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Concept Car Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

QuantumClean

Mechanical Design Eng III

Hayward, CA · On-site

$172K/yr

We indirectly touch every semiconductor chip that goes into every smartphone, smart car, and device ... Perform mechanical design engineering from concept stage through detailed manufacturing drawings ...

ALSO

Wire Harness Design Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

Our mission is to inspire everyone to ride ALSO--replacing many local car, truck and SUV miles with ... Guide the harness from concept to production, including architecture, design, sourcing, testing ...

KLA Corporation

Mechanical Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

... car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the ... from concept through release. The ideal candidate combines solid mechanical engineering ...

Orbotech

Mechanical Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

... car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the ... from concept through release. The ideal candidate combines solid mechanical engineering ...

KLA Corporation

Mechanical Design Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

... car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the ... from concept through release. The ideal candidate combines solid mechanical engineering ...

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All JobsConcept Car Design JobsConcept Car Design Jobs in California

Concept Car Design information

See California salary details

$76K

$121.7K

$170.2K

How much do concept car design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for concept car design in California is $121,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,200.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a concept car design?

A Concept Car Design job involves creating futuristic vehicle designs that showcase new technologies, aesthetics, and innovations for automakers. Designers develop sketches, 3D models, and prototypes to explore new concepts before production feasibility is considered. The role requires expertise in industrial design, automotive engineering, and digital visualization tools. It involves collaboration with engineers, marketers, and executives to align designs with brand vision and market trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the concept car design position?

To thrive in Concept Car Design, you need a strong background in automotive design, 3D modeling, and creative visualization, typically supported by a degree in industrial or automotive design. Mastery of CAD software, tools like Alias or SolidWorks, and familiarity with rapid prototyping technologies are vital. Strong collaboration, communication skills, and the ability to balance creativity with technical constraints make a designer stand out. These abilities are essential to developing innovative, feasible, and visually compelling concept vehicles that can push industry boundaries while meeting practical requirements.

What are the typical team dynamics and collaboration expectations in a concept car design role?

Concept Car Designers usually work as part of multidisciplinary teams that include engineers, digital modelers, and marketing professionals. Collaboration and open communication are vital, as projects require input from various specialties to ensure that innovative concepts are both visually striking and technically feasible. You may participate in brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and prototype evaluations, all while adapting your ideas based on feedback from stakeholders. This dynamic environment fosters creativity and allows designers to learn from adjacent disciplines, making it an excellent opportunity to build a well-rounded skill set and advance in your career.

What are popular job titles related to Concept Car Design jobs in California?

For Concept Car Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Concept Car Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Concept Car Design jobs in California are:

Concept Car Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Concept Car Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,685 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Hyundai Design Center - Sr. Exterior Design Manager

Hyundai Motor Company

Irvine, CA • On-site

$175 - $240/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Hyundai Design Center - Sr. Exterior Design Manager WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Confidently execute design themes from concept to production
  • Be the guiding example of professionalism, experience, and positivity for younger designers to follow
  • Be an Expert in your field.
  • Have a minimum 10 Years of Relevant Experience in the Automotive Design Field or have Significant Concept Cars and/ or Production Cars to your name.
  • Demonstrate the ability to lead a team on a design program from Start to Finish including the model build in Korea.
  • Work With and Parallel to Design Management on project planning, timing and capacities.
  • Be able to present eloquently both verbally and visually
  • Be able to meet with Press as required.
  • To Lead by Example
  • Have a thorough understanding of the relevant aspects of Automotive Engineering.
  • Be able to take over a design for another designer and objectively complete it.
  • Be able to digitally model a Design to a level where it can be milled.
  • Be able to Mentor Younger Designers.
  • Be able to work self-sufficiently with a minimum of direction.
  • Be able to Sketch Model your Design using Alias and/or Maya
  • Be able to understand and react to Engineering Requirements
  • Create compelling and appropriate design proposals for various concept and production car programs in the form of sketches, renderings and 3D digital models.
  • Be able to create Digital Line Plans (3D Tape Drawings) of selected Themes.
  • Research and analyze trends in overall packaging, dimension, materials, products and trends using online and print resources and by attending auto shows and other events. Report on these trends to Management using PowerPoint presentations.
  • Meet with Management, Engineering, Marketing and Design Team to discuss design criteria. Incorporate design criteria provided.
  • Develop design over engineering package using ALIAS and/or Maya software.
  • Oversee the development of models by clay and CAS sculptors and fabricators.
HOW WILL YOU MAKE AN IMPACT
  • Must have cars in production and/or show cars
  • Photoshop
  • VRed
  • Powerpoint
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial, Automotive, or Transportation Design
  • 10+ years of experience
  • Consult with Engineering and Manufacturing to meet styling and manufacturing requirements.
  • Create high-quality ': Publication Images' for use in Press Releases and Design Brochures using Photoshop, ALIAS and/or Maya and VRed, and photographed images.
  • Provide oversight, guidance and support to vendors producing one-of-a-kind ': Concept Vehicles' for auto shows worldwide.
  • Travel to Korea to oversee further product development by working with Namyang Design and Engineering teams and offsite vendors for model builds.
  • Benchmark competitive vehicles to aid design direction.
  • Travel up to 20% of time domestically and internationally.
  • Candidate applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
  • HATCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.
WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU
  • Zero dollar employee premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for you and your family
  • 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, sick and abundant holidays
  • A global environment that fosters diversity
  • Compensation Range: $175,000 ~ $240,000
  • Retirement savings and planning benefits
  • Flexible work hours, and hybrid work schedule options
  • Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
  • Up to 20% travel (domestic and international)
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