Xiaomi EV - Lead Interior Designer (Automotive Design)

Xiaomi Technology; München; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Xiaomi Technology in Munich is seeking a Lead Interior Designer to drive the next generation of interior concepts while guiding the production-ready design process. You will shape the interior narrative and collaborate with engineering, CMF/UX, and China-based teams to ensure cohesive brand expression across vehicle lines.

The role requires 10+ years in automotive design, a strong portfolio, fluent English, and the ability to mentor junior designers in a fast-moving, global studio environment in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Transportation Design or Industrial Design.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in automotive exterior design.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating concepts from ideation to production.
• Proficiency in design software such as Alias, Blender, VRED, Photoshop, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead interior design projects from ideation through production release.
• Create sketches, renderings, and 3D models to communicate design intent.
• Collaborate with clay and digital modeling teams to refine proportion and surface quality.
• Ensure designs meet feasibility, aerodynamics, and safety requirements.
• Partner with engineering, CMF/UX, and headquarters teams to align design across vehicle lines.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to an open, collaborative studio culture.
• Monitor trends and EV packaging opportunities to inform exterior design strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Interior Design

Automotive Exterior Design

Concept Sketching

3D Modeling

Communication

English Proficiency

Team Mentoring

Education

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

Tools

Alias

Blender

VRED

Photoshop

Job description

We are seeking a talented and visionary Lead Interior 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.

1. Creative Leadership in Interior Design

• Lead interior 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 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.
• Support and guide junior exterior designers in their creative and professional growth.
• Contribute to an open, collaborative studio culture that encourages innovation.
• 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.
• 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.