Senior Clay Sculptor

Work Arrangement This role is categorized as on-site. The successful candidate is expected to report to the Advanced Technical Center full time. The Role - Creates clay models by developing aesthetic surfaces which meet challenging time and quality requirements as directed by Sculpting Leadership for assigned programs throughout the GVDP. Work in a group situation, collaborating with Design and Engineering partners and encouraging studio personnel. Follow established modeling best practices and procedures while contributing to the execution of property plans. What You’ll Do Demonstrate strong clay modeling skills and, in collaboration with designers, complete the build, refinement and daily maintenance of exterior &interior clay models, meeting program timing and surface quality targets. Translate design inputs and reference data into 3D physical models, balancing design character with machining and build feasibility. Use PowerMILL or equivalent CAM software to create roughing, semi-finishing and finishing toolpaths for clay models, selecting tools, step-over and strategies to balance efficiency and surface quality. Operate clay milling machines on a daily basis, including fixturing, tool setting, establishing and verifying coordinate systems and zeros, performing test cuts and monitoring cuts, and responding to collisions, chatter and other machining issues. Follow safety procedures rigorously during clay machining and machine operation, maintaining a clean and orderly work area. Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications) Bachelor’s degree or above in Sculpture or related fields, or demonstrably equivalent experience in automotive clay modeling and CNC machining. 5–8 years of relevant experience at an automotive OEM in clay sculpting or clay machining, including participation in full exterior or interior programs from early theme to late validation. Hands-on experience in PowerMILL programming and clay milling machine operation. Proficient with clay modeling tools and processes, with strong exterior and interior surface control and quality assessment skills. Proficient in 3-axis/5-axis toolpath programming in PowerMILL, understanding roughing, semi-finishing and finishing strategies and key parameters such as feed, step-over, scallop and tool selection. Practical experience operating clay milling machines, able to independently handle standard fixturing, tool setting, test cuts and batch machining under limited supervision while complying with safety rules Works independently on moderately complex issues under general guidance and takes ownership of outcomes. Strong communication skills, able to clearly articulate issues and suggestions to support daily collaboration. Continuous-improvement mindset and learning agility, open to adopting new tools and methods (e.g. newer PowerMILL versions, scanning and inspection technologies). Strong team orientation, willing to share expertise and support others’ development while following company safety and behavior standards. What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications) Experience across both exterior and interior programs is preferred.