Exterior Designer

Fromfolio; München; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Xiaomi EV in Munich seeks a talented Lead Exterior Designer to drive bold, production-ready exterior designs for next‑gen EVs. You will lead projects from ideation through production, collaborating with teams in Munich and China to define proportion, surface quality, and brand expression.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in automotive exterior design, strong portfolios, and fluency in English, with experience in EV packaging and cross-continental teamwork. The role is based in Munich.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Transportation Design or Industrial Design.
• Minimum 10 years' professional experience in automotive exterior design.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating concepts through to production.
• Proficiency in design software such as Alias, Blender, VRED, Photoshop.
• Exceptional sketching and storytelling ability.
• Fluent in English with strong intercultural communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide creative leadership in exterior design from ideation to production release.
• Collaborate with engineering, aerodynamics, and manufacturing to resolve constraints.
• Align with CMF and UX teams to ensure cohesive brand expression.
• Mentor junior exterior designers and foster a collaborative studio culture.

Skills

Visionary Creativity

Attention to Proportion & Surface

Problem-Solving

Adaptability

Fluent in English

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Transportation/Industrial Design

Tools

Alias

Blender

VRED

Photoshop

Job description

Xiaomi EV - Lead/ Senior Exterior Designer（Automotive Design）

Position Summary

We are seeking a talented and visionary Lead Exterior Designer to join our Munich-based satellite design studio for a fast-growing Chinese EV company with strong roots in the tech industry.

You will play a leading role in developing bold, forward-thinking exterior designs for next-generation electric vehicles, blending advanced technology, brand character, and emotional appeal. Working in close collaboration with creative teams in Munich and headquarters in China, you will transform early concepts into production-ready designs that set new standards in mobility.

Key Responsibilities

1. Creative Leadership in Exterior Design
   • Lead exterior design projects from initial ideation through to production release.
   • Create compelling sketches, renderings, and 3D models to communicate design intent.
   • Work closely with clay and digital modeling teams to refine proportion, stance, surface quality, and details.
   • Ensure designs push innovation while meeting feasibility, aerodynamics, and safety requirements.
2. Cross-Functional Collaboration
   • Partner with engineering, aerodynamics, and manufacturing teams to resolve technical constraints without compromising design vision.
   • Align with CMF and UX teams to create cohesive brand expression across vehicle lines.
   • Maintain clear communication with the headquarters design and program management teams in China.
3. Trend & Technology Awareness
   • Monitor global design, lifestyle, and technology trends to inspire fresh ideas.
   • Incorporate EV-specific packaging opportunities into exterior design strategies.
4. Mentoring & Team Development
   • Support and guide junior exterior designers in their creative and professional growth.
   • Contribute to an open, collaborative studio culture that encourages innovation.

Qualifications

1. Essential:
   • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Transportation Design or Industrial Design.
   • Minimum 10 years' professional experience in automotive exterior design (OEM or top-tier design consultancy).
   • Strong portfolio demonstrating innovative exterior design concepts through to production.
   • Proficiency in design software such as Alias, Blender, VRED, Photoshop, or equivalent.
   • Exceptional sketching and storytelling ability to convey design vision.
   • Fluent in English, with strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills.
2. Preferred:
   • Experience with electric vehicle programs and understanding of EV packaging advantages.
   • Familiarity with aerodynamic development and its impact on exterior design.
   • Knowledge of German and/or Mandarin.
   • Previous experience working with Chinese OEMs or cross-continental design teams.
3. Key Competencies
   • Visionary Creativity: Ability to create distinctive, brand-defining exterior designs.
   • Attention to Proportion & Surface Quality: Commitment to delivering world-class design execution.
   • Problem-Solving: Resolves technical challenges while protecting design integrity.
   • Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-moving, global design environment.