Clay Modeling Lead

As Lead Clay Modeler, you will 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 will guide the clay model in bringing future mobility concepts to life, from early ideation through production feasibility.

You will partner closely with Design, Digital Modeling, Engineering, and Prototype teams to ensure every surface accurately reflects the design intent while meeting technical and manufacturing requirements. The ideal candidate combines exceptional clay modeling expertise with strong leadership skills, deep technical knowledge, and a passion for craftsmanship. Your work will play a critical role in shaping the physical expression of the Zoox brand and advancing the development of groundbreaking autonomous vehicles.

Responsibilities
- Own Clay Modeling Execution: Plan and manage clay modeling activities across multiple vehicle programs, working closely with Robot Industrial Design Program Management, balancing priorities, schedules, staffing, and studio resources to meet development timelines.
- Drive Physical Clay Model Development: Oversee the creation, refinement, and delivery of full-size and scale clay models, ensuring exceptional quality, precision, and craftsmanship throughout every phase of the design process.
- Translate Design into Reality: Collaborate closely with Industrial Designers and Digital Modelers to interpret design intent into accurate physical surfaces while maintaining design integrity.
- Champion Surface Quality: Maintain the highest standards of surface development, proportion, and refinement, ensuring all physical models accurately communicate design vision and support engineering development.
- Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with development partner teams to resolve design challenges and ensure seamless integration between digital and physical development.
- Support Design Reviews: Prepare presentation models and design bucks that effectively communicate design intent to leadership, executive reviews, and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Drive Studio Innovation: Continuously improve clay modeling processes, workflows, tooling, and fabrication techniques to increase efficiency while elevating model quality.
- Manage Studio Clay and Model Operations: Help oversee studio model equipment, materials, vendor relationships, budgeting, and resource planning to ensure a safe, organized, and highly productive modeling environment.
- Preserve Craftsmanship: Promote best practices in automotive clay modeling while embracing new technologies and methods that enhance the design development process.

Qualifications
- 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 ​ 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