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Vehicle Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mercor

Vehicle Design Specialist - AI Trainer

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$1.1K - $1.4K/wk

Expertise in vehicle or subsystem design, CAE/CAD/simulation engineering , manufacturing/process engineering, or quality engineering. * Day-to-day use of ANSYS Fluent / STAR-CCM+ , Siemens Opcenter ...

eShocan

BENG5 DRE Exterior

Troy, MI · On-site

$37.75 - $43/hr

Be an integral part of an energetic team that's challenging the status quo of vehicle design. * Responsible for the design and development of exterior components and assemblies. * Develop and ...

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Vehicle Design information

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$61K

$131.6K

$156.5K

How much do vehicle design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for vehicle design in the United States is $131,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a person that designs cars called?

A person who designs cars is called an automotive designer or car designer. They develop the exterior and interior concepts of vehicles, often using CAD software and collaborating with engineers. Automotive designers typically have a background in industrial design or engineering and may work for car manufacturers or design firms.

What is the highest salary for Automotive Designer?

The highest salaries for automotive designers can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for senior or lead roles in large companies or luxury automakers. Factors such as experience, location, and expertise with CAD software influence earning potential.

What is the difference between Vehicle Design vs Automotive Engineering?

AspectVehicle DesignAutomotive Engineering
Primary FocusCreating the aesthetic and ergonomic aspects of vehiclesDeveloping the technical and functional systems of vehicles
Required SkillsDesign software, creativity, understanding of ergonomicsMechanical engineering, systems integration, technical analysis
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, CAD labs, collaborative teamsResearch labs, manufacturing plants, testing facilities
Common EmployersAutomotive manufacturers, design consultanciesAutomotive companies, engineering firms, R&D centers

Vehicle Design focuses on the visual and user experience aspects of vehicles, emphasizing aesthetics and ergonomics. Automotive Engineering involves technical development, systems integration, and ensuring vehicle performance and safety. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What is vehicle design?

Vehicle design is the process of creating the appearance, structure, and functionality of automobiles and other vehicles. This field combines elements of engineering, aesthetics, ergonomics, and technology to develop vehicles that are safe, efficient, and visually appealing. Vehicle designers work on both the exterior and interior aspects, considering factors like aerodynamics, materials, safety features, and user experience. The goal is to create vehicles that meet performance standards while also appealing to consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.

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

To thrive as a Vehicle Designer, you need strong skills in automotive engineering principles, 3D modeling, and a degree in industrial or transportation design. Proficiency with CAD software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or Alias, and familiarity with prototyping tools and industry standards, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills that set top designers apart. These skills and qualifications enable the creation of innovative, functional, and aesthetically pleasing vehicles that meet safety and market demands.

How does a Vehicle Design professional typically collaborate with engineers and other departments during a project?

Vehicle Design professionals work closely with engineers, marketing teams, and manufacturing specialists throughout the design process. They participate in cross-functional meetings to ensure that creative concepts meet technical requirements, safety standards, and market needs. Regular feedback sessions and collaborative problem-solving are common, as design ideas must often be adapted to address engineering constraints or manufacturing capabilities. This collaborative environment helps ensure that the final vehicle design is both aesthetically appealing and feasible to produce.

How do I become a car designer?

To become a car designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial design, automotive design, or a related field, along with strong skills in sketching, 3D modeling, and CAD software. Gaining experience through internships or a portfolio of design projects is essential, and knowledge of automotive engineering and materials can be beneficial.

What job lets you design cars?

A vehicle designer or automotive designer is responsible for creating the exterior and interior concepts of cars. They use skills in sketching, 3D modeling, and knowledge of engineering and aerodynamics, often working with CAD software. This role typically requires a degree in industrial design, automotive engineering, or a related field.
More about Vehicle Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Vehicle Design jobs? Cities with the most Vehicle Design job openings:
What states have the most Vehicle Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Vehicle Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Design jobs are:
Vehicle Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,574 per year, or $63.3 per hour.
Senior Space Vehicle Design and Integration Engineer

Senior Space Vehicle Design and Integration Engineer

Boeing

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$111K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 602 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

Senior Space Vehicle Design and Integration Engineer
Company:
The Boeing Company
Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) is hiring a Senior Space Vehicle Design &Integration Engineer in El Segundo, California.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Manage and directs the Structural and Mechanical Space Vehicle Engineering Design teams including Structures, Analysis, Thermal, Dynamics, Mechanical, Propulsion, Solar Array, Mass Properties, and Blankets from requirements, design, verification, and production support
  • Develops Common Non-Recurring Product Definition (C-NRPD) plans and ensures execution of requirements, design layouts, analysis, testing, and assembly integration in a timely manner to support program milestones
  • Leads and participates in system level trades to ensure the vehicle design meets all physical, mechanical and environmental requirements while accommodating the required payload, power, propulsion, thermal, communications and attitude control system requirements
  • Defines structural, mechanical, environmental design and integration requirements and its constituent assemblies and components including both flight and non-flight hardware
  • Leads design and manufacturing integration requirements using DFMAT principles
  • Leads the layout reviews and program level General Arrangement meetings for collaborative engineering across various disciplines; resolves design integration issues between segment IPTs
  • Approves Interface Control Drawings/Models including Moving Mechanical Assemblies (MMAs)
  • Oversee Critical Clearance Control Plan (CCCP) including definition and verification of Critical Clearance Control List activities (CCCL)
  • Supports and approves manufacturing integration plans, overseeing Digital Mock-Up (DMU) and Virtual Manufacturing (VM) simulation reviews
  • Leads the development of structural qualification and acceptance test plans
  • Supports Program milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, IDR etc.) and Gate Closure/Lien Closures
  • Supports design non-conformances and resolution during production
  • Provides program observed lessons learned and continuous improvements
  • Investigates emerging technologies to develop concepts for future product designs

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at the listed location.
This position requires an active U.S Secret Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship Required). An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus on Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace Aeronautical or Material Sciences)
  • 20 or more years' related work experience
  • 5 or more years of experience in technical or engineering field
  • 5 or more years of experience on space, launch vehicle, or satellite programs
  • 5 or more years of experience managing and directing the Structural and Mechanical Space Vehicle Engineering Design teams including Structures, Analysis, Thermal, Dynamics, Mechanical, Propulsion, Solar Array, Mass Properties, and Blankets from requirements, design, verification, and production support

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
  • 10 or more years related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience with multi-disciplined development in any of the following areas: Space structural and mechanical design; Space System integration and test; Space Systems Engineering Mechanical systems and vehicle design architecture.

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.
Relocation:
Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position. Candidates must live in the immediate area or relocate at their own expense.
Shift:
This is a 1st shift position.
Drug-Free Workplace:
Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Total Rewards & Pay Transparency:
At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary pay range: $202,300 - $273,700
Language Requirements:
Not Applicable
Education:
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
Relocation:
Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.
Export Control Requirement:
This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Safety Sensitive:
This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.
Security Clearance:
This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
Visa Sponsorship:
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Shift:
Shift 1 (United States of America)
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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
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