Lead Digital Design Modeler - Limited Term Assignment

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft in Santa Monica is seeking a Lead Digital Design Modeler for a limited-term assignment ending in December 2026. The role focuses on converting complex sketches into accurate virtual models, maintaining data quality, and delivering manufacturing-ready files for BMW standards.

You will collaborate with designers and engineers to iterate designs in a fast-paced, multinational environment while applying Autodesk Alias, Maya, or similar tools to produce

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts or equivalent required.
• Specialized training in digital design modeling desired.
• Minimum 10 years of direct experience as a Digital Design Modeler in the automotive industry.

Responsibilities

• Convert sketches, tapes, and plans into accurate virtual 3D models using industry 3D modeling software.
• Ensure high quality of digital modeling data with quality checks.
• Collaborate with designers, engineers, and leadership to iterate designs and meet client deliverables.
• Produce manufacturing-ready data for 3D part fabrication with BMW tolerance standards.
• Lead CAS projects and support other Digital Design Modelers.

Skills

Strong verbal and written

Organizational skills

Interpreting drawings

Digital design modeling

BMW tolerance standards

Digital rendering

Design iteration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts

Vocational/Specialized Training in Digital Design Modeler

10 years of prior work experience as Digital Design Modeler in automotive industry

Tools

Autodesk Alias

C4D

Maya

Job description

Lead Digital Design Modeler - Limited Term Assignment

Posting Start Date: 10/23/26

Job Location

Santa Monica, California United States

Job Description

This role is a limited term assignment targeted to end by December 2026, with possibility of extension.

Designworks is the design innovation studio of BMW Group. For 25 years, we have been stimulating our parent company, as well as a select group of companies with ambitious visions for the future. We inspire and challenge the companies we work with to be at the forefront of their industries - in design, technology and innovation. We are the architects of future – designing systems that impact and improve the world we live. If you share our vision and view yourself as an independent, creative thinker, we invite you to join our team in this exceptional role located in Santa Monica, CA.

WHAT AWAITS YOU.

• Convert complex sketches, tapes, and plans into accurate virtual 3D models using industry 3D modeling software.


• Ensure and maintain high quality of digital modeling data, including using evaluation tools for quality checks.


• Collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and DW-23 leadership to iterate designs and meet key client deliverables.


• Produce manufacturing-ready data for 3D part fabrication (e.g., SLA) and apply BMW-specific tolerance standards.


• Lead CAS projects and support other Digital Design Modelers across tasks and workflows.


• Read and interpret technical drawings and use commonly used business software effectively.


• Work constructively in a fast-paced, multinational environment.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING.

• Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts.


• Vocational/Specialized Training in Digital Design Modeler.


• 10 years of prior work experience as Digital Design Modeler in automotive industry.


• Good organizational and communication skills.


• Must have in depth knowledge of digital design modeling, creativity, interpretation, innovation, and artistic clarity to produce high level digital renderings and short animations, using the rendering package best suited for the task and uses each particular software packagein its best capacity. Applications include raycast rendering and raytrace rendering as well as simple key frame animations that are often employed to illustrate construction and motion of design intent.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills.


• Strong computer skills in software packages: Autodesk Alias Nurb and Sub D, C4D,Maya, or equivalent.

Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

This is a hybrid role that requires regular attendance in the office.

The expected salary range for this position is $135,051.00 - $174,773.00.

The selected candidate’s education, skills, experience, and location will be used to determine the final salary offer. All pay ranges are based on a full-time work schedule. This statement is in accordance with state and local pay disclosure requirements.

As part of the hiring process, you may be required to successfully pass a background check. A satisfactory completion of a background investigation including verification of education, prior employment, criminal history, credit check history, and pre-employment drug screen to the extent permissible under applicable state law, is a condition of your offer of employment and your continued employment. The results of your background investigation are satisfactory and acceptable in the sole judgement and discretion of BMW Shared Services, LLC.

Even more so than the generous compensation and benefits, the culture and values of BMW of North America makes it the ultimate working environment. These values are Responsibility, Appreciation, Transparency, Trust, and Openness. We allow these values to guide the way we conduct ourselves and our business.

BMW complies with all applicable U.S. immigration laws and regulations. The Company does not provide employer support or sponsorship for any immigration related employment benefit for this role.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full time basis without the need for employer support or sponsorship now or in the future. This includes having the legal right to work in the United States without the need for BMW support or sponsorship for any immigration related employment authorization (e.g., H 1B, O 1, E 3, H 1B1, TN, F 1 OPT, F 1 STEM OPT, F 1 CPT, etc.) now or in the future.

If you will require BMW to provide immigration support or sponsorship now or in the future, you should not apply for this position.

BMW in the United States is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of BMW Group in the United States to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all qualified persons regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.