Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: HARMAN International

Location: Novi, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Automotive UX/UI Design, Product Design, Brand Experience Design

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design and execution of holistic brand experiences for in-car audio systems, integrating visual design, sound innovation, and product interaction.

• Develop intuitive, user-centered interfaces and novel sound features that enhance the overall driving experience and reflect premium quality.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including sound engineers, acoustic specialists, and industrial designers, to bring cutting-edge automotive experiences to life.

• Leverage advanced design tools and emerging technologies to conceptualize and deliver pixel-perfect designs that push the boundaries of automotive interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a blend of traditional UX/UI design and a unique focus on auditory experiences within the automotive sector. The emphasis on "holistic brand experiences" and "sound innovation" suggests a need for designers who can think beyond visual interfaces and consider the complete sensory journey of a driver. The mention of AR/VR and Unity indicates a forward-looking approach to design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually stunning, user-centered UX/UI for branded car audio systems, sound features, and related products, ensuring alignment with brand identity and customer needs.

• Develop innovative concepts for in-car interfaces, sound feature interactions, and native integrations within OEM systems, focusing on intuitive usability and premium feel.

• Create and maintain comprehensive design systems, component libraries, and brand guidelines to ensure consistency and scalability across all digital platforms and products.

• Present and articulate design concepts effectively to brand managers, customers, and internal stakeholders through compelling presentations, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Collaborate closely with development teams, sound engineers, and acoustic specialists to ensure seamless integration of design elements with underlying technology and audio performance.

• Partner with industrial design, lifestyle, and 3D motion teams, as well as customer design teams, to foster cohesive product development and brand storytelling.

• Contribute to concept car UX/UI projects and standalone applications, exploring emerging technologies such as AR/VR and Unity to drive innovation.

• Conduct usability evaluations, analyze feedback, and iterate on designs to continuously improve responsiveness, usability, and overall design quality.

• Maintain and optimize Figma brand libraries, KONA components, and website brand guidelines specifically for automotive applications.

• Research and stay abreast of industry trends in UX/UI design, behavioral design, and speculative UX to inspire future concepts and design directions.

• Experiment with new design tools and workflows to enhance efficiency and deliver exceptional, memorable user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can manage both the strategic overview of brand experience and the tactical execution of UI elements. The emphasis on "sound-related product design" and collaboration with "acoustic specialists" is a critical differentiator for this role, suggesting that candidates with an interest or background in audio design principles will be highly valued.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in UX/UI Design, Interaction Design, Graphic Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: 5+ years of professional UX/UI design experience, with a demonstrable track record of creating impactful digital experiences.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in user-centered design principles and human-centered design methodologies.

• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, with a strong emphasis on <b>Figma</b>.

• Comprehensive experience with the <b>Adobe Creative Suite</b> (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects).

• Ability to understand and translate brand values, brand identity, and design language into compelling digital experiences.

• Strong skills in creating wireframes, user flows, information architecture, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Experience in developing and maintaining <b>design systems</b> and component libraries.

• Excellent visual concept development and visual design skills.

• Proven ability to conduct usability evaluations and incorporate feedback into design iterations.

• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly.

• Experience working effectively in distributed, cross-functional teams across multiple locations and time zones.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in <b>Automotive UX/UI design</b> is highly valued.

• Background in motion design, illustration, and storyboarding, with an understanding of time-based UI for dynamic environments like in-car systems.

• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as <b>AR/VR</b> and <b>Unity</b> for interactive experiences.

• Experience with sound design principles or an understanding of how audio impacts user experience.

• Knowledge of leveraging <b>AI tools</b> for creative tasks, including visual generation, video creation, and concept development, to enhance workflow efficiency and inspire new design possibilities.

• Experience with KONA components and website brand guidelines for automotive applications.

• Additional language proficiency beyond advanced English.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "What You Need" section clearly outlines the core technical and soft skills. The "What Is Nice to Have" section is crucial for candidates looking to differentiate themselves, especially the mention of AI tools and automotive-specific experience. This suggests that while core UX/UI skills are mandatory, a willingness to embrace new technologies and a passion for the automotive sector will be significant advantages.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of professional UX/UI design work, with a strong emphasis on visual concept development and information architecture.

• Demonstrations of applying human-centered design principles and design thinking methodologies to solve complex user problems.

• Examples of creating and maintaining <b>design systems</b>, component libraries, and brand guidelines to ensure consistency across digital products.

• Case studies highlighting collaborative efforts with development teams and other stakeholders to integrate design and technology seamlessly.

Process Documentation:

• Documentation of the design process, from initial concept generation and user research to wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design delivery.

• Evidence of conducting usability evaluations and applying learned insights to refine and optimize designs for enhanced responsiveness and usability.

• Examples of presenting design concepts and rationale to diverse audiences, including brand managers, customers, and technical teams, using compelling visuals and narrative.

• Workflows demonstrating proficiency in using <b>Figma</b> for collaborative design, prototyping, and the management of design assets and libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are detailed, emphasizing not just the final output but also the process and collaborative aspects. For this role, it's critical to showcase how candidates have translated brand values into digital experiences and how they have worked with technical and audio specialists. The mention of specific tools like Figma and KONA components indicates that demonstrating practical application within these systems will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $78,750 - $115,500 USD per year.

Explanation of Range: This range is typical for a Senior UX/UI Designer position in the automotive technology sector in the US, considering the experience level (5+ years) and the specialized nature of the role (automotive, sound innovation). The specific placement within the range will depend on the candidate's experience, skills, and the extent to which they meet the preferred qualifications.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Environment: Offers the option for remote work globally for eligible roles, supporting work-life balance.

• Employee Discounts: Access to exclusive discounts on world-class Harman and Samsung products (JBL, Harman Kardon, AKG, etc.).

• Continuous Learning: Extensive training opportunities provided through <b>Harman University</b> to support ongoing professional development and skill advancement.

• Wellness & Work-Life Balance: Competitive benefits package designed to promote health, well-being, and a sustainable work-life balance.

• Education Support: A tuition reimbursement program to encourage and support employees in pursuing further education and skill development.

• Inclusive Culture: A diverse, collaborative, and positive work environment that fosters professional growth and personal development.

Working Hours: The role implies a standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement includes one mandatory day per week in the Garching office, suggesting a need for consistent availability and engagement during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and appears competitive for a senior-level UX/UI designer in the US automotive tech sector. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on professional development (Harman University, tuition reimbursement) and work-life balance, which are attractive to experienced professionals. The mention of hybrid work with one office day per week is a key detail for prospective candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology, Consumer Electronics, Audio Equipment. HARMAN International, a Samsung company, is a global leader in connected car technology, lifestyle audio, and professional audio and lighting solutions.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (HARMAN is a significant global organization, part of Samsung). This scale implies access to extensive resources, large-scale projects, and a structured corporate environment. For operations professionals, this often means well-defined processes and opportunities for specialization.

Founded: 1953. With a long history, HARMAN has established a strong legacy in audio and technology innovation. This history suggests a company with deep expertise, a commitment to quality, and a culture that values experience and established practices, while also adapting to new technological advancements.

Team Structure: The role is within the <b>Harman Automotive Design Team</b>, focusing on branded car audio UX/UI projects.

• This team likely consists of UX/UI designers, industrial designers, sound engineers, acoustic specialists, and potentially project managers.

• The reporting structure would typically place the Senior UX/UI Designer under a Design Lead or Director, with close collaboration across various product development departments.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of this role, requiring seamless interaction with software developers, product managers, marketing, and potentially customer OEM design teams.

Methodology: The team's approach is expected to be user-centered, data-informed, and collaborative.

• <b>Data Analysis & Insights:</b> Utilizing user research, usability testing, and market trend analysis to inform design decisions and product strategy.

• <b>Workflow Planning & Optimization:</b> Employing agile methodologies and design sprints to efficiently move from concept to execution, with a focus on iterative design.

• <b>Automation & Efficiency:</b> Leveraging tools like Figma and potentially AI to streamline design processes, manage design systems, and enhance team productivity.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding HARMAN's position as a major player in automotive tech and audio is crucial. The company's affiliation with Samsung further amplifies its technological reach and resources. The description emphasizes a culture that values innovation, user experience, and cross-functional collaboration, which is typical for design-focused roles within large tech organizations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role, focusing on specialized design expertise within the automotive context. It signifies a position requiring significant experience, the ability to work independently, and the capacity to mentor or guide less experienced designers.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will report to a Design Manager or Lead within the Automotive Design Team. They will work closely with product managers, development leads, and sound engineering teams, acting as a key interface between user needs, brand vision, and technical implementation.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to shaping the user experience of HARMAN's branded automotive audio systems and sound features. This includes influencing customer satisfaction, brand perception, and the adoption of new in-car technologies. Success in this role directly contributes to the market competitiveness and perceived quality of HARMAN's automotive products.

Growth Opportunities:

• <b>Operations Skill Advancement:</b> Potential to deepen expertise in specialized areas like automotive UX, sound interaction design, or emerging technologies (AR/VR, AI in design).

• <b>Leadership Development:</b> Opportunities to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and contribute to strategic design planning within the automotive division.

• <b>Cross-Functional Expertise:</b> Gaining broader experience by collaborating on projects involving industrial design, acoustics, and even software development lifecycle management.

• <b>Career Progression:</b> Advancement to Lead UX/UI Designer, Design Manager, or specialization in areas like UX Strategy or Product Design Leadership within HARMAN or the broader Samsung ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" is interpreted as the "Role Level" in the context of design. The growth opportunities are framed to align with typical career paths in design and product development within large technology companies. The emphasis on specialization and leadership development is a key aspect for senior roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role operates under a hybrid work model. While remote work is an option globally for eligible roles, this specific position requires one mandatory collaboration day per week in the <b>Garching office</b>. Occasional short-notice visits to the office are also expected.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned for collaboration is Garching, Germany. However, the job posting also lists Novi, Michigan, USA as a location, suggesting either this is a global role with flexibility on where the remote work is based, or there are multiple locations for this position. Given the Novi address in the input data, it's likely the role is based in Novi, with a potential requirement for occasional travel or collaboration with teams in other regions. For the Novi location, the address provided is 30001 Cabot Drive.

Workspace Context:

• <b>Collaborative Environment:</b> The hybrid model, with a dedicated office day, is designed to foster in-person collaboration, brainstorming, and team building with colleagues in Novi.

• <b>Tools & Technology:</b> Access to industry-standard design software, including <b>Figma</b> and the Adobe Creative Suite, will be provided or expected. The company's focus on innovation suggests access to modern hardware and potentially advanced prototyping tools.

• <b>Team Interaction:</b> Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of designers, engineers, and product specialists, both virtually and in person, to share ideas and solve complex design challenges.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely aligning with US business hours for the Novi, Michigan location, with the addition of one required in-office day. Flexibility for remote work is a key component, balancing individual productivity with collaborative team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are a bit mixed between Novi and Garching. Given the primary location listed for the job posting is Novi, Michigan, it's most probable that the "collaboration days" refer to a local office in Novi, or that the role is global but requires specific in-office presence in one of HARMAN's key design hubs. The mention of "occasional short-notice visits" implies a need for flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• <b>Initial Screening:</b> A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience alignment with the Senior UX/UI Designer role.

• <b>Portfolio Presentation & Discussion:</b> A session where you will present your portfolio, detailing your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Expect questions about your experience with <b>Figma</b>, design systems, and automotive-specific challenges.

• <b>Technical/Skills Assessment:</b> Potentially a design exercise or case study, focusing on your ability to tackle a specific UX/UI problem relevant to automotive audio systems or sound features.

• <b>Cross-Functional Interviews:</b> Meetings with team leads, developers, sound engineers, and other stakeholders to evaluate your collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate design with technical requirements.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• <b>Curate Strategically:</b> Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your experience in visual concept development, information architecture, user-centered design, and ideally, automotive or complex interactive systems.

• <b>Showcase Process:</b> For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process you followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), your design rationale, and the final outcome/impact. Use visuals effectively.

• <b>Highlight Key Skills:</b> Explicitly demonstrate your proficiency with <b>Figma</b>, your experience with design systems, and your ability to collaborate with technical teams. If you have automotive experience, make sure it's prominent.

• <b>Quantify Impact:</b> Whenever possible, include metrics or user feedback that illustrate the success and impact of your designs. For this role, consider how your designs enhanced user experience or brand perception.

Challenge Preparation:

• <b>Understand the Domain:</b> Familiarize yourself with current trends in automotive UX/UI, in-car infotainment systems, and the integration of sound and visual design.

• <b>Problem-Solving Scenarios:</b> Practice thinking through design challenges related to complex interfaces, multi-modal interactions (visual, auditory), and brand consistency across different platforms.

• <b>Communication Skills:</b> Prepare to clearly articulate your thought process, justify your design decisions, and respond constructively to feedback during a design exercise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate both design craft and collaborative capabilities. The portfolio review is critical, and candidates should prepare to go deep into their process and rationale, especially regarding automotive and audio aspects. The mention of "occasional short-notice visits" for the Garching office (or potentially Novi) suggests that candidates should be prepared for some degree of in-person presence regardless of the remote work option.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• <b>Figma:</b> Essential for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. Advanced proficiency is required.

• <b>Adobe Creative Suite:</b> Including Photoshop and Illustrator for asset creation, manipulation, and visual design support. After Effects may be valuable for motion design.

• <b>Prototyping Tools:</b> While Figma is primary, experience with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, ProtoPie) may be beneficial for specific use cases.

Analytics & Reporting:

• <b>User Analytics Platforms:</b> Familiarity with tools that track user behavior in digital products (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to inform design decisions based on data.

• <b>Usability Testing Platforms:</b> Tools for conducting remote or in-person usability studies to gather qualitative feedback on designs.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how design integrates with customer journeys and product lifecycles is beneficial.

• <b>Workflow Automation:</b> Familiarity with how design processes can be streamlined through automation, particularly within design tools like Figma.

• <b>AI Tools for Design:</b> Growing importance of AI for tasks such as generating visual assets, creating concept variations, and improving workflow efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate deep expertise in this tool, including its collaboration features and design system capabilities. The mention of AI tools highlights a forward-looking aspect of the role, suggesting that candidates with experience or interest in leveraging AI for creative tasks will be highly regarded.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• <b>User-Centricity:</b> A core value focused on understanding and prioritizing user needs in all design decisions, ensuring intuitive and enjoyable experiences.

• <b>Innovation & Creativity:</b> A drive to push boundaries, explore new technologies, and develop unique solutions, especially in the intersection of visual, auditory, and interactive design.

• <b>Collaboration & Teamwork:</b> Strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a collective goal of creating exceptional products.

• <b>Quality & Craftsmanship:</b> A commitment to delivering pixel-perfect designs and meticulously crafted user experiences that reflect HARMAN's premium brand standards.

Collaboration Style:

• <b>Cross-Functional Integration:</b> A proactive approach to collaborating with engineers, sound specialists, product managers, and other design disciplines to ensure holistic product development.

• <b>Open Communication & Feedback:</b> Encouraging a culture where constructive feedback is shared openly and respectfully, fostering continuous improvement in both design and team dynamics.

• <b>Knowledge Sharing:</b> A willingness to share insights, best practices, and learnings across the team and with stakeholders to elevate the overall design capability within the organization.

• <b>Agile & Iterative:</b> Embracing an agile mindset that allows for flexibility, rapid iteration, and adaptability to evolving project requirements and technological advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: HARMAN's values, as inferred from the job description, point towards a dynamic and collaborative environment. The emphasis on "harmonizing visual, auditory, and interactive design" suggests a team that values holistic thinking and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The role requires an individual who thrives in such an environment, contributing actively to team goals and embracing continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• <b>Balancing Visual and Auditory Design:</b> Effectively integrating sophisticated sound design and acoustic principles with visually intuitive interfaces, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious user experience.

• <b>Complex Automotive Ecosystems:</b> Navigating the intricate requirements of OEM systems, diverse vehicle architectures, and evolving automotive technology standards.

• <b>Rapid Technological Advancements:</b> Staying ahead of emerging technologies like AI, AR/VR, and advanced connectivity, and determining their practical application in automotive UX/UI.

• <b>Global Collaboration:</b> Working effectively with distributed teams across different cultures and time zones to deliver consistent, high-quality designs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• <b>Specialized Training:</b> Access to <b>Harman University</b> and other resources for deepening expertise in automotive UX, sound design principles, emerging technologies (AR/VR, AI), and advanced design tools.

• <b>Industry Exposure:</b> Opportunities to engage with cutting-edge automotive technology, attend industry conferences, and contribute to forward-looking projects.

• <b>Mentorship & Leadership:</b> Potential to be mentored by senior design leaders and to mentor junior designers, developing leadership and strategic thinking skills.

• <b>Cross-Disciplinary Learning:</b> Gaining insights from close collaboration with sound engineers, acoustic specialists, and industrial designers, broadening understanding of product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are specific to the intersection of automotive, audio, and UX/UI design. The growth opportunities are strongly linked to HARMAN's commitment to continuous learning and development within a cutting-edge industry. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would approach these challenges and leverage the provided growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to integrate complex technical requirements with user-centric design principles. How did you ensure both were met?" (Focus on your process, collaboration with developers, and problem-solving.)

• "How would you approach designing a new sound feature for a car audio system? What factors would you consider beyond the visual interface?" (This tests your understanding of the unique audio aspect of the role.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating and maintaining a design system. How do you ensure consistency across a large product ecosystem?" (Demonstrates your understanding of scalable design practices and tools like Figma.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about HARMAN's work in automotive audio and connected car experiences?" (Showcase your research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid or distributed setting?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

• "Describe your experience working with different brand identities. How do you ensure design fidelity to brand values?" (Relates to the multi-brand aspect of the role.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• <b>Narrative Flow:</b> Structure your presentation around a compelling story for each project, clearly defining the problem, your role, your process, your solutions, and the impact.

• <b>Visual Clarity:</b> Use high-quality visuals, mockups, prototypes, and potentially short video clips to showcase your work effectively. Ensure your Figma expertise is evident in your examples.

• <b>Process Deep Dive:</b> Be prepared to discuss the 'why' behind your design decisions, not just the 'what.' Explain your research methods, user testing insights, and how you iterated based on feedback.

• <b>Highlight Key Skills:</b> Explicitly point out where your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in Figma, design systems, user-centered design, and any automotive or audio-related experience.

• <b>Engage & Converse:</b> Treat it as a conversation rather than a lecture. Be open to questions throughout and engage with the interviewers' feedback and inquiries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on assessing both technical design skills and the candidate's fit for HARMAN's specific automotive and audio focus. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and show genuine enthusiasm for the unique challenges and opportunities of this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the HARMAN careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in UX/UI design, automotive design (if applicable), visual design, and proficiency with <b>Figma</b> and the Adobe Creative Suite. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in user-centered design, information architecture, visual design, and ideally, automotive or interactive systems. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your design process and impact.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on the problem, your role, your process, your solutions, and the outcomes. Be ready to discuss your experience with <b>Figma</b> and how you integrate sound design considerations.

• Research HARMAN: Familiarize yourself with HARMAN International, its brands (JBL, Harman Kardon, etc.), its role in the automotive industry, and its commitment to innovation and user experience. Understand their design philosophy and values.

⚠️ 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.