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Senior Automotive Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HTC Global Services, Inc.

$74K - $100K/yr

Senior Automotive Structures Design & Release Engineer Location: Dearborn (MI) | Employment Type ... Develop component designs that meet customer requirements and vehicle manufacturing requirements.

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How much do senior automotive designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior automotive designer in the United States is $105,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior automotive designer do?

A Senior Automotive Designer leads the creative process of conceptualizing, designing, and developing the exterior and interior of vehicles. They work closely with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the designs are not only visually appealing but also functional, safe, and manufacturable. In addition to sketching and modeling, Senior Automotive Designers often mentor junior designers and oversee the entire design process from initial concept to final production. Their role involves staying updated with industry trends and integrating new technologies and materials into their designs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior automotive designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Automotive Designer, you need advanced skills in automotive design, 3D modeling, and a degree in industrial or transportation design. Expertise in industry-standard tools like Autodesk Alias, CATIA, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with a strong portfolio, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for developing innovative, functional, and aesthetically appealing vehicles that meet both client and market demands.

What are some typical collaboration practices for senior automotive designers within multidisciplinary teams?

Senior Automotive Designers frequently collaborate with engineers, product managers, and marketing teams to ensure that vehicle designs are both aesthetically appealing and technically feasible. They often participate in cross-functional meetings, contribute to design reviews, and provide feedback on prototypes. Effective communication and the ability to integrate feedback from multiple departments are essential, as the design must meet safety, manufacturing, and market requirements. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and allows designers to see their concepts evolve from sketches to production models.

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

AspectSenior Automotive DesignerAutomotive Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or related field; 3+ years experienceBachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or related field; entry-level to 2 years experience
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, automotive manufacturers, R&D departmentsDesign studios, automotive companies, freelance projects
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by automotive companies for experienced rolesUsed by automotive companies for entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Automotive Designer and an Automotive Designer lies in experience and responsibility. Senior Automotive Designers typically have more years of experience, lead design projects, and contribute to strategic design decisions. Automotive Designers are often in the early stages of their careers, focusing on executing design concepts under supervision. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the senior role demands a higher level of expertise and leadership within the automotive industry.

What cities are hiring for Senior Automotive Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior 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 Senior Automotive Designer jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Senior Automotive Designer jobs?

For Senior Automotive Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Senior Automotive Designer jobs near you

Automotive Lighting Designer

Irvine, CA • On-site

Global Connect Technologies
See more jobs at Global Connect Technologiesexternal

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Location: Irvine, CA

Client: Rivian

Experience: 0–2 years | 6+ months of relevant experience will be considered

Job Description

We are looking for an Entry-Level Automotive Lighting Designer to support automotive lighting and lamp design activities for our client Rivian in Irvine, CA. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with a background in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Design, or Product Design who have hands-on experience with CATIA and an interest in automotive lighting systems.

The ideal candidate will have exposure to automotive components, lighting/lamp design, 3D modeling, and engineering drawings.

Key Responsibilities
  • Support the design and development of automotive lighting and lamp components using CATIA.
  • Create and modify 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings for automotive lighting components.
  • Assist with the design of headlamps, tail lamps, signal lamps, and other exterior/interior lighting components.
  • Work with senior engineers and designers to develop components based on engineering requirements and specifications.
  • Review designs for fit, form, function, manufacturability, and packaging requirements.
  • Support design changes, revisions, and documentation throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and supplier engineering teams.
  • Assist with design reviews, issue resolution, and continuous improvement activities.
  • Follow automotive engineering standards, design guidelines, and company processes.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Product Design, or a related field.
  • 0–2 years of experience in automotive design, mechanical design, or lighting/lamp design.
  • 6+ months of relevant experience will also be considered.
  • Hands-on experience with CATIA.
  • Basic understanding of mechanical design and engineering principles.
  • Exposure to automotive lighting, lamps, headlamps, tail lamps, or related components is preferred.
  • Ability to understand engineering drawings, 3D models, and basic GD&T concepts.
  • Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering environment.
Preferred Skills
  • Automotive OEM or Tier-1 supplier experience.
  • Experience with CATIA V5/V6.
  • Knowledge of automotive exterior/interior components.
  • Understanding of plastic components, injection molding, and basic DFM/DFA concepts.
  • Experience with automotive packaging and component integration.
  • Familiarity with engineering change processes and product development lifecycle.
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