Advanced UX Designer

General Motors
Full_timeWarren, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Advanced UX Designer Company: General Motors Location: Warren, Michigan, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Human Interface Design (HID) Date Posted: February 10, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Based on AI analysis of role complexity and responsibilities) Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

  • Design and develop next-generation user experiences for vehicles, encompassing in-vehicle displays, connected applications, and foundational design systems.
  • Drive innovation in human-computer interaction within the automotive sector, focusing on intuitive, engaging, and safe digital experiences.
  • Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams including Vehicle Designers, Software Developers, Program Teams, and Component Designers to ensure seamless technology integration and a holistic vehicle experience.
  • Champion human-centered design principles, user research insights, and brand consistency throughout the design process.
  • Leverage advanced design tools and methodologies to create compelling concepts, prototypes, and production-ready designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within General Motors' Human Interface Design (HID) team, indicating a strategic focus on the user's interaction with technology across various platforms, including but not limited to the vehicle. The emphasis on "advanced" suggests a focus on future-forward concepts and innovation rather than solely production-level execution. The requirement for hybrid work with a minimum of three days in the Warren GM Global Technical Center highlights the importance of in-person collaboration and access to specific facilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Concept Development & Ideation:
    • Collaborate with other designers to conceptualize and refine UX for in-vehicle experiences, ensuring scalability, human-centered design, and brand consistency.
    • Develop and iterate on design concepts for both concept and production vehicle programs.
    • Define and maintain style guides and visual languages to ensure a unified look and feel across all digital touchpoints.
    • Utilize advanced 2D design and illustration skills to articulate design intent and engage in storytelling through storyboarding.
    • Generate frameworks for complex UX interactions, including voice controls and advanced driver-assist features.
    • Create 2D motion graphics and simple 3D models/animations to visualize concepts.
  • Prototyping & User Testing:
    • Build and iterate on interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and facilitate informed decision-making by leadership.
    • Generate prototype experiences that clearly demonstrate user interactions and potential solutions for user needs and wants.
    • Support user testing and feedback loops to iterate on designs and ensure optimal user experience.
  • Design Execution & Handoff:
    • Produce high-quality, innovative designs, including concept sketches, detailed drawings, interactive prototypes, and compelling storyboards.
    • Maintain meticulous attention to detail and structure design components for efficient and clear handoff to engineering and development teams.
    • Apply sophisticated graphic design principles to establish the visual tone and aesthetic for digital experience concepts.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:
    • Work professionally and effectively with a global network of engineers, designers, and suppliers.
    • Communicate and present design concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse teams, including stakeholders and leadership.
    • Actively participate in and support design critiques to guide major design decisions and foster continuous improvement.
    • Strategize with key partners, including engineering and software teams, to identify and explore new opportunities for enhanced user experiences.
  • Market & Trend Analysis:
    • Continuously research and stay updated on emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices within and outside the automotive industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level UX design role with a strong emphasis on conceptualization, advanced prototyping, and cross-functional leadership. The requirement for "production-ready experiences" alongside "concept programs" suggests a need to balance future innovation with practical implementation. The mention of "humanistic design" and "sensibility to aesthetics, form and brand" highlights the blend of analytical and creative skills required.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in User Experience, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, or a closely related field.
  • Master's degree in a relevant field is considered a strong advantage.

Experience:

  • 5-10 years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) Design, with a significant focus on designing complex digital interfaces, preferably within the automotive or related technology sectors.
  • Proven track record of successfully bringing innovative UX concepts from ideation to production.

Required Skills:

  • UX Design Expertise: Deep understanding of human-centered design principles, user research methodologies, interaction design patterns, and information architecture.
  • Prototyping Proficiency: Advanced skills in creating interactive prototypes using tools such as Figma and Protopie.
  • Design Software Mastery: Extensive experience with industry-standard design tools including Sketch, Adobe XD, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
  • Visual Design & Aesthetics: Strong sensibility for aesthetics, form, brand identity, and visual language development.
  • Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, global team environment.
  • Conceptualization: Ability to generate creative solutions and translate them into tangible design concepts.
  • Motion & 3D Basics: Experience with 2D motion graphics and basic understanding of 3D modeling concepts.

Preferred Skills:

  • Automotive UX: Specific experience designing UX for automotive infotainment systems, connected car services, or in-vehicle digital experiences.
  • 3D Modeling & Development: Understanding of 3D development processes and workflows.
  • Video Editing: Proficiency with video editing tools such as Adobe Premier Pro for creating design presentations and demonstrations.
  • Engineering/Software Acumen: Familiarity with engineering requirements and limitations, as well as software development processes and constraints.
  • Design Systems: Experience in developing and maintaining scalable design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required tools (Figma, Protopie) are explicitly stated, indicating their critical importance. The preference for automotive UX experience and understanding of engineering/software limitations suggests that candidates with this background will be highly competitive, as it bridges the gap between design and technical feasibility early in the process.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrated Process: Your portfolio must clearly articulate your design process, from initial user research and problem definition through ideation, prototyping, iteration, and final design execution.
  • Case Studies: Include detailed case studies that showcase your problem-solving abilities for complex UX challenges, particularly those involving integrated hardware and software systems.
  • Tool Proficiency: Visual evidence of your expertise in using Figma and Protopie for prototyping and user flow design. Examples of work created with Sketch, XD, Photoshop, and Illustrator should also be present.
  • Aesthetic & Brand Sensibility: Showcase examples that highlight your understanding of visual design, branding, and the creation of cohesive visual languages.
  • Impact & Results: Quantify the impact of your designs where possible, demonstrating how your work contributed to user satisfaction, engagement, or other business objectives.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Design: Provide examples of how you have mapped out user journeys and designed intuitive workflows for complex systems.
  • System Integration: Illustrate your approach to designing experiences that seamlessly integrate across multiple platforms (vehicle, mobile, web) and hardware/software components.
  • Iterative Design: Showcase instances where you have iterated on designs based on feedback, testing, or evolving requirements, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to user-centered improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX role at a major automotive manufacturer, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing final visuals and delve into the strategic thinking, process, and problem-solving that led to those outcomes. Emphasis on integrated hardware/software systems and cross-platform design is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Based on industry benchmarks for an Advanced UX Designer with 5-10 years of experience in a major automotive hub like Detroit (Warren, MI), the estimated annual salary range is $120,000 - $170,000 USD. This range accounts for the advanced nature of the role, the required specialized skills, and the significant impact on future vehicle technologies.

Benefits:

  • Relocation Assistance: Comprehensive relocation benefits are available for eligible candidates.
  • Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match.
  • Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
  • Life & Disability Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options.
  • Employee Vehicle Programs: Potential access to employee discount programs and vehicle purchase plans.
  • Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week.
  • The hybrid model allows for flexibility in work location across three designated days in the office per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on current market data for similar roles in the automotive and tech industries in the US, considering the experience level and the strategic importance of UX design at a company like General Motors. Specific benefits often extend beyond standard offerings at large corporations like GM, with employee vehicle programs being a notable perk.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Technology Company Size: Large Enterprise (Over 10,000 employees) Founded: 1908 Company Description: General Motors (GM) is a global leader in the automotive industry, committed to its vision of a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion. GM designs, manufactures, markets, and services a broad spectrum of vehicles and is actively involved in developing advanced technologies for mobility, including electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connected services. Company Specialties: Automotive Design & Engineering, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Autonomous Driving Technology, Connected Services, Vehicle Manufacturing, Mobility Solutions.

Team Structure:

  • Human Interface Design (HID) Team: This team is a specialized unit within GM's broader design and engineering organization, focusing specifically on the user's interaction with automotive technology.
  • Reporting Structure: The Advanced UX Designer will report to a manager or director within the HID team, likely with dotted-line reporting or close collaboration with program leads and vehicle design directors.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates deep collaboration with Vehicle Designers (exterior/interior), Software Developers, UX Researchers, Product Managers, Program Teams, and Component Designers, both domestically and internationally.

Methodology:

  • User-Centricity: A strong emphasis on understanding driver and passenger needs through user research, translating insights into intuitive and engaging digital experiences.
  • Design Systems Approach: Development and utilization of scalable design systems to ensure consistency, accessibility, and efficiency across all digital touchpoints.
  • Iterative Design & Prototyping: Continuous refinement of designs through prototyping and feedback loops to achieve optimal user interaction and experience.
  • Innovation & Future-Forward Thinking: A culture that encourages exploration of bold ideas and pushes the boundaries of automotive and digital design.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GM's commitment to "Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion" provides a clear strategic direction that informs the work of the HID team. The "User-First Culture" mentioned in the job description is a key aspect of their operational philosophy for designing technology.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Advanced Specialist This role is positioned as an "Advanced UX Designer," indicating a senior individual contributor role. It requires a deep level of expertise in UX design principles, advanced tool proficiency, and the ability to conceptualize and execute complex, next-generation experiences. This level typically involves mentoring junior designers and influencing design strategy.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a manager within the Human Interface Design team. They will work closely with various program teams, engineering departments, and other design disciplines, requiring strong collaboration and communication skills to navigate a matrixed organizational structure common in large enterprises like GM.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly shaping the user experience of millions of customers worldwide. By designing intuitive and engaging interfaces for in-vehicle systems, connected apps, and future mobility solutions, the UX Designer influences customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and the adoption of new technologies like EVs and autonomous driving features. Their work is critical to GM's strategic goals of reducing crashes, emissions, and congestion through technology.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of automotive UX, such as infotainment, autonomous driving interfaces, or connected services.
  • Leadership: Transition into team lead or management roles within the HID team, overseeing projects and mentoring other designers.
  • Advanced Concepts: Contribute to cutting-edge research and development in areas like augmented reality (AR) interfaces, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and next-generation vehicle architectures.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Movement: Potential to move into related fields such as product management, strategic design, or user research leadership within GM.
  • Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping industry standards and best practices in automotive UX design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Advanced" title implies a significant level of autonomy and influence. Growth opportunities would likely stem from leading complex projects, mentoring junior staff, or specializing in emerging areas of automotive technology.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model with a strong emphasis on in-office collaboration. Office Location(s): GM Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. This is a major hub for GM's design and engineering activities.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Studios: The Design Center is likely equipped with collaborative workspaces, design studios, and access to advanced prototyping facilities.
  • Technology & Tools: Access to state-of-the-art design software, hardware, and potentially VR/AR labs for immersive design experiences.
  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with a diverse team of designers, engineers, and product specialists, fostering a dynamic and innovative environment.
  • Hybrid Arrangement: While remote work is permitted, the requirement for three days per week in the office underscores the value placed on face-to-face collaboration, spontaneous ideation, and team cohesion in this role.

Work Schedule:

  • A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the flexibility to manage personal time across the hybrid work arrangement. Adherence to core working hours for team meetings and collaborative sessions will be necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model at GM's design center suggests a structured approach to collaboration, balancing the benefits of remote flexibility with the necessity of in-person interaction for design-intensive work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and fit.
  • Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your selected case studies, detailing your process, problem-solving approach, and design rationale. Expect to discuss your experience with Figma and Protopie in detail.
  • Technical/Design Interviews: Discussions focused on UX principles, interaction design, visual design, and your experience with specific tools and methodologies.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration Scenario: Questions or exercises simulating collaboration with engineers, product managers, and other designers to assess your communication and teamwork skills.
  • Behavioral & Cultural Fit: Questions designed to understand your work style, problem-solving approach, and how you align with GM's culture and values.
  • Final Interview: Typically with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest case studies that best represent your skills in advanced UX design, human-centered methodologies, and tool proficiency (especially Figma/Protopie).
  • Focus on Process: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the research conducted, the design process followed, the challenges encountered, and the solutions implemented.
  • Highlight Impact: Quantify the results of your design work whenever possible (e.g., improved user satisfaction scores, increased task completion rates, reduced errors).
  • Showcase Tool Proficiency: Include visuals demonstrating your use of Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration, and Protopie for advanced interactive prototypes.
  • Visual Storytelling: Use well-designed slides, clear visuals, and concise explanations to tell the story of your design journey. Be prepared to discuss your design decisions and rationale.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design Exercise: You may be given a short design challenge or asked to critique an existing interface. Prepare to think critically, articulate your reasoning, and propose solutions.
  • Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to discuss how you would handle common UX challenges, such as conflicting stakeholder requirements, tight deadlines, or integrating new technologies.
  • Company Research: Understand GM's current product portfolio, their vision for future mobility (EVs, autonomous driving), and recent design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation with specific tool proficiency (Figma, Protopie) indicates that candidates will need to be prepared to demonstrate their practical skills and thought process in detail. Understanding GM's strategic direction in mobility is key to tailoring responses.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Expect to demonstrate advanced usage.
  • Protopie: Required for creating highly interactive and complex prototypes that simulate real-world device interactions, crucial for advanced UX concepts.
  • Sketch: A widely used UI design tool, proficiency is expected.
  • Adobe XD: Another popular tool for UI/UX design and prototyping.
  • Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creating visual assets.
  • Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, icon design, and creating scalable visual elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not explicitly listed as a primary requirement for the designer, understanding how to interpret user analytics and feedback from reporting tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, internal dashboards) to inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

  • This role is less directly involved with CRM or automation tools in a day-to-day operational sense, but an understanding of how user data is managed and how automated systems might impact user journeys is advantageous.

Other Potential Tools:

  • 3D Modeling Software: Basic understanding or experience with tools like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max for creating simple 3D models or animations.
  • Video Editing Software: Proficiency with Adobe Premier Pro for creating dynamic design presentations and demonstrations.
  • Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams for project management and team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma and Protopie are explicitly called out as required, making them critical for any applicant. Experience with the broader Adobe Creative Suite is also essential. The mention of 3D modeling and video editing suggests a multi-modal approach to design communication.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A fundamental belief that designs must prioritize the needs, behaviors, and desires of drivers and passengers.
  • Innovation & Future-Forward Thinking: A drive to explore bold ideas and push the boundaries of automotive and digital design, aligning with GM's vision for future mobility.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines and geographies to achieve a common goal of creating world-class user experiences.
  • Excellence & Quality: A commitment to high standards in design execution, attention to detail, and the creation of intuitive, engaging, and safe experiences.
  • Empathy: Starting every design decision with an understanding and consideration for the user's perspective and context.

Collaboration Style:

  • Integrated Design Process: Close collaboration with engineering, software development, and product management to ensure designs are technically feasible and strategically aligned.
  • Global Teamwork: Professional interaction and effective communication with colleagues and partners worldwide, respecting diverse perspectives and working styles.
  • Critique-Oriented: An open environment for design critiques where feedback is constructively given and received to drive design improvements.
  • Storytelling & Visualization: A collaborative approach that relies on strong visual communication, including storyboarding and prototyping, to share ideas and align teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's vision of "Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion" likely permeates the team's values, influencing design decisions towards safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Innovation with Production: Designing for future concepts while ensuring feasibility and timely delivery for production vehicles.
  • Complexity of Automotive Systems: Navigating the intricate interplay of hardware, software, and user interface across various vehicle models and features.
  • Global Design Consistency: Maintaining brand consistency and user experience quality across diverse markets and regulatory environments.
  • Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in AI, autonomous driving, electric vehicle technology, and their implications for UX.
  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating and gaining buy-in from numerous stakeholders with potentially differing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Tool Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in cutting-edge UX design and prototyping tools.
  • Industry Conferences & Workshops: Participation in events focused on automotive UX, human-computer interaction, and emerging technologies.
  • Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced designers and leaders within GM for guidance and career development.
  • Exposure to Emerging Technologies: Hands-on involvement with next-generation automotive technologies like EVs, ADAS, and autonomous driving systems.
  • Leadership Development: Pathways to take on project leadership roles, manage design initiatives, or mentor junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in designing for the automotive industry, especially at a company like GM, offer significant opportunities for professional growth in managing complex projects and staying at the forefront of technological innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Design Process & Problem Solving: "Describe a complex UX challenge you faced in a previous role, detailing your process for understanding the problem, generating solutions, and iterating based on feedback. How did you use Figma and Protopie in this process?"
    • Preparation: Be ready to walk through a specific case study from your portfolio, highlighting your strategic thinking, tool usage, and problem-solving methodology.
  • Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you approach collaborating with engineers, software developers, and other designers to ensure a cohesive user experience, especially when there are conflicting priorities or technical constraints?"
    • Preparation: Prepare examples of successful cross-functional collaborations and how you navigated disagreements or technical limitations.
  • Innovation & Future-Thinking: "GM aims for a future with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion. How would you approach designing a UX for an autonomous vehicle that supports these goals?"
    • Preparation: Research GM's current initiatives in EVs and autonomous driving. Think conceptually about how UX can enhance safety, efficiency, and the overall user experience in future mobility.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • GM's Vision: "What excites you about GM's vision for the future of mobility, and how do you see UX design playing a role in achieving it?"
    • Preparation: Familiarize yourself with GM's recent announcements, EV strategy, and autonomous driving efforts.
  • Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive collaborative culture."
    • Preparation: Reflect on your preferred working style and how you integrate with team members.
  • Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your UX designs, and what metrics do you find most valuable?"
    • Preparation: Be ready to discuss quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating design effectiveness.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling is Key: Structure your presentation as a narrative for each case study, guiding the interviewers through the problem, your process, and the solution.
  • Focus on "Why": Clearly articulate the rationale behind your design decisions. Why did you choose a particular interaction pattern? Why this visual style?
  • Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to show specific examples of your work in Figma (e.g., complex prototypes, component libraries) and Protopie (e.g., advanced interaction flows).
  • Conciseness: Respect the time allotted. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your work and be prepared for follow-up questions.
  • Enthusiasm for Automotive: Convey your passion for automotive design and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to be specific about your experience with Figma and Protopie, as these are explicitly required tools. Understanding GM's strategic direction and applying it to UX design scenarios will demonstrate strong research and strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Advanced UX Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the General Motors Careers portal via the provided link.
  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest case studies relevant to automotive UX, complex digital systems, and your proficiency with Figma and Protopie. Ensure your process is clearly articulated for each project.
  • Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your experience in human-centered design, advanced prototyping, cross-functional collaboration, and any relevant automotive or technology sector experience. Use keywords from the job description.
  • Interview Preparation: Practice your portfolio presentation, focusing on storytelling, design rationale, and demonstrating your understanding of GM's vision and the challenges of automotive UX. Prepare answers to common UX and behavioral interview questions.
  • Company Research: Thoroughly research General Motors' current product lines, their strategic initiatives (EVs, autonomous driving, connectivity), and their design philosophy to articulate why you are a good fit and how you can contribute.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

A good candidate must possess knowledge of human-centric design, sensibility to aesthetics, form, and brand, along with the ability to solve user needs across a wide range of customers. This role requires a harmonious combination of creative skills and technical know-how, including experience with Figma and Protopie.