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Vehicle Architecture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As the Director of Vehicle Architecture, you will report to the Head of Program Engineering and lead the Craftsmanship, Dimensional, Vehicle Packaging, and Ergonomics teams to drive cross-functional ...

Lead Vehicle Architecture Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

$88K - $116K/yr

Job Title Lead Vehicle Architecture Engineer 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 ...

In Vehicle Network Architect

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$59.75 - $80.25/hr

This role is crucial for enabling the evolution of our next-generation vehicle architecture. In this crucial, hands-on role, you will own the definition and release of the core communication building ...

$109K - $144K/yr

Lead early-stage vehicle architecture development through system-level simulation, trade studies, and performance analysis. * Define and evaluate vehicle dynamic targets, attributes, and performance ...

Vehicle Systems Engineer

Newark, CA · On-site

$113K - $156K/yr

This role is central to integrating features, attributes, and customer experiences into the vehicle architecture, defining the blueprint for our next-generation vehicles. Responsibilities: Work with ...

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How much do vehicle architecture jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for vehicle architecture in the United States is $16.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Vehicle Architecture vs Vehicle Design?

AspectVehicle ArchitectureVehicle Design
Primary FocusOverall vehicle structure, systems integration, and engineering layoutExterior and interior aesthetics, styling, and user experience
Required SkillsMechanical engineering, systems integration, CAD, engineering principlesIndustrial design, creativity, CAD, ergonomics
Work EnvironmentEngineering labs, R&D centers, manufacturing plantsDesign studios, concept development labs
Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, engineering firmsAutomotive brands, design studios, suppliers

Vehicle Architecture focuses on the technical and engineering aspects of vehicle structure and systems, ensuring safety and functionality. Vehicle Design emphasizes aesthetics and user experience, shaping the vehicle's appearance and interior. Both roles are essential in automotive development but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What is vehicle architecture?

Vehicle architecture refers to the fundamental design and structural layout of a vehicle, including how its major systems—such as the chassis, powertrain, electrical systems, and body components—are organized and integrated. It serves as the blueprint for vehicle development, ensuring that all parts work together efficiently to meet safety, performance, and regulatory requirements. Vehicle architects play a crucial role in balancing factors like weight, cost, manufacturing complexity, and future scalability when defining these frameworks.

How does a Vehicle Architecture professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the development process?

Vehicle Architecture professionals regularly work with design, engineering, manufacturing, and electronics teams to ensure all vehicle systems integrate seamlessly. They facilitate communication between different departments to resolve technical challenges and align on requirements, timelines, and budgets. This role often involves coordinating design reviews, troubleshooting integration issues, and making decisions that balance performance, cost, and manufacturability. Effective collaboration is essential for delivering a cohesive vehicle that meets safety, regulatory, and customer expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vehicle Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vehicle Architect, you need a solid background in mechanical or automotive engineering, with expertise in vehicle systems integration and design principles. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards such as ISO 26262 or AUTOSAR is typically essential. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set candidates apart in managing complex projects and cross-functional collaboration. These skills ensure that vehicle designs meet safety, performance, and regulatory requirements while fostering innovation and efficiency.
More about Vehicle Architecture jobs
What cities are hiring for Vehicle Architecture jobs? Cities with the most Vehicle Architecture job openings:
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Architecture jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Architecture jobs are:
Director, Vehicle Architecture

Director, Vehicle Architecture

Lucid Motors

Newark, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Lucid Motors rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 rated automakers


Job description

Leading the future in luxury electric and mobility
At Lucid, we set out to introduce the most captivating, luxury electric vehicles that elevate the human experience and transcend the perceived limitations of space, performance, and intelligence. Vehicles that are intuitive, liberating, and designed for the future of mobility.
 
We plan to lead in this new era of luxury electric by returning to the fundamentals of great design where every decision we make is in service of the individual and environment. Because when you are no longer bound by convention, you are free to define your own experience.
 
Come work alongside some of the most accomplished minds in the industry. Beyond providing competitive salaries, were providing a community for innovators who want to make an immediate and significant impact. If you are driven to create a better, more sustainable future, then this is the right place for you.

As the Director of Vehicle Architecture, you will report to the Head of Program Engineering and lead the Craftsmanship, Dimensional, Vehicle Packaging, and Ergonomics teams to drive cross-functional excellence across the full engineering discipline. You will sit / meet daily with the leads of each engineering team and company executives to deliver strategic developments on future vehicle projects, as well as cost-saving and quality- improvement activities on existing groundbreaking products. You will be a figurehead of engineering and academic excellence and be able to communicate at a fundamental first-principles level.

The Program Engineering team is responsible for aligning direction of each vehicle product for design, attributes, cost targets, and lead cross functional teams to achieve defined goals. You will be a decision maker for concept freezes, engineering changes and sourcing with engineering sign-off responsibility for the change management process.

This role is open to engineers who have proven technical excellence and management experience of small-medium sized teams. This role will be filled by someone who is passionate about working together to make groundbreaking products with amazing innovation and a collaborative spirit.

You Will:

  • Contribute to the forming of a new Vehicle Architecture department, lead the definition of the organizational structure, and define roles/responsibilities of the team.
  • Maintain a level of engineering excellence and drive/mentor the same across the engineering verticals in a matrixed organisation.
  • Cross-functionally pull teams together to design and develop a singular cohesive product vision.
  • Drive issue resolution from initial review through concepting, ultimate change management approval and implementation.
  • Represent and report technical program status in executive reviews, sourcing councils and issue tracking meetings.
  • Work closely with stakeholders and attribute owners across the company which includes (but is not limited to): Vehicle Safety, Vehicle Dynamics, NVH, Durability, Design Studio, Manufacturing and Quality.
  • Manage multiple complex projects in a demanding environment.
  • Be a force for good, a source of positivity and a role model for the engineering teams.

You Bring:

  • 10+ postgraduate years working in the automotive industry or equivalent.
  • Demonstrable experience of designing in 3-dimensional space.
  • Exceptional understanding of vehicle architecture and dimensional control in a manufacturing environment.
  • Hands-on practical experience in prototype assembly, vehicle assembly or vehicle service.
  • Experience and/or good knowledge of manufacturing processes (extrusions, castings, stampings, injection molding, etc.).
  • A proven track record of automotive engineering and program delivery.

Great to Have:

  • Experience and proficiency with CATIA V5/V6 or similar software
  • Knowledge of vehicle crash safety principles
  • Knowledge of vehicle dynamics principles
  • Knowledge of NVH principles
  • Demonstrable mechanical sympathy

Educational Requirements:

  • BS/BEng or MS/MEng, or equivalent experience, in Mechanical Engineering or similar
At Lucid, we dont just welcome diversity - we celebrate it! Lucid Motors is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, and any other characteristic protected under applicable State or Federal laws and regulations.
Salary Range: The compensation range for this position is specific to the locations listed below and is the range Lucid reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including job-related knowledge; skillset; experience, education and training; certifications; and other relevant business and organizational factors.
 
Additional Compensation and Benefits: Lucid offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in Lucids equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.  (Cash or equity incentive awards, if any, will depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and company performance.)
Base Pay Range (Annual)
$238,800—$350,240 USD

Additional Compensation and Benefits: Lucid offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in Lucids equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs.  (Cash or equity incentive awards, if any, will depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and company performance.)

By Submitting your application, you understand and agree that your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice. If you are a California resident, please refer to our California Candidate Privacy Notice.

To all recruitment agencies: Lucid Motors does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our careers alias or other Lucid Motors employees. Lucid Motors is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. 
 

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About Lucid Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Lucid Motors is a highly innovative electric vehicle manufacturer located in Newark, CA, USA. Primarily engaged in the automotive industry, its mission is to elevate electric vehicles' standing and transform the way people travel. The company was founded in 2007 by Bernard Tse and Sam Weng as Atieva, a name under which it initially focused on battery technology. However, it pivoted towards automotive manufacturing and rebranded as Lucid Motors in 2016. The company is committed to making luxury, sustainable electric vehicles that break norms and set new standards with top-notch technology and engineering. Their mission aligns with their core values, which are centered around innovation, sustainability, and excellence. Notably, Lucid Motors launched the Lucid Air in 2020, an all-electric sedan well-received for its advanced features and impressive mileage.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Newark, CA, US

Year founded

2007