At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform 2D sketches into stunning 3D digital models for automotive design.
- Company: Join JLR, a leader in innovative automotive design and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pension, and discounted car purchases for you and your family.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, creative environment while mentoring junior talent.
- Qualifications: Experience in digital sculpting, proficiency in software like Alias and Photoshop required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with support for personal growth and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Join JLR as a Lead Digital Sculptor!
We’re looking for a talented and experienced Lead Digital Sculptor to help shape the future of automotive design. Working within our Interior Digital Sculpting team, you’ll play a key role in transforming 2D sketches into high-quality 3D digital models that bring creative concepts to life. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll guide programmes from initial ideation through to final design selections, collaborating closely with designers, engineers, and programme teams.
You’ll be the voice of the team, driving progress, managing timelines, and ensuring design integrity is maintained throughout. As well as leading digital reviews and mentoring junior sculptors, you’ll be instrumental in developing and refining our modelling processes, helping us stay at the forefront of digital design. It’s a fast-paced, collaborative environment where your creativity, technical skill, and proactive mindset will make a real impact.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a hands-on position with plenty of scope to make an impact. Key responsibilities will include –
- Accurately interpret 2D design sketches to create digital models that capture the intended design feel while meeting engineering requirements
- Produce high-quality digital models that meet surface theory best practices and internal quality standards
- Rapidly develop and iterate virtual design concepts for digital evaluation, ensuring flexibility and speed in delivery
- Reproduce scan data with minimal deviation, maintaining the original design feel and integrity
- Lead or contribute transparently within a team, consistently demonstrating Creators Code behaviours and fostering a collaborative environment
- Liaise across all design disciplines and levels to deliver the required digital models, while managing programme documentation and master assemblies in line with team standards
- Present realistic, digitally rendered models during design reviews, advise on programme deliverables, mentor team members, and support the evaluation of new tools and technologies to improve departmental efficiency
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
The ideal candidate will have a strong mix of experience, recognised training, and capabilities such as –
- Demonstrated ability to accurately interpret 2D design sketches and translate them into high-quality 3D digital models, ensuring the final output aligns with both the creative intent and established design standards
- Extensive experience working as a Digital Surface Designer within the automotive sector, with a deep understanding of industry workflows, design language, and cross-functional collaboration
- Advanced proficiency in industry-standard software including Alias (NURBs and SUB-D), Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Office, supporting efficient and effective design development and communication — proficiency in Blender is considered a valuable advantage
- Strong working knowledge of design studio processes, including the ability to collaborate across disciplines and meet project milestones within fast-paced environments
- Confident PC user with the ability to navigate design software, manage digital assets, and resolve basic technical issues to maintain productivity
- Proven capability to manage personal workload and meet deadlines, with a proactive approach to prioritising tasks and adapting to evolving project requirements
- Experienced in overseeing Master Datasets, ensuring consistent organisation and distribution of work across the team to deliver accurate and timely design outputs
BENEFITS
This role is rewarding in more ways than one. On top of our core offering, you’ll do extraordinary work with amazing people. In addition, you can expect a wide range of benefits –
- Discounted car purchase (open to family members, too)
- A 52 week maternity leave policy and a 4 week paternity leave policy. Other parental leave policies are available
- A competitive pension
- A JLR company performance-related bonus
- An employee learning scheme providing funding for; education, training and other activities which support the development of personal skills and promote lifelong learning
- Access to open, employee-led support and social networks
- Comprehensive Life Assurance and Income Protection policies
- Flexible working
Flexible working is offered for specific roles dependant on responsibilities. Please speak to the hiring team for details.
Creating Modern Luxury requires a modern approach to work. At JLR, hybrid working is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement providing employees more choice and flexibility around how, when and where they work. Some roles require more on-site work, but details of this can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview stage.
We work hard to nurture a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all. We understand candidates may require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please discuss these with your recruiter so we can accommodate your needs.
Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome. If you’re unsure that you meet the full criteria of a role – but you're interested in where it could take you – we still encourage you to apply. We believe in people's ability to grow and develop within their role – it’s what makes living the exceptional with soul possible.
JLR is committed to equal opportunity for all.
LEAD DIGITAL SCULPTOR employer: JLR
Contact Detail:
JLR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land LEAD DIGITAL SCULPTOR
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in automotive design and digital sculpting. Being able to discuss current innovations and how they can be applied at JLR will show your passion and understanding of the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the automotive design field, especially those who work with digital sculpting. Attend industry events or join online forums to connect with others and gain insights that could help you during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your portfolio effectively. Highlight projects where you've transformed 2D sketches into 3D models, focusing on your process and the impact of your work. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your knowledge of industry-standard software like Alias and Blender. Being able to discuss your proficiency and any unique techniques you've developed will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace LEAD DIGITAL SCULPTOR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in digital sculpting and automotive design. Emphasise your proficiency in software like Alias and Blender, and showcase any projects that demonstrate your ability to translate 2D sketches into 3D models.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for automotive design and your leadership skills. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed projects or mentored junior team members in the past.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio of your best work that demonstrates your skills in creating high-quality digital models. Make sure to include a variety of projects that highlight your ability to interpret design sketches and meet engineering requirements.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate technical questions related to digital sculpting and design processes during the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with industry-standard software and how you approach problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at JLR
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Bring along a well-curated portfolio that highlights your best work as a Digital Sculptor. Make sure to include examples that demonstrate your ability to transform 2D sketches into 3D models, showcasing your technical skills and creativity.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with JLR's values and culture. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding collaboration and innovation in design. This will show that you are not just a fit for the role but also for the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your proficiency in industry-standard software like Alias and Adobe Photoshop. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss specific projects where you used these tools effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As this is a leadership role, be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring junior team members and managing projects. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven progress in past roles.