General Motors

Senior Creative Design Technical Lead

General Motors • $149K — $199K *
Pasadena, CA 91104In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field like Transportation Design or Industrial Design.
  • 8+ years of professional design experience in automotive or related creative fields.
  • Expert in traditional sketching and visual storytelling.
  • Proficient in 2D and 3D design tools commonly used in the industry.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating creative range in vehicle and mobility design concepts.
  • Experience using AI in the design process for ideation and problem-solving.
  • Excellent collaboration skills with cross-functional teams in design and engineering.

Responsibilities

  • Create innovative design concepts for automotive and mobility products using both traditional and digital methods.
  • Collaborate with design and engineering teams to develop solutions from concept to final execution.
  • Generate forward-thinking design proposals based on customer needs and trends in transportation.
  • Present design ideas effectively to leadership, emphasizing vision and impact.
  • Maintain high design standards and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
  • Mentor and develop junior designers, sharing best practices and technical knowledge.
  • Foster strong internal and external relationships while pushing creative boundaries.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Retirement savings plan and life insurance options.
  • Paid vacation and holidays for work-life balance.
  • Tuition assistance programs to support education.
  • Employee discounts on GM vehicles and other benefits.
Full Job Description

Job Description

The Role

The Senior Creative Design Technical Lead is responsible for creating new and distinctive design concepts for automotive vehicles and other mobility products across interior, exterior, color and trim, and product design. This role blends advanced creative vision with strong technical execution, using both traditional sketching methods and digital 2D and 3D tools to bring ideas to life. The individual will work closely with design, sculpting, engineering, and fabrication teams to develop compelling design solutions that reflect customer needs and future mobility trends. This position also plays a key leadership role by presenting ideas to leadership, mentoring others, and raising the level of creative and technical excellence across the studio.

What You'll Do

  • Create original and innovative design concepts and component ideas independently for automotive vehicles and other mobility products using traditional sketching and digital 2D and 3D tools.

  • Collaborate frequently with design studios, sculpting, engineering, and fabrication teams to develop and refine creative solutions from concept through execution.

  • Apply a broad, future-focused perspective on customer needs and transportation trends to generate provocative and forward-thinking design proposals.

  • Present design ideas and recommendations to management and leadership to clearly communicate vision, rationale, and intended customer impact.

  • Demonstrate strong design judgment, creativity, technical skill, and accuracy while working effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

  • Mentor and develop other designers by proactively sharing technical knowledge, process improvements, and best practices that elevate studio capability and standards.

  • Build and maintain strong internal, external, and global relationships while challenging expectations with design courage and a high standard of creative excellence.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

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

  • 8+ years of professional design experience in automotive, transportation, mobility, or a closely related creative field.

  • Demonstrated advanced ability in traditional sketching, concept development, and visual storytelling.

  • Proficiency in industry-standard 2D and 3D design and visualization tools.

  • Strong portfolio showing creative range across vehicle, component, or mobility design concepts.

  • Demonstrated mastery of applying AI in the design process to accelerate ideation, visualization, iteration, and creative problem-solving.

  • Proven experience collaborating cross-functionally with design, engineering, sculpting, and fabrication partners.

  • Strong presentation, communication, and influencing skills with the ability to communicate ideas clearly to leadership and cross-functional teams.

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor others, share expertise, and help elevate creative and technical standards within a design organization.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Advanced degree or additional specialized training in automotive, transportation, or industrial design.

  • 10+ years of experience in automotive or mobility design with demonstrated leadership in concept development.

  • Experience working across multiple design disciplines such as interior, exterior, color and trim, and product design.

  • High level of proficiency with advanced digital modeling, rendering, and visualization workflows.

  • Strong understanding of emerging mobility trends, customer insights, and future transportation design opportunities.

  • Experience leading design reviews, influencing senior leadership, and guiding projects through complex creative development cycles.

Compensation:The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.  

  • The salary range for this role:is $149,500 to $199,800. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this range will vary based on factors relevant to the position. 

  • Bonus Potential:An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance. 

  • Benefits:GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

#LI-VC1

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc). This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis. This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

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Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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