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Vehicle Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Utah

Vehicle Operators

Campus, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

S13 Expected Pay Rate: $20.00 This is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive ... Vehicle Operator, II Operate a shuttle bus and smaller passenger type vehicles. Provide transit ...

CFS

Surface Designer

Wakarusa, IN · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Surface Designer Nappanee, IN Salary: $100,000 - $110,000 About the Role We are seeking a highly creative and detail-oriented Surface Designer to drive the design development of vehicle exteriors and ...

Blue Bird

Engineer, Vehicle Development

Macon, GA

Collaborate directly with Component Design Engineers, Simulation teams (FEA/CFD), and Plant Manufacturing Operations to refine vehicle designs for optimal assembly and performance. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ...

Blue Bird

Engineer, Vehicle Development

Macon, GA · On-site

Collaborate directly with Component Design Engineers, Simulation teams (FEA/CFD), and Plant Manufacturing Operations to refine vehicle designs for optimal assembly and performance. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ...

Blackout Graphics

Designer

Montrose, CO

$24/hr

At Blackout Graphics, we're looking for a Designer who's eager to see their creations come to life on vehicles, storefronts, and businesses. You'll be joining a small, high-impact team that values ...

jcb

MEWP - Senior Vehicle Integration Engineer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$94K - $129K/yr

Ensure all machine-level designs meet ANSI, CSA, CE, ISO, and other AWP global requirements. * Lead ... Prototyping & Vehicle Build Support * Oversee prototype vehicle build events to ensure correct ...

Brevard County

SCAT Vehicle Operator I

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$18.88/hr

Experience driving a van, bus, or other vehicle designed to transport passengers is preferred. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must possess, or obtain prior to employment, a valid Florida driver's license and ...

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Vehicle Designer information

See salary details

$21.5K

$65.4K

$112K

How much do vehicle designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for vehicle designer in the United States is $65,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get hired as a car designer?

To become a vehicle designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial design, automotive design, or a related field, along with a strong portfolio showcasing your design skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and proficiency in design software like CAD and 3D modeling tools are also important for securing a job in this field.

What is the highest paying job in the car industry?

In the vehicle design industry, senior roles such as Chief Vehicle Designer or Director of Design tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and expertise in automotive design tools and processes.

What job lets you design cars?

A vehicle designer, also known as an automotive designer, is responsible for creating the exterior and interior designs of cars. This role involves sketching, 3D modeling, and using design software like CAD, often requiring a background in industrial design or engineering. Vehicle designers work in automotive companies or design studios to develop innovative and functional vehicle concepts.

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 a strong background in industrial or automotive design, engineering principles, and proficiency in CAD software, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like Autodesk Alias, CATIA, or SolidWorks, as well as knowledge of vehicle regulations and materials, is crucial. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you translate ideas into innovative, functional designs and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities ensure the creation of safe, aesthetically pleasing, and market-ready vehicles that meet both consumer needs and industry standards.

What is the difference between Vehicle Designer vs Automotive Engineer?

AspectVehicle DesignerAutomotive Engineer
Primary FocusConceptual design, aesthetics, and styling of vehiclesEngineering, development, and testing of vehicle systems
Required CredentialsDesign degree, portfolio, CAD skillsEngineering degree, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, CAD labsResearch labs, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageAutomotive, transportation designAutomotive manufacturing, R&D

Vehicle Designers focus on the visual and aesthetic aspects of vehicle development, creating concepts and styling. Automotive Engineers work on the technical engineering, ensuring functionality and safety. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What is the highest salary for Automotive Designer?

The highest salaries for automotive designers can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for experienced professionals working in major automotive companies or in senior roles. Factors such as location, level of experience, and specialized skills like CAD software proficiency influence top-tier compensation.

What does a vehicle designer do?

A vehicle designer is responsible for creating the visual appearance, style, and overall aesthetics of vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. They blend creativity with technical knowledge to design both the exterior and interior of vehicles, considering factors like functionality, ergonomics, and safety. Vehicle designers often use digital modeling, sketching, and computer-aided design (CAD) software to bring their ideas to life and work closely with engineers to ensure their designs are feasible and meet industry standards.

What are the typical collaboration points between a vehicle designer and other departments during a project?

Vehicle designers regularly collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and marketing teams throughout the design process. Early stages involve working closely with engineers to ensure concepts are both aesthetically appealing and technically feasible. As the project progresses, vehicle designers coordinate with manufacturing to align their designs with production constraints and cost considerations. Regular feedback sessions with marketing help ensure that the final design meets customer preferences and aligns with brand identity, making teamwork and communication skills essential for success in this role.
More about Vehicle Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Vehicle Designer jobs? Cities with the most Vehicle Designer job openings:
What states have the most Vehicle Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Vehicle Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Vehicle Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vehicle Designer jobs are:
Vehicle Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vehicle Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,444 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Structural Designer Senior-Bayou La Batre,Alabama

Birdon

Dauphin Island, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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

Job description

Senior Structural Designer
This position is located On-site in our Bayou La Batre, AL location.
The Senior Structural Designer will lead the development of structural design models and drawings of new ship and marine vehicle designs, as well as modifications to existing designs.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The Senior Structural Designer is responsible for:
  • Assign and check the work of junior structural designers.
  • Develop 3D structural models, associated 2D Production assembly drawings, and associated CAM information for existing and new products.
  • Ensure the quality of structural design models and drawings.
  • Incorporate build strategy and design for production into structural design.
  • Create details to assist manufacturing installation and assembly (e.g. jigs and fixtures).
  • Integration of structural design with mechanical, electrical, and outfitting.
  • Assist engineers in the development of structural standards and weld drawings.
  • Develop and maintain structural CAD drafting standards.
  • Write Request for Information for functional engineering missing information.
  • Organize and maintain drawing file configuration and storage.
  • Process engineering change notices and engineering related corrective actions.
  • Conduct model and drawing reviews with engineer, production, and production control personnel.
  • Revise models and drawings to refine products based on input from engineering and production personnel.
  • Assist field engineers in the resolution of production information requests.
  • Other duties assigned by the Production Design Manager.

Qualifications / Skills / Experience:
  • Associate of Applied Science or equivalent.
  • Minimum 15 years structural design experience.
  • 10 years ShipConstructor software experience, or 5 years ShipConstructor experience and 5 years with equivalent software.
  • 10 years of AutoCAD software.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in developing 3D structural models and production drawings.
  • Familiarity with structural manufacturing CAM software and files, such as structural nest files, NC Pyros, and automated welding.
  • Familiarity with shipyard modular construction methods and processes.
  • Good technical writing and professional communication skills.
  • Proficient in MS Office suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
  • Ability to work under limited supervision.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Understanding of scheduling and an ability to adhere to strict deadlines.
  • Steel or aluminum shipbuilding, boat building, offshore, or other marine design or fabrication experience.
  • Fabrication or field engineering experience.
  • Strong knowledge of structural detail and welding standards.
  • Experience with structure, Piping HVAC, electrical, or outfitting design.
  • Familiarity with other marine and 3D design software (e.g. Rhino, Orca, Solidworks)
  • Knowledge of ABS, US Navy and USCG design requirements.

Birdon offers a full benefits package including:
Health/Dental/Vision
EAP/Life
STD/LTD
401(k) with company match (pre- and post-tax options)
Vacation/Sick accrual and holiday pay
Tuition reimbursement program
Employee referral program
Pet Insurance
Birdon is committed to the HEALTH and SAFETY of our workforce and to the ENVIRONMENT we expect this same commitment from all employees.
Birdon America Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Know Your Rights. The Company invites any applicant and/or employee to review the Company's written Affirmative Action Plan. This plan is available for inspection upon request by emailing hr@birdon.us. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact hr@birdon.us for further assistance.

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