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Automotive Exterior Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Purple Hires Inc

Exterior Trim Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Develop and execute Exterior Trim system requirements for Automotive (Cars and SUVs) * Complete and release exterior components, sub-system and detail designs (Bumper, Facia, Cladding, Garnish ...

Actalent

PCB Designer - Exterior Lighting

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$36 - $50/hr

PCB Design Engineer - Exterior Lighting Position Summary We are seeking a PCB Design Engineer to ... The ideal candidate will have experience designing automotive electronic hardware, LED-based ...

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 · 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 · 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 ...

Purple Hires Inc

Exterior Lighting Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Good knowledge of Automotive exterior lighting systems along with Key components (Head Lamp, Tail ... Complete and release lighting components, sub-system and detail designs * Interpret simulation ...

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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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 6, 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.
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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.

Body & Exterior Trim Designer

Stellantis

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Stellantis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 45 rated automakers

Job description

The Body Designer is responsible for creating 3D designs using NX and Teamcenter for various Exterior Trim components and assemblies. This role involves participation in the entire design process—from conceptual model creation to production-level design and detailing.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Designing, laying out, and maintaining NX CAD models and 2D drawings.
  • Supporting engineers, design supervisors, design leaders, and other designers as needed.
  • Ensuring accuracy and compliance with design standards throughout the development cycle.

This position offers hands-on involvement in the design and development of Body systems, providing an excellent opportunity to build foundational skills in automotive design.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Education:
    • Minimum of an high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Technical Skills:
    • Minimum of 5 years of training or work experience in NX (Unigraphics) automotive design.
    • Minimum of 5 year of practical knowledge of vehicles and the vehicle assembly process.
    • Basic understanding or coursework on manufacturing processes (e.g., stamping, welding, molding, casting).
    • Strong mechanical aptitude.
  • Software Skills:
    • Experienced with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate degree or higher in Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, or related field.
  • 8+ Years of Designer Experience
  • Experience with Teamcenter or similar PLM systems.
  • Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
  • Exposure to automotive Body-in-White sheetmetal systems or related components.
  • Exposure to automotive Exterior Trim plastic or related components.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative team environment and communicate effectively.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

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