Character Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

THE COMPANY

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated sales of 41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.

ContiTech is one of the world's leading industry specialists. The Continental group sector offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe, and convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 42,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.8 billion euros (2023), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe and North and South America.
Are you ready to shape the future with us?

THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA.  There is no relocation or sponsorship available for this role.

Job Description

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

Design and Customer Responsibility:
development of feasible designs (grain, color, prints, combinations) and ensuring of receiving customer approvals incl. documentation within PLC process
being involved in design developments and in design releases for customer projects
identifying customer/market Design needs
design presentations Internal / External
responsibility for the surface design developments with the affected customers
Strategy Design Americas:
support Segment Automotive Interior and Segment LivTec in the Americas region for strategic decision-making and/or acquisition phase of strategic important customer/market projects for the region
networking and expanding partnerships between SSL Design and affected departments at customers
observation of competitive Design technologies/activities together with sales.
Design - Plant Support Winchester
Design and Project Management:
Initiating and/or Monitoring of trial batches through the internal process
Tracking color developments through the internal development process
Tracking grain developments through the internal development process
Tracking color developments through the internal development process
Tracking of internal Design Projects
Customer Projects:
Americas customer project management of Design projects in Americas
Attending color, print, or/and texture evaluations at suppliers, production, customer
Escalation management within the Americas Design department 
Collaboration:
Collaboration and advising all BA SSL stakeholder and departments involved in the Product Life Cycle (PLC) which have an impact on Design related product / production properties (e.g feasibility and impact on BA SSL) 
Building up and extending collaboration between SSL and the affected departments at the customer.  Main task is the acquisition of new projects
Reporting:
reporting based on defined cycles within a defined reporting system (1:1 Meetings, Dashboard, Actionlist etc)
Report status updates, projected timelines to customer
Report to affected internal departments with recommendations basis customer feedback
Reporting and documenting customer approval status (establish ISAR, transfer form roller to serial status, master creation...)
Design Support:
Collecting necessary input from the customers
Presenting color submissions and grain developments to the customer
Building up and extending collaboration between SSL Design and the affected departments at the customer
Support PM team for acquisition of new projects
internal presentations
Team Work:
Team Member within a PM Team.
Responsibility for the surface design developments with the affected customer.
Collaboration with all parties and departments involved in the Product Life Cycle Process PLC.
Collaboration with Creative Design, Automotive Design, LivTec Design, DTS SSL
Trend/Market Research:
Supervision, observation, gathering, and analysis of the American market, especially colors, textures, prints, and materials of competitors
Recognize of Design and color trends of the American market
Observation and analysis of the color and trim area and the surface material of SSL versus competitors' portfolios in regards of color, grains, prints, and structures, surface characteristics, haptics... 
Other:
Traveling to suppliers, fair/tradeshows, and customers
Reports, presentations and updates from customer, shows, events
Preparation of Design Presentations
Presenting of SSL product portfolio design samples and design presentations

THE ENVIRONMENT

• Safety is our highest priority and safety procedures and guidelines must always be adhered to.  Applicants must be able to work in a manufacturing industrial environment and be able to wear personal protective equipment such as safety boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

• Bachelor's Degree in Related Field

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO STAND OUT

• Degree in Design
• 3 years of experience
• Adobe Suite experience
• Previous experience in production and product management

THE PERKS

• Competitive Pay
• Immediate Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts, including tire discounts
• Competitive Bonus Program
• Employer 401(k) Match
• On-Site Gym
• And more benefits that come with working for a global industry leader!

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.