Vehicle Designer - Exterior & Lighting

Vehicle Designer - Exterior & Lighting

Location: Torrance, CA

Workstyle: Hybrid (on-site 1 day/week)

What Makes a Honda, is Who makes a Honda

Honda has a clear vision for the future, and it's a joyful one. We are looking for individuals with the skills, courage, persistence, and dreams that will help us reach our future-focused goals.

At our core is innovation. Honda is constantly innovating and developing solutions to drive our business with record success. We strive to be a company which serves as a source of "power" that supports people around the world who are trying to do things based on their own initiative and that helps people expand their own potential. To this end, Honda strives to realize "the joy and freedom of mobility" by developing new technologies and an innovative approach to achieve a "zero environmental footprint."

We are looking for qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, continuous improvement values, and a strong work ethic to join our team.

If your goals and values align with Honda's, we want you to join our team to Bring the Future!

About this Position:

Vehicle Designer - Exterior & Lighting is responsible for producing designs and design concepts for passenger vehicle and related 4 Wheel & 2 Wheel Products; designs and design concepts include exteriors, surfaces, and exterior lighting; considering the function, aesthetics, and usability of the whole product and its individual components. Research, build understanding and explore materials and manufacturing requirements to achieve proposed designs. Can execute and operate independently and creates original design creations based on project and business requirements.

In addition, they will be expected to:

• Demonstrate a true understanding of the subtleties of 3D surface and translation of a 2D sketch into reality
• Design and follow the development of entire automotive exterior from early concept sketch through to production including working on details and features in conjunction with genuine accessories and accessory designers
• Work on details to create innovative design solutions for lighting components, cut lines and graphical elements.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute highly skilled and innovative exterior/lighting design concepts and solutions for 1-2 key projects. Combines artistic talent with product research knowledge to integrate findings/concepts and produce detailed final hand drawings, sketches and 2D/3D data, creating design specifications that balance engineering design, functional requirements, and aesthetics that appeal to the next generation of Honda customers.
• Maintain close alignment with NBD Division Strategy, Group Product Leaders, NBD Business Department, Product Owners, and other NBD designers.
• Work closely and regularly with Digital Sculptors and Prototype Technicians to create digital mock-ups, visualizations, and physical mock-ups and prototypes (in order to confirm feasibility, usability, and real-world appearance and application of design exploration/proposals).
• Work closely and regularly with Honda IP to identify unique opportunities and secure Design & Utility Patents for Honda.
• Maintain high familiarization with Honda and Honda competitor products, also past, current, and emerging design trends, beyond just automotive.
• Actively participate in other projects/activities as required.

Who we are seeking:

Required Work Experience:

• 4+ years of experience with degree OR 8+ years of work experience with a compelling portfolio in absence of a degree

Required Education:

• BA or BS in Industrial, Product, or Transportation Design; Architecture or a related design discipline

Desired skills:

• Proficiency in visual communication (e.g., hand or digital sketching/illustration)
• Proficiency in one or more digital design/illustration programs (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate)
• Familiarity with / understanding of digital modeling programs (e.g., Catia, Alias, Maya) is required; proficiency is a plus
• Proficiency and creativity in storytelling is desired
• Automotive Industry knowledge is a plus
• Culture fit with Next Business & Design Division (e.g., self-starter, continuous self-improvement, curious, always learning)
• Passion for electrification / EVs, renewable and sustainable design
• Assertive, self-motivated and can work with minimal direction

Additional Position Factors:

• Workstyle: Hybrid (on-site 1 day/week)
• Travel: 5%

At Honda, you will play a key role in our journey to become a company that society wants to exist now, and in the future. Your endless curiosity will drive innovation and your courageous spirit will challenge the status quo. We believe having a workforce made up of diverse thinkers and innovators makes us a better Honda. Respect for each other and respect for diversity each and every day drives our associates to contribute at the highest level and work effectively in a team environment. We make the dream of mobility a reality with our innovative and high-quality products. Together, we Bring the Future to our customers, associates, and communities. We are Honda!

What differentiates Honda and make us an employer of choice?

Total Rewards:

• Competitive Base Salary
• Annual Bonus
• Overtime Pay
• Industry leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
• Paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, sick time, personal days
• 401K Plan with company match + additional contribution

Career Growth:

• Advancement opportunities
• Career mobility
• Education reimbursement for continued learning
• Training and Development programs

Additional Offerings:

• Wellbeing program
• Community service and engagement programs
• Product programs
• Free drinks onsite

Honda is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.