Automotive Interior Design Engineer

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Annual leave and development programs

Hybrid work model

Employee wellness programs

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 currently seeks an Automotive Interior Design Engineer for a hybrid role in East London. You will shape dashboards, seating, trims, and interfaces, translating concepts into manufacturable solutions while maintaining user comfort.

Join a creative team collaborating with ergonomics, materials, and manufacturing engineers. The ideal candidate brings strong 3D modeling, rendering, and trend knowledge, plus excellent communication and presentation skills to drive innovative interior

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant design/engineering field.
• Minimum 5 years in automotive interior design.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (CATIA V5, Alias, SolidWorks).
• Strong rendering skills (VRED, Keyshot).
• Solid knowledge of interior materials, ergonomics, and manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Design interior automotive components (dashboard, consoles, door panels, seating).
• Produce high-quality 3D models and renderings.
• Develop concepts aligned with brand and trends.
• Collaborate with ergonomics and material/color teams.
• Ensure safety, regulatory, and manufacturability compliance.
• Prepare design presentations for stakeholders.
• Liaise with manufacturing teams for implementation.
• Stay updated on interior design tech and trends.
• Support prototype development and testing.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

3D rendering

Team collaboration

Ergonomics understanding

Presentation skills

Creative design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Tools

CATIA V5

Alias

SolidWorks

VRED

Keyshot

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious automotive manufacturer, is looking for a creative and detail-oriented Automotive Interior Design Engineer to join their styling and design studio in East London, Eastern Cape . This role is pivotal in shaping the aesthetic and functional aspects of vehicle interiors, focusing on areas such as dashboard design, seating systems, trim components, and user interface integration. The ideal candidate will possess a strong design sensibility, excellent 3D modeling skills, and a deep understanding of automotive interior trends, materials, and ergonomics. Working in East London , a key automotive manufacturing center in the Eastern Cape, offers a unique environment to apply your creative talents. We are looking for an engineer who can translate conceptual designs into practical, manufacturable solutions, ensuring both visual appeal and user comfort. You will collaborate closely with product planners, ergonomics specialists, and manufacturing engineers to deliver interiors that enhance the overall vehicle experience. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the distinctive character of future vehicle interiors. The role embraces a hybrid work model, combining studio-based creativity with flexible work arrangements. Your passion for automotive design and your technical expertise will be instrumental in creating compelling and innovative interior spaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop interior automotive components, including dashboard, consoles, door panels, and seating structures.
• Create high-quality 3D models and renderings of interior designs using advanced CAD software.
• Develop interior design concepts that align with brand identity and market trends.
• Collaborate with ergonomics specialists to ensure optimal user experience and comfort.
• Work with material and color specialists to select appropriate interior finishes and textures.
• Ensure designs meet all relevant safety, regulatory, and manufacturability requirements.
• Prepare design presentations for internal stakeholders and management reviews.
• Liaise with manufacturing engineers to ensure effective implementation of interior designs.
• Stay updated on emerging interior design technologies, materials, and user interface trends.
• Support prototype development and testing for interior components.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive interior design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., CATIA V5, Alias, SolidWorks).
• Strong skills in rendering software (e.g., VRED, Keyshot).
• Excellent understanding of automotive interior materials, manufacturing processes, and ergonomics.
• Knowledge of automotive styling principles and trends.
• Ability to create compelling design concepts and detailed technical solutions.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple design projects.
• Experience with HMI (Human-Machine Interface) design is a plus.
• Must have legal authorization to work in South Africa .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, and a retirement savings plan.
• Employees benefit from ample annual leave and access to professional development programs, including design workshops and industry events.
• This hybrid role provides flexibility and is located in East London , a vibrant city with a strong automotive presence.
• You will join a creative and collaborative design team dedicated to automotive excellence.
• Additional benefits include employee wellness programs and opportunities for career growth within a leading automotive company.
• This role is perfect for a passionate designer looking to shape the future of car interiors.