What does an automotive designer do?
Automotive designer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real automotive designer resumes:
- Manage documentation of existing projects, perform ECN resolutions.
- Design of brackets and torsion bar components are validated using FEA inSolidworks.
- Designate as group training mentor during transition from CADAM to Unigraphics V9.
- Complete several fully fillet and draft angle solid models on Unigraphics for direct manufacturing.
- Perform mechanical engineering design for facilities including calculate building HVAC requirements to ensure adequate capacity of system air flow.
- Release drawings and BOMs in PDM/Link Windchill.
- Design fixtures for CMM inspection, demolding of hand-load inserts, etc.
- Design and develop project-based graphics including logos, illustrations, diagrams, and content-supporting imagery as needed.
Automotive designer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 24% of Automotive Designers are proficient in Industrial Design, Sketch, and Powertrain. They’re also known for soft skills such as Listening skills, Mechanical skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Automotive Designers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Industrial Design, 24%
Operated large format printers, applied augmented reality technology, and designed with industrial designers individual frames.
- Sketch, 19%
Initiated and oversaw development from initial concept sketch to final production, working closely with Chinese engineering and manufacturing vendors.
- Powertrain, 13%
Contract position working for General Motors Powertrain on Premium V (Northstar) engine family.
- FEA, 11%
Perform analyses utilizing FEA tools and design worksheets to complete preliminary feasibility studies.
- Cost Reduction, 9%
Involved in new and current design changes for quality improvement and cost reduction for window regulator and power lift gate.
- Catia V5, 8%
Created DOC, DPF and SCR exhaust system sub-assemblies and detail drawings into Main One Box Exhaust system using CATIA V5.
Most automotive designers use their skills in "industrial design," "sketch," and "powertrain" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential automotive designer responsibilities here:
Listening skills. One of the key soft skills for an automotive designer to have is listening skills. You can see how this relates to what automotive designers do because "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists." Additionally, an automotive designer resume shows how automotive designers use listening skills: "communicated with the machine shop and testing facility throughout the design process. "
Mechanical skills. Another essential skill to perform automotive designer duties is mechanical skills. Automotive designers responsibilities require that "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." Automotive designers also use mechanical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "produced designs for mechanical brake systems (interior & chassis). "
Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of automotive designers is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday automotive designer duties, as "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "solved very difficult mechanical design problems on a daily basis. "
Math skills. automotive designer responsibilities often require "math skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." This resume example shows what automotive designers do with math skills on a typical day: "design processes for casting design requires use of surfacing, merge, solidify, and published geometry and external copied geometry. "
Creativity. Another common skill required for automotive designer responsibilities is "creativity." This skill comes up in the duties of automotive designers all the time, as "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." An excerpt from a real automotive designer resume shows how this skill is central to what an automotive designer does: "implemented inventor cad standards and templates. "
The three companies that hire the most automotive designers are:
- Amazon1 automotive designers jobs
- SiriusXM1 automotive designers jobs
- Lt Engineering1 automotive designers jobs
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Compare different automotive designers
Automotive designer vs. Mechanical engineering internship
One of the primary responsibilities in a mechanical engineering internship is to follow directives from engineers and managers while gaining practical experience. There are instances when an intern must take part in crafting various materials under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, produce reports and paperwork, operate tools and devices, and provide assistance should anyone need. Furthermore, it is essential to report to managers and supervisors if any issues arise.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an automotive designer are more likely to require skills like "powertrain," "fea," "cost reduction," and "interior trim." On the other hand, a job as a mechanical engineering internship requires skills like "solidworks," "powerpoint," "mechanical design," and "mechanical systems." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Mechanical engineering interns tend to make the most money working in the hospitality industry, where they earn an average salary of $44,983. In contrast, automotive designers make the biggest average salary, $77,942, in the automotive industry.mechanical engineering interns tend to reach similar levels of education than automotive designers. In fact, mechanical engineering interns are 3.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Automotive designer vs. Senior project engineer
A senior project engineer is responsible for monitoring the project team's overall process and operations from conceptualization until completion, ensuring the adherence to the clients' specifications, within the budget's goals, and the required deadline. Senior project engineers regularly communicate with the client regarding updates or necessary adjustments. They develop strategic procedures to finish the project efficiently by running diagnostic tests and troubleshooting discrepancies. A senior project engineer must have excellent communication and leadership skills to handle the team's performance and provide assistance when necessary.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that automotive designer responsibilities requires skills like "industrial design," "powertrain," "catia v5," and "interior trim." But a senior project engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "project management," "construction management," "cad," and "ul."
Senior project engineers earn a higher average salary than automotive designers. But senior project engineers earn the highest pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $104,214. Additionally, automotive designers earn the highest salaries in the automotive with average pay of $77,942 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Senior project engineers tend to reach higher levels of education than automotive designers. In fact, they're 7.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Automotive designer vs. Lead engineer
A lead engineer's duties vary on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities will revolve around overseeing the progress of operations and performance of the workforce, ensuring that everything is running smoothly. They are also responsible for addressing issues and concerns, assessing risks, monitoring the budget, coordinating with clients and architects, and even training workers. Furthermore, as a lead engineer, it is crucial to conduct regular inspections to ensure the quality of work and maintain a safe environment for all workers.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, automotive designers are more likely to have skills like "industrial design," "powertrain," "fea," and "cost reduction." But a lead engineer is more likely to have skills like "java," "python," "architecture," and "c++."
Lead engineers make a very good living in the automotive industry with an average annual salary of $110,872. On the other hand, automotive designers are paid the highest salary in the automotive industry, with average annual pay of $77,942.Most lead engineers achieve a higher degree level compared to automotive designers. For example, they're 12.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.8% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Automotive designer vs. Project engineer
A Project Engineer develops the plan that the entire team or company will undertake. The project engineer develops the plans, strategies, and goals of a project and then gives it to the management for approval and allocation. The Project Engineer will also recommend material, equipment, and the type of personnel needed. This position is integral in the smooth flow of any project, so hiring someone to hold this position will decide the success of a project.
Types of automotive designer
Updated January 8, 2025
