UX/UI Designer

Ford
Full_timeUnited States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer Company: Ford Location: United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations Support Date Posted: January 10, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is critical for enhancing user experience and interface design, directly impacting the usability and appeal of Ford's digital products and services, which is crucial for Go-To-Market (GTM) success.
  • The UX/UI Designer will be instrumental in translating complex user needs and business objectives into intuitive and visually compelling digital solutions, supporting GTM strategies through user-centric design.
  • This position demands a strong understanding of the entire UX process, from initial discovery and research to final usability testing and iterative improvements, ensuring a seamless customer journey.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering and product management, is essential to ensure the successful implementation and adoption of designed solutions, directly supporting GTM initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core function is UX/UI Design, its integration into a large organization like Ford, especially within a GTM context, suggests a need for operational discipline in design processes, stakeholder management, and cross-functional alignment. This role likely supports the operational aspects of bringing new products and features to market.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead comprehensive UX processes, encompassing user discovery, in-depth research, customer journey mapping, wireframing, interactive prototyping, and rigorous usability testing to ensure user-centric design.
  • Translate complex user needs and strategic business goals into intuitive, visually compelling, and user-friendly interface designs that align with Ford's GTM objectives.
  • Create high-fidelity UI designs, including reusable components and comprehensive design system assets, to ensure consistency and efficiency across all digital platforms.
  • Facilitate and lead collaborative workshops, design sprints, and brainstorming sessions to foster innovation and drive consensus on design solutions.
  • Leverage user research, product analytics, and feedback loops to inform and execute iterative design improvements, optimizing user engagement and conversion rates.
  • Collaborate closely with software developers to ensure the accurate and high-quality implementation of designs, maintaining design integrity throughout the development lifecycle.
  • Clearly and effectively communicate design rationale, decisions, and user insights to stakeholders, product managers, and cross-functional partners to ensure alignment and buy-in.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies within the team, promoting best practices in UX/UI design and user research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a leadership component in managing the end-to-end UX process and a strong emphasis on collaborative problem-solving. The mention of "GTM objectives" and "stakeholders" indicates that operational alignment and communication are key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Management Information Systems (MIS), or a closely related technical field.

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5 years of demonstrable experience in UI/UX development, with a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end design projects.
  • Proven track record of leading UX processes from discovery through to usability testing and implementation.

Required Skills:

  • UX Process Proficiency: Expertise in leading discovery, user research, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing methodologies.
  • UI Design Excellence: Ability to create high-fidelity UI designs, style guides, and comprehensive design system components.
  • Collaborative Facilitation: Experience in leading workshops, design sprints, and cross-functional working sessions.
  • Data-Informed Design: Skill in utilizing research, analytics, and feedback loops to drive iterative design improvements and optimize user experiences.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design decisions and user insights to diverse audiences.
  • Development Collaboration: Experience working closely with development teams to ensure seamless and accurate implementation of designs.

Preferred Skills:

  • Design System Management: Experience in establishing, maintaining, and evolving design systems.
  • User Research Methodologies: Deep understanding of qualitative and quantitative user research techniques.
  • Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of WCAG guidelines and best practices for inclusive design.
  • Agile/Scrum Experience: Familiarity with agile development methodologies and working within scrum teams.
  • Automotive Industry Experience: Prior experience designing digital products within the automotive sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a technical degree and extensive experience in UI/UX development, coupled with skills like "analytics" and "feedback loops," points to a role that requires not just creative design but also a structured, data-driven approach common in operations roles. The emphasis on "development collaboration" and "stakeholder communication" further reinforces this.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • End-to-End UX Case Studies: Showcase at least 3-5 comprehensive case studies detailing your process from problem identification, research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, to final design implementation and impact.
  • UI Design & Design System Examples: Include high-fidelity UI mockups, interactive prototypes, and examples of UI components or design system assets you have created or contributed to.
  • Process Documentation: Demonstrate your ability to document design processes, user flows, and decision-making rationale clearly and concisely.
  • Impact Metrics: Quantify the impact of your design solutions using relevant metrics (e.g., conversion rate improvements, task completion times, user satisfaction scores, reduction in support tickets).

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Design: Examples of how you have mapped and optimized user workflows to enhance efficiency and user satisfaction.
  • Usability Testing Reports: Documentation of usability testing plans, execution, and analysis, including actionable recommendations derived from findings.
  • Design System Governance: Evidence of contributions to or management of design system libraries, including version control and contribution guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is critical for a UX/UI role, but for an operations-focused enhancement, the emphasis shifts to the process behind the portfolio. Demonstrating structured methodologies, data-driven decision-making, and the ability to document and communicate these processes is paramount. The "impact metrics" are key for showcasing operational value.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Estimated Range: $90,000 - $130,000 USD per year. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for UX/UI Designers with 5-10 years of experience in the United States, considering the company size and industry of a major automotive manufacturer like Ford. Actual compensation will be determined by experience, qualifications, and specific location within the US.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
  • Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.
  • Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.
  • Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) providing community and support networks.
  • Potential for employee discount programs on Ford vehicles and services.

Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time workweek, typically 40 hours.
  • Flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team agreements, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring consistent presence during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general US market data for this experience level and role. The emphasis on "flexibility" for "project needs" and "team agreements" acknowledges the operational demands of a full-time, on-site role within a large corporation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Technology. Ford is a global leader in the automotive industry, continuously innovating in vehicle design, manufacturing, and mobility solutions, including connected car technology and software services. Company Size: Large Enterprise (50,000+ employees). This scale implies a structured environment with established processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for specialized roles within larger departments. Founded: 1903. With over a century of history, Ford has a deep-rooted culture of innovation and a robust legacy in engineering and manufacturing, now rapidly evolving into technology and mobility services.

Team Structure:

  • Operations Focus: The UX/UI Design team likely operates within a larger Product Development, Engineering, or Digital Innovation division.
  • Reporting: This role will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead UX Designer, with close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and GTM stakeholders.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect extensive interaction with product managers, software engineers, marketing teams, research departments, and potentially legal and compliance teams to ensure designs meet all requirements.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Design: Ford likely employs a data-driven approach, utilizing analytics, A/B testing, and user feedback to inform design decisions and measure success.
  • Agile Development: Design processes are expected to be integrated with Agile development methodologies, requiring iterative work and close collaboration with development sprints.
  • Design System Integration: A strong emphasis will be placed on leveraging and contributing to a centralized design system to ensure brand consistency and streamline the design and development process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within a large, established company like Ford means the design function is likely highly integrated into broader operational workflows, particularly those supporting product launches and GTM strategies. The "structured environment" and "Agile Development" points are key for an operations-minded candidate.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Senior Level Designer. This position requires significant experience and the ability to lead design processes independently, contributing to strategic decision-making and mentoring junior designers. Reporting Structure: The role reports into a design leadership structure, likely within a product or digital innovation group. This provides exposure to strategic planning and cross-departmental operational initiatives. Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's work directly influences customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction, which are key operational metrics for GTM success. Effective design translates into smoother user journeys, higher adoption rates of new features, and a stronger brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or specialized roles focusing on UX research, design systems, or product strategy.
  • Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas such as user research, interaction design, information architecture, or accessibility.
  • Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into product management, program management, or GTM strategy roles by leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and product development processes.
  • Industry Exposure: Gain experience within the evolving automotive and mobility technology sector, a rapidly growing area with significant operational complexity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path here emphasizes growth not just within design but also in operational aspects of product development and GTM. The ability to influence strategy and mentor others signifies a move towards operational leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office Environment. This is an on-site role within Ford's corporate facilities, designed for collaboration and integration with other departments. Office Location(s): The job posting specifies "United States" without a precise city. Ford has major hubs in Dearborn, Michigan; Plano, Texas; and other locations, suggesting the role could be based in one of these key operational centers. Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Spaces: Offices are likely equipped with collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated design studios to facilitate teamwork and ideation.
  • Technology Access: Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and internal Ford systems will be provided.
  • Team Integration: Proximity to product managers, engineers, and other GTM stakeholders will foster seamless communication and operational alignment.

Work Schedule:

  • The standard work schedule is full-time, 40 hours per week, on-site. While project demands may require occasional adjustments, the expectation is consistent availability during core business hours to support ongoing development cycles and GTM timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement highlights the importance of direct collaboration and integration within Ford's operational structure. The environment is geared towards facilitating efficient teamwork and communication essential for product development and GTM execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio for relevant experience and skills.
  • Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about your experience, approach to UX/UI design, and alignment with Ford's culture and operational needs.
  • Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where you will likely present several case studies from your portfolio, detailing your process, decision-making, and the impact of your designs. Be prepared to discuss your role, challenges, and solutions.
  • Technical/Skills Assessment: May involve a design challenge or a deeper dive into specific design tools and methodologies.
  • Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members, including engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders, to assess collaboration and communication skills.
  • Final Interview: Often with senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each case study. Explain why you made certain decisions, not just what you did.
  • Quantify Impact: Use specific metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. How did your work contribute to business goals or improve user outcomes?
  • Showcase Collaboration: Highlight instances where you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams, managed stakeholder feedback, and navigated complex requirements.
  • Tailor to Ford: Research Ford's current digital products and GTM strategies. Consider how your skills and past projects align with their needs and challenges.
  • Design System Contribution: If you have experience with design systems, be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to or leveraged them for operational efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Problem-Solving: Be ready for hypothetical design challenges that test your ability to think critically, empathize with users, and propose solutions within constraints.
  • Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
  • User-Centered Approach: Emphasize how you put the user at the center of your design process, even when balancing business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and operational alignment. The portfolio review is crucial for demonstrating not just design skill but also the ability to execute effectively within a corporate structure, manage stakeholders, and contribute to tangible business outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (or similar industry-standard tools). Proficiency in at least one is essential.
  • Wireframing: Balsamiq, Axure RP, or built-in features of design suites.
  • Design Systems: Experience with creating, maintaining, or contributing to design system libraries.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms for understanding user behavior and tracking conversion goals.
  • User Feedback Tools: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Hotjar, or in-app feedback mechanisms.
  • Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools for presenting data insights (beneficial).

CRM & Automation:

  • While not a primary CRM role, understanding how UX/UI design impacts CRM data capture and customer journeys is beneficial. Familiarity with how design integrates with marketing automation platforms and customer support tools is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for UX/UI roles, but the inclusion of "Analytics & Reporting" and the mention of "CRM/Automation" integration highlight the operational aspect of this role – how design choices impact data collection, user tracking, and overall GTM performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user throughout the design process, ensuring products are intuitive and valuable.
  • Collaboration: A proactive approach to working with diverse teams, valuing input and fostering a shared understanding of goals and challenges.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing research, analytics, and feedback to inform design choices, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement.
  • Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and design solutions that enhance user experience and support Ford's forward-thinking vision.
  • Efficiency: Commitment to creating streamlined design processes and reusable assets (e.g., design systems) that improve development velocity and consistency.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Actively seeking opportunities to partner with product management, engineering, marketing, and research teams to ensure holistic product development.
  • Open Communication: Maintaining transparent and frequent communication with stakeholders, providing updates, and soliciting constructive feedback.
  • Iterative Design Culture: Embracing feedback and change as part of the design process, with a focus on continuous refinement and optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of user advocacy and operational discipline. "Data-Driven Decisions" and "Efficiency" are particularly relevant to an operations-focused perspective, indicating that the team values structured, measurable approaches to design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing User Needs with Business Objectives: Navigating the complexities of stakeholder requirements, technical constraints, and business goals while prioritizing user experience.
  • Designing for a Diverse Ecosystem: Creating cohesive user experiences across a wide range of Ford products, from in-car infotainment systems to mobile apps and web platforms, each with unique operational considerations.
  • Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements: Adapting to rapidly evolving technologies in automotive and digital interfaces, requiring continuous learning and skill development.
  • Integrating Design into Agile Workflows: Ensuring design processes are effectively integrated with fast-paced Agile development cycles without compromising quality or user focus.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Training: Access to workshops and courses in advanced UX research, interaction design, service design, or specific design technologies.
  • Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading UX/UI and automotive technology conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network.
  • Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior designers or leaders within Ford, fostering career growth and skill development.
  • Exposure to New Technologies: Working with cutting-edge automotive technologies and digital platforms, providing unique learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities inherent in a large organization like Ford. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing both design expertise and leadership skills, with a clear path for increasing operational influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a new feature for a connected car system. How do you balance user needs with technical constraints and business goals?" (Focus on your structured approach, research methods, and stakeholder communication).
  • Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with engineers and product managers on a complex design. How did you ensure alignment and address conflicting priorities?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills).
  • Problem-Solving: "Imagine a scenario where user feedback indicates a critical flaw in a recently launched feature. How would you approach diagnosing the issue and proposing a solution?" (Demonstrate your analytical thinking and iterative design approach).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about Ford's current digital strategy and its GTM approach?" (Research Ford's latest product launches, mobility initiatives, and digital presence).
  • "How do you contribute to a collaborative and data-driven design culture?" (Align your values with the company's emphasis on teamwork and evidence-based decision-making).
  • "How do you measure the success of your design work?" (Be prepared to discuss specific metrics and ROI, linking your design impact to business outcomes).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the quantifiable results.
  • Highlight Operational Impact: Emphasize how your designs improved efficiency, conversion rates, user satisfaction, or reduced development/support costs.
  • Showcase Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams and managed stakeholder feedback.
  • Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your specific design choices, the tools you used, and challenges you encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for these questions requires demonstrating not just design talent but also an understanding of operational frameworks, strategic thinking, and the ability to articulate value in business terms.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position at Ford:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on Ford's careers portal.
  • Customize your resume to highlight your experience in UX processes, UI design, design systems, and cross-functional collaboration, using keywords from the job description and emphasizing quantifiable achievements.
  • Curate your portfolio to showcase 3-5 of your strongest case studies, focusing on end-to-end projects that demonstrate your process, problem-solving skills, and measurable impact. Ensure clear documentation of your design journey and outcomes.
  • Prepare for the interview process by researching Ford's current digital products, GTM strategies, and company values. Practice articulating your design philosophy and how your skills align with the operational demands of a large automotive manufacturer.
  • Conduct mock presentations of your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and the ability to effectively communicate your design rationale and impact to a diverse audience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.


Application Requirements

Candidates should have 5+ years of UI/UX development experience and a BSc in Computer Science or a related field. The role requires strong skills in creating high-fidelity UI designs and facilitating collaborative sessions.