Motion Designer - Brand UI

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Motion Designer - Brand UI

Company: General Motors

Location: Warren, Michigan, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Design Operations (UI/UX Focus)

Date Posted: 2026-05-01

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ Years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a key component of the Human Interface Design team, focusing on the execution of motion and interaction behaviors for GM's digital product ecosystem.

• Responsibilities include designing and producing motion graphics, transitions, and interaction animations across in-vehicle systems, mobile applications, and web experiences.

• The position requires close collaboration with UX designers, visual designers, and engineers to ensure motion is clear, usable, and aligned with brand standards, emphasizing a data-driven approach to user experience.

• This is an individual contributor role with ownership of specific features and components, contributing to the overall enhancement of clarity, usability, and consistency in customer experiences through meticulous design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily design-focused, its integration into product workflows and emphasis on collaboration with engineering partners positions it within the broader scope of design operations, particularly in ensuring seamless execution and adherence to design systems. The focus on digital products and user experience aligns with GTM (Go-to-Market) strategies that rely on polished and intuitive interfaces.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-quality motion graphics, transitions, and interaction animations for vehicle infotainment systems, mobile applications, and web platforms.

• Apply and extend established motion design guidelines and interaction patterns to ensure consistency and adherence to GM's brand identity across all digital touchpoints.

• Collaborate effectively with UX/UI designers, visual designers, and engineering teams to integrate motion design seamlessly within defined product development workflows and technical constraints.

• Develop interactive motion prototypes to effectively communicate design intent, validate usability, and gain stakeholder alignment on motion concepts.

• Ensure all motion solutions comply with accessibility standards, performance requirements, and overall product quality benchmarks, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive and efficient design operations.

• Incorporate feedback from cross-functional partners and stakeholders, iterating designs efficiently to meet project timelines and deliver optimal user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed emphasize the execution and integration of motion design within product development cycles. This implies a need for strong process adherence, collaboration with engineering for implementation, and a focus on delivering functional, user-centric designs, which are core tenets of design operations and their contribution to GTM.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Animation, Motion Graphics, or a closely related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: Minimum of 4+ years of professional experience in motion design, interaction animation, or a related digital design discipline.

Required Skills:

• Strong command of animation principles, including timing, easing, and physics, applied to interaction behaviors and motion graphics.

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe After Effects for creating complex animations and visual effects.

• Demonstrated expertise in at least one 3D software package such as Cinema 4D, Maya, 3ds Max, or similar, for creating 3D assets and animations.

• Proven experience working within established design systems, style guides, or visual frameworks, ensuring brand consistency.

• Ability to independently manage and execute assigned tasks within defined processes and project guidelines, showcasing strong self-management and operational efficiency.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience designing motion for automotive interfaces, embedded systems, or other complex digital environments.

• Familiarity with motion design handoff processes to engineering teams, including asset delivery and specification documentation.

• Experience supporting and maintaining motion design consistency across multiple digital platforms (e.g., in-car, mobile, web).

• Exposure to working in performance-constrained or real-time-constrained environments, understanding technical limitations.

• Experience collaborating on cross-functional product teams, contributing to a holistic product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required qualifications highlight a blend of creative design skills and practical application within a product development context. The emphasis on design systems and independent execution points towards an operational mindset, where efficiency and adherence to standards are paramount. The preferred qualifications suggest a desire for candidates who can navigate complex technical environments and contribute to broader product strategy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of motion design projects, with a strong emphasis on UI animation, transitions, and interaction behaviors for digital products.

• Include case studies that detail the design process, from conceptualization and wireframing to final animation and implementation.

• Demonstrate proficiency in After Effects and any 3D tools used, highlighting specific techniques and workflows.

• Present examples of working within or contributing to design systems, illustrating how motion was applied consistently.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented motion design specifications for engineering handoff, including guidelines for timing, easing, and asset delivery.

• Case studies illustrating how you incorporated feedback and iterated on motion designs to meet project objectives and user needs.

• Demonstrations of how you ensure motion integration aligns with accessibility standards and performance metrics, showcasing an understanding of operational constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it directly demonstrates the candidate's ability to translate design concepts into tangible, high-quality motion experiences. The emphasis on process documentation and system adherence aligns with the operational aspects of ensuring consistency and efficient implementation across GM's diverse digital product landscape.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Motion Designer with 4+ years of experience in the Detroit metropolitan area, the estimated annual salary range is $85,000 - $115,000. This range accounts for the specific skill set required, the company's industry standing, and the cost of living in Warren, Michigan.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Relocation benefits may be available for eligible candidates.

• Access to GM's "Total Rewards resources" for a holistic view of compensation and work-life benefits.

• Employee vehicle discount programs and other corporate perks.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The role is hybrid, requiring 3 days per week in the Warren, Michigan office, with flexibility dictated by the manager and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general industry data for Motion Designers in Michigan, considering the experience level. It's crucial for candidates to understand that actual compensation will depend on individual qualifications, experience, and the company's internal compensation structure. The benefits listed are typical for a large automotive manufacturer like GM.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing and Technology. GM is a global leader focused on a future of "Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion," driving innovation in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connected services.

Company Size: Large Enterprise. General Motors is a Fortune 100 company with tens of thousands of employees globally, indicating a structured environment with established processes and a wide array of resources.

Founded: 1908. With over a century of history, GM has a deep-rooted legacy in the automotive industry, constantly evolving to meet new technological challenges and market demands.

Team Structure:

• The Human Interface Design (HID) team is likely part of a larger UX/Product Design organization within GM, focusing specifically on the user experience of digital interfaces.

• This role is an individual contributor, reporting to a Design Lead or Manager within the HID team.

Methodology:

• GM's product development likely follows agile methodologies, with a strong emphasis on user-centered design, data-driven decision-making, and iterative development.

• The design process will involve user research, ideation, prototyping, user testing, and close collaboration with engineering for implementation and optimization.

• Emphasis on design systems will ensure consistency and efficiency across a vast portfolio of digital products.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding GM's scale and historical context is crucial. The company's forward-looking vision ("Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion") suggests a culture that values innovation and technological advancement. The hybrid work model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration are typical of large, modern organizations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Motion Designer role is positioned at a mid-career level, requiring 4+ years of experience. It's an individual contributor role focused on specialized creative execution within a larger design and product development framework. The emphasis is on delivering high-quality motion assets and integrating them into established workflows and design systems.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Design Lead or Manager within the Human Interface Design team. This structure implies guidance on project priorities and design direction, with the expectation of independent execution on assigned features and components.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in terms of process optimization or system administration, this position has a significant impact on the user experience of GM's digital products. High-quality motion design enhances usability, brand perception, and customer engagement, directly contributing to the overall success and market appeal of GM's vehicles and digital services. This role supports GTM strategies by ensuring a polished and intuitive user interface that aligns with brand messaging.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in automotive UI motion design, 3D animation for interfaces, or accessibility in motion graphics.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Motion Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to design system evolution.

• Cross-Functional: Move into related design fields such as UX/UI design, interaction design, or even product management, leveraging a strong understanding of user experience and development processes.

• Technical Skill Development: Opportunity to gain exposure to new animation tools, real-time rendering engines, and advanced prototyping techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis is framed to highlight how a specialized design role contributes to broader operational goals and offers clear career progression paths within a large organization like GM. The connection to GTM strategies is made by emphasizing the role's contribution to user experience and brand perception.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model. The successful candidate is expected to work from the GM Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, at least three days per week. This setup balances remote flexibility with in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): GM Global Technical Center - Design Center, Warren, Michigan, United States. This is a major hub for GM's design and engineering activities, likely offering state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative atmosphere among creative and technical professionals.

Workspace Context:

• The design center environment is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with other designers, engineers, and product stakeholders.

• Access to industry-standard hardware and software, including high-performance workstations and relevant design tools.

• Opportunities for informal knowledge sharing and brainstorming sessions with colleagues in the Human Interface Design team and beyond.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement. The schedule allows for focused work at home and collaborative sessions in the office, supporting efficient workflow management and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment emphasizes the hybrid nature and the specific location, which is a significant R&D hub for GM. This context helps candidates understand the day-to-day realities and the collaborative culture expected.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: Typically involves presenting a curated selection of your work to the hiring team. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing your process, role, challenges, and outcomes. Focus on UI motion and interaction.

• Technical/Skills Interview: Questions may cover animation principles, proficiency with After Effects and 3D software, experience with design systems, and problem-solving approaches to motion design challenges.

• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Assessing collaboration skills, communication style, ability to give and receive feedback, and alignment with GM's culture and values. Questions will likely focus on how you've worked in cross-functional teams and managed project timelines.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with senior leadership or key stakeholders to confirm fit and discuss broader team objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for the Role: Prioritize projects showcasing UI motion, interaction animation, and digital product design. Automotive or complex system experience is a plus.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, from problem definition to solution. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved user engagement, clearer feedback, faster task completion), even if anecdotal.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Briefly explain the tools and techniques used, especially After Effects and 3D software.

• Be Concise: Focus on quality over quantity. Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and highlights your most relevant work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing motion for a specific UI element or interaction scenario relevant to GM's products.

• Prepare to articulate how you ensure motion is functional and enhances usability rather than being purely decorative.

• Think about how you handle technical constraints or feedback that might limit your creative vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a motion design role within a large corporation. The emphasis on portfolio curation, process explanation, and handling feedback is crucial for candidates to prepare effectively for GM's interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Motion Design: Adobe After Effects (essential).

• 3D Software: Cinema 4D, Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, or similar (proficiency in at least one required).

• Prototyping Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Principle, ProtoPie, or similar tools for creating interactive motion prototypes.

• Design Systems: Experience working with or contributing to comprehensive design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role, but understanding how digital product interfaces integrate with backend systems or customer relationship management (CRM) platforms can provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section directly lists the software and tools expected for this role, which is vital for candidates to assess their current skill set and identify areas for development. The emphasis on After Effects and 3D tools is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of GM's customers through intuitive and engaging digital experiences.

• Innovation: Driving forward with new technologies and design approaches to shape the future of mobility.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams (design, engineering, product) to achieve common goals.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality execution in all aspects of design, from concept to final implementation.

• Efficiency: Utilizing design systems and streamlined workflows to deliver impactful results within project timelines.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with UX designers, visual designers, product managers, and engineers, requiring strong communication and partnership.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback to refine designs and ensure optimal user outcomes.

• Process-Oriented: Adherence to established design processes and workflows, including design system guidelines and agile development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting GM's stated values and describing a collaborative style helps candidates understand the expected work environment and how their contributions fit into the broader organizational goals. This is particularly relevant for roles that bridge creative and operational aspects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand with Usability: Ensuring motion enhances clarity and usability without becoming distracting or overwhelming, especially within complex in-vehicle systems.

• Technical Constraints: Adapting designs to work within the limitations of embedded systems, real-time rendering, and performance budgets.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Maintaining a cohesive motion language across vastly different platforms (vehicle, mobile, web) with varying capabilities.

• Iterative Development: Efficiently incorporating feedback from multiple stakeholders and iterating designs within tight project timelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Animation Techniques: Access to training or resources for mastering new features in After Effects, 3D software, or emerging animation tools.

• Industry Trends: Opportunities to learn about the latest in automotive UX, interaction design, and motion graphics through internal resources, conferences, or workshops.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining insights into UX research, product management, and engineering processes to develop a more holistic understanding of product development.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or to mentor junior team members, fostering skill development and leadership potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and growth opportunities provides a realistic outlook for candidates and demonstrates the company's investment in employee development. This section helps candidates assess if the role aligns with their career aspirations and problem-solving preferences.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing motion for a critical safety alert in a vehicle's infotainment system, balancing urgency with clarity?" (Focus on principles, user impact, and potential constraints.)

• "Describe a time you had to compromise on a motion design concept due to technical limitations. How did you adapt your approach?" (Assess problem-solving, flexibility, and technical awareness.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about GM's vision for the future of mobility, and how do you see motion design contributing to it?" (Show research and alignment with company mission.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with remote and in-office team members." (Assess adaptability and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the outcome/impact.

• Focus on UI Motion: Highlight projects that specifically demonstrate UI animations, transitions, and interaction behaviors.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the specific tools and techniques used, and why you chose them.

• Concise Explanations: Keep explanations clear and to the point, respecting the interviewer's time.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics or user feedback to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailored interview questions and preparation tips are crucial for candidates to effectively showcase their skills and fit for the role. This section guides them on what to expect and how to articulate their experience in a way that resonates with GM's hiring managers.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Motion Designer - Brand UI position at General Motors:

• Visit the provided URL to submit your application through the Workday portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature UI motion design, interaction animations, and examples of working within design systems or frameworks. Prioritize projects relevant to digital products, ideally with automotive or complex system experience.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 4+ years of motion design experience, proficiency in After Effects and 3D software, and collaborative skills. Use keywords from the job description such as "motion graphics," "interaction animation," "UI design," and "design systems."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear articulation of your design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your experience in a hybrid environment and with cross-functional teams.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with GM's current initiatives, design philosophy (e.g., their vision for the future of mobility), and recent product launches to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment with the company's direction.

⚠️ 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.