Description

Designs new cars and trucks to meet marketing objectives. Responsible for matching powertrain with vehicle platform and external appearance to match expected customer needs and desires. Coordinates needs from many departments, including sales, marketing, and manufacturing. Balances priorities of function, appearance, and cost.

Personal Characteristics and Skills

Requires excellent reading, math, science, and computer skills. Must enjoy working with technical issues as well as artistic design. Must have excellent writing, communication, and visual skills. Must be able to analyze data, develop ideas, and present recommendations.

Job Outlook

As manufacturers become increasingly competitive and must conform to all legal specifications, design becomes more critical to have a product that meets market demand better than the others. Automotive designers are an important part of the development process and will remain in high demand.

Pre-Employment Education and Experience

College education required with engineering or design degree. Advanced degrees recommended. In-depth understanding of materials, artistic considerations, and legal requirements are essential. Minimum 5 years of related designing experience are required.

Earnings

This is a highly specialized position, requiring extensive experience and knowledge, and starting salaries from $60,000 to $70,000 are common.

Career Path

This position usually follows from a less complex design position. There can be opportunities for advancement to management positions.

Continuing Education

Internal company and manufacturer education programs for advancement or to meet state and local licensing requirements.