Clay Modeling Lead, Robot Industrial Design (10+ years)

About this role

We are helping an on-demand, autonomous ride-hailing company hire a Clay Modeling Lead, Robot Industrial Design to lead the development and execution of clay models that translate design vision into precise three-dimensional form. Working at the intersection of design, engineering, and craftsmanship, you’ll help bring future mobility concepts to life from early ideation through production feasibility.

In this role, you’ll partner closely with Industrial Design, Digital Modeling, Engineering, and Prototype teams to ensure physical models accurately reflect design intent while meeting technical and manufacturing requirements.

The ideal candidate combines exceptional automotive clay modeling expertise with strong leadership skills, deep technical knowledge, and a passion for craftsmanship. You have a refined understanding of automotive proportions and surface development and can guide complex modeling programs from early concepts through production while maintaining the highest standards of design quality.

As a Clay Modeling Lead, Robot Industrial Design, you'll:

• Plan and manage clay modeling activities across multiple vehicle programs, balancing priorities, schedules, staffing, and studio resources to meet development timelines.
• Lead the creation and refinement of full-size and scale clay models, ensuring exceptional surface quality, precision, craftsmanship, and alignment with design intent.
• Collaborate with Industrial Designers, Digital Modelers, Engineering, and Prototype teams to translate digital designs into accurate physical surfaces and resolve development challenges.
• Prepare presentation models and design bucks that effectively communicate design intent during leadership, executive, and cross-functional reviews.
• Continuously improve clay modeling processes, workflows, tooling, and fabrication techniques to increase efficiency and model quality.
• Help oversee studio equipment, materials, vendor relationships, budgets, and resource planning to maintain a safe, organized, and productive modeling environment.
• Champion automotive clay modeling best practices while incorporating new technologies and methods that enhance the design development process.

Requirements

• 10+ years of hands-on automotive clay modeling experience within automotive design studios.
• Proven experience leading clay model development from early concept through production, supporting both concept vehicles and production programs.
• Extensive experience creating and refining full-size and scale clay models using traditional hand modeling techniques and precision surfacing methods.
• Expert understanding of automotive proportions, Class-A surface development, vehicle architecture, and production feasibility.
• Strong knowledge of clay modeling equipment, studio fabrication processes, milling workflows, and digital-to-physical model development.
• Excellent organization, communication, and project management skills with the ability to balance multiple concurrent programs.
• High attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and design excellence.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance