Surface Designer

CFS; Nappanee (IN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS in Nappanee, IN is seeking a highly creative Surface Designer to drive exterior and interior design development for vehicles. You will shape aesthetic language, form language, ergonomics, and user experience across platforms.

The role requires 3+ years in surface design, strong 2D/3D design and proficient PLM data management, plus advanced visualization and presentation skills to communicate concepts clearly.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Industrial Design or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience as a Surface Designer or similar role.
• High proficiency in surface modeling tools required.
• Experience with visualization tools preferred.
• Experience with PLM systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality Class-A surfaces and 3D digital models reflecting design intent and user experience goals.
• Translate sketches, concept renderings, and 2D layouts into refined 3D forms as a Surface Designer.
• Create compelling digital visualizations, renderings, and presentations to communicate ideas effectively.
• Collaborate with designers, engineers, suppliers, production teams, and leadership to evolve concepts into production-feasible designs.
• Ensure consistency of form language, proportions, and surface quality across vehicle components and touchpoints.
• Organize and manage design data within PLM systems to maintain clean structure and workflow efficiency.
• Manage multiple design iterations, reviews, and timelines.
• Produce clear, visually driven documentation and concise design reports.
• Participate in design reviews, contributing insights on aesthetics, usability, manufacturability, and overall design quality.

Skills

2D/3D design

Digital visualization

Presentation skills

PLM data management

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Time management

Education

Associate's degree in Industrial Design

Tools

Surface modeling tools

Visualization tools

PLM systems

Job description

About The Role

We are seeking a highly creative and detail-oriented Surface Designer to drive the design development of vehicle exteriors and interiors. The Surface Designer plays a critical role in shaping compelling design solutions and translating design intent into high-quality digital surfaces.

Nappanee, IN

Salary: $100,000 - $110,000

About The Role

We are seeking a highly creative and detail-oriented Surface Designer to drive the design development of vehicle exteriors and interiors. The Surface Designer plays a critical role in shaping compelling design solutions and translating design intent into high-quality digital surfaces.

The ideal Surface Designer brings strong expertise in 2D and 3D digital design environments, along with advanced digital visualization, storytelling, and presentation skills. This Surface Designer position plays a key role in defining the aesthetic, form language, ergonomics, and overall user experience across vehicle platforms.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• As a Surface Designer, develop high-quality Class-A surfaces and 3D digital models that reflect design intent, brand identity, and user experience goals
• Translate sketches, concept renderings, and 2D layouts into refined 3D digital forms as a Surface Designer
• Create compelling digital visualizations, renderings, and presentations to communicate ideas effectively
• Collaborate with designers, engineers, suppliers, production teams, and leadership to evolve concepts into production-feasible designs
• Ensure consistency of form language, proportions, and surface quality across vehicle components and touchpoints
• Organize and manage design data within PLM systems to maintain clean structure and workflow efficiency
• Manage multiple design iterations, reviews, and timelines effectively as a Surface Designer
• Produce clear, visually driven documentation and concise design reports
• Participate in design reviews, contributing insights on aesthetics, usability, manufacturability, and overall design quality

Key Attributes

• Strong sense of form, proportion, and surface quality expected of a skilled Surface Designer
• Deep understanding of Class-A surfacing and form development
• Advanced visualization and design communication skills typical of an experienced Surface Designer
• Creative problem-solving ability with a passion for design innovation
• Strong organizational and workflow management skills
• Effective time management in fast-paced environments
• Clear communication and presentation skills
• Ability to balance creative vision with technical and business constraints
• Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary teams
• Familiarity with vehicle design trends, materials, and production processes

Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree in industrial design or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of experience working as a Surface Designer or in a similar role
• High proficiency in surface modeling tools expected of a professional Surface Designer
• Experience with visualization tools preferred
• Experience with PLM systems preferred

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