Senior UX/UI Designer - Future Vehicle Experiences

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer - Future Vehicle Experiences

Company: General Motors

Location: Mountain View, California, United States; Warren, Michigan, United States; New York, New York, United States; California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design, Product Design - Automotive Technology

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office for local candidates)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver complex UX/UI solutions for next-generation in-vehicle experiences across multiple display configurations, impacting millions of drivers.

• Own and solve intricate interaction design problems spanning controls, input modalities, navigation flows, and driving modes within a defined product scope.

• Translate ambiguous requirements into clear, user-centered designs, prototypes, and well-documented design rationale to drive product evolution.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, industrial design, and research to seamlessly integrate digital and physical user experiences.

• Conduct and apply user research and usability testing to validate design decisions, inform iterative improvements, and ensure user-centricity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Individual Contributor (Level 7) within the UX/UI design function at General Motors. It focuses on specific vehicle systems and programs, emphasizing the translation of ambiguous requirements into tangible design outcomes that ship. While not an enterprise-level strategy role, it carries significant impact on product development and user experience within its defined scope.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and deliver comprehensive UX/UI solutions for vehicle systems and applications, adaptable to various display configurations and screen sizes.

• Take ownership of complex interaction design challenges, including defining user flows for controls, input methods, navigation, and distinct driving modes.

• Translate abstract concepts and ambiguous requirements into concrete design specifications, interactive prototypes, and detailed design rationale.

• Actively contribute to and refine interaction patterns and design systems in close collaboration with fellow designers and cross-functional teams.

• Partner effectively with engineering, industrial design, and user research teams to ensure cohesive integration of digital interfaces with physical vehicle components.

• Plan, conduct, and analyze user research and usability testing to gather insights, validate design hypotheses, and drive data-informed design iterations.

• Present design recommendations, including trade-offs and underlying rationale, to senior leadership and stakeholders to secure alignment and facilitate execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with a strong emphasis on end-to-end ownership of design solutions for complex vehicle systems. The requirement to translate "ambiguous requirements" suggests a need for strong problem-solving and conceptualization skills, typical of senior design roles tasked with defining new or evolving user experiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Industrial Design, Ergonomics, Product Design, Design Engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience designing digital interfaces, with a proven track record of strong UX and UI craft.

• Demonstrated experience owning and successfully delivering complex design initiatives as a senior individual contributor.

• Experience working on complex, system-level or multimodal digital products is highly desirable.

• Exposure to automotive, consumer electronics, or other safety-critical or regulated environments is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in Figma and other standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite).

• Demonstrated ability to solve non-standard and complex design problems using independent judgment and creative thinking.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions effectively to diverse audiences.

• Deep understanding of user-centered design principles, interaction design methodologies, accessibility standards (WCAG), and iterative development practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with 3D modeling, motion design principles, sound design, multimodal interaction design, and advanced interactive prototyping techniques.

• Skilled at navigating the balance between blue-sky ideation and grounded execution, aligning design vision with engineering realities, timelines, and stakeholder priorities.

• Experience with Agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Qualifications" section explicitly states that candidates not meeting these criteria cannot be hired, underscoring the importance of these foundational skills and experience. The preferred qualifications further suggest an ideal candidate profile that can contribute to cutting-edge, multimodal in-vehicle experiences.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating end-to-end UX/UI design process and craft across multiple complex digital interfaces, ideally within the automotive or related tech sectors.

• Showcase of at least 2-3 in-depth case studies detailing your role, process, challenges, and outcomes for significant design projects.

• Evidence of impactful contributions to user experience improvements, supported by metrics or qualitative feedback where possible.

• Clear articulation of design rationale, problem-solving approaches, and how user needs were translated into design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• For each case study, demonstrate a structured design process, including:

  • Problem definition and user research insights.
  • Ideation and concept development.
  • Iterative design and prototyping phases.
  • User testing and validation methods.
  • Final design solutions and their impact.

• Showcase proficiency in using design tools (e.g., Figma) for detailed wireframing, interactive prototyping, and UI asset creation.

• Illustrate an understanding of user-centered design principles and how they were applied throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory portfolio submission highlights its critical role in the evaluation process. Candidates should prepare to walk through their portfolio, explaining their design decisions, problem-solving methodologies, and the impact of their work, demonstrating a robust understanding of design processes and user advocacy.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The base salary range for this role is $125,200 - $192,700 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Financial Wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and a robust retirement savings plan.

• Insurance: Sickness and accident benefits, and life insurance coverage.

• Time Off: Generous paid vacation and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Tuition assistance programs to support continuous learning.

• Support Services: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

• Perks: Exclusive GM vehicle discounts.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is categorized as hybrid or remote. For candidates located within 50 miles of the Mountain View Technical Center or Warren Technical Center, a hybrid arrangement requires reporting to the office three times per week. Remote candidates are also encouraged to apply.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a good faith estimate by GM, reflecting market competitiveness for a Senior UX/UI Designer role in the US. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility but requires a commitment to in-office presence for those geographically close to the specified technical centers, indicating a blend of remote work possibilities with collaborative office needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing and Technology. General Motors is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and marketing vehicles, with a strong focus on future mobility solutions including electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This indicates a structured environment with established processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across numerous departments.

Founded: 1908. With over a century of automotive innovation, GM has a deep-rooted history and a significant impact on the industry, now driving forward into the future of mobility.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI design team operates within a larger product development or engineering division focused on future vehicle experiences.

• This team likely comprises various design specialists (UX researchers, interaction designers, UI designers, visual designers) who collaborate closely.

• The structure supports senior individual contributors who own specific design areas while also fostering a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and best practices.

Methodology:

• The team employs user-centered design principles, emphasizing research, iterative development, and validation through usability testing.

• Design processes are likely integrated with engineering workflows, balancing creative exploration with technical feasibility and project timelines.

• Emphasis on clear design documentation, rationale, and effective communication to ensure alignment across diverse stakeholders.

• A hybrid work approach indicates a balance between focused individual work and essential in-person collaboration.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: GM's long history combined with its forward-looking vision in EVs and autonomous technology positions this role at the intersection of established automotive expertise and cutting-edge digital innovation. The "industrial design meets digital" context suggests a unique collaborative environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor (Level 7). This level signifies a significant depth of expertise and autonomy. You are expected to lead complex design efforts, mentor junior designers, and contribute to design standards without necessarily managing a team. Your work directly influences product outcomes.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Design Manager or Director within the Future Vehicle Experiences division. This manager will oversee design strategy, resource allocation, and career development for the design team.

Operations Impact: Your designs will directly shape the user experience of future General Motors vehicles, influencing customer satisfaction, brand perception, and the adoption of new automotive technologies. This role has a direct impact on the usability and desirability of products that reach millions of consumers globally.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like multimodal interaction design, advanced prototyping, accessibility for automotive applications, or emerging in-vehicle technologies.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead design initiatives within major vehicle programs, gaining experience in complex project management and stakeholder alignment across diverse teams.

• Mentorship & Design Advocacy: Grow into a design mentor or subject matter expert, contributing to the development of design talent and advocating for user-centered practices within GM.

• Potential for Management: While this role is individual contributor-focused, successful performance can open doors to future leadership or management opportunities within GM's design organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Level 7 Senior Designer, the focus is on deep individual contribution and technical leadership within design. Growth opportunities are geared towards expanding influence, expertise, and potential future leadership roles, rather than immediate management responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment with options for remote work. For those within commuting distance of the Mountain View Technical Center or Warren Technical Center, a hybrid model requires 3 days per week in the office.

Office Location(s):

• Mountain View Technical Center, Mountain View, California, USA

• Warren Technical Center, Warren, Michigan, USA

Workspace Context:

• The technical centers are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support design and engineering work.

• Expect a collaborative workspace designed to foster interaction between designers, engineers, and other product development teams.

• Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially advanced prototyping tools will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• The hybrid model allows for flexibility in scheduling office days, coordinated with team needs and project requirements. Remote work provides further flexibility for eligible candidates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model indicates a company culture that values both focused, independent work and the benefits of in-person collaboration, particularly for complex problem-solving and team cohesion within the technical centers.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and/or Recruiter review of application and resume for minimum qualifications.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deep dive into your submitted portfolio with hiring managers and/or senior design leads. Expect to discuss your design process, problem-solving approaches, rationale behind specific design decisions, and the impact of your work. This will likely involve a design exercise or case study presentation.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with engineering, industrial design, and/or research partners to assess collaboration skills and understanding of integrated product development.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking (within the role's scope), and overall suitability for the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase complex problem-solving and end-to-end UX/UI design. Prioritize automotive or similar complex system design if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, key decisions made (and why), challenges encountered, and the final outcome/impact. Quantify results where possible.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows) effectively. Be prepared to demonstrate interactive prototypes.

• Focus on Rationale: Be ready to explain the "why" behind every design decision. Demonstrate your understanding of user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

• Highlight Collaboration: Show how you worked with cross-functional teams and incorporated feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design exercise, which might involve solving a specific in-vehicle interaction problem or critiquing an existing interface.

• Practice articulating your design thinking clearly and concisely under time pressure.

• Research current trends in automotive UX/UI, including infotainment systems, driver assistance interfaces, and emerging technologies.

• Understand GM's brand and their current vehicle offerings to better contextualize your design approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should treat their portfolio as a narrative of their design capabilities, emphasizing problem-solving, user advocacy, and demonstrable impact within a complex product environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a mandatory requirement.

• Standard Design & Prototyping Tools: This includes tools like Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects for motion concepts), InVision, or similar industry-standard software.

• User Research & Testing Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting surveys, interviews, and usability tests (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback) is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• This role is less focused on CRM or sales automation. The primary focus is on user interface and interaction design for vehicle systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma proficiency is explicitly required. The role leans heavily on design and prototyping tools, with an understanding of user research tools and analytics being advantageous for informing design decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user throughout the design process is fundamental.

• Innovation & Future-Forward Thinking: Embracing new technologies and pushing the boundaries of in-vehicle experiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared product goals.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality design execution and attention to detail.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Utilizing research and testing to validate design choices and drive continuous improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with engineers, product managers, industrial designers, and researchers, fostering a collaborative, integrated product development process.

• Open Communication: Encouraging candid feedback and constructive dialogue to refine designs and solve complex problems.

• Shared Ownership: A sense of collective responsibility for the success of the product experience, transcending individual functional silos.

• Agile & Iterative: Embracing flexibility and a willingness to adapt designs based on new insights or changing project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: GM's emphasis on "Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion" and leading change suggests a culture that values purpose-driven work and innovation. The design team's contribution is critical to realizing this vision through user-friendly and advanced vehicle interfaces.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Ambiguity: Effectively interpreting and designing for vague or evolving requirements in cutting-edge technology areas.

• Balancing Innovation with Constraints: Reconciling ambitious design concepts with technical feasibility, safety regulations, and project timelines.

• Multimodal Interaction Complexity: Designing intuitive and seamless experiences across diverse input methods (touch, voice, gesture, physical controls) within a vehicle.

• System-Level Design Integration: Ensuring consistency and coherence across multiple displays and vehicle systems, from infotainment to driver assistance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in automotive UX, multimodal interaction design, accessibility standards for vehicles, or emerging technologies like AR/VR in automotive.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences, workshops, and engage with the broader automotive and technology design community.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced design leaders and engineers for guidance and career development.

• Exposure to Advanced Technologies: Working on next-generation vehicle platforms provides hands-on experience with future mobility solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in designing for future automotive experiences are significant, offering a steep learning curve and substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a rapidly evolving field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex system with multiple input modalities. How did you ensure a cohesive user experience?" (Focus on process, trade-offs, and user advocacy).

• "How do you approach translating ambiguous requirements into tangible design solutions? Walk me through an example." (Emphasize structured problem-solving, ideation, and validation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about designing for the future of automotive experiences at General Motors?" (Research GM's vision and connect it to your passion).

• "How do you see your role contributing to GM's mission of Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion?" (Link your UX/UI skills to broader company goals).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar clear storytelling framework.

• Highlight Your Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, research methods, ideation techniques, and how you iterated based on feedback and testing.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved task completion rates, reduced error rates, positive user feedback).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions on specific design choices, technical constraints, and alternative solutions you considered.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Be ready to navigate your Figma files or demonstrate interactive prototypes live if requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to defend their design decisions with strong rationale, demonstrating not only creative skill but also a strategic understanding of user needs, business objectives, and technical realities within the automotive context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the General Motors Careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating complex system design, interaction design for automotive or similar technology, and proficiency in Figma. Select 2-3 impactful case studies that clearly articulate your process and outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5+ years of UX/UI design experience, explicitly mentioning Figma and other relevant tools, and highlighting achievements in designing complex digital interfaces. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss how you handle ambiguous requirements and cross-functional collaboration. Research GM's current and future vehicle technologies.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with General Motors' vision, mission (Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion), and recent product developments in areas like electric vehicles and autonomous driving to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.

⚠️ 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.