Kia Design - Designer

Fooh; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero premium health care

Disability & life insurance paid by us

Generous PTO

Global, diverse environment

Retirement plan

HSA/FSA access

Job summary

Kia Design Center America in Irvine, CA seeks a designer focused on exterior or interior design or both. You will create innovative proposals for concept and production cars, communicate ideas through sketches, renderings and 3D modeling, and collaborate across teams to refine designs.

The role requires strong visualization skills with software like Photoshop, Maya or Blender, and a portfolio demonstrating automotive design thinking. Travel to Korea may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation/Product Design with exterior focus.
• Portfolio showing automotive design body of work and surfacing skills.
• Strong proficiency in 2D/3D visualization software and digital modeling.

Responsibilities

• Create innovative design proposals for concept and production cars.
• Visually communicate ideas via sketches, renderings and 3D models.
• Collaborate with management, engineering and marketing throughout the design process.

Skills

3D modeling

2D sketching

Rendering

Alias

Maya

Blender

AI in design

Education

BS/BFA in Transportation/ Product Design

Tools

Alias

Maya

Blender

3D CAD

Job description

Kia Design Center America located in Irvine, California is currently looking for a designer. The position will focus on exterior design, interior design or both based on the experience and ability of the candidate.

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
• 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.