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Automotive Exterior Lighting Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Design Resign Engineer (Exterior Lighting Engineer)

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$40 - $42/hr

Seeking an experienced Exterior Lighting Engineer / Design Release Engineer (DRE) to support the design, development, validation, and release of automotive exterior lighting systems including ...

New

Optimal

Exterior Lighting Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

The Exterior Lighting Engineer is a multi-disciplinary technical authority responsible for the ... automotive lighting or similar components CAD Capable (such as CATIA, 3DX, Teamcenter ...

Epitec

Design and Release Engineer - Exterior

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$37 - $42.25/hr

Exterior Lighting Engineer Dearborn, MI | Hybrid Schedule Are you passionate about automotive lighting, product development, and vehicle technology? We are seeking an experienced Exterior Lighting ...

Ford Motor Company

Lighting Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$65K - $166K/yr

The Ford Exterior Lighting Engineer role spans a variety of engineering fields including mechanical ... automotive and/or lighting applications experience (inclusive of professional, co-op, and ...

Hyundai Motor Company

Lighting Engineer

Superior, MI · On-site

Design, develop, and release exterior and interior lamps for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis NA ... S. automotive lighting regulations (i.e., FMVSS 108) * Understanding of ECE and/or Canadian ...

Ford Motor Company

Lighting Engineer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$65K - $166K/yr

The Ford Exterior Lighting Engineer role spans a variety of engineering fields including mechanical ... Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering discipline * 2+ years of related automotive and/or ...

Hyundai Motor Company

Design, develop, and release exterior and interior lamps for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis NA ... S. automotive lighting regulations (i.e., FMVSS 108) * Understanding of ECE and/or Canadian ...

Magna

Integrated Lighting Systems Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

The Integrated Lighting Systems Engineer develops integrated lighting solutions for exterior automotive systems, with a primary focus on accent lighting, illuminated exterior features, and new ...

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Automotive Exterior Lighting Engineer information

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How much do automotive exterior lighting engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for automotive exterior lighting engineer in the United States is $35.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automotive exterior lighting engineer do?

An Automotive Exterior Lighting Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing the lighting systems found on the exterior of vehicles, such as headlights, taillights, and turn signals. They ensure these lighting systems meet safety regulations, aesthetic requirements, and performance standards. Their work involves collaborating with design and manufacturing teams, selecting suitable materials and technologies, and troubleshooting issues related to lighting performance. The role often requires knowledge of electronics, optics, and automotive industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive exterior lighting engineer?

To thrive as an Automotive Exterior Lighting Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, knowledge of lighting technologies, and experience in automotive design standards. Familiarity with CAD software, photometric analysis tools, and relevant industry certifications such as SAE or ISO standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this position. These competencies ensure the development of innovative, compliant, and high-quality lighting systems that meet both regulatory requirements and customer expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by automotive exterior lighting engineers during the product development cycle?

Automotive Exterior Lighting Engineers often encounter challenges balancing innovative design with strict safety and regulatory requirements. They must collaborate closely with designers, suppliers, and regulatory teams to ensure lighting components meet performance standards, such as brightness and beam pattern, while also fitting seamlessly into the vehicle’s exterior styling. Additionally, integrating advanced technologies like LEDs or adaptive lighting can present technical hurdles related to thermal management, durability, and cost constraints. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to successfully navigate these complexities throughout the development process.

What is the difference between Automotive Exterior Lighting Engineer vs Automotive Interior Lighting Engineer?

AspectAutomotive Exterior Lighting EngineerAutomotive Interior Lighting Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in lighting designBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in interior design or lighting
Work EnvironmentDesigning exterior lighting systems, testing on vehicle prototypesDesigning interior lighting, working on vehicle dashboards and cabins
Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturing, lighting suppliersAutomotive interior component manufacturers, vehicle interior design

Automotive Exterior Lighting Engineers focus on designing and testing lighting systems like headlights and taillights, while Automotive Interior Lighting Engineers specialize in interior cabin lighting. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the automotive industry, but they target different vehicle lighting aspects.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Exterior Lighting Engineer jobs?

For Automotive Exterior Lighting Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Automotive Exterior Lighting Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,934 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Exterior Lighting Engineer

Irvine, CA • On-site

Purple Hires Inc
See more jobs at Purple Hires Incexternal

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Exterior Lighting Engineer –

Location: Irvine, CA

Responsibilities

  • MUST HAVE experience as a Lighting DRE (Min 3 years)
  • Good knowledge of Automotive exterior lighting systems along with Key components (Head Lamp, Tail Lamp, Center light panel, corner lamps)
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in automotive interior and exterior lighting design
  • Work with Styling team to perform feasibility studies, Check A-class surface and define craftsman ship target. 
  • Ability to create and completion of all lighting components and perform manufacturing feasibility
  • Design of automotive component parts in CATIA V6. 
  • Actively engage with Tier-I suppliers to collaborate on design projects for trading off cost, mass, joining methods, molding and testing performance.
  • Good knowledge of manufacturing processes
  • Complete and release lighting components, sub-system and detail designs
  • Interpret simulation results and integrate recommendations into product design