Hyundai Design Center - Head of Exterior Design

Hyundai Design Center is seeking a highly creative and accomplished Head of Exterior Design to join our world-class design team in Irvine, California. This leadership role is responsible for guiding exterior vehicle design programs from early concept development through production execution while mentoring the next generation of designers and contributing to Hyundai's global design vision.

The ideal candidate is an experienced automotive design professional with a proven track record of successful production vehicles and/or concept cars, exceptional design talent, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to collaborate effectively with global cross-functional teams.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Design Leadership

• Lead exterior design programs from concept ideation through production release.
• Develop compelling and innovative design proposals through sketches, renderings, and 3D digital models.
• Execute and refine design themes while ensuring alignment with Hyundai's design philosophy and brand strategy.
• Create and develop  digital data sets and production-feasible design solutions.
• Take ownership of design programs and provide creative direction throughout the vehicle development process.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Serve as a role model by demonstrating professionalism, creativity, collaboration, and a positive team-oriented attitude.
• Mentor and develop junior designers through coaching, feedback, and hands-on guidance.
• Lead design reviews and provide constructive critique to elevate overall team performance.
• Collaborate closely with Design Management on project planning, resource allocation, and timing requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, and Product Planning teams to ensure successful program execution.
• Interpret and respond effectively to engineering and manufacturing requirements while maintaining design intent.
• Work directly with Hyundai Namyang Design and Engineering teams in Korea and Michigan throughout the vehicle development process.
• Support management presentations and represent Hyundai Design Center in executive reviews. 

Digital Design Development

• Develop presentable digital models using Alias. 
• Create high-quality visualizations and presentation materials utilizing Alias, Unreal, AI programs, and related software.
• Produce publication-quality imagery for press releases, design presentations, and marketing materials.

Model Development & Vendor Management

• Oversee the development of clay models, CAS models, and prototype builds.
• Provide guidance to sculptors, fabricators, and external vendors producing concept and show vehicles.
• Travel domestically and internationally to support model builds, design reviews, benchmarking activities, and production development.

Research & Innovation

• Analyze automotive, consumer, technology, and lifestyle trends to inform future design directions.
• Benchmark competitive vehicles and identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
• Present trend analyses and strategic design recommendations to management through professional presentations.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in Automotive Design, Transportation Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of professional automotive design experience.
• Demonstrated success contributing to and/or leading production vehicles and/or concept vehicles from concept through execution.
• Experience leading vehicle design programs and collaborating with global engineering and design organizations.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency in:
• Alias
• Unreal
• Photoshop
• AI Software
• PowerPoint
• Strong sketching, rendering, visualization, and digital modeling abilities.
• Thorough understanding of automotive engineering, vehicle architecture, and manufacturing constraints.

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to lead projects independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills with experience presenting to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to mentor, inspire, and develop creative talent.
• Capable of objectively evaluating and advancing design work regardless of project ownership.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working directly with global automotive design studios.
• Experience overseeing concept vehicle builds, auto show programs, and vendor builds of internal design models.
• Portfolio demonstrating successful production vehicles and/or award-winning concept vehicles.
• Experience representing design teams in executive reviews, media events, or industry forums.

WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU

• Zero dollar employee premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for you and your family
• 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance
• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick and abundant holidays
• A global environment that fosters diversity
• Competitive salaries
  • Compensation Range: $175,000 ~ $240,000
• Retirement savings and planning benefits
• Flexible work hours
• Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
• Up to 20% travel (domestic and international)

OTHER DETAILS

Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer included Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.