Colour and Material Designer

Ford Motor Company

. Create and drive innovative Colour, Material, and Finish (CMF) design experiences and visions across advanced and production projects .

Posted 10/2/2026full-timeMelbourne • AustraliaMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Colour, Material, and Finish (CMF) design, with a strong focus on human-centered design principles and the ability to create sensory-rich palettes that enhance vehicle character. Proficient in visual communication and collaboration across design disciplines to deliver innovative and production-ready designs.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Colour & Materials DesignHuman-Centered Design Principles2D/3D Digital Design MediaVisual Communication SkillsAutomotive Industry Experience

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Colour & Materials DesignFinal Design Product ExecutionVisual CommunicationProblem-SolvingColour Processes UnderstandingArtistic Presentation DevelopmentDigital Design ProficiencyMaterial Strategy DevelopmentRealistic Material-Property RepresentationDocumentation of CMF Strategies

Soft Skills

Exceptional Design IntuitionStrong Technical Aesthetic JudgmentOutstanding TeamworkLeadership SkillsEffective Communication

Tools & Technologies

PhotoshopVREDPowerPoint

Industry Keywords

AutomotiveTransportationSustainable MaterialsFuture MobilityGlobal TrendsCreative CulturesManufacturing ProcessesComplex ProjectsExecutive PresentationsConsumer Segments

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Create and drive innovative Colour, Material, and Finish (CMF) design experiences and visions across advanced and production projects
Develop sensory-rich palettes and material strategies defining vehicle character and feel
Apply Human-Centered Design principles to enhance comfort, interaction, emotional connection, and perceived quality
Coordinate with exterior, interior, and UX/UI design disciplines for holistic vehicle integration
Generate brand-focused CMF visions anticipating future trends and upcoming product generations
Lead CMF problem-solving for connectivity, new material technologies, future mobility, sustainable/lightweight materials, and diverse consumer segments
Visualize CMF designs with realistic material-property representation and sensitivity to surface and form
Work cross-functionally and with external suppliers to take CMF strategies from concept to production-ready designs
Accurately document CMF strategies across the complexity of a Series walk
Report directly to the CMF Design Manager

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant design field or equivalent experience
Minimum of 3–5 years of global Automotive or Transportation Colour & Materials Design experience
Expertise in final design product execution
Exceptional design intuition and strong problem-solving skills
Superior ability to visually communicate through compelling imagery and renderings
Strong perception of colour and good understanding of colour processes
Ability to work independently while providing strong technical aesthetic judgment
Experience developing artistic presentations
Proficiency in 2D/3D digital design media, including Photoshop, VRED, and PowerPoint
Outstanding teamwork, leadership, visual, written, and verbal communication skills
Design portfolio in PDF format required upon application
Applicants must be legally authorised to work in Australia
Preferred: understanding of exterior/interior manufacturing processes, materials, and mastering process
Preferred: passion for automotive and mobility industry, global trends, innovation, customer needs, design trends, and global cultures
Preferred: experience in creative cultures and large corporate environments, managing multiple stakeholders, complex projects, and executive presentations
Preferred: ability to collaborate with Engineering and other partners

Benefits

Comp & perks

Discounted lease car options
Multiple Employee Resource Groups – Ford Pride, Women of Ford and Ford Empowering Diverse Abilities
Flexible Work Arrangements
Growth and development opportunities via internal and external training
Paid parental leave from day 1
Comprehensive Employee Assist Program
Wellness Programs including Free Flu Vaccinations and Health Checks
Paid volunteer days