8+ years of hands-on design experience in automotive OEM design studios on production vehicle programs
Proven track record of guiding vehicle programs from initial sketch to volume manufacturing
Expertise in rapid ideation sketching, digital rendering, and 3D modeling tools (e.g., Alias, Rhino, SolidWorks)
Deep understanding of vehicle packaging, body structures, and compliance with safety standards
Demonstrated leadership in complex design workstreams and effective communication with cross-functional teams
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, or equivalent experience with a strong portfolio
Responsibilities
Own vehicle design outcomes for major platforms and collaborations, translating requirements into feasible designs
Drive vehicle design execution through the entire development lifecycle, from concept sketches to final release
Champion Waymo's design language across partnerships, ensuring brand identity and aesthetic cohesion
Collaborate with engineering and suppliers to resolve manufacturing and assembly challenges while maintaining design intent
Set high standards for design craft and modeling fidelity, providing mentorship and optimizing workflows
Benefits
Participation in Waymo's discretionary annual bonus program
Eligibility for equity incentive plan
Generous company benefits program
Opportunity for domestic and international travel (up to 15-20%)
Full Job Description
This role follows a hybrid work schedule and you will report to Head of Product and Customer Research.
You will:
Own vehicle design outcomes for major vehicle platforms and interior collaborations, translating product requirements and user insights into vision/concept work as well as production-feasible designs
Drive vehicle design execution through the vehicle development lifecycle; from early packaging and concept sketches to clay/digital modeling, gateway milestones, and final release
Champion Waymo's design language across vehicle partnerships, ensuring aesthetic cohesion, brand identity, and rider awareness while accommodating complex hardware constraints
Partner with vehicle engineering, tooling specialists, and automotive suppliers to resolve complex manufacturing, packaging, and assembly challenges without compromising design intent
Set the bar for design craft, modeling fidelity, and execution across the studio, providing informal technical mentorship and optimizing team development workflows
You have:
8+ years of hands-on design experience within automotive OEM design studios on dedicated production vehicle programs
Proven experience taking production vehicle programs from initial sketch through tooling and volume manufacturing
Expertise in rapid ideation sketching, digital rendering, and 3D modeling tools (e.g., Alias, Rhino, SolidWorks), with a strong foundation in automotive Class-A surfacing and physical mockups
Deep knowledge of vehicle packaging, body structures, stamping, injection molding, draft angles, and safety/ergonomic compliance (FMVSS/ECE)
Demonstrated the ability to lead complex design workstreams, influence engineering and product partners, and clearly communicate design rationale to cross-functional leadership
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, or equivalent practical experience, backed by a portfolio showcasing production-intent vehicle design and refined craftsmanship
We prefer:
Exposure to multiple OEM design studios or innovative mobility startups, bringing diverse perspectives on studio workflows and program timing
Versatility designing both exterior vehicle surfaces/aerodynamics and cabin interior architecture, seating, and touchpoints
Travel requirements :
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 15-20% as needed to visit automotive OEM partners, design modeling studios, tier-1 suppliers, and assemb
The expected base salary range for this full-time position across US locations is listed below. Actual starting pay will be based on job-related factors, including exact work location, experience, relevant training and education, and skill level. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the role location or, if the role can be performed remote, the specific salary range for your preferred location, during the hiring process.
Waymo employees are also eligible to participate in Waymo's discretionary annual bonus program, equity incentive plan, and generous Company benefits program, subject to eligibility requirements.
Salary Range
$230,000-$284,000 USD
About Waymo
Waymo LLC is a self-driving technology development company. It is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. Waymo develops autonomous driving technology and provides ride-hailing services through its Waymo One program. The company has been testing its self-driving technology on public roads since 2009 and has logged millions of miles of autonomous driving. Waymo has partnerships with several automakers and has been working on developing autonomous trucks for use in logistics.
