Component Designer - Next Interior (m/f/d)

Component Designer - Next Interior Design (m/f/d)

at the Kia Europe Design Center in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Your Mission:

The Component Interior Designer is responsible for contributing to the creation of innovative and feasible interior design components that align with Kia’s global design identity and "Opposites United" philosophy. The role emphasizes strong creative input and effective design execution, with a focus on supporting the team across multiple project phases. The designer will actively contribute to design development while gaining cross-functional experience and expanding technical expertise.

Within this role, the component designer prioritizes human experience by creating components that enhance comfort, usability, and emotional connection. The role emphasizes innovation through new forms of interaction, adaptability, and smart features that respond to future mobility needs. Each design solution must integrate cohesively within Kia’s design language and the wider interior ecosystem. Material selection is approached with a focus on sustainability, tactile quality, and perceived value.

Your Responsibilities:

Component Design Responsibilities

• Elevate design concepts into refined, production-feasible solutions.
• Drive innovation through new interactions and smart features.
• Enhance perceived quality through form, detail, and material execution.
• Contribute to a cohesive and holistic interior experience.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure design feasibility.
• Develop components from concept to final validation.
• Ensure integration within the overall interior design language.
• Select sustainable materials with strong sensory appeal.
• Transform functional components into desirable user experiences.

Interior Design Development

• Create compelling 2D and 3D exterior design proposals under guidance.
• Translate initial concepts into feasible design directions with support from senior team members.
• Apply solid understanding of proportion, form development, and surface treatment in design tasks.
• Support the modelling process (clay and digital) by collaborating with visualization and engineering teams to refine design proposals

Project Collaboration

• Independently manage assigned tasks within small or mid-size projects.
• Participate in internal design reviews and cross-functional discussions.
• Assist in the alignment of interior design proposals with feasibility, brand DNA, and regulatory needs.
• Support research and ideation for future design studies.

Studio & Team Contribution

• Work closely with peers to maintain design intent and quality.
• Engage actively in creative reviews, brainstorming sessions, and studio activities.
• Share insights and collaborate with cross-functional departments including Engineering, Visualization, and Design Operations.

Key Qualifications:

• University Degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Visual Design, or a related field
• 4-6+ years of relevant experience in automotive or mobility design
• Strong sketching and design communication ability (hand and digital).
• Proficiency in design software such as Photoshop, Alias, Blender, or similar.
• Good understanding of vehicle design principles, packaging, and feasibility considerations.
• Effective time management across 2–3 parallel tasks.
• Good communication and visual storytelling skills in English; Korean is a plus.
• Organized and proactive work ethic; willing to learn and grow with guidance.
• Willingness to travel as needed.