Principal Exterior Performance Designer

Motorsport Network, LLC; Warren, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors’ Design organization seeks a Lead Creative Designer – Performance Studio to lead exterior performance design for GM performance vehicles and programs, including aero packages and motorsport opportunities. The role blends hands-on design with leadership of a small team, guiding concepts through production while aligning with brand DNA and GM’s design strategy.

You will deliver high‑quality sketches, renderings, and digital models, collaborating across engineering, aerodynamics,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• 7+ years of professional automotive exterior design experience with a strong portfolio of performance-oriented and advanced/production programs.
• Proven experience leading design themes or sub-programs from concept through production in close partnership with clay/digital sculpting and engineering.
• Expert sketching and visualization abilities (traditional and digital) plus proficiency in key design/visualization tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Alias, Blender, VRED or similar).
• Deep understanding of proportion, surfacing, aero principles, and performance design language, with strong communication, collaboration, mentoring skills, and the ability to work on-site in Warren, MI.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creative development of exterior performance design concepts for GM performance vehicles, programs, and accessories, from ideation through production implementation.
• Define and communicate a compelling performance design vision that aligns with each brand’s DNA and GM’s design strategy.
• Generate high‑quality sketches, renderings, and digital models that explore proportion, surface development, graphics, and aero elements with emotion, stance, and performance authenticity.
• Direct, mentor, and inspire a small team of creative designers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and craft excellence.
• Partner with Studio leadership, Clay and Digital Sculpting, Engineering, Aerodynamics, Performance Engineering, Marketing, and Program Management to balance design intent with feasibility, performance targets, cost, and timing.
• Champion brand-appropriate performance graphics, color-breaks, and visual signatures that reinforce vehicle identity on road and track, leveraging GM’s digital design workflows.
• Monitor industry, motorsports, and cultural trends related to performance, customization, and enthusiast communities and advocate for the customer and enthusiast perspective in all design decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Sketching & visualization

Proportion & aerodynamics

Brand storytelling

On-site in Warren, MI

Adobe Creative Suite

Alias

VRED

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Alias

Blender

VRED

Job description

General Motors’ Design organization seeks a Lead Creative Designer – Performance Studio to lead exterior performance design for GM performance vehicles and programs, including aero packages and motorsport opportunities. The role blends hands-on design with leadership of a small team, guiding concepts through production while aligning with brand DNA and GM’s design strategy.

You will deliver high‑quality sketches, renderings, and digital models, collaborating across engineering, aerodynamics,