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Senior Automotive Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GABLETEK

Senior Mechanical Designer

Southfield, MI · On-site

Senior Mechanical Designer / Checker - BIW Tooling Company: GableTek Location: Southfield, MI ... Candidates whose experience is primarily in automotive product design, plastic components, sheet ...

GABLETEK

Senior Mechanical Designer

Southfield, MI · On-site

Senior Mechanical Designer / Checker - BIW Tooling Company: GableTek Location: Southfield, MI ... Candidates whose experience is primarily in automotive product design, plastic components, sheet ...

Volkswagen AG

Designer Sr - Interior

Oxnard, CA · On-site

The Senior Designer - Interior creates automotive product interior design concepts and accessories, and transfers chosen concepts into design prototypes in cooperation with on-staff specialists.

Volkswagen AG

Designer Sr - Interior

Oxnard, CA

The Senior Designer - Interior creates automotive product interior design concepts and accessories, and transfers chosen concepts into design prototypes in cooperation with on-staff specialists.

Lucid Motors

Sr. Digital Modeler

Newark, CA

As a Senior Digital Modeler, you will play a crucial role in bringing innovative automotive designs to life. Your expertise in Autodesk Alias will be instrumental in creating high-quality surface ...

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Senior Automotive Designer information

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$59K

$105.9K

$131K

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?

States with the most job openings for Senior Automotive Designer jobs include:

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

Senior Automotive Structures Design & Release Engineer

Dearborn, MI • On-site

HTC Global Services
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about HTC Global Servicesexternal

$92K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead structural design activities from pre-program through vehicle launch.

  • Create and release 3-D CAD designs of automotive sheet metal components and upper body structures.

  • Support supplier and CAE testing, tooling kickoff, prototype build, and manage engineering changes.

Job description

Senior Automotive Structures Design & Release Engineer
Overview / Summary
We are seeking an experienced Structures Design & Release Engineer to lead design engineering activities from pre-program through vehicle launch. The engineer will be responsible for developing automotive sheet metal components and upper body structures that meet customer, manufacturing, regulatory, durability, cost, weight, and timing requirements.
The role focuses on upper body sheet metal, including roof panels and roof ditch, A/B/C/D pillar inner and outer structures, and quarter panel and bodyside upper sheet metal.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead structural design activities from pre-program through vehicle launch.
  • Develop component designs that meet customer requirements and vehicle manufacturing requirements.
  • Understand structural design requirements related to vehicle attributes, including FMVSS, NVH, and safety.
  • Lead Purchasing, Finance, and Cost Estimating activities related to supplier selection and program targets.
  • Interface with engineers responsible for surrounding components and systems, including seats and electrical systems.
  • Create and release 3-D CAD designs that meet system design requirements.
  • Support supplier and CAE testing of structural and closure designs prior to tooling.
  • Support tooling kickoff, supplier part manufacturing, part layout, and part testing.
  • Lead prototype vehicle-level build support for structures.
  • Manage final engineering sign-off and production vehicle launch activities.
  • Design, develop, and release automotive sheet metal components from concept through production.
  • Create and review CAD geometry and support stamping feasibility.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing teams.
  • Resolve quality concerns and support competitive benchmarking studies.
  • Manage engineering changes while meeting cost, weight, timing, and durability requirements.
  • Develop upper body structures to meet roof crush, side impact, durability, and stiffness targets.
  • Conduct CAE correlation reviews and optimize reinforcement strategies.
  • Work with safety and attribute teams to develop roof and pillar structures that meet regulatory and vehicle performance requirements.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Structures Design & Release Engineer.
  • Experience designing, developing, and releasing automotive sheet metal components from concept through production.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Working knowledge of CATIA V5/V6 and/or 3DX CAD.
  • Experience with automotive body structure development.
  • Understanding of vehicle body structural performance requirements.
  • Experience with roof crush, side impact, durability, and stiffness requirements.
  • Experience performing CAE correlation reviews.
  • Experience optimizing reinforcement strategies.
  • Experience working with safety and attribute teams.
  • Experience applying DMAIC and DFSS principles.
  • Experience reviewing and signing off on component drawings and gauging practices.
  • Experience applying 8D, fishbone, and DOE problem-solving methodologies.
  • Experience creating Boundary Diagrams, P-Diagrams, DFMEA, and SCCAFs.
  • Experience reviewing CAE models and CAD drawings.
  • Experience leading design reviews based on Failure Mode Avoidance.
  • Experience maintaining DVP&R and signing off on DV tests, including FMVSS requirements.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Experience executing threaded fastener joint designs and tests.

What Makes HTC A Great Place To Build Your Future
HTC Global Services wants you to join our team. Come build new things with us and advance your career. At HTC Global, you'll collaborate with experts, work alongside clients, and be part of high-performing teams driving success together. You'll have long-term opportunities to grow your career and develop skills in the latest emerging technologies.
At HTC Global Services, our employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits can include Group Health (Medical, Dental, and Vision), Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401(k) matching, Group Life and Disability insurance, Professional Development opportunities, Wellness programs, and a variety of other perks.
Our success as a company is built on inclusion and diversity. HTC Global Services is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, where every employee is treated with dignity and respect. We celebrate differences and believe that diverse cultures, perspectives, and skills drive innovation and success. HTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud National Minority Supplier. We seek to empower each individual, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, included, and respected.
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