Senior User Experience (UX) Principal Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Experience (UX) Principal Engineer Company: Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, LLC Location: Raymond, Ohio, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) / Product Development Operations Date Posted: October 28, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (10+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead strategic initiatives to define future product competitiveness and assess fundamental technology application feasibility, focusing on enhancing user experience within the North American market.
• Drive the development of exceptional user experiences for digital products and interactions, with a specific emphasis on C.A.S.E. (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electrification) technologies.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior UX research engineers, guiding them through user-centric design methodologies and project execution.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams, including global counterparts in Japan and other Honda divisions, to translate UX solutions and specifications into actionable development plans.
• Conduct and oversee user-centered research, testing, and proof-of-concept experiments to validate customer impact and inform design decisions for new digital features and related technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior User Experience (UX) Principal Engineer," the core responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a role focused on the operationalization and strategic application of UX principles within product development, rather than a purely technical engineering role. This enhancement positions the role within "Product Development Operations" to better reflect its strategic and cross-functional nature.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Experience Roadmap Development: Contribute to and aid in the creation of the UX research vision, strategy, and desired outcomes, ensuring alignment with departmental and company-wide priorities.
• Digital UX Solution Design: Guide, review, and develop proposals for digital products, overseeing the breakdown of primary specifications and their interaction with related systems.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with various teams, including those at HDMA, Japan, and AHM, to bring UX solutions and specifications to the organization, ensuring seamless integration and feasibility.
• User Experience Testing & Validation: Collaborate with divisional leaders to construct and execute relevant testing and proof-of-concept experiments, assessing customer impact and proposing alternative solutions as needed.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Provide technical guidance, monitor individual team member performance, and ensure task execution aligns with departmental objectives, while also supporting project-level budget management.
• Process & Specification Development: Define and refine digital UX interactions, strategy, and sensing specifications, with a keen focus on C.A.S.E. principles.
• Feasibility Assessment: Collaborate with UX researchers and function group members to assess the feasibility and implementation methods of new digital features and related technologies for development startups.
• Horizon Scanning & Trend Analysis: Stay abreast of current technologies and explore future trends through continuous learning, conference attendance, and competitor tracking to inform product strategy.
• Policy & Regulation Compliance: Ensure adherence to company policies, external regulations, and industry best practices in all UX development and coaching activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original description mentions "work with other UX researchers" and "collaborate with function group members." This enhancement expands on that by detailing the purpose of that collaboration: assessing feasibility, implementing new features, and ensuring alignment with C.A.S.E. principles, which are critical for operations in the automotive sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Factors, Industrial Design, UX Design, Engineering, Psychology, Product Development, or a related field of equivalent experience.

Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of relevant professional experience in User Experience design and research.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience conducting user-centered research in professional environments and successfully implementing findings into design solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within an Agile development environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with a strong capability to produce clear and compelling presentation documents.
• Experience in developing and optimizing complex project plans and schedules for UX initiatives.
• Proficiency in designing and delivering comprehensive proposals for executive-level review.
• Advanced presentation capabilities, effectively articulating complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills, essential for cross-functional project management.
• Experience with digital UX interactions, strategy, and sensing, particularly within the context of automotive technology.
• Ability to conduct and oversee testing and proof-of-concept experiments.
• Understanding of C.A.S.E. (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electrification) principles and their application in product development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with global product development cycles and collaborating with international teams (e.g., Japan).
• Familiarity with automotive industry standards and best practices for user experience.
• Experience in technical leadership or mentoring junior team members.
• Knowledge of specific UX research methodologies and tools relevant to the automotive sector.
• Understanding of system interaction specifications and their impact on user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Other job-specific skills" section in the original listing was quite detailed. These points have been integrated into the "Required Skills" and "Preferred Skills" sections for better organization and clarity, specifically highlighting skills like Agile, presentation abilities, and negotiation which are crucial for operational roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of User-Centered Design: Showcase detailed case studies demonstrating the application of user-centered design methodologies from research initiation to final product implementation, highlighting problem definition, research findings, design iterations, and user impact.
• Process Optimization Examples: Provide examples of how you have optimized user workflows, system interactions, or product development processes through UX insights, detailing the methodology used and the quantifiable improvements achieved.
• System Specification Contributions: Include documentation or examples of contributions to system specifications, demonstrating an understanding of how UX requirements translate into technical specifications and interact with broader product architectures.
• Cross-Functional Project Examples: Highlight projects where collaboration with engineering, product management, and other functional groups was critical, illustrating your ability to integrate UX considerations into the broader product development lifecycle.

Process Documentation:

• User Research Protocols: Demonstrate experience in designing and documenting user research protocols, including participant recruitment, test scripts, and data collection methods.
• UX Strategy and Roadmap Documentation: Showcase examples of UX strategy documents, roadmaps, or vision statements that align user needs with business objectives and technological feasibility.
• Design Specification & Requirements: Provide examples of how detailed UX specifications, interaction designs, and user flow documentation were created and communicated to development teams.
• Testing and Validation Reports: Include examples of user testing reports, proof-of-concept results, and customer impact assessments that informed product decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Principal Engineer" role in UX with operational responsibilities, a portfolio demonstrating not just design but also strategic application, process documentation, and cross-functional collaboration is essential. This section outlines specific types of content that would be valuable for such a portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The provided job description does not specify a salary range. However, for a Senior UX Principal Engineer role with 10+ years of experience in Raymond, Ohio, industry benchmarks suggest a base salary range of approximately $130,000 to $180,000 annually. This estimate is based on data for senior-level engineering and UX positions in the automotive sector within the Midwest region of the United States, considering the cost of living and demand for specialized skills. Specific compensation will be determined by factors such as candidate experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Benefits:

• Competitive Base Salary: Performance-based pay structure.
• Regional Bonus: Potential for annual bonus based on company and regional performance.
• Manager Lease Car Program: No-cost lease car, including maintenance and insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Industry-leading Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with prescription drug coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, company holidays, and a shutdown period.
• Disability Coverage: Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance.
• Retirement Savings: 401K plan with a company match, plus an additional company contribution.
• Relocation Assistance: Support provided for eligible candidates relocating to the area.
• Lifestyle Account: Flexible spending account for various personal needs.
• Childcare Reimbursement Account: Financial assistance for childcare expenses.
• Elder Care Support: Resources and potential reimbursement for elder care needs.
• Tuition Assistance & Student Loan Repayment: Support for ongoing education and managing student debt.
• Wellbeing Program: Initiatives focused on employee health and wellness.
• Community Service and Engagement Programs: Opportunities to participate in company-sponsored community initiatives.
• Product Programs: Benefits related to Honda products.

Working Hours: Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and operational demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: A detailed salary estimation methodology and a comprehensive list of benefits have been compiled to provide clarity for operations candidates. The "Regional Bonus" and "Manager Lease Car Program" are specific and valuable perks that have been highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing and Technology. Honda is a global leader in automotive, motorcycle, and power equipment manufacturing, known for its innovation, quality, and commitment to environmental sustainability. The company is deeply invested in future mobility solutions, including electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connected services.

Company Size: Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, LLC (HDMA) is part of the larger Honda Motor Co., Ltd. global enterprise. While specific numbers for HDMA may vary, Honda as a whole is a major global employer, indicating a large, established, and resource-rich corporate environment. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for broad impact.

Founded: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. was founded in 1948. Honda Development and Manufacturing of America was established later to support its North American operations. This long history signifies a company with deep roots in engineering excellence, continuous improvement, and a forward-thinking approach to product development.

Team Structure:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The UX team operates within a matrixed structure, collaborating closely with various functional groups. This includes engineering departments (e.g., electrical, software), product planning, design studios, and global R&D centers (Japan).
• Reporting Hierarchy: The UX Sr. Principal Technical Expert likely reports to a Director or Vice President of UX, R&D, or Product Development, with direct oversight of junior engineers and project teams.
• Global Collaboration: A significant aspect of the team's structure involves interfacing with and influencing global product development strategies, particularly with teams in Japan, ensuring North American market needs are integrated into global platforms.

Methodology:

• User-Centricity: A core operational principle is a deep commitment to user-centered design, ensuring that all product development decisions are informed by user research and feedback.
• Agile & Iterative Development: The team likely employs Agile methodologies to facilitate rapid iteration, flexibility, and continuous improvement in the design and development of digital features.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: UX research, testing results, and market data are critical inputs for strategic planning, feature prioritization, and feasibility assessments.
• Innovation Focus: The company fosters an environment that encourages exploration of new technologies and innovative solutions, particularly in areas like C.A.S.E.

Company Website: https://careers.honda.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description and its focus on innovation and future mobility provide crucial context for a UX Principal Engineer. This section elaborates on how Honda's industry and history shape its operational approach to UX and product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior Principal Technical Expert level within the User Experience domain. It signifies a high degree of technical expertise, strategic influence, and leadership capability. Professionals at this level are expected to operate with significant autonomy, drive innovation, and mentor others. They are key contributors to defining the future direction of product development from a user experience perspective.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Principal Engineer will likely report to a senior leader (e.g., Director, VP) within Research & Development or Product Development. They will have direct oversight and technical guidance responsibilities for junior UX engineers and project teams, acting as a lead subject matter expert.

Operations Impact: The UX Principal Engineer's work directly impacts Honda's product competitiveness by ensuring that future vehicles and digital services offer exceptional, user-friendly experiences that meet or exceed North American market expectations. Their strategic input influences technology adoption, feature sets, and overall product strategy, thereby driving customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and market share in crucial segments like connected, autonomous, shared, and electric mobility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in cutting-edge areas like autonomous driving interfaces, electric vehicle user experience, or connected car services, becoming a recognized authority within Honda.
• Leadership Development: Transition into formal management roles, leading larger UX teams, or taking on broader strategic responsibilities within R&D or Product Planning.
• Global Influence: Expand influence to shape global UX strategies and standards, working more extensively with international R&D centers and product teams.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead cross-functional initiatives that span multiple departments, driving complex projects from concept to launch.
• Continuous Learning: Access to extensive training programs, conferences, and educational reimbursement to stay at the forefront of UX and automotive technology trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the "Principal Engineer" title within an operational context, emphasizing strategic impact, leadership, and career progression pathways relevant to professionals in product development and operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Raymond, Ohio, at a Honda facility. This is likely a professional office environment within a larger R&D or manufacturing campus. Such environments are typically designed for collaboration, innovation, and focused work, with access to advanced facilities and resources.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Raymond, Ohio, United States. This is a dedicated on-site role, requiring the candidate to be physically present at the specified Honda facility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect access to meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and shared workspaces designed to foster interaction and idea exchange among team members and cross-functional partners.
• Advanced Technology: The workspace will be equipped with the necessary tools and technology for UX design, research, and development, including high-performance computing, specialized software, and potentially testing labs or simulation environments.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with fellow UX engineers, researchers, product managers, and engineers from various disciplines, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. While on-site, there may be opportunities for some flexibility in start/end times, but core hours will likely be expected for team collaboration and project alignment. The nature of R&D and product development may occasionally require extended hours to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates the "on-site" work arrangement into a tangible description of the work environment, focusing on aspects relevant to an operations professional in an R&D setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on experience alignment with the core requirements, especially the 10+ years of UX experience and leadership capabilities.
• Technical/Behavioral Interview: Expect a series of interviews with UX leaders and senior team members. These will delve into your experience with user-centered design, research methodologies, Agile practices, and your approach to problem-solving. You will be asked to provide specific examples from your past work.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session will be scheduled to review your professional portfolio. This is a critical step where you will present case studies, explain your design process, and demonstrate the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss your contributions in detail.
• Cross-Functional Panel: You may be interviewed by members from related departments (e.g., engineering, product planning) to assess your ability to collaborate and integrate UX considerations into broader product development efforts.
• Final Interview: A final interview with senior leadership may occur, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall cultural fit within Honda's R&D environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your experience in user-centered research, strategic UX leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. Prioritize projects relevant to automotive or complex digital product development.
• Structure Your Narratives: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the methodologies used (research, design, testing), key challenges faced, your specific contributions, the solutions developed, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Emphasize Process & Strategy: Go beyond showcasing final designs. Detail your thought process, how you translated research into strategy, how you navigated trade-offs, and how you influenced product direction. Highlight your contributions to UX roadmaps and specifications.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., improved user satisfaction scores, increased task completion rates, reduced error rates, positive feedback on new features).
• Tailor to Honda: Research Honda's current product offerings, future mobility initiatives (C.A.S.E.), and company values. Frame your portfolio examples to highlight how your skills and experience align with their strategic goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• UX Strategy Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you need to define a UX strategy for a new automotive feature or digital service. This might involve outlining research plans, key user needs, and potential interaction paradigms.
• Problem-Solving Exercise: You may be given a UX problem related to automotive interfaces or connected services and asked to outline your approach to diagnosing and solving it, including research methods and design considerations.
• Presentation Practice: Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely and engagingly. Focus on storytelling, clear articulation of your contributions, and answering questions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice specifically for preparing a portfolio and navigating interviews for a senior UX operations role, focusing on strategic thinking, process demonstration, and impact articulation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research & Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure RP for wireframing, prototyping, and detailed design. Experience with user research platforms like UserTesting.com, Lookback, or similar for remote and in-person usability testing.
• Collaboration & Project Management: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello for managing Agile workflows, tracking tasks, and documenting project progress.
• Data Analysis & Visualization: Experience with tools that can help analyze user feedback and behavioral data. While direct analytics tools might be for other teams, understanding how to interpret and present data from user studies is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Behavior Analytics: While not directly hands-on for this role, understanding how tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or specialized in-car analytics platforms provide insights into user behavior within digital products and vehicle interfaces.
• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret reports and dashboards that communicate UX research findings, user satisfaction metrics, and the impact of UX initiatives to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) might integrate with connected car services or customer feedback loops, although direct CRM management is unlikely to be a primary responsibility.
• Prototyping & Simulation Tools: Experience with advanced prototyping tools or simulation software that can replicate vehicle environments or complex digital interactions for testing purposes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section details the likely technology stack for a UX Principal Engineer in the automotive industry, focusing on tools that support research, design, collaboration, and the operational aspects of product development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental value that drives all decisions, ensuring that the user's needs and experience are at the forefront of product development. This translates to a culture where user feedback is actively sought and integrated.
• Continuous Improvement (Kaizen): Reflecting Honda's core philosophy, there's an emphasis on ongoing refinement of processes, products, and individual skills. This fosters a proactive approach to identifying and implementing enhancements.
• Innovation & Future Focus: A commitment to exploring new technologies and forward-thinking solutions, particularly in the context of future mobility (C.A.S.E.). This encourages creativity and a proactive stance on industry trends.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together across departments and global boundaries to achieve common goals. This promotes a supportive environment where collective expertise is leveraged.
• Quality & Excellence: A dedication to delivering high-quality products and services that meet Honda's renowned standards for reliability and performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team actively collaborates with engineering, product planning, design, and global R&D teams. This involves regular meetings, working sessions, and shared documentation to ensure alignment.
• Iterative Feedback Loops: A culture of open feedback, where designs and research findings are shared early and often, allowing for continuous refinement and alignment among stakeholders.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, research insights, and lessons learned through internal presentations, documentation, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section connects Honda's known corporate values (like Kaizen) to the specific operational context of a UX team, explaining how these values influence daily work and collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Automotive Systems: Integrating sophisticated UX designs into complex vehicle architectures, software systems, and diverse hardware configurations presents a significant technical and operational challenge.
• Balancing Global vs. Local Needs: Aligning user experience strategies with global product platforms while ensuring they meet the specific needs and expectations of the North American market requires careful negotiation and adaptation.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the accelerating advancements in automotive technology (AI, connectivity, electrification, autonomy) and translating these into intuitive user experiences demands continuous learning and agile development processes.
• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Securing buy-in and ensuring consistent implementation of UX principles across various departments (engineering, marketing, legal) can be operationally complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Methodologies: Deepen expertise in emerging UX research techniques, human-factors engineering for complex systems, and AI-driven UX.
• Automotive Technology Immersion: Gain in-depth knowledge of C.A.S.E. technologies, vehicle systems integration, and the future of mobility.
• Leadership and Strategy: Develop skills in strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and influencing product roadmaps at a senior level.
• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend leading UX and automotive technology conferences, participate in industry working groups, and pursue relevant certifications.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders within Honda for guidance and career development support.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies specific, operational challenges inherent to the automotive UX field and links them to concrete growth opportunities that align with the "Principal Engineer" level.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining the UX strategy for a new in-car infotainment system focused on increasing driver engagement while minimizing distraction?" (Focus on user research, prioritization of features, and iterative design process.)
• "Describe a time you had to align conflicting UX requirements from different stakeholder groups (e.g., engineering, marketing, legal). What was your approach and the outcome?" (Highlight negotiation, communication, and compromise skills.)
• "Given Honda's focus on C.A.S.E., how would you prioritize UX research efforts for autonomous vehicle features versus electric vehicle charging management features?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and understanding of market trends and user needs.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Honda's vision for the future of mobility, and how do you see UX playing a role in achieving that vision?" (Showcase research into Honda's strategic goals and connect your expertise.)
• "How do you foster a user-centric culture within a team or organization, especially when dealing with teams that may have different priorities?" (Discuss methods for advocacy, education, and collaborative alignment.)
• "Describe your experience working in an Agile environment and how you integrate UX processes within Agile sprints." (Illustrate practical application of UX in iterative development cycles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the 'Why': Clearly articulate the business problem or user need your project addressed and why it was important.
• Detail Your Process: Walk through your methodology – research, ideation, design, testing, iteration. Explain why you chose specific methods.
• Showcase Your Role: Be specific about your individual contributions, especially in leadership, strategy, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Highlight Impact & Metrics: Quantify results where possible. Explain the impact on users and the business.
• Anticipate Questions: Be prepared to discuss trade-offs, challenges, and alternative solutions you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are designed to probe the strategic, operational, and leadership aspects of the Senior UX Principal Engineer role, going beyond basic design skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused UX position:

• Submit Your Resume: Apply through the Honda Careers portal, ensuring your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of UX experience, leadership roles, and specific accomplishments in user-centered design and product development operations.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that includes 3-5 detailed case studies showcasing your strategic UX contributions, research methodologies, cross-functional collaboration, and quantifiable impact. Tailor your project selection to demonstrate relevance to automotive UX and Honda's focus on C.A.S.E. technologies.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on storytelling, articulating your strategic thinking, detailing your process, and demonstrating measurable outcomes. Be ready to discuss how your work aligns with Honda's values and future vision.
• Research Honda: Familiarize yourself with Honda's current product lineup, their stated future mobility goals (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, Electrification), and their corporate culture (e.g., Kaizen). Understand how UX fits into their broader business strategy.
• Anticipate Interview Questions: Prepare for behavioral, situational, and technical questions that assess your strategic leadership, problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and depth of UX expertise within complex product development environments.

⚠️ 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.

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