Kia Design Center - Designer I

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI); Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Kia Design Center America in Irvine, California seeks an Advanced Design Exterior/Interior Hybrid Designer with a strong focus on Exterior Design. You will help explore advanced concepts for the Kia brand and contribute to global design efforts.

Responsibilities include creating compelling proposals, visual communication through sketches and 3D models, and developing designs through the full process, including travel to Korea. Proficiency in 2D/3D tools and AI-enabled workflows is valued.

Qualifications

• BS, BFA, MS, MFA or Diploma in Transportation / Product Design with a primary focus on Exterior Design.
• Professional design experience at an Automotive Design studio is a plus, but internship or college projects acceptable if execution level is comparable.
• Strong ability to utilize 2D/3D visualization software and strong digital modeling skills.

Responsibilities

• Create innovative and compelling design proposals for concept cars, production programs, and explorations.
• Communicate proposals visually through sketches, renderings, and 3D digital models.
• Independently generate high-quality 3D sketch models using Alias, SubD, Maya, or Blender.
• Mature designs through the development process from start to finish, including travel to Korea.
• Research design trends and emerging technologies across automotive, fashion, and architecture domains.
• Attend auto shows and design events to represent the team.
• Oversee development models with clay and CAS sculptors.

Skills

Visually communicate designs

3D sketching

Prototyping & modeling

AI-assisted design

Education

B.S./BFA/M.S./MFA in Transportation/Product Design (Exterior focus)

Tools

Alias

SubD

Maya

Blender

Photoshop

Sketchbook

Procreate

Job description

Kia Design Center America located in Irvine, California is currently looking for an Advanced Design Exterior / Interior Hybrid Designer. Primary focus on Exterior Design.

The Future Design Team is the advanced Design department within the KIA Design Center America. It is focused on the exploration of advanced Design concepts for the KIA brand. Primarily focused on the American market it also contributes with Designs for global markets.

In this team Design exploration is done for the disciplines of Exterior / Interior Design, as well as User Experience, Storytelling, Advanced Engineering and brand related topics.

What you will do

• Create innovative and compelling design proposals. For concept cars, production car programs and advanced explorations.
• Strong ability to visually communicate design proposals in the form of sketches, rendering, 3D digital modeling and using AI applications.
• Independently be able to quickly generate high-quality 3D sketch models using Alias, SubD, Maya, or Blender.
• Demonstrate the ability to mature the Designs, personal decision making and following the development of the entire Design process from start to finish, including traveling to Korea.
• Research and analyze trends in automotive Design, as well as emerging technologies, products, fashion, and architecture.
• Be able to attend auto shows and other design-related events.
• Be able to work self-sufficiently and embrace a proactive mindset.
• Oversee the development models with Clay and CAS sculptors.
• Work closely with Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Design Team to discuss design criteria. Incorporate the criteria to meet engineering and manufacturing requirements.
• Produce presentation-ready materials to support design reviews.

What you will bring to the role

• BS, BFA, MS, MFA or Diploma in Transportation / Product Design with a primary focus on Exterior Design.
• Professional design experience at an Automotive Design studio is a plus, but not essential if internship and college projects are at comparable levels in execution. The focus is on the creativity of the body of work and on the proportional understanding, paired with visible feeling for surfacing and visualization techniques.
• Strong ability to utilize various types of 2D and 3D visualization software (Photoshop, Sketchbook, Procreate, etc.) and strong digital modeling skills (preferably, Alias, SubD, Maya, or Blender). Utilization of AI applications in the process is seen as a positive extra, but shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for the other disciplines.
• Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record
• HATCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor

What Hyundai can offer you

• Zero dollar employee premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for you and your family
• 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance
• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick and abundant holidays
• A global environment that fosters diversity
• Competitive salaries
• Retirement savings and planning benefits
• Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
• Salary Range: $75,000 ~ $112,000

Other details

• Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
  • HATCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Veteran.VEVRAAFederal contractor.