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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 ...

New

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 · 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 ...

New

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 ...

Actalent

Exterior Lighting Enigneer

Warren, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensure lighting designs meet styling, functional, optical performance, safety, regulatory ... Strong understanding of automotive exterior lighting systems and vehicle development processes.

Stellantis

Creative Designer

Auburn Hills, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

$96K - $103K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Designers at Stellantis are encouraged to think bigger, push harder, continually invent, and ... A minimum of 5 years of automotive exterior and/or interior product design experience * Working ...

Expleo

Creative Designer

Troy, MI · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

EXPLEO USA is looking for a Creative Designer to join a dynamic and expanding team in Troy ... Minimum of 2 years of automotive exterior and/or interior product design experience preferred.

Expleo

Creative Designer

Troy, MI · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview EXPLEO USA is looking for a Creative Designer to join a dynamic and expanding team in Troy ... Minimum of 2 years of automotive exterior and/or interior product design experience preferred.

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Showing results 21-40

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 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.
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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.

Exterior Trim Engineer

Purple Hires Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Exterior Trim Engineer – (2 roles to fill very urgent)

Location: Irvine, CA

Responsibilities

 Design of automotive Exterior trim component in a DRE role

•   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, Spoiler etc)

•   Collaborate with key Exterior  system and plastic component suppliers and support overall vehicle development milestones and prototype/production build events

•   Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive exterior / bumper components and subsystem

•   Knowledge of Plastic manufacturing technologies

•   Perform feasibility and packaging study

•   In-depth knowledge of Plastic tooling  and hands on experience in Catia V6  required