Advanced UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Advanced UX Designer Company: General Motors Location: Warren, Michigan, United States of America Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Automotive Technology Date Posted: 2025-10-10 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of next-generation user experiences for automotive vehicles, blending digital and physical interactions.
• Drive human-centered design principles to create intuitive, engaging, and safe interfaces across in-vehicle systems, mobile applications, and web platforms.
• Develop and maintain scalable design systems and interaction models ensuring consistency and innovation across GM's product ecosystem.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams including Vehicle Designers, Software Developers, Product Managers, and UX Researchers to bring innovative concepts to fruition.
• Champion the user's perspective, ensuring all designs are inclusive, distraction-free, and aligned with global safety and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within General Motors' Human Interface Design (HID) team, indicating a strategic focus on integrating user experience into the core of automotive product development. The "Advanced" in the title suggests a focus on forward-thinking, cutting-edge design concepts rather than solely production-focused iteration. The hybrid model with a mandatory 3-day in-office presence at the Warren GM Global Technical Center underscores the importance of in-person collaboration and hands-on work within a physical design studio environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Concept Development & Ideation:
  • Collaborate with other designers to conceptualize and refine UX designs for in-vehicle experiences, focusing on scalability, human-centered principles, and brand consistency.
  • Translate high-level concepts into production-ready user experiences for both concept and production vehicle programs.
  • Define and document style guides and visual languages to ensure a unified look and feel across all digital touchpoints.
  • Employ advanced 2D design and illustration techniques for compelling concept presentations.
  • Develop engaging narratives through storytelling and storyboarding to effectively communicate design intent and user journeys.
  • Generate foundational frameworks for complex UX interactions, including navigation, control, and information display.
  • Create 2D motion graphics and basic 3D models or animations to visualize dynamic interface behaviors.
• Prototyping & Iteration:
  • Produce interactive prototypes at various fidelity levels to support leadership decision-making and user testing.
  • Iterate on designs based on feedback from design critiques, engineering constraints, and user research to address design challenges and optimize user flows.
  • Build and refine interactive prototypes to clearly demonstrate user interactions and gather actionable insights.
• Design Execution & Documentation:
  • Deliver high-quality, innovative design assets including concept sketches, detailed drawings, interactive prototypes, and storyboards.
  • Maintain meticulous attention to detail in all design deliverables, ensuring structured components are optimized for efficient handoff to development teams.
  • Leverage sophisticated graphic design skills to establish and elevate the aesthetic quality and user perception of digital experiences.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:
  • Work collaboratively and professionally with a global network of engineers, designers, and external suppliers.
  • Present design concepts and rationale clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership, engineering, and product teams.
  • Actively participate in and contribute to design critiques, providing constructive feedback and guiding major design decisions.
  • Partner closely with team members to craft a world-class, cohesive user experience across all GM products and platforms.
  • Strategize with key partners in engineering, software development, and product management to identify and explore new opportunities for user-centric innovation.
• Industry Trend Monitoring:
  • Continuously research and stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices, both within and beyond the automotive industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a role that requires a blend of creative vision and practical execution. The emphasis on "scalability," "human-centered design," and "brand consistency" points to a need for designers who can think strategically about long-term product roadmaps and maintain a cohesive brand identity. The explicit mention of creating "production-ready experiences" signifies that this is not purely a conceptual role, and designers must be able to deliver assets suitable for implementation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s Degree in User Experience Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) design, with a strong focus on digital interfaces and interactive product design.
• Demonstrated experience designing complex user experiences, preferably within the automotive, technology, or related industries.
• Proven ability to translate user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective design solutions.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Principles: Deep understanding and practical application of human-centered design methodologies.
• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in Figma and ProtoPie is mandatory for creating interactive prototypes and user flows.
• Design Software: Expertise with industry-standard design tools including Sketch, Adobe XD, Photoshop, and Illustrator for visual design and asset creation.
• Visual Communication: Strong 2D design and illustration skills, with a keen eye for aesthetics, form, and brand sensibility.
• Storytelling & Visualization: Ability to create compelling storyboards and narratives to articulate design concepts and user journeys.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for analyzing user needs and technical constraints to develop innovative and practical design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• 3D Modeling & Animation: Experience with 3D modeling software and an understanding of 3D development processes for potential integration of 3D elements in interfaces.
• Motion Design: Proficiency in 2D motion graphics tools (e.g., After Effects) and experience creating dynamic interface animations.
• Video Editing: Well-versed with video editing tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro for creating design presentations and concept videos.
• Understanding of Technical Constraints: Familiarity with engineering and software development requirements and limitations, enabling the design of feasible and implementable solutions.
• Voice User Interface (VUI) Design: Experience designing conversational interfaces and understanding of VUI principles.
• Design Systems: Experience contributing to or developing design systems for large-scale digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory requirement for Figma and ProtoPie highlights the company's current technology stack and preferred workflow for prototyping and interaction design. The inclusion of "Understanding of engineering/software requirements" as a plus suggests that candidates who can bridge the gap between design and technical feasibility will be highly valued. The "2-5 years" experience level indicates this is a mid-level role, expecting a solid foundation and independent contribution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and a track record of creating intuitive digital experiences.
• Showcase a range of projects that highlight your ability to solve complex user problems within the automotive or a similar technology-driven industry.
• Include case studies that detail your design process from initial research and ideation through to final design execution and iteration.
• Clearly articulate the user needs, business goals, and design rationale behind each project.
• Quantify the impact of your designs where possible, using metrics related to user satisfaction, engagement, or task completion.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate proficiency in documenting design processes, including user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI specifications.
• Provide examples of how you have collaborated with engineering and development teams to ensure successful implementation of designs.
• Showcase your ability to create and maintain design system components, style guides, or pattern libraries.
• Illustrate how you incorporate user feedback and testing results into iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX design role, especially at a company like GM, a robust portfolio is paramount. It's expected to showcase not just final designs but the thinking and process behind them. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design decisions, demonstrating how they arrived at their solutions and the tools/methods they employed. This includes showing how they handled constraints and collaborated.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for an Advanced UX Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the Detroit metropolitan area, the estimated salary range is between $90,000 - $120,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specific skills required, the company's industry leadership, and the cost of living in the region.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
• Employee vehicle discount programs.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.
• Access to GM's extensive internal design resources and innovation labs.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours.
• Hybrid work arrangement requiring a minimum of three days per week at the Warren GM Global Technical Center.
• Flexibility may be offered within the hybrid model, subject to team and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on common compensation structures for mid-level UX Designers in a major automotive hub like Detroit, considering GM's standing as a large, established corporation. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the company's internal compensation bands. The mention of relocation benefits is a significant perk for candidates willing to move for the position.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Technology Company Size: Large Enterprise (100,000+ employees globally) Founded: 1908 Company Description: General Motors is a global leader in the automotive industry, committed to a future of Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion. GM designs, manufactures, markets, and services a broad range of vehicles and is actively involved in advanced technologies such as autonomous driving, electric vehicles, and connected services. The company emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Team Structure:

• The Human Interface Design (HID) team operates within the broader Design organization at GM, likely collaborating closely with Vehicle Design, Software Engineering, Product Management, and UX Research departments.
• This role is part of an "Advanced" design group, suggesting a focus on future product concepts and innovation rather than immediate production cycles.
• The team comprises specialists in various design disciplines, including UX/UI, graphic design, motion design, and potentially VUI design.
• Reporting likely goes up through a Design Manager or Director within the HID or broader Design leadership structure.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Approach: A strong emphasis on understanding driver and passenger needs through research and empathy.
• Iterative Design: A process involving concept development, prototyping, testing, and refinement to achieve optimal user experiences.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close partnerships with engineering, software, and product teams to ensure feasibility and seamless integration of designs.
• Design Systems Thinking: Development and utilization of scalable design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across various platforms.
• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing user data, research insights, and performance metrics to guide design choices and improvements.

Company Website: https://www.gm.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: GM's scale and long history in the automotive industry mean this role operates within a structured environment but with significant potential for impact due to the sheer volume of users. The company's stated vision of "Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion" indicates a strategic direction towards future mobility, making this UX role critical in shaping how consumers interact with these forthcoming technologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level UX Designer ("Advanced" implies a focus on future-state design, pushing boundaries). Reporting Structure: This role likely reports to a Senior UX Designer, UX Lead, or Design Manager within the Human Interface Design (HID) group at GM Design Studios. The reporting line will offer guidance and mentorship while allowing for independent contribution. Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly influences how millions of users interact with GM vehicles and related digital services. By designing intuitive, safe, and engaging experiences, this role contributes significantly to customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and the successful adoption of new automotive technologies (e.g., EVs, autonomous features, connected services). Effective UX design is crucial for differentiating GM products in a competitive market and achieving the company's future mobility goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Growth: Progression to Senior UX Designer, Lead UX Designer, or UX Manager roles, taking on more complex projects and leadership responsibilities.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas such as In-Car Infotainment, Connected Services UX, Autonomous Vehicle Interfaces, or VUI Design.
• Cross-Functional Movement: Opportunities to move into related roles in Product Management, UX Research, or Design Strategy within GM.
• Leadership in Innovation: Contributing to cutting-edge projects in areas like electric vehicle interfaces or advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
• Skill Development: Access to GM's learning resources, workshops, and potential for external training or conferences to stay current with UX trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Advanced" designation suggests this role is geared towards innovation and future product development, offering a unique growth path beyond standard production UX roles. This could involve working on concepts that are several years from market, providing exposure to emerging technologies and design challenges.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid - primarily office-based with remote flexibility. Office Location(s): GM Global Technical Center - Design Center, Warren, Michigan. This is a large, state-of-the-art facility dedicated to automotive design and engineering. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Studio Environment: Expect to work in an open-plan studio or designated team areas designed to foster collaboration among designers, engineers, and other stakeholders.
• Access to Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with high-performance workstations, large displays, and access to specialized software and hardware for design, prototyping, and visualization.
• Cross-Departmental Interaction: Opportunities for frequent interaction with engineers, software developers, interior/exterior designers, and UX researchers, facilitating a holistic approach to product development.
• Innovation Hub: The Design Center is a hub for creativity, likely featuring concept car displays, material labs, and presentation facilities.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week.
• Hybrid model requires a minimum of three days per week on-site at the Warren facility, facilitating in-person collaboration, design reviews, and team engagement.
• The remaining two days can be worked remotely, offering some flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the GM Global Technical Center implies a significant investment in its design facilities. Candidates should anticipate a professional, high-tech environment geared towards automotive innovation, with ample opportunities for direct interaction with diverse teams involved in vehicle creation. The 3-day in-office requirement emphasizes the value placed on face-to-face collaboration in the design process.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on your experience, approach to UX design, and alignment with the role's responsibilities.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A crucial stage where you will present your portfolio to a panel of designers and potentially engineering/product stakeholders. This involves walking through 2-3 key projects, explaining your process, decisions, and outcomes. Expect to be asked about challenges faced and how you overcame them.
• Skills-Based Assessment/Case Study: You may be given a design challenge or asked to conduct a mini-case study related to automotive UX, either live or as a take-home assignment. This tests your problem-solving skills, design methodology, and ability to articulate solutions.
• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and collaborators from engineering, software, or product teams to assess collaboration style and technical understanding.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills for automotive UX design. Ensure variety in challenges and solutions.
• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, from understanding the problem to delivering the solution. Highlight your role and contributions.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Emphasize the challenges you encountered and how you used your UX expertise to overcome them.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., user satisfaction improvements, task completion rates, engagement metrics).
• Tailor to GM: Research GM's current products and future vision. Frame your portfolio pieces in a way that shows how your skills can contribute to their goals (e.g., EV interfaces, connected car features).
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss specific tools (Figma, ProtoPie) and your understanding of technical constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a case study, thoroughly analyze the problem statement, target users, and business objectives.
• Outline Your Approach: Before diving into solutions, clearly define your methodology (e.g., research, ideation, prototyping, testing).
• Visualize Solutions: Use sketches, wireframes, or low-fidelity mockups to quickly communicate your ideas.
• Articulate Trade-offs: Be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of your design decisions and any trade-offs made.
• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your explanation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical gate. Candidates should treat it as a presentation where they are selling their problem-solving abilities and design thinking, not just showing pretty pictures. Demonstrating an understanding of the automotive context and GM's specific challenges will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Figma (required), ProtoPie (required), Sketch, Adobe XD.
• Visual Design & Asset Creation: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator.
• Motion Design: Tools for 2D motion graphics (e.g., Adobe After Effects).
• 3D Modeling: Software for creating 3D models and animations (specific tools not listed but common ones include Blender, Maya, 3ds Max).
• Video Editing: Adobe Premiere Pro.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for the designer, expect to interact with teams using analytics tools to understand user behavior within the deployed interfaces. Understanding of data interpretation from tools like Google Analytics or in-house analytics platforms would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX Designer role, but understanding how user data flows from CRM or other systems into product design considerations can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and ProtoPie as required tools is a key indicator of the team's current workflow. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in these specific applications during the interview process and portfolio review. Familiarity with the broader Adobe Creative Suite is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Empathy: A deep commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs, behaviors, and experiences of drivers and passengers.
• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A drive to explore bold ideas, push design boundaries, and shape the future of mobility.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of collective intelligence, working seamlessly across disciplines and geographies.
• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality design execution, attention to detail, and delivering polished, effective solutions.
• Safety & Responsibility: A commitment to designing interfaces that are safe, distraction-free, and contribute to a better, more equitable world.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Design Process: Designers work hand-in-hand with engineers, software developers, product managers, and researchers from concept through production.
• Global Partnership: Collaboration extends across international teams, requiring effective communication and cultural sensitivity.
• Constructive Critiques: A culture of open feedback and design critiques to continuously improve and refine solutions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, insights, and learnings across the design team and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: GM's stated values around "Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion" imply a culture driven by purpose and impact. The emphasis on collaboration and user empathy within the HID team suggests a dynamic environment where designers are integral to the product development lifecycle, not isolated specialists.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Production Realities: Designing cutting-edge experiences while adhering to strict automotive engineering, safety, and manufacturing constraints.
• Complexity of Automotive Interfaces: Managing diverse user needs, extensive feature sets, and the unique context of in-vehicle usage (e.g., distraction, varying lighting conditions).
• Global Consistency vs. Regional Needs: Developing design solutions that are consistent across GM's global brands and markets, while also catering to specific regional preferences or regulations.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in AI, autonomous driving, connectivity, and electrification, and translating them into intuitive user experiences.
• Cross-Disciplinary Alignment: Effectively communicating and aligning design vision with diverse teams (engineering, software, marketing) who may have different priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to Cutting-Edge Technology: Exposure to and hands-on experience with next-generation automotive technologies and design tools.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Opportunities to attend leading UX and automotive design conferences and participate in specialized training programs.
• Mentorship Programs: Guidance from experienced senior designers and leaders within GM's extensive design organization.
• Cross-Functional Projects: Gaining broader business and technical understanding by working on projects that span multiple departments.
• Design System Contribution: Opportunities to contribute to and shape GM's enterprise-wide design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges described are inherent to the automotive UX field, particularly at a large OEM like GM. The growth opportunities highlight GM's commitment to employee development and staying at the forefront of automotive innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Methodology: "Walk me through your typical UX design process from problem identification to final delivery. How do you ensure your designs are user-centered?" (Be prepared to detail your steps, including research, ideation, prototyping, and testing).
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: "Describe a time you faced a significant design challenge. What was the challenge, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem framing, your decision-making, and the results).
• Collaboration & Influence: "How do you collaborate with engineers and software developers to ensure your designs are implemented effectively? Describe a situation where you had to advocate for a design decision." (Highlight your communication skills and ability to build consensus).

Company & Culture Questions:

• GM's Vision: "What excites you about GM's vision for the future of mobility (Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion) and how do you see UX design contributing to it?" (Research GM's initiatives and connect them to your role).
• Team Dynamics: "How do you approach working in a hybrid environment with teams located globally?" (Discuss your strategies for effective remote and in-person collaboration).
• Design Philosophy: "What does 'human-centered design' mean to you in the context of automotive UX?" (Articulate your core design values and how they align with GM's).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your role, your process, the challenges, the solution, and the impact.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your slides are clean, well-organized, and visually appealing, using high-quality mockups and prototypes.
• Focus on Your Contributions: Clearly state what you did on each project, especially in team environments.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Mention and briefly show how you used Figma, ProtoPie, and other relevant tools in your process.
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, trade-offs, and how you handled feedback. Be concise and confident in your answers.
• Showcase Iteration: Illustrate how you iterated on designs based on feedback or testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, demonstrating an understanding of the automotive context and how UX impacts safety and the overall driving experience will be crucial. Candidates should prepare specific examples that showcase not just aesthetic design skills but also strategic thinking and problem-solving within complex product ecosystems.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Advanced UX Designer position at General Motors:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring all sections of the application are completed accurately and thoroughly.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your experience in automotive UX, human-centered design, and proficiency with tools like Figma and ProtoPie. Prepare 2-3 detailed case studies focusing on problem-solving and impact.
• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to clearly articulate your years of experience, specific UX skills, tool proficiency, and key achievements relevant to this role. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and collaboration strategies. Prepare to present your portfolio compellingly and confidently. Research GM's current vehicle lineup and future mobility initiatives.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with General Motors' vision, values, and recent news, particularly regarding their advancements in electric vehicles, connected services, and autonomous driving technologies. Understand their commitment to user experience and design.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.