UI Designer - Automotive (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Designer - Automotive (m/f/d)
Company: Avatr GmbH
Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / UX/UI
Date Posted: 2025-10-09
Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design visually appealing and intuitive user interface (UI) elements for next-generation automotive digital experiences.
• Translate User Experience (UX) concepts and wireframes into high-fidelity visual designs that enhance user journeys.
• Ensure visual language consistency and brand integrity across all digital touchpoints within the vehicle.
• Conduct research and benchmark current design trends and automotive innovations to inform future design strategies.
• Collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary, international team of designers and engineers across Germany and China.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within Avatr's Design Center, emphasizing a collaborative and international environment focused on creating "emotional intelligent companions" in the smart electric vehicle (SEV) space. The UI Designer will play a crucial role in shaping the in-car digital experience, bridging the gap between conceptual UX and polished visual execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity visual UI designs based on provided UX concepts and wireframes, ensuring aesthetic appeal and usability.
• Create and refine polished UI components that align with Avatr's design philosophy and brand identity.
• Maintain a consistent visual language and brand guideline adherence throughout the digital interfaces.
• Research and analyze competitor designs, industry trends, and emerging technologies in the automotive sector to inspire innovative digital solutions.
• Conceptualize and design digital user experiences for vehicles, focusing on emotional intelligence and user-centricity.
• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, software advancements, and automotive technology developments to continuously improve design output.
• Actively participate in design reviews and provide constructive feedback to peers and stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with UX designers, product managers, and engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of UI designs into the final product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic thinking. The emphasis on "emotional intelligence," "casual luxury," and "humanized spirit" suggests a design approach that goes beyond functional requirements to create deeply engaging and personalized user experiences. Collaboration across Germany and China implies a need for strong cross-cultural communication skills and adaptability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, or a related field.
• Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of professional experience in UI design, with a strong focus on digital interfaces and user experience.
• Proven experience in designing for complex digital products, ideally within the automotive or technology sectors.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in design and prototyping tools such as Figma and Protopie for creating high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes.
• Strong understanding of UX principles and user-centered design methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to transform wireframes and UX concepts into visually compelling and intuitive UI designs.
• Skill in creating and maintaining design systems or style guides to ensure visual consistency and brand alignment.
• Excellent visual design skills, including typography, color theory, layout, and iconography.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working effectively within a cross-functional and international team.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience or knowledge in Motion Design to create dynamic and engaging interface animations.
• Familiarity with 3D design tools and principles for potential integration into digital interfaces.
• Knowledge of User Research methods to inform design decisions and validate concepts.
• Advanced prototyping skills beyond basic click-throughs, demonstrating complex interactions.
• Experience working with cross-cultural teams and navigating international design collaboration.
• A genuine passion for shaping future experiences that extend beyond traditional screen interfaces, especially within the automotive context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3-5 years of experience suggests this is a mid-level role, expecting a candidate who can operate with a degree of autonomy while still benefiting from senior guidance. The emphasis on tools like Figma and Protopie indicates a modern design workflow. Preferred skills like motion design and 3D hint at the advanced nature of the in-car digital experience Avatr aims to deliver.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 years of UI design experience, with a clear emphasis on digital interfaces and user experience.
• Demonstrations of the design process, from initial concept and wireframing through to high-fidelity UI design and prototyping.
• Case studies that highlight problem-solving, design decision rationale, and the impact of your UI contributions.
• Examples of UI components, design systems, or style guides that illustrate your ability to maintain visual consistency and brand integrity.
• Prototypes created using tools like Figma or Protopie, showcasing interactive elements and user flows.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have translated UX concepts and wireframes into visually polished UI designs.
• Documentation of your approach to maintaining visual language consistency and branding across different interfaces.
• Evidence of your research and conceptualization process for digital user experiences, particularly within the automotive domain.
• Showcase of how you stay updated on design trends and technologies, and how you apply this knowledge to your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UI Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only display aesthetic capabilities but also demonstrate a structured approach to design, problem-solving, and the ability to articulate design decisions. The inclusion of prototyping tools and the mention of user experience principles indicate that the portfolio should reflect a holistic understanding of the design lifecycle, not just visual output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Mid-Level UI Designer in Munich, Germany, with 3-5 years of experience in the automotive/tech sector, the estimated salary range is €55,000 - €75,000 per year. This estimate considers the high cost of living in Munich and the specialized nature of automotive UI design.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: A salary package commensurate with your skills, experience, and the value you bring to Avatr.
• Hybrid Working: Flexibility to balance in-office collaboration with remote work, promoting work-life integration.
• Health & Wellness: Access to the Wellhub Pass, providing opportunities for physical and mental well-being.
• Employee Development: Opportunities for continuous learning through training programs and skill development initiatives.
• Transport Support: Options include a Deutschlandticket for public transport or a fuel card, easing commuting.
• Meal Allowance: A subsidy for meals at the company canteen, contributing to daily convenience.
• Gifts: Recognition through celebratory gifts for work anniversaries and during Chinese New Year.
• Company Events: Regular team-building activities and social gatherings to foster camaraderie and a strong team spirit.
• Optional Company Pension Scheme: An opportunity to contribute to your long-term financial security.
• Inclusive Culture: A diverse and supportive work environment where every team member's contribution is valued and respected.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility in managing your schedule to accommodate project needs and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for Munich, Germany, for a UI Designer with 3-5 years of experience in a specialized field like automotive tech. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, interview performance, and Avatr's internal compensation structure. The benefits package is quite comprehensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Smart Electric Vehicles (SEV), Automotive Technology, Digital Experience Design. Avatr is positioned as a high-end brand in the emerging SEV market, focusing on "casual luxury" and "emotional intelligence" in its vehicles. Company Size: Avatr GmbH is part of a larger, international organization, though specific details on the GmbH's size are not provided. The broader company operates globally with significant R&D and design presence. Founded: Avatr Technology was founded in 2017. The company emphasizes a forward-looking approach, blending technology with emotional design.

Team Structure:

• The Design Center is described as a "vivid platform" and a "small creative family" with international talent.
• The UI Designer will collaborate with senior designers and engineers located in both Germany and China.
• This suggests a matrixed reporting structure, with direct reporting likely within the German design team, and strong functional collaboration with international counterparts.

Methodology:

• Design Philosophy: Focuses on "emotional intelligence," "casual luxury," and a "humanized spirit," aiming to create "your most emotional intelligent companion" in a vehicle.
• Collaboration: Encourages a "bold and lively discourse of different views" and "multidimensional design thinking."
• Innovation: Driven by a multidisciplinary atmosphere where diverse backgrounds inspire unique design compositions.

Company Website: https://www.avatr.com/en

📝 Enhancement Note: Avatr's culture appears to be a blend of cutting-edge automotive innovation and a people-centric design approach. The emphasis on international collaboration and a creative, family-like atmosphere within the design team is a key differentiator. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic, forward-thinking work environment that values diverse perspectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UI Designer. It requires a solid foundation of 3-5 years of experience, enabling the individual to take ownership of UI design tasks and contribute significantly to projects. The role is expected to execute designs based on established UX concepts while also contributing to conceptualization and staying updated on trends.

Reporting Structure: The UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Senior Design Manager within the German design team. They will also collaborate closely with UX designers, product managers, and engineers, potentially across different geographical locations (Germany and China).

Operations Impact: As a UI Designer, your impact will be directly visible in the user's interaction with the vehicle's digital systems. You will shape the aesthetic appeal, ease of use, and overall emotional connection users have with the Avatr brand through its in-car interface. This role directly influences customer satisfaction, brand perception, and potentially the adoption of advanced vehicle features.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in automotive UI design, motion design, or 3D integration within digital interfaces.
• Leadership: Progress to Senior UI Designer, Lead UI Designer, or Design Manager roles, overseeing projects and teams.
• Cross-Functional Development: Gain experience in UX research, product management, or engineering through cross-team collaboration.
• International Exposure: Further develop skills in managing design across different cultures and time zones.
• Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in the rapidly evolving field of smart electric vehicle digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a UI Designer at Avatr likely involves deepening technical skills in specific design disciplines (like motion or 3D), taking on more complex design challenges, and potentially moving into leadership or management roles. The international aspect of the company also presents unique opportunities for global collaboration and career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of remote work and in-office presence, offering flexibility. Office Location(s): Munich, Bavaria, Germany. This location is a hub for technology and automotive industries in Germany.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The Design Center is described as a place for "bold and lively discourse" and "multidimensional design thinking," suggesting an open and interactive workspace when in the office.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design and prototyping tools (Figma, Protopie) is expected. The company's focus on advanced automotive technology implies a modern tech stack.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with senior designers, UX specialists, and engineers, both locally and internationally, will be frequent.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the hybrid arrangement providing flexibility in how and where these hours are structured. This allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a modern approach to work, balancing individual focus with team collaboration. Munich offers a vibrant tech and automotive ecosystem, providing a rich environment for a UI designer. The emphasis on collaboration and diverse thinking points to an office culture that encourages open communication and shared problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Hiring Manager (potentially Nader Faghihzadeh, Chief Design Officer, or a direct design lead) to discuss your background, motivations, and initial fit.
3. Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: A practical exercise or a deep dive into your portfolio. This may involve presenting case studies, discussing your design process, and explaining your rationale behind specific design solutions. Expect questions about your approach to UI design, UX principles, and how you handle collaborative feedback.
4. Team/Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with other designers, engineers, or product managers to assess collaborative skills and cultural fit within the international team.
5. Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate your UI design skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of UX principles, especially within complex digital products.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your role and process, the design decisions you made, and the outcome or impact of your work. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your understanding of the design lifecycle, from research and ideation to prototyping and iteration. Show how you incorporate feedback.
• Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate the tools used (Figma, Protopie) and your proficiency level. If you have motion design or 3D experience, make sure to include relevant examples.
• Tailor to Automotive: If possible, include projects that show an understanding of automotive interfaces or complex digital products with similar constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Familiarize yourself with Avatr's brand, design philosophy ("emotional intelligence," "casual luxury"), and the automotive industry's digital trends.
• Practice Design Thinking: Be ready to articulate your thought process for solving design problems, focusing on user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility.
• Prepare for Prototyping: If a live prototyping task is expected, practice quickly creating functional prototypes in Figma or Protopie.
• Communication: Practice explaining complex design concepts clearly and concisely, especially when presenting to a mixed audience (designers, engineers).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate design decisions and processes. The international nature of the team means strong communication skills and cultural awareness will be assessed. Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve adapting to Avatr's specific design language or addressing a hypothetical automotive UI problem.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Expect to use it extensively for creating high-fidelity mockups, design systems, and interactive prototypes.
• Protopie: Crucial for creating advanced, high-fidelity prototypes that simulate complex interactions and animations, often used to bridge the gap between UI design and engineering implementation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with tools that provide user interaction data (e.g., UX analytics platforms) could be beneficial for understanding user behavior post-launch.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this UI design role, but an understanding of how user interface designs integrate with broader product development pipelines and potentially CRM-adjacent user management systems within the vehicle's ecosystem might be a plus.

Other Potential Tools/Skills:

• Motion Design Tools: After Effects, Principle, or similar for creating UI animations.
• 3D Software: Blender, Cinema 4D, or similar if 3D elements are to be integrated into the UI.
• User Research Tools: Tools for surveys, usability testing, and data analysis (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics).
• Version Control: Familiarity with systems like Git for managing design assets, though less common for UI designers than engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and Protopie indicates these are primary requirements. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable. Preferred skills like Motion Design and 3D suggest the company is aiming for a highly sophisticated and immersive in-car digital experience, so any experience in these areas will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A commitment to exploring new territories in smart electric vehicles and creating future-forward designs.
• Emotional Intelligence & Human-Centricity: Designing experiences that connect with users on an emotional level, making the vehicle an "emotional intelligent companion."
• Collaboration & Diversity: Fostering a multidisciplinary atmosphere where diverse perspectives and international backgrounds enrich the creative process.
• Casual Luxury & Warm Technology: A design ethos that balances sophistication with approachability and user-friendly technology.
• Authenticity & Originality: Encouraging unique design thinking that deviates from the norm to create remarkable products.

Collaboration Style:

• Open Discourse: Encouraging lively discussions and constructive feedback among team members from diverse backgrounds.
• Cross-Cultural Team Integration: Working effectively with colleagues in Germany and China, respecting different communication styles and cultural nuances.
• Holistic Approach: Considering the "big picture" and understanding user lifestyles and desires to create integrated experiences.
• Proactive & Independent: While collaborative, individuals are expected to be self-driven and capable of working independently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Avatr's values emphasize a unique blend of technological innovation and deep human connection. The culture appears to be highly creative, international, and focused on pushing boundaries in automotive design. Candidates should align with this vision of creating emotionally resonant digital experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with design and engineering teams in China, navigating potential differences in time zones, communication styles, and design interpretations.
• Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Designing cutting-edge digital experiences while ensuring they are feasible for mass production, reliable, and align with automotive safety standards.
• Defining "Emotional Intelligence" in UI: Translating abstract concepts like emotional connection and warmth into tangible UI elements and interactions that resonate with users.
• Keeping Pace with Rapid Technology Advancements: Continuously learning and adapting to new technologies, software, and automotive trends to maintain a competitive edge in design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Tool Proficiency: Mastering sophisticated features in Figma, Protopie, and potentially exploring new design tools and technologies relevant to automotive UIs.
• Specialized Design Skills: Developing expertise in areas like motion design, 3D UI integration, or user research methodologies specific to automotive contexts.
• Global Design Exposure: Gaining invaluable experience working on international projects and understanding global design trends and user preferences.
• Career Progression: Opportunities to advance to senior design roles, lead design initiatives, or specialize in specific areas of automotive digital experience design.
• Industry Insight: Deepening understanding of the smart electric vehicle market and its unique design challenges and opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working in a pioneering field like SEVs and with an international team. These challenges also represent significant growth opportunities, pushing candidates to develop advanced skills in communication, adaptability, and specialized design disciplines.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex UX concept into a visually appealing UI. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on your design rationale, tool usage, and problem-solving).
• "How do you ensure visual consistency and brand integrity across a digital product, especially when collaborating with international teams?" (Highlight your experience with design systems, style guides, and cross-cultural communication).
• "Imagine you need to design a UI element that conveys 'warm technology' or 'casual luxury' for an automotive interface. How would you approach this conceptually and visually?" (Demonstrate your ability to translate abstract brand values into concrete design elements).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Avatr's vision of 'emotional intelligent companions' and its focus on casual luxury in the automotive sector?" (Showcase your research and alignment with the company's mission).
• "How would you contribute to a multidisciplinary, international design team, considering potential differences in communication styles or design approaches?" (Emphasize your adaptability, collaboration skills, and cross-cultural awareness).
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and automotive technologies, and how have you applied this knowledge in past projects?" (Provide specific examples of continuous learning and application).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific role, the process you followed, your key design decisions (and why), and the outcome or impact. Use visuals generously.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to walk through interactive prototypes in Figma or Protopie, explaining how specific interactions were designed.
• Articulate Your "Why": Be prepared to defend your design choices, linking them back to user needs, business goals, and the specific design brief.
• Highlight Collaboration: If applicable, mention how you collaborated with UX designers, engineers, or stakeholders, and how feedback was incorporated.
• Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasize projects that best demonstrate your UI design skills, understanding of UX, and any relevant preferred skills like motion design or 3D.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to thrive in an international, collaborative, and innovation-driven environment. Your portfolio is your primary tool; practice presenting it effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.
• Tailor your Resume: Highlight keywords such as "UI Design," "UX Principles," "Figma," "Protopie," "Automotive Design," "Digital Experience," and "Prototyping." Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed UI for X feature, improving user engagement by Y%").
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a link on your resume or application) and showcases your best UI design work with a clear emphasis on process and impact. Prioritize relevant automotive or complex digital product examples.
• Prepare for the Interview: Research Avatr's brand, design philosophy, and recent developments. Practice articulating your design process and decisions, and prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers.
• Highlight International Experience: If you have experience working with international teams or in cross-cultural environments, make sure to emphasize this in your application and during the interview.

⚠️ 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.