Designer III, Visualization

Mazda North American Operations; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 91,400 - 139,400; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company based in California seeks a Visualization Designer III to produce high-quality visualizations and animations aligned with brand standards. The role involves collaborating with design teams, translating 2D concepts to 3D surfaces, and utilizing various rendering tools. Candidates should have at least 7 years of digital experience, a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or Automotive Engineering, and proficiency in software like Alias and Photoshop. The position offers a competitive salary range from $91,400 to $139,400.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of digital experience in the automotive or relevant industry.
• Strong knowledge of design processes and automotive terminology.
• Ability to articulate design concepts graphically and verbally.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality visualizations and animations for automotive concepts.
• Collaborate with design teams to develop art direction and visuals.
• Translate 2D concepts into 3D digital surfaces using various software.

Skills

Detailed knowledge of Alias Studio Tools

Strong communication skills

Knowledge of automotive mechanisms

Ability to create 3D surfaces

Strong visual and problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) Industrial Design

Bachelor of Science (BS) Automotive Engineering

Tools

Alias Autodesk

V-red Rendering software

Photoshop

Illustrator

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

The Visualization Designer III creates high-quality visualizations and animations for innovative automotive and brand concepts in support of defined project objectives. This role requires a high level of attention to detail to produce compelling imagery and animations that align with Mazda's brand standards. This position contributes to key design decisions by collaborating closely with designers to develop accurate and expressive 3D renderings, visuals, and animations.

Major Responsibilities

• Design Visualization & Animation
  • Collaborates closely with automotive and brand designers to develop and execute high fidelity images and animations that support storytelling and presentations for senior design management.
  • Works directly with design teams to establish project-specific art direction, ranging from quick turn imagery to feature-level animations.
  • Translate defined art direction into visuals that accurately convey design intent and adhere to agreed-upon “Tone and Manner” standards.
  • Utilizes a variety of rendering tools and software to deliver professional-grade imagery for both automotive and brand design solutions.
  • Imports, compiles, and manages multiple 3D file formats (including STL, IGES, STEP, 3DS, DXF and Wire) to create workable rendering files.

• Digital Surface Development
  • Utilizes a variety of software tools (including, but not limited to, Alias, Blender, and Sub-D) to work directly with designers to translate 2D concepts into accurate 3D digital surfaces.
  • Partners with fabrication team, as needed, to translate 3D digital files into physical outputs, including hand-offs for milling, 3D printing, and coordination with external vendors.

• Concept Design Development
  • Develops innovative design solutions using sketches, models, and mockups to support Mazda’s automotive and brand concepts.
  • Works closely with designers to explore, refine, and communicate design ideas throughout the concept development process.
  • Supports effective communication of design intent through clear visual assets, including renderings, animations, sketches, and presentation-ready materials.

• Other duties and compliance
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Comply with all policies and standards.

The preceding functions have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Work Experience

• 7+ years digital experience to include a combination of:
• Experience in automotive or relevant industry
• Experience with Alias Autodesk and V-red Rendering software

Required Education

• Bachelor Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) Industrial Design Required
• Bachelor of Science (BS) Automotive Engineering Required
• An equivalent mix of education, training, and/or work experience may be considered in place of a degree Required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Detailed knowledge of Alias Studio Tools and Alias related software, in addition to Photoshop, Illustrator and Microsoft Office programs required (Advanced-Authority)
• Knowledge of automotive mechanisms, the automotive industry, and feasibility requirements related to design development required (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Knowledge of surfacing and automotive terminology, vehicle design processes, basic engineering, packaging and component functions required (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Ability to comprehend verbal direction from designers to create 3D surfaces and create complete vehicle exteriors, interiors, wheels and other automotive components required (Advanced-Authority)
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) to work in a team-oriented environment required (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Ability to verbally and graphically articulate design concepts required (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Prepare Autodesk VRED files for VR reviews required (Advanced-Authority)
• Ability to meet tight schedule with creative thinking preferred (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are essential preferred (Intermediate-Advanced)
• Strong visual and problem-solving skills required (Intermediate-Advanced)

Physical Demands

• Stationary Position/Seated: Frequently
• Communicate/Talking: Constantly
• Communicate/Hearing: Constantly
• Repetitive Motions: Frequently
• Coordination: Frequently
• Seeing/Observing: Constantly

Pay Range

$91,400.00 - $139,400.00

Salary to be determined by education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.