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: UI/UX Design & Motion Graphics

Date Posted: 2026-05-21

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute engaging motion graphics and interaction animations for GM's diverse digital product ecosystem, including in-vehicle infotainment systems, mobile applications, and web platforms.

• Champion the application of established motion design guidelines and interaction patterns to ensure brand consistency and a cohesive user experience across all touchpoints.

• Collaborate effectively within a hybrid work environment, partnering closely with UX designers, visual designers, engineers, and product managers to seamlessly integrate motion into product workflows and development cycles.

• Develop and refine motion prototypes to validate design intent, enhance usability, and communicate complex interactions to stakeholders, fostering a data-informed design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the "Brand UI" aspect of motion design, indicating a strong emphasis on aligning motion with GM's established visual identity and brand guidelines. The position requires not just creative motion design skills but also a disciplined approach to executing within a defined design system and product development framework, making it ideal for operations-minded designers who value process and consistency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce high-quality motion graphics, transitions, and interaction animations for vehicle interfaces, mobile applications, and web experiences, ensuring alignment with user-centered design principles.

• Apply and uphold established motion design guidelines, interaction patterns, and best practices to all assigned product work, ensuring consistency and adherence to GM's brand standards.

• Actively participate in cross-functional team meetings and design reviews, collaborating with UX, visual design, and engineering partners to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of motion elements within defined workflows.

• Create and iterate on motion prototypes to effectively communicate design intent, test usability, gather feedback, and support the overall design validation process.

• Ensure all motion solutions meet critical requirements for accessibility, performance optimization, and overall product quality, contributing to a robust and inclusive user experience.

• Incorporate constructive feedback from stakeholders and project teams, iterating on motion designs efficiently to meet project timelines and deliver impactful results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a structured approach to motion design within a corporate environment. Emphasis on "applying established guidelines," "working within defined workflows," and "ensuring requirements are met" points to a need for operational efficiency and adherence to process, crucial for large-scale product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of core animation principles, including timing, easing, anticipation, and follow-through, applied to create fluid and intuitive interaction behaviors.

• Expert proficiency in Adobe After Effects for creating complex animations and motion graphics.

• Demonstrated experience with at least one industry-standard 3D tool such as Cinema 4D, Maya, or similar, for incorporating 3D elements or advanced visual effects.

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

• Ability to work independently, manage assigned tasks efficiently, and execute work within defined processes, guidelines, and project scopes.

• Excellent collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and work effectively with diverse teams.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Familiarity with motion design handoff processes to engineering teams, including asset preparation and technical specifications.

• Experience supporting and maintaining motion design across multiple platforms (e.g., in-vehicle, mobile, web) to ensure a unified brand experience.

• Exposure to designing motion within performance-constrained or real-time environments, understanding technical limitations and optimization strategies.

• Prior experience working effectively within cross-functional product teams, contributing to integrated product development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required qualifications emphasize a blend of creative technical skills and the ability to function within a structured corporate design process. The preference for experience in automotive UI and motion handoff to engineering highlights the specific operational context of this role within GM.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 4 years of professional motion design work, with a clear emphasis on UI/UX animation and interaction design.

• Demonstrate projects that highlight the application of animation principles to enhance usability, clarity, and user engagement in digital products.

• Include case studies detailing the process from concept to final execution, illustrating problem-solving, iteration, and the integration of motion within broader design systems or product requirements.

• Showcase proficiency in After Effects and at least one 3D software, with examples that clearly articulate the role of these tools in the final output.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should ideally include insights into the design process, such as initial concept sketches, storyboards, user flow integrations, and rationale behind specific motion choices.

• Demonstrate an ability to document motion specifications for engineering handoff, including timing, easing curves, and asset delivery formats where applicable.

• Examples of prototyping for motion concepts, showing how iterative testing and feedback were incorporated into the final design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is paramount. It's not just about showcasing aesthetics but also the designer's ability to integrate motion into a complex product development lifecycle, adhere to brand standards, and communicate effectively with technical teams. Demonstrating a structured, process-oriented approach to motion design will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Retirement savings plans, including 401(k) with company match, to support long-term financial security.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and company holidays, to promote work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and access to industry conferences to enhance skills in motion design and related fields.

• Relocation benefits may be available for eligible candidates moving to the Warren, Michigan area.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The role operates on a hybrid model, requiring the selected candidate to be present at the Warren, Michigan office at least three days per week, with flexibility dictated by team needs and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimation based on Glassdoor, Salary.com, and LinkedIn Salary data for Motion Designers in Warren, MI, with adjustments for the specified experience level and the industry. Benefits are typical for large corporations and are inferred from common offerings and specific mentions in the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Technology. General Motors is a global leader in the automotive industry, driving innovation in vehicle design, electrification, autonomous driving, and connected services. This context means the motion designer will be working on cutting-edge technology that impacts millions of users daily.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees). As a major global corporation, GM offers extensive resources, established processes, and opportunities for career progression, but also requires adaptability to large organizational structures and workflows.

Founded: 1908. With over a century of history, GM has a deep-rooted legacy in automotive innovation, constantly evolving to meet new technological challenges and market demands. This longevity suggests a stable yet forward-thinking environment.

Team Structure:

• The Motion Designer will be part of the Human Interface Design (HID) team, likely within a larger Product Design or Advanced Technology division. This team is responsible for the user experience and visual design of GM's digital interfaces.

• The role is an individual contributor, reporting to a Design Lead or Manager within the HID team. Collaboration will be crucial with UX Designers, Visual Designers, UI Engineers, and Product Managers across various vehicle programs and digital initiatives.

Methodology:

• The team likely follows a structured design process, integrating UX research, user testing, and iterative design cycles. Motion design will be a key component within this framework, supporting user flows and enhancing interaction clarity.

• Emphasis is placed on leveraging established design systems and adhering to brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and scalability across GM's product portfolio.

• Agile methodologies may be employed, requiring flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing project requirements and feedback from engineering and product partners.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding GM's scale and legacy is key. The company's focus on "Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion" underscores a commitment to innovation, which the motion designer's work will support by enhancing user interaction with these advanced technologies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Individual Contributor. It requires a solid foundation of professional experience (4+ years) and the ability to work independently within defined processes. The focus is on executing specific features and components rather than leading large teams or defining high-level strategy, though contribution to design system evolution is possible.

Reporting Structure: The Motion Designer, an individual contributor, will report to a Design Lead or Manager within the Human Interface Design team. This structure provides guidance and oversight while allowing for independent execution of assigned tasks. Collaboration will extend across various product teams, including UX, Visual Design, and Engineering.

Operations Impact: The motion designer's work directly impacts the user experience of GM's digital products. Effective motion design enhances clarity, usability, and the overall perceived quality of the interface. By making complex systems more intuitive and engaging, this role contributes to customer satisfaction, brand perception, and potentially the adoption of new technologies and features. In the automotive context, well-executed motion can also convey safety and reliability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Seniority: Progression to a Senior Motion Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing more significantly to the evolution of the design system and motion strategy.

• Leadership: Potential to move into a Design Lead or Management role within the Human Interface Design team, overseeing a group of designers and guiding project execution.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Developing deeper expertise in areas like automotive UX, embedded systems design, or performance-driven animation through exposure to different teams and projects.

• Learning & Development: Access to GM's internal training programs, external workshops, and industry conferences to stay abreast of the latest trends in motion design, animation software, and UX principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes deepening expertise within motion design and UI, with potential for leadership. The hybrid nature and large company structure suggest opportunities to learn from experienced professionals across various disciplines within GM's extensive operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model. The role requires a blend of in-office presence and remote work. The GM Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, serves as the primary office location. This setup aims to balance the benefits of in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and idea generation with the flexibility and focus that remote work can offer.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the GM Global Technical Center - Design Center in Warren, Michigan. This facility is a hub for GM's engineering and design innovation, providing a dynamic environment with access to state-of-the-art resources and collaboration spaces.

Workspace Context:

• The design center environment is likely collaborative, with open-plan areas, dedicated design studios, and meeting rooms equipped for brainstorming and presentations. This facilitates direct interaction with UX/Visual Designers, engineers, and product stakeholders.

• Access to advanced design software and hardware, including high-performance workstations, animation tools, and potentially VR/AR prototyping equipment, is expected to support the creation of sophisticated motion graphics and interactive experiences.

• Opportunities for informal and formal interactions with colleagues across various disciplines will foster a strong sense of team and encourage knowledge sharing, crucial for innovation in a company like GM.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement typically involves reporting to the Warren office three days per week, with the remaining two days offering remote work flexibility. Specific in-office days may be dictated by team needs, project milestones, or manager discretion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and the specific location at GM's Global Technical Center suggest a professional, resource-rich environment. The emphasis on collaboration within this hybrid setup implies a culture that values both independent work and in-person team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant motion design work. This is a critical step where the quality, creativity, and technical execution of motion graphics and UI animations will be evaluated.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a practical exercise or a deep dive into the candidate's portfolio to assess proficiency in After Effects, 3D software, and understanding of animation principles.

• Behavioral/Team Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potential team members to assess collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, cultural fit, and alignment with GM's values. Questions will likely focus on past project experiences and how candidates handle challenges.

• Final Interview: May involve a presentation of portfolio work or a discussion on how motion design contributes to the overall product strategy and user experience at GM.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in UI motion design, interaction animation, and brand alignment. Prioritize projects similar to GM's digital products (in-vehicle, mobile, web).

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (ideation, prototyping, iteration), the tools used, and the final outcome. Explain why you made certain design decisions.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates mastery of After Effects and at least one 3D tool. Include examples that showcase complex animations, transitions, and micro-interactions.

• Demonstrate Brand & System Thinking: Include examples where you've worked within or contributed to a design system or adhered to strict brand guidelines. Explain how you ensured consistency and brand integrity.

• Optimize for Review: Use a clean, professional online portfolio platform. Provide clear descriptions and context for each project. Consider including short video clips or interactive demos where appropriate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges that test your ability to create motion for a specific UI element or interaction scenario relevant to automotive or digital products.

• Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and technical approach concisely. Focus on how your motion design solutions solve user problems and enhance the overall experience.

• Research GM's current digital products and brand aesthetic to understand their design language and how your motion design approach can align with it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to discuss their process, technical choices, and how their motion design aligns with user needs and brand strategy within a large corporate context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: Essential for creating sophisticated 2D motion graphics, UI animations, and transitions. Proficiency in layer management, keyframing, expressions, and animation presets is expected.

• 3D Software (Cinema 4D, Maya, or similar): Required for incorporating 3D elements, complex visual effects, or creating assets that require more advanced rendering capabilities. Understanding of basic 3D principles, modeling, texturing, and rendering will be beneficial.

• Prototyping Tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Principle): Used for creating interactive motion prototypes to demonstrate user flows and interaction behaviors, facilitating feedback and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core responsibilities of a motion designer, but awareness of how UI elements integrate into broader product ecosystems managed by CRM or automation platforms can provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes industry-standard tools for motion graphics and 3D animation, crucial for creating high-fidelity UI elements. Proficiency in prototyping tools is also key for demonstrating interactive motion concepts.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore new technologies and creative approaches to enhance user experiences, aligning with GM's vision of future mobility.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals in product development.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished, and effective design solutions that meet rigorous standards.

• Customer Focus: Designing with the end-user in mind, ensuring that motion enhances usability, clarity, and overall satisfaction with GM products.

• Efficiency: Adhering to established processes and design systems to ensure timely delivery and maintainable design assets within a large organization.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely fosters an open and communicative environment, encouraging designers to share work early and often for feedback.

• Expect a hybrid collaboration model, utilizing digital tools for asynchronous communication and remote work, while leveraging in-office time for focused brainstorming, workshops, and direct team interaction.

• A culture of constructive critique is expected, where feedback is given and received professionally to collectively improve design outcomes and ensure alignment with project objectives and brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on innovation within a structured, collaborative environment is typical for large automotive companies. The team values both individual creative contribution and collective effort towards achieving defined product and brand goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Constraints: The primary challenge will be to produce innovative and engaging motion design while adhering to strict brand guidelines, technical limitations of embedded systems, and established design processes.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive motion experience across diverse platforms (in-vehicle, mobile, web) each with unique technical capabilities and user contexts.

• Handoff to Engineering: Effectively communicating complex motion designs and specifications to engineering teams to ensure accurate implementation, especially in performance-sensitive environments.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with advancements in animation software, interactive technologies, and user interface design trends within the rapidly changing automotive industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in After Effects, 3D software, and emerging animation or prototyping tools.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Access to attend relevant design and technology conferences (e.g., Adobe MAX, SIGGRAPH) to gain insights into new techniques and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior designers and leaders within GM's extensive design organization, gaining insights into career progression and strategic design thinking.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Projects: Working on next-generation vehicle interfaces and digital products that push the boundaries of automotive technology and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a large, innovative company in a technical field. The growth opportunities are substantial, reflecting GM's commitment to employee development and its position at the forefront of automotive technology.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI animation you designed. What was the challenge, your process, and how did you measure its success?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency and quality in your motion design work, especially when working with established design systems?" (Highlight adherence to guidelines and system thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing motion for the automotive industry, specifically for General Motors?" (Showcase understanding of GM's mission and the automotive context.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with UX designers, visual designers, and engineers in a hybrid work environment?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication skills, and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, craft a narrative that clearly outlines the problem, your role, your design process, the tools used, and the final outcome. Emphasize the why behind your design choices.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Be prepared to discuss specific techniques, software features, and animation principles used. If possible, show quick breakdowns or wireframes demonstrating the underlying structure before the motion is applied.

• Focus on UI/UX Impact: Connect your motion design directly to user benefits – improved clarity, ease of use, engagement, or brand perception. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "reduced user confusion by X%").

• Brand Alignment: Explicitly discuss how your work aligns with brand identity and design system requirements, showing you understand the importance of consistency within a large organization like GM.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical mastery, a structured design process, effective collaboration, and a clear understanding of how motion design contributes to user experience and brand strategy within the automotive sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Motion Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your online portfolio to prominently feature 3-5 of your strongest UI/UX motion design projects. Prioritize examples that showcase your proficiency in After Effects and 3D software, and demonstrate experience working within design systems or brand guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 4+ years of relevant experience, specific software proficiencies (After Effects, Cinema 4D/Maya), and achievements related to interaction animation and UI design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and technical approach for your portfolio projects. Prepare to discuss how you collaborate in a hybrid environment and your understanding of the automotive user experience.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with General Motors' current digital products, brand identity, and their vision for the future of mobility. Understand how motion design contributes to their goals of "Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion."

⚠️ 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.