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Exterior Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer for our design studios in Dearborn.Working on Advanced & Production Exterior projects the successful candidate ...

KIA Exterior Designer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $165K/yr

KIA Exterior Designer KIA America Design Center is currently looking for an Exterior Designer forour Design Studio in Irvine, CA that will: WHAT YOU WILL DO * Create innovative and compelling ...

Senior Exterior Designer

Justin, TX · On-site

$120K - $128K/yr

Job Title Senior Exterior Designer About Canoo Canoo's mission is to bring EVs to Everyone and build a world-class team to deploy this sustainable mobility revolution. We have developed breakthrough ...

Senior Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

$96K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer to join our team in the new Ford World Headquarters Design Studios. Working alongside a talented team ...

Senior Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$96K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer to join our team in the new Ford World Headquarters Design Studios. Working alongside a talented team ...

Senior Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$65K - $166K/yr

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer to join our team in the new Ford World Headquarters Design Studios. Working alongside a talented team ...

The Role General Motors is seeking a creative Exterior Designer to join the Advanced Design / Architectural Framing Studio. This role focuses on shaping forward-looking vehicle concepts and exterior ...

The Role General Motors is seeking a creative Exterior Designer to join the Advanced Design / Architectural Framing Studio. This role focuses on shaping forward-looking vehicle concepts and exterior ...

The Role General Motors is seeking a creative Exterior Designer to join the Advanced Design / Architectural Framing Studio. This role focuses on shaping forward-looking vehicle concepts and exterior ...

The Role General Motors is seeking a creative Exterior Designer to join the Advanced Design / Architectural Framing Studio. This role focuses on shaping forward-looking vehicle concepts and exterior ...

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Exterior Designer information

See salary details

$21.5K

$65.4K

$112K

How much do exterior designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for exterior designer in the United States is $65,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become an exterior designer?

To become an exterior designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships and developing skills in design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp are important, along with building a strong portfolio to showcase your work. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region or specific job requirements.

What does an Exterior Designer do?

An Exterior Designer is responsible for creating the visual appearance and functionality of the outside surfaces of buildings, vehicles, or products. They focus on elements such as shape, color, materials, and overall aesthetics to ensure the exterior is both attractive and practical. Exterior Designers often collaborate with architects, engineers, and clients to bring design concepts to life while considering factors like durability, environment, and brand identity. Their goal is to enhance curb appeal and user experience through thoughtful design choices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exterior Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exterior Designer, you need a solid background in architecture or industrial design, strong spatial awareness, and an understanding of materials and construction methods. Proficiency in CAD software, 3D modeling programs like SketchUp or Rhino, and knowledge of sustainability standards are often required. Creativity, effective communication, and attention to detail are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure that designs are both visually appealing and practically feasible, meeting client needs and regulatory requirements.

How does an exterior designer typically collaborate with architects and engineers during a project?

Exterior designers work closely with architects and engineers to ensure that their design concepts are both aesthetically pleasing and structurally feasible. Early in a project, they participate in joint planning sessions to align on vision, materials, and budget constraints. Throughout the process, exterior designers regularly review architectural drawings and engineering specifications, providing input on façade treatments, color schemes, and material selection. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as exterior designers must balance creative ideas with technical requirements to deliver cohesive, buildable solutions.

What is the difference between Exterior Designer vs Landscape Architect?

AspectExterior DesignerLandscape Architect
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in design or architecture, certifications varyRequires a professional license (e.g., landscape architecture license), degree in landscape architecture
Work EnvironmentDesigns building exteriors, often in architectural firms or design studiosDesigns outdoor spaces, working in landscape architecture firms or on-site
Industry UsageCommonly employed in architecture, real estate, and residential/commercial designPrimarily in urban planning, environmental design, and public space projects

While both roles focus on outdoor aesthetics, Exterior Designers mainly concentrate on building exteriors, whereas Landscape Architects design outdoor environments and landscapes. Their skills and certifications differ, but both contribute to enhancing outdoor spaces in architecture and urban planning projects.

More about Exterior Designer jobs
What states have the most Exterior Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Exterior Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Exterior Designer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,444 per year, or $31.5 per hour.
Exterior Designer

$86K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.


Join us in shaping the future of Ford Motor Company, as part of a global organization with exceptional colleagues in world-class facilities. As part of Ford Design, you'll be at the cutting edge of Ford's most strategically critical work, designing people and society's needs into the heart of our next generation of products, services, and experiences.

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer for our design studios in Dearborn.Working on Advanced & Production Exterior projects the successful candidate will have to develop both conceptual and production based on Exterior solutions in the form of sketch, rendering and 3D digital models. 

You'll have...

  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, or equivalent; can include graduates earning their degree in the same calendar term 

  • 4-5+ years of experience in Automotive or Transportation Design experience; including experience with final design product execution, and Internships with transportation design companies

  • Ability to interpret customer needs and global trends into compelling design.

  • Ability to work independently and provide strong technical aesthetic judgment to lead team members. 

  • Awareness of global automotive and consumer electronics to ensure Ford competes with the ability to lead.   

  • Demonstrated creative exterior/interior design perceptions and capability. A design portfolio (pdf) must be provided upon application. 

  • Collaborate with Engineering, Suppliers and other partners to progress design development.

  • Must have exceptional design intuition, strong problem-solving skills and a superior ability to visually communicate through sketches, and renderings.  

  • Ability to translate 2D to 3D and think three-dimensionally with a strong emphasis on proportions and a refined sense of form also required. 

  • Familiarizes self and maintains interest with design trends within and across design professions and global cultures (automotive, fashion, architectural, etc.)  

  • Outstanding teamwork, leadership, visual, written, and verbal communication skills 

Even better, you may have...

  • Global Exterior design experience of 10+ Years. 

  • Good understanding of exterior manufacturing process and materials.  

  • Passionate about automotive and mobility industry, global trends, innovation and customer needs 

  • Experience of working in or with creative cultures 

  • Experience of working in large, corporate environments 

  • Experience of managing multiple stakeholders across complex projects 

  • Experience of presenting to executive audiences 

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service 
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day 
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time. 

This position is a salary grade 7-8 and ranges from $86,600-$166,200.      
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid

 #FDIEJOB  #LI-SC3 

What you'll do...

  • Having the ability to think creatively, strategically, and analytically. 
  • Create compelling and innovative exterior design experiences and visions for Design Projects.
  • Coordinate the work of other design personnel to achieve holistic design visions. 
  • Create future brand focused design visions. 
  • Span digital and physical (software and hardware) thinking. 
  • Problems solve around topics of connectivity, mobility and consumer segments. 


Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982