Senior Principal Automotive Clay Modeler
About The Position
This role is instrumental in realising designers’ concepts by creating compelling 3D vehicle models using advanced clay modelling and digital techniques, thereby supporting American Honda’s global reputation for excellence. The incumbent will be working in close partnership with the Creative Director and multidisciplinary teams, the 3D Expert ensures that styling projects achieve the highest standards of quality and innovation. The position bridges the gap between creative vision and practical execution by balancing styling intent with engineering requirements and facilitating seamless communication and collaboration across teams. Leadership responsibilities include providing technical mentorship, offering strategic guidance, and fostering emotionally engaging design solutions. Adaptability to emerging trends and technologies, along with a commitment to continuous improvement, are essential. By proactively seeking opportunities for innovation and optimising processes, the 3D Expert cultivates a culture of excellence within the Production Design department, ensuring every project not only meets but exceeds the expectations of both internal stakeholders and the wider automotive industry.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Industrial / Transportation / Product Design / Interior or Exterior Design / Engineering or equivalent relevant work experience.
- At least 12 or more years, of which 8 or more years should be in Styling (FMC/ MMC PL experience).
- Proficiency in automotive manufacturing and development.
- A high level of hands-on competency in 2D to 3D
- Mastery knowledge of both styling design and proportion principals
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Must be able to propose innovative solution to balance styling and engineering requirements
- Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Advanced experience in quality control and ensuring high standards of design quality
Responsibilities
- Demonstrate exceptional proportional judgement and advanced surface development expertise by exploring, developing, and resolving diverse styling directions.
- Ensure the integration of production and engineering requirements with styling objectives to deliver fully resolved and feasible 3D models, thereby supporting the successful realisation of design intent within each project.
- Apply advanced hands-on clay modelling skills to establish and implement efficient development workflows, ensuring the timely achievement of program milestones, whilst providing direct leadership and support across multiple vehicle development projects as a core responsibility in fulfilling the job’s purpose.
- Critically evaluate existing processes to uncover inefficiencies and take ownership of driving continuous improvement by proactively researching, introducing, and implementing innovative technologies, tools, and training methods that elevate both team and departmental performance as a central aspect of fulfilling the job’s purpose.
- Deliver hands-on mentorship and technical guidance to design team members by imparting practical expertise in concept interpretation, styling expression, and clay modelling, thereby enhancing team capability and ensuring consistently high standards of execution in support of the job’s overall purpose.
Benefits
- Competitive Base Salary (pay will be based on several variables that include, but not limited to geographic location, work experience, etc.)
- Regional Bonus (when applicable)
- Manager Lease Car Program (No Cost - Car, Maintenance, and Insurance included)
- Industry-leading Benefit Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx)
- Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, shutdown
- Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- 401K Plan with company match + additional contribution
- Relocation assistance (if eligible)
- Advancement Opportunities
- Career Mobility
- Education Reimbursement for Continued Learning
- Training and Development Programs
- Lifestyle Account
- Childcare Reimbursement Account
- Elder Care Support
- Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Repayment
- Wellbeing Program
- Community Service and Engagement Programs
- Product Programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
