development from architecture through production readiness. * Design ...

Hyundai Motor Company

Kia Design - Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $112K/yr

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 ...

Waymo

Head of Industrial Design

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$182K - $224K/yr

The Design Team develops and applies cohesive design language to the Waymo Driver, delivering an ... Proven track record of delivering production vehicle programs or complex automotive exterior and ...

New

Hyundai Motor Company

Kia Design - Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $112K/yr

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 · On-site

$86K - $166K/yr

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

groteindustries

Engineering - Lead CAD

Madison, IN · On-site

... for exterior automotive lighting. While PTC Creo will be the primary tool, a working knowledge or exposure to Siemens NX and/or Catia will also be beneficial. Position Duties: - Lead the 3D CAD ...

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Automotive Exterior Design information

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How much do automotive exterior design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 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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Cities with the most Automotive Exterior Design job openings:

What states have the most Automotive Exterior Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Automotive Exterior Design jobs include:

What are popular job titles for Automotive Exterior Design?

Popular job titles for Automotive Exterior Design:

Automotive Exterior Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Exterior Design job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,562 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Exterior Lighting Product Engineer

Dearborn, MI • On-site

HTC Global Services
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about HTC Global Servicesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Exterior Lighting Product Engineer
Overview / Summary
The Exterior Lighting Product Engineer is a multidisciplinary technical role responsible for the design, development, integration, validation, and technical integrity of automotive exterior lighting systems. This position works across mechanical, electrical, software, and optical engineering disciplines and supports the development of exterior lighting components including headlamps, taillamps, center high-mounted stop lamps (CHMSL), fog lamps, license plate lamps, and other lighting systems.
The role involves CAD development, optical engineering, injection molding, laboratory diagnosis, design release activities, technical analysis, validation, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver robust and manufacturable lighting systems.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support the design, development, integration, and validation of automotive exterior lighting systems and components.
  • Perform hands-on laboratory diagnosis and root-cause analysis of lighting issues, including warranty-related issues.
  • Use laboratory equipment such as microscopes, multimeters, hand tools, and light power tools to inspect and test lighting components and electronics.
  • Utilize CAD software such as CATIA V5 to develop lighting CAD, including concepts, fixtures, and small lamps.
  • Design optical systems for small lighting applications.
  • Apply injection molding and design-for-manufacturing knowledge when developing 3D CAD.
  • Support the design and development of injection molds.
  • Manage design and release activities to deliver and validate parts according to program timelines.
  • Support part number generation, cost analysis, weight analysis, feasibility studies, and cross-functional coordination.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to evaluate and validate lighting component system interfaces at the vehicle level.
  • Perform and/or review technical analyses and functional and packaging studies, including dimensional stack-ups, GD&T layouts, CAE analyses, dynamic calculations, and simulations.
  • Review and sign off CAD in Teamcenter.
  • Develop lighting system documents, including DFMEAs, SCCAFs, Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, and DVP&Rs.
  • Lead design reviews based on Failure Mode Avoidance.
  • Develop Engineering Statements of Work (ESOW) and Engineering Concepts (EC).
  • Participate in sourcing activities, including piece-cost and tooling-cost reviews.
  • Identify required validation, durability, and functional testing.
  • Address technical issues through root-cause analysis, including 8D and 3x5 Why methodologies, and implement permanent corrective actions.
  • Apply Six Sigma principles to engineering and problem-solving activities.
  • Collaborate with supplier technical teams and support supplier engagement activities.
  • Create and present technical presentations for peer and management reviews.
  • Actively participate in Technical Design Reviews.
  • Manage multiple technical issues effectively and prioritize workload.
  • Travel to supplier manufacturing and testing sites and manufacturing plants in North America when required.
  • Work effectively in a fluid environment where vehicle targets, size, appearance, and manufacturing location may not always be fully defined.
  • Adapt to a variety of applications and technical issues as required.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in the design, development, or launch of automotive lighting or similar components.
  • Experience with CAD tools such as CATIA, 3DX, and Teamcenter.
  • Familiarity with CAE tools and software.
  • Experience with benchmarking.
  • Experience integrating and developing CAD studies to support design improvements.
  • Experience with laboratory diagnosis, product development, electrical engineering, 3D modeling, optical engineering, and injection molding.
  • Ability to account for manufacturability when developing 3D CAD.
  • Ability to support design and release activities and deliver and validate parts according to program timelines.
  • Ability to perform root-cause analysis and problem solving.
  • Ability to manage multiple issues effectively and efficiently.
  • Demonstrated initiative and ability to prioritize workload.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Azure SharePoint.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical Engineering.
  • 7+ years of experience.
  • Experience in the design and release of exterior lighting.
  • Software literacy and mechatronics experience.
  • Strong understanding of statistical analysis.
  • Experience with 8D and 5 Why corrective action and problem-solving methods.
  • Experience with DFMEAs, PFMEAs, and SCCAFs.
  • Detailed understanding of materials, manufacturing technologies, and GD&T.
  • Ability to solve complex system issues involving a variety of variables where limited standardization exists.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.

What Makes HTC A Great Place To Build Your Future
HTC Global Services wants you to join our team. Come build new things with us and advance your career. At HTC Global, you'll collaborate with experts, work alongside clients, and be part of high-performing teams driving success together. You'll have long-term opportunities to grow your career and develop skills in the latest emerging technologies.
At HTC Global Services, our employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits can include Group Health (Medical, Dental, and Vision), Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401(k) matching, Group Life and Disability insurance, Professional Development opportunities, Wellness programs, and a variety of other perks.
Our success as a company is built on inclusion and diversity. HTC Global Services is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, where every employee is treated with dignity and respect. We celebrate differences and believe that diverse cultures, perspectives, and skills drive innovation and success. HTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud National Minority Supplier. We seek to empower each individual, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, included, and respected.
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