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Automotive Exterior Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hyundai Motor Company

KIA Exterior Designer II

Irvine, CA

$90K - $165K/yr

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

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

$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 ...

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 ...

General Motors

Creative Designer

Warren, MI · On-site

The designer will operate with a high degree of independence, applying sound judgment to complex ... automotive exterior design, concept design, or advanced studio environments * Strong portfolio ...

General Motors

Creative Designer

Warren, MI

The designer will operate with a high degree of independence, applying sound judgment to complex ... automotive exterior design, concept design, or advanced studio environments * Strong portfolio ...

General Motors

Creative Designer

Warren, MI · On-site

The designer will operate with a high degree of independence, applying sound judgment to complex ... automotive exterior design, concept design, or advanced studio environments * Strong portfolio ...

General Motors

Creative Designer

Warren, MI

The designer will operate with a high degree of independence, applying sound judgment to complex ... automotive exterior design, concept design, or advanced studio environments * Strong portfolio ...

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 ... Complete and release interior components, sub-system and detail designs * Interpret CAE simulation ...

Stellantis

Creative Designer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Stellantis offers designers unrivaled career opportunities in the center of automotive innovation. As our product evolves, so do our Designers. We are currently seeking Interior and Exterior Creative ...

Stellantis

Senior Creative Designer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$96K - $103K/yr

Stellantis offers designers unrivaled career opportunities in the center of automotive innovation. As our product evolves, so do our Designers. We are currently seeking Interior and Exterior Creative ...

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All JobsAutomotive Exterior Designer Jobs

Automotive Exterior Designer information

See salary details

$50.5K

$73.4K

$91.5K

How much do automotive exterior designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 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 much do GM car designers make?

GM car designers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level within the design team. Senior designers and those with specialized skills or advanced degrees can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits related to the automotive industry environment.

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.

Are automotive designers in demand?

Automotive exterior designers are in demand as automakers focus on innovative and aerodynamic vehicle designs, especially with the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles. The industry values skills in CAD software, creativity, and knowledge of current automotive trends, with employment opportunities often available in automotive manufacturers and design firms.

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.

What is the highest salary for Automotive Designer?

The highest salaries for automotive exterior designers can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for senior or lead roles in major automotive companies. Factors such as experience, location, and the complexity of design work influence compensation levels, with top designers often earning additional bonuses or profit-sharing opportunities.

How to become an OEM exterior designer?

To become an OEM exterior designer, typically a bachelor's degree in industrial design, automotive design, or a related field is required. Building a strong portfolio showcasing design skills, proficiency in CAD software, and understanding of automotive engineering are essential. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in automotive design firms can also help advance to an OEM exterior designer position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automotive Exterior Designer, and why are they important?

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% 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

Senior Automotive Exterior Designer

G-TECH Services

Dearborn, MI • On-site

$36/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 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.