At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of mobility with visionary designs for Ford vehicles.
- Company: Join Ford's Advanced Design Studio in vibrant Stratford, London.
- Benefits: Be part of a diverse team and work on groundbreaking projects.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for creativity and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by pushing design boundaries and exploring new technologies.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in automotive design and a degree in Transportation or Industrial Design.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
We're looking for a forward-thinking designer to join Ford's Advanced Design Studio in Stratford, London. In this role, you'll shape the future of mobility by creating visionary concepts for both European and global markets. You'll explore emerging technologies, interpret cultural and consumer trends, and translate them into compelling design directions that influence the next generation of Ford vehicles and experiences. If you're passionate about conceptual design, storytelling, and pushing boundaries, this is where you'll do your most impactful work.
Qualifications
- Strong visual communication – Deep understanding of vehicle proportions, segments, and storytelling through design.
- Market awareness – Knowledge of global mobility trends, emerging technologies, and competitive landscapes.
- User‑centric mindset – Ability to translate customer needs into meaningful design solutions.
- Process fluency – Familiarity with professional product development workflows (GPDS or similar).
- Software expertise – Adobe Creative Suite, Alias, and Microsoft Office.
- Preferred tools – Experience with AI‑assisted design tools such as Vizcom, Blender, VRED, Unreal Engine.
- Education – Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design or Industrial Design.
- Experience – 3‑5 years of professional automotive design experience.
- Portfolio – Strong 2D sketching, rendering, and conceptual storytelling.
- Soft skills – Clear communication, strong organization, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, exploratory environment.
Responsibilities
- Define future design direction – Develop strategic exterior and interior design visions that guide early‑phase product development.
- Explore trends & user insights – Investigate cultural, technological, and behavioral shifts to uncover new product and experience opportunities.
- Shape brand identity – Translate Ford's Brand DNA into clear product stories and design principles.
- Create compelling visuals – Produce high‑quality 2D sketches and 3D digital visualizations that communicate design intent.
- Collaborate across disciplines – Work closely with Planning, Marketing, Engineering, and other design teams (Exterior, Interior, CMF, Design Engineering).
- Design components & accessories – Develop concepts for personalization, interior/exterior components, and lifestyle products.
- Prototype & validate – Support rapid prototyping, 3D modelling, and physical model development to ensure design intent is preserved.
- Deliver with excellence – Manage projects through Ford's Core Design process and GPDS timelines.
- Maintain compliance – Follow established security, confidentiality, and design sign‑off protocols.
This is a UK position.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Company is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all and is opposed to any form of less‑favourable treatment or harassment on the grounds of race, religion or belief, sex, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability. If you are concerned about travelling to site due to disability (or other reason), please contact us @ ukhire1@ford.com.
Senior Automotive Designer employer: Ford Motor Company
Contact Detail:
Ford Motor Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Automotive Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend design events, and engage with fellow designers on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your projects and the thought process behind them. This is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Ford's design philosophy and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their vision. Remember, they want to see your passion for shaping the future of mobility!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Ford's Advanced Design Studio. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Automotive Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Make sure it showcases your best 2D sketches, renderings, and conceptual storytelling. Tailor it to highlight projects that align with the role at Ford's Advanced Design Studio.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! We want to see how your experience in automotive design fits with what we're looking for. Highlight your knowledge of global mobility trends and any software expertise you have, especially with tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Alias.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're passionate about this role. Share your thoughts on emerging technologies and how you can contribute to shaping Ford's future design direction. Make it personal and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ford Motor Company
✨Showcase Your Design Passion
Make sure to bring your portfolio and highlight your best work. Talk about the projects that excite you the most, especially those that align with Ford's vision for future mobility. This is your chance to demonstrate your passion for conceptual design and storytelling.
✨Know Your Trends
Research current global mobility trends and emerging technologies before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence design directions at Ford. Showing that you're aware of the competitive landscape will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your market awareness.
✨Emphasise User-Centric Design
Be ready to talk about how you've translated customer needs into meaningful design solutions in your past work. Share specific examples where your user-centric mindset led to successful outcomes. This will show that you understand the importance of designing with the end-user in mind.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Highlight your experience working across different teams, such as Planning, Marketing, and Engineering. Clear communication is key in a fast-paced environment like Ford's Advanced Design Studio, so be sure to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated on projects in the past.