Lead Automotive Design Engineer

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Generous retirement plan

Paid time off and professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Automotive Design Engineer to lead a remote design team shaping future vehicle interiors and exteriors. You will translate sketches into manufacturable designs, overseeing concept development, CAD workflows, and production readiness in a global, remote-first environment.

The role requires 10+ years of progressive automotive design experience, strong leadership, and expert skills in Alias, CATIA, and Blender.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in automotive design with a strong portfolio.
• Proven leadership or team management experience.
• Expert proficiency in Alias, CATIA, Blender, or similar design software.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of automotive designers through the entire design process.
• Develop innovative exterior and interior design concepts aligned with brand and trends.
• Create renderings, 3D models, and prototypes to communicate design intent.
• Collaborate with engineering, product planning, and marketing to ensure feasible, market-ready designs.
• Oversee development of design specifications and ensure accurate production implementation.
• Conduct design reviews and present concepts to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Sketching

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Industrial Design

Tools

Alias

CATIA

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Automotive Design Engineer to join their pioneering, fully remote team. This role is pivotal in shaping the aesthetic and functional design of future vehicle interiors and exteriors. You will lead a team of talented designers, driving innovation from concept ideation through to production-ready designs. As a remote-first organization, we foster a highly collaborative virtual environment where creativity and technical expertise can flourish without geographical constraints. Your leadership will be instrumental in translating conceptual sketches and innovative ideas into compelling and manufacturable automotive designs. This position offers the unique opportunity to leave your mark on the automotive industry and redefine vehicle aesthetics and user experience globally, all while enjoying the benefits of remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of automotive designers, guiding them through the entire design process.
• Develop innovative and compelling design concepts for vehicle exteriors and interiors, aligning with brand identity and market trends.
• Create high-quality renderings, 3D models, and prototypes to effectively communicate design intent.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, product planning, and marketing teams to ensure designs are feasible, functional, and meet market requirements.
• Oversee the development of design specifications and ensure their accurate implementation during production.
• Conduct design reviews, present concepts to senior management, and incorporate feedback effectively.
• Stay at the forefront of design trends, emerging technologies, and material innovations in the automotive industry.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant safety regulations, aerodynamic principles, and manufacturing constraints.
• Manage design project timelines and resources efficiently within a remote team structure.
• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the design team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in automotive design, with a strong portfolio showcasing innovative exterior and interior design work.
• Proven experience in a leadership or team management role.
• Expert proficiency in industry-standard design software such as Alias, CATIA, Blender, or similar.
• Strong understanding of vehicle architecture, ergonomics, aerodynamics, and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent sketching, rendering, and 3D modeling skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a team.
• A deep passion for automotive design and a keen eye for aesthetics, form, and user experience.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage complex projects, and drive results in a remote setting.
• Experience collaborating with diverse, cross-functional teams remotely.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a highly competitive executive-level salary and an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement plan, and ample paid time off. You will experience the ultimate flexibility and work-life balance. Our client is committed to your professional development, providing access to cutting-edge tools, ongoing training, and opportunities for significant career advancement. Join a forward-thinking company and play a lead role in designing the future of automotive aesthetics.