Senior Exterior Components & Lighting Designer

We’re looking for a Senior Exterior Components & Lighting Designer for a global automotive company in Gothenburg. Start is November 2nd, 6 months limited contract to begin with. This role is 100% onsite in Gothenburg. We are seeking an experienced Senior Exterior Components & Lighting Designer to join an innovative Exterior Experience Design team within a global automotive company. The role focuses on developing exterior components and automotive lighting solutions that define vehicle identity, enhance user experience, and strengthen brand differentiation. Key Responsibilities Exterior Components & Lighting Design Develop production-ready exterior component and lighting concepts. Design front and rear lighting signatures, DRLs, position lamps, illuminated elements, grilles, trims, and decorative features. Create distinctive day and night vehicle identities aligned with brand DNA. Explore component architecture, graphics, proportions, materials, transparency, and perceived quality. Translate 2D concepts into technically feasible 3D solutions. Refine designs through reviews and development milestones. Present design proposals to stakeholders and management. Lighting Innovation & Technology Develop concepts using LED, micro-LED, matrix, pixel lighting, projection systems, and dynamic illuminated surfaces. Understand optical architecture, packaging, electronics, thermal management, and materials. Collaborate with engineering teams and suppliers. Ensure compliance with regulatory, manufacturing, cost, and feasibility requirements. Support integration of sensors, cameras, ADAS hardware, and emerging technologies. Digital Development & Production Work closely with CAS, Alias, Blender, visualization, and physical modelling teams. Guide and review 3D development of exterior components and lighting systems. Support design intent through prototype, validation, and production phases. Evaluate digital and physical models for surfacing, graphics, optical appearance, and quality. Maintain design integrity through engineering development and supplier implementation. Cross-Functional Collaboration Participate in design reviews with international stakeholders. Collaborate with Design, Engineering, Vehicle Architecture, Product Management, Manufacturing, and Suppliers. Communicate design intent clearly across multidisciplinary teams. Balance creative ambitions with technical requirements and program objectives. Travel internationally as required. Required Qualifications Minimum 5 years of experience in automotive exterior design. Proven experience in exterior components and/or automotive lighting design. Background from automotive OEMs, design studios, or consultancies. Experience with production and/or advanced vehicle programs. Strong portfolio demonstrating exterior component and lighting expertise. Solid understanding of automotive lighting, vehicle identity, and design development. Experience collaborating with engineers, digital modellers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams. Preferred Qualifications Experience developing production automotive lighting systems. Experience working with lighting suppliers. Experience supporting China-Europe vehicle programs. Experience within global or multi-brand automotive organizations. Background from premium or technology-focused automotive brands. Experience developing illuminated exterior features beyond traditional headlamps and taillamps. Design & Technical Skills Strong design judgment with excellent understanding of proportion, graphics, detailing, surfacing, and perceived quality. Deep understanding of design development from concept to production. Knowledge of lighting architecture, materials, manufacturing methods, and emerging technologies. Experience directing CAS, Alias, Blender, and digital modelling activities. Ability to balance creativity with engineering, cost, homologation, and production requirements. Understanding of integrating sensors, cameras, ADAS systems, and future mobility technologies. Collaboration & Communication Ability to work independently at senior level. Strong leadership and mentoring skills. Excellent verbal and written English. Structured, proactive, collaborative, and solution-oriented. Comfortable in international and multicultural environments. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities. Software Experience Experience with the following is advantageous: Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator Autodesk Alias Blender VRED / KeyShot Vizcom and other AI-assisted design and visualization tools Reporting Structure Reporting to the Head of Exterior Design , collaborating closely with: Chief Designers Exterior & Component Designers Lighting Design & Engineering Teams Studio Engineering & Vehicle Architecture CAS, Alias, Blender, Visualization & Physical Modelling Teams Product & Program Management Component & Lighting Suppliers International Engineering & Design Teams Senior Design Leadership and Project Stakeholders This role requires fluency in English. This is a full-time consultant position in Gothenburg through Incluso. Start is November 2nd, 6 months limited contract to begin with. This role is 100% onsite in Gothenburg. Please submit your CV as soon as possible since we will review the applications on an on-going basis. For more information about this role, please contact Marianne Nilsson recruiter at Incluso.