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Internship Automotive Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ford Motor Company

Exterior Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$86K - $166K/yr

... and Internships with transportation design companies * Ability to interpret customer needs and ... Awareness of global automotive and consumer electronics to ensure Ford competes with the ability to ...

Circa - IPG DXTRA

Designer

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$58K - $72K/yr

... or internship experience (digital, social and/or print) Must have a portfolio (may include spec ... Automotive is a plus (but not mandatory) Possess a strong desire to learn and work on both large ...

Weber Shandwick

Designer

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$58K - $72K/yr

Animation skills a plus, but not mandatory Qualifications * 2+ years of work and/or internship ... Experience working on Automotive is a plus (but not mandatory) * Possess a strong desire to learn ...

Circa - IPG DXTRA

Designer

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$58K - $72K/yr

Animation skills a plus, but not mandatory Qualifications * 2+ years of work and/or internship ... Experience working on Automotive is a plus (but not mandatory) * Possess a strong desire to learn ...

Dtna

UX/UI Product Designer

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$71K - $91K/yr

... with internship experience or up to 1-2 years in UX/UI or product design. * Required: Academic focus in automotive UX/UI, HMI, or in-vehicle interaction design, or hands-on experience designing ...

Circa - IPG DXTRA

Designer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$58K - $72K/yr

Animation skills a plus, but not mandatory Qualifications * 2+ years of work and/or internship ... Experience working on Automotive is a plus (but not mandatory) * Possess a strong desire to learn ...

WEBER SHANDWICK

Designer

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$58K - $72K/yr

Animation skills a plus, but not mandatory Qualifications * 2+ years of work and/or internship ... Experience working on Automotive is a plus (but not mandatory) * Possess a strong desire to learn ...

WEBER SHANDWICK

Designer

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$58K - $72K/yr

Animation skills a plus, but not mandatory Qualifications * 2+ years of work and/or internship ... Experience working on Automotive is a plus (but not mandatory) * Possess a strong desire to learn ...

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How much do internship automotive designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship automotive designer in the United States is $16.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during an internship as an automotive designer?

As an automotive design intern, you’ll typically assist with concept sketches, digital renderings, and 3D modeling to support the design team. You may be involved in brainstorming sessions, preparing presentations, and refining design elements under the guidance of senior designers. Interns often receive feedback and mentoring, and may have the opportunity to work on real vehicle components or participate in collaborative workshops. This hands-on experience helps you build a portfolio and understand the workflow within a professional design studio.

What does an Internship Automotive Designer do?

An Internship Automotive Designer assists professional automotive designers in creating concepts and designs for vehicles. Their duties often include sketching ideas, developing 3D models, conducting research on materials and trends, and collaborating with engineering and marketing teams. Interns gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and processes, helping bring innovative vehicles from concept to reality. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates looking to start a career in automotive design.

What is the difference between Internship Automotive Designer vs Automotive Designer?

AspectInternship Automotive DesignerAutomotive Designer
CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of design or automotive programBachelor's or master's degree in automotive design or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, entry-level projects, supervised tasksFull-time professional role, independent project work
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive companies, design studios, internships for studentsAutomotive manufacturers, design firms, industry standard role
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for entry-level or learning opportunities in automotive designSeeking professional automotive design roles and career growth

In summary, an Internship Automotive Designer is a temporary, entry-level position for students or recent graduates gaining industry experience. An Automotive Designer is a full-time professional responsible for creating vehicle designs, requiring more experience and credentials. The internship serves as a stepping stone toward a full career in automotive design.

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

To thrive as an Internship Automotive Designer, you need a solid grasp of design principles, creativity, and proficiency in automotive design concepts, usually supported by coursework in industrial or automotive design. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Autodesk Alias, CATIA, or Adobe Creative Suite is highly valued, and a strong portfolio often serves as a key credential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate with engineers and other designers while conveying your ideas clearly. These skills and qualities are essential for developing innovative, feasible designs that meet both aesthetic and functional automotive standards.
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What cities are hiring for Internship Automotive Designer jobs? Cities with the most Internship Automotive Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Designer jobs? The most popular types of Automotive Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Automotive Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Automotive Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Internship Automotive Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Automotive Designer jobs are:
Internship Automotive Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Automotive Designer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,957 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Senior Exterior Automotive Designer

Mercedes-Benz R&D North America

Carlsbad, CA • On-site

$105K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), we are committed to delivering world-class automotive technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible. Our teams of highly skilled engineers and designers use cutting-edge software and technology, to enhance the driving experience and reduce environmental impact.
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Exterior Automotive Designer to join the Advanced Exterior Design Team located in Carlsbad, CA. This is an opportunity to shape the future of Mercedes-Benz vehicles by contributing to Advanced and Production Design projects, crafting cutting-edge exterior concepts, and driving innovation that aligns with the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Create compelling and innovative vehicle concepts, from ideation to final presentation.
  • Develop high-quality 2D sketches, rendering, and tape drawings to visualize and communicate creative ideas.
  • Translate 2D concepts into 3D clay scale and hard modeling, working closely with modelers and engineers.
  • Conduct market and design trend research to benchmark competitors and anticipate future automotive aesthetics.
  • Present design proposals to internal teams and leadership using advanced rendering and visualization techniques.
  • Stay current with emerging automotive technologies, materials, and sustainable design trends.
  • Support higher level Designers and Modelers to foster creativity.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Automotive Design, Transportation Design, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of professional experience in an automotive design studio with a strong exterior design portfolio.
  • Exceptional sketching, rendering, and visualization skills.
  • Strong understanding of automotive architecture, aerodynamics, and engineering principles.
  • Proficiency in CAD tools.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented studio environment.
  • Strong communication and presentations skills.
  • Proven ability to lead at all levels and take on managerial responsibilities as needed.
  • Willingness to travel (10-25%) domestically and internationally as needed.
  • Frequent use of speech, vision, hearing, use of hands for computer use, taping models and presentations. Frequent sitting, standing and reaching with hands.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • CAD Proficiency.
  • Minimum 5 years of professional design experience in an automotive design studio.

The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on a wide range of factors, including, but not limited to, job-related education, skills, and experience, geographic location, and market conditions. The current salary range for this position is as follows and may be modified in the future: $120,000 - $150,000.
Why should you apply?
Here at MBRDNA, you create digital ecosystems around cars, you design a language between humans and machines, you make a car even more intelligent - you make the new reality for cars. MBRDNA was honored as one of the "Best Places to Work" by BuiltIn in January 2024, a testament to our commitment to creating an exceptional work environment. At each of our offices, we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, ensuring every team member can thrive and innovate.
Benefits for Full-Time* Employees Include:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• 401(k) with employer match
• Up to 15 company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (flexible time off for salaried employees), sick time, and parental leave
• Tuition assistance program
• Wellness/Fitness reimbursement programs
* Internships & Contractors excluded from Full-Time Employee benefits
MBRDNA is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and strongly supports diversity in the workforce. MBRDNA only accepts resumes from approved agencies who have a valid Agency Agreement on file. Please do not forward resumes to our applicant tracking system, MBRDNA employees, or send to any MBRDNA location. MBRDNA is not responsible for any fees or claims related to receipt of unsolicited resumes.
Mercedes-Benz Research and Development North America, Inc.
PRIVACY NOTICE FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS
https://mbrdna.com/california-employee-privacy-notice/

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