Lead Automotive Design Engineer - Exterior Styling

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Automotive Design Engineer to head the Exterior Styling department in Pietermaritzburg. You will lead a team of designers and engineers, translating concepts into production-ready exterior designs while aligning with brand identity and manufacturing constraints.

You will collaborate with marketing, product planning, and engineering to shape future programs, oversee CAD and clay modeling, and ensure designs meet regulatory and cost targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automotive Design, Industrial Design, or related field.
• 8+ years in automotive exterior design; 2+ in leadership.
• Proven track record of taking designs from concept to production.
• Expertise in Alias, ICEM Surf, Photoshop, VRED.
• Strong knowledge of stamping and injection molding manufacturing processes.
• Excellent leadership, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of exterior designers and clay modelers.
• Develop exterior design concepts for future vehicle programs in Pietermaritzburg.
• Oversee CAD and clay models; ensure accuracy and aesthetics.
• Collaborate with aerodynamic engineers to optimize designs.
• Define design direction with product planning and marketing.
• Ensure designs meet regulatory, manufacturing, cost targets.
• Lead design reviews and stakeholder consultations.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Oversee transition from concept to production and resolve engineering challenges.

Skills

Leadership

Concept development

Presentation

Creative thinking

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Automotive Design

Tools

Alias

ICEM Surf

VRED

Photoshop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious automotive manufacturer headquartered in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, is seeking an innovative and experienced Lead Automotive Design Engineer to head their Exterior Styling department. This role is instrumental in shaping the future aesthetic and aerodynamic performance of our client's vehicle portfolio. You will lead a team of talented designers and engineers, translating conceptual ideas into production-ready exterior designs. Working closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product planning, and engineering, you will ensure that designs are not only visually compelling but also technically feasible and align with brand identity. This leadership position requires a strong portfolio, exceptional creativity, and a deep understanding of automotive design principles and manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of exterior automotive designers and clay modelers.
• Develop and present compelling exterior design concepts for future vehicle programs in Pietermaritzburg.
• Oversee the creation of digital models (CAD) and physical clay models, ensuring accuracy and aesthetic integrity.
• Collaborate with aerodynamic engineers to optimize exterior designs for performance and efficiency.
• Work closely with product planning and marketing teams to define design direction and features.
• Ensure designs meet regulatory requirements, manufacturing constraints, and cost targets.
• Manage design reviews and feedback sessions, driving consensus among stakeholders.
• Maintain a strong understanding of industry trends, competitor designs, and emerging technologies.
• Oversee the transition of designs from concept to production, resolving any engineering challenges.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automotive Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in automotive exterior design, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing vehicle exterior designs from concept to production.
• Expertise in industry-standard design software (e.g., Alias, ICEM Surf, Photoshop, VRED).
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes (stamping, injection molding, etc.).
• Exceptional sketching, rendering, and presentation skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Passion for automotive design and a keen eye for detail and proportion.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, pension fund, and performance bonuses. You will have the opportunity to work on exciting new vehicle programs and contribute significantly to the brand's future. Access to state-of-the-art design facilities and resources is provided. The role is based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA, offering a stimulating career in automotive design leadership.