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Automotive Exterior Designer 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

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Ford Motor Company

Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$86K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

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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All JobsAutomotive Exterior Designer Jobs

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 Aug 13, 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.

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 familiarity with design software like Alias or Rhino 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 advance your career.

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.

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 design software and knowledge of automotive trends. It can be a rewarding career for those passionate about vehicle aesthetics and innovation, with opportunities in automotive manufacturers and design studios. Job prospects depend on industry demand and individual skill level, often requiring a degree in industrial design or automotive engineering.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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 88% Full Time, 10% 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.

Senior Automotive Exterior Designer

G-TECH Services

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$36/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

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 on Advanced & Production exterior projects. The successful candidate will have to develop both conceptual and production based exterior solutions in the form of sketch, rendering and 3D digital and clay models.

·         Having the ability to think creatively, strategically, and analytically.

·         Create compelling and innovative interior design experiences and visions for Design Projects.

·         Coordinate the work of other design personnel to achieve holistic design visions.

·         Create future brand focused design visions.

·         Span digital and physical (software and hardware) thinking.

·         Problems solve around topics of connectivity, mobility and consumer segments.

Skills Required:

·         Adobe InDesign, Sketchup (3D Modeling Software), Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Illustrator, Animations, Alias Auto studio, Competent in clay model development

Experience Required:

·         Minimum 4 years of exterior design experience.

Education Required:

·         Bachelor's Degree

Education Preferred:

·         Bachelor's Degree

Additional Information :

***HYBRID / 4 days per week***

Company Description

Why work at G-Tech?
G-Tech is a woman-owned company that values your ideas, encourages your growth, and always has your back. When you work at G-Tech, not only do you get health and dental benefits, but you also have training opportunities, flexible/remote work options, growth opportunities, 401K and competitive pay. Apply today!

G-Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE), all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
By submitting your application, you acknowledge that recruiting technologies, including AI-assisted tools, may be used to support candidate evaluation, sourcing, matching, and communications.