Designer III, Visualization

Fromfolio; Irvine, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

Fromfolio in Irvine, CA, seeks a Visualization Designer III to create high-quality visualizations and animations for automotive and brand concepts, aligning with Mazda's brand standards. The role emphasizes detailed, impactful imagery and collaboration with designers to produce accurate 3D renderings and visuals.

The position requires senior-level expertise in 3D rendering, design development, and production workflows, with emphasis on translating art direction into compelling visuals.

Qualifications

• 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)

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

Skills

Alias Studio Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

Microsoft Office

3D rendering

VRED

Blender

Sub-D

Education

BA/BS Industrial Design

BS Automotive Engineering

Equivalent mix of education

Tools

VRED

Job description

Job Description

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

(70%) 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.

(15%) 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.

(15%) 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.
• 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

$95,500.00 - $145,675.00

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

Learn more about MNAO's comprehensive benefits package here

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