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Automotive Exterior Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ford Motor Company

Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$86K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer for our ... Awareness of global automotive and consumer electronics to ensure Ford competes with the ability to ...

Ford Motor Company

Senior Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$96K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer to join our ... A portfolio to share that focuses on Automotive Exterior Design. * Bachelor's degree in Industrial ...

Ford Motor Company

Senior Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$96K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer to join our ... A portfolio to share that focuses on Automotive Exterior Design Bachelor's degree in Industrial ...

Canoo

Senior Exterior Designer

Justin, TX · On-site

$120K - $128K/yr

Job Title Senior Exterior Designer About Canoo Canoo's mission is to bring EVs to Everyone and ... We have developed breakthrough electric vehicles that are reinventing the automotive landscape with ...

Ford Motor Company

Senior Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$96K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer to join our ... A portfolio to share that focuses on Automotive Exterior Design. * Bachelor's degree in Industrial ...

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Automotive Exterior Designer information

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$50.5K

$73.4K

$91.5K

How much do automotive exterior designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive exterior designer 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 does an automotive exterior designer do?

An Automotive Exterior Designer is responsible for creating the visual appearance and style of a vehicle's exterior. They develop sketches, digital models, and physical prototypes to shape the car's body, ensuring it is both aesthetically pleasing and aerodynamically efficient. These designers collaborate closely with engineers, manufacturers, and other design teams to balance creativity with functionality, safety, and manufacturing constraints. Their work influences how a vehicle is perceived in the market and plays a key role in a brand's 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 industrial design, sketching, 3D modeling, and a relevant degree in transportation or automotive design. Expertise in digital design tools such as Autodesk Alias, Adobe Creative Suite, and proficiency in clay modeling or CAD systems is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, collaboration, and effective communication are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing vehicle designs that meet both client expectations and engineering requirements.

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

Automotive Exterior Designers often grapple with the challenge of merging their creative vision with engineering, safety, and manufacturing requirements. While designers strive to create visually striking and innovative car exteriors, they must also ensure their designs meet aerodynamic, structural, and regulatory standards. Close collaboration with engineers, product managers, and manufacturing teams is essential to refine concepts without compromising feasibility or the brand's identity. This balancing act requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of both design trends and technical limitations.

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

AspectAutomotive Exterior DesignerAutomotive Interior Designer
CredentialsDegree in Transportation Design, Automotive Design, or related fieldsDegree in Interior Design, Transportation Design, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, automotive manufacturers, or suppliersDesign studios, automotive manufacturers, or suppliers
Industry UsageFocuses on exterior aesthetics, aerodynamics, and stylingFocuses on interior comfort, ergonomics, and aesthetics
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared due to design specialization within automotive industry

Automotive Exterior Designers and Automotive Interior Designers both work within the automotive industry, focusing on different aspects of vehicle design. Exterior designers concentrate on the vehicle's outer appearance, aerodynamics, and styling, while interior designers focus on the comfort, ergonomics, and aesthetics of the vehicle's interior. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but their areas of expertise differ significantly.

Are automotive exterior designers in demand?

Automotive exterior designers are in demand as automakers focus on innovative and aerodynamic vehicle designs. The role requires strong skills in CAD software and an understanding of current industry trends, with employment opportunities often linked to automotive manufacturing and design firms expanding their teams.

How much money do automotive exterior designers make?

Automotive exterior designers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working for major automakers can earn over $100,000 annually.

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 that showcases your design abilities. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in automotive design firms can also help advance your career.

Is automotive exterior design a good career?

Automotive exterior design is a viable career for individuals with strong artistic skills, knowledge of CAD software, and an interest in vehicle aesthetics. It offers opportunities in automotive companies, design studios, and suppliers, with a focus on creativity and technical proficiency. Job prospects depend on industry demand and individual skill development.
More about Automotive Exterior Designer jobs

What cities are hiring for Automotive Exterior Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Automotive Exterior Designer job openings:

What states have the most Automotive Exterior Designer jobs?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Automotive Exterior Designer jobs are:

Automotive Exterior Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Exterior Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% 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.

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 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Create innovative and compelling luxury exterior design proposals for concept cars and production car programs.

  • Independently generate high-quality 3D sketch models using Alias, Maya, or Blender and communicate design proposals through sketches, rendering, and digital modeling.

  • Oversee the development of automotive exterior designs from start to finish, including collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing model development with sculptors.

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

Apply