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Automotive Exterior Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

Czinger

Automotive Visualization Designer

Torrance, CA · On-site

Support the development of bespoke customer vehicle specifications, including exterior colors ... Experience working directly with automotive designers and Class-A surface modelers. * Experience ...

Czinger

Automotive Visualization Designer

Torrance, CA · On-site

Support the development of bespoke customer vehicle specifications, including exterior colors ... Experience working directly with automotive designers and Class-A surface modelers. * Experience ...

North American Lighting

Packaging Engineer - I

Paris, IL · On-site

$63K - $82K/yr

As the market share leader in exterior automotive lighting, NAL provides advanced lighting ... Designs expendable and returnable packaging, as required, for NAL products shipped to customers in ...

eShocan

P100892 Perceived Quality Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

Recommend alternative surface designs, cutlines, and interface solutions to the Design Studio to ... Minimum of 2 full program cycle experience from concept to production launch in automotive Exterior ...

North American Lighting

Packaging Engineer - I

Paris, IL · On-site

$63K - $82K/yr

As the market share leader in exterior automotive lighting, NAL provides advanced lighting ... Designs expendable and returnable packaging, as required, for NAL products shipped to customers in ...

Prolim Global

Automotive Styling Designer

Nappanee, IN · On-site

Automotive Styling Designer (CAS & Class A Surfacing) Location: Nappanee, Indiana, USA Experience ... Develop advanced exterior and/or interior theme proposals * Communicate design intent through ...

Lucid Motors

Staff SIE, Exterior Trim

Southfield, MI · On-site

... exterior designs while ensuring robust supplier industrialization and adherence to quality ... You Bring: * 5+ years of high-volume automotive manufacturing experience supporting Exterior Trim ...

North American Lighting

Process Engineer - Sr

Paris, IL · On-site

$78K - $117K/yr

As the market share leader in exterior automotive lighting, NAL provides advanced lighting ... Advises and educates product launch teams on material and process capability for product designs.

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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.
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.

Creative Designer

Stellantis

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 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

At Stellantis, Creative Designers are influential in driving our pride and passion for world-class products across our wide portfolio of brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and SRT. Our designers help set the pace for the company by developing concepts for new and exciting driving experiences. Designers at Stellantis are encouraged to think bigger, push harder, continually invent, and reinvent automotive technologies and designs. 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 Designers with a variety of backgrounds and experience levels to work in our Design Studio. With the use of technology, design candidates must demonstrate excellent 2D and 3D communication and visualization skills. Design team members must have strong leadership and presentation skills. They must also be able to collaborate with Engineers and Developers as they work on diverse programs and projects. Related work experience and emphasis on modeling are also required.

We’re looking for people who thrive in a fast-paced environment, deliver as a way of life and are inspired to make a positive impact. Team members are expected to establish effective working relationships, founded on trust and transparency, with our internal and external partners. Sound judgment, excellent communication skills and the ability to drive decisions through consensus and influence change are a must.

Basic Qualifications: 

  • A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, or BS in Industrial, Product, or Automotive Design 
  • Working knowledge of Alias, Illustrator, and Photoshop 
  • Ability to create both production and advanced design proposals while demonstrating exceptional design intuition 
  • Ability to artistically represent 2-D and 3-D concepts using a wide variety of presentation techniques, including manual/digital sketching, ALIAS, Photoshop and/or similar programs 
  • Experience with manual and digital sketching 
  • Ability to work with a project team of Technical Engineers, clay sculptors and fabrication specialists is preferred 
  • Strong presentation and design communication skills 
  • Must possess an exceptional awareness of the global state of automotive design concepts and emerging design trends 
  • Must submit portfolio along with application to be considered a viable candidate for the position 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • A minimum of 2 years of automotive exterior and/or interior product design experience 

Portfolio Requirements:
This position requires a portfolio be submitted with your application. Applications will not be processed without meeting this requirement. Please ensure your portfolio meets the following requirements:

  • Your portfolio should represent your skills as it pertains to the position to which you're applying
  • Your most current work should be presented first and displayed in descending order of most current to oldest
  • When appropriate, provide a brief description of your contributions to work that is submitted for review. (i.e.: if a full model is presented, provide explanation to explain you were responsible for the full model or that your involvement was limited to specific areas of the model)
  • Although depictions of your professional work are needed, you're also welcome to submit work you've accomplished on a personal basis; however, the two should be separated and kept in separate sections of the portfolio
  • When naming your portfolio, please use the following naming convention: Lastname-firstname-portfolio.pdf

Our Benefits — Designed with You in Mind

Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage
From your very first day, you’ll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage — ensuring you and your family stay healthy and protected.

Generous Paid Time Off
We believe in work-life balance. That’s why we offer: 17+ paid holidays, including shut-down from December 24th through New Years Day every year. Vacation, float & wellbeing days, sick time and fully paid parental leave when your family needs you most.

Competitive Retirement Savings Plans
We help you plan for the future with:

  • An employer match on contributions to your 401k, Roth, and Catch-Up plans
  • An employer contribution, even if you don’t contribute

Income Protection & Insurance Options
Benefit from included and optional disability, life, and other insurance programs — because your peace of mind matters.

Company Vehicle Lease Program
Eligible employees and their immediate families can enjoy company vehicle lease options with included insurance, maintenance, and unlimited mileage. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts on Stellantis products.

Family Building Benefit
We proudly support all paths to parenthood- including fertility and infertility treatments, adoption services, and gestational surrogacy.

Support for Your Growth and Giving Back
We believe in investing in your future and your passions:

  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Student loan refinancing programs
  • 18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your community

And so much more!
When you join us, you’re not just building a career — you’re joining a company that supports you, inside and outside of work.

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