Sr. UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX/UI Designer

Company: HARMAN International

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design

Date Posted: August 6, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive UX/UI design for automotive products and platforms, focusing on user-centered experiences for a key Japanese OEM partner.

• Support the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept ideation through to production readiness, ensuring design integrity.

• Bridge the gap between design vision, software development requirements, and engineering limitations to deliver functional and aesthetically pleasing interfaces.

• Facilitate seamless collaboration with diverse, global teams and OEM stakeholders, navigating complex project dynamics.

• Leverage strong bilingual communication skills (Japanese and English) to effectively engage with Japanese OEM culture and internal teams across different regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for a UX/UI Designer with a strong automotive focus, requiring deep engagement with a Japanese OEM. The emphasis on cross-cultural communication and distributed team collaboration is critical, suggesting a need for a candidate adept at navigating international business environments and complex stakeholder landscapes within the automotive sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design intuitive user interfaces and engaging user experiences for automotive infotainment systems, digital cockpits, and other in-car digital products.

• Develop wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to effectively communicate design ideas and user journeys.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, software engineers, and hardware engineers to translate user needs and business requirements into feasible design solutions.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and gather feedback to inform design decisions and iterate on product enhancements.

• Ensure design consistency and adherence to brand guidelines, automotive standards, and OEM-specific design systems.

• Proactively identify and address design challenges, offering innovative solutions that balance user desirability with technical feasibility and business objectives.

• Present design concepts and solutions effectively to internal teams and external OEM stakeholders, articulating design rationale and impact.

• Contribute to the evolution of design processes and methodologies within the Harman Automotive Design Team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant emphasis on the automotive sector. The need to align design with "software development, engineering constraints, and delivery timelines" indicates a practical, production-oriented approach rather than purely conceptual design. The mention of "multiple automotive product areas and platforms" suggests a need for adaptability and breadth of experience.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Computer Science, or a related field. Equivalent practical experience may be considered. Experience:

• 5-10 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, with a significant portion focused on automotive product design or complex digital product development.

• Proven track record of successfully delivering user-centered design solutions from concept to production.

• Experience working with cross-functional teams (engineering, product management, marketing) in a fast-paced environment. Required Skills:

• Expertise in user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (XD, Photoshop, Illustrator), or similar.

• Strong understanding of visual design, typography, color theory, and layout principles.

• Ability to create detailed wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

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

• Fluency in both Japanese and English (written and spoken) is essential for effective communication with OEM partners and global teams.

• Experience in navigating and understanding Japanese business culture and OEM stakeholder expectations.

• Ability to work effectively in a distributed, global team environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with automotive infotainment systems, HMI design, or digital cockpit development.

• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.

• Basic understanding of front-end development technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with developers.

• Experience with user research methodologies and usability testing.

• Portfolio showcasing a strong range of UX/UI design projects, particularly within the automotive or complex technology sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level suggests this is a senior individual contributor role, expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and provide mentorship. The bilingual requirement (Japanese/English) is a critical filter, indicating the necessity for seamless communication within the Japanese OEM ecosystem.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of UX/UI design principles and their application in real-world products.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, design process, user research conducted, design solutions, and measurable outcomes or impact.

• Examples of work that showcase proficiency in creating wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs.

• Demonstrations of how user needs were identified and translated into effective design solutions, highlighting user-centered design practices.

• Projects that illustrate collaboration with engineering and product teams, showing an understanding of technical constraints and production realities. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of structured design processes used for concept development, ideation, and iteration.

• Documentation of how user feedback and usability testing informed design iterations and improvements.

• Examples of how design intent was communicated and aligned with development teams to ensure accurate implementation.

• Demonstrations of experience in adapting design processes to meet project timelines and specific OEM requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Sr. UX/UI Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to showcase not just visual design skills but a robust understanding of the design process, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to deliver tangible results within technical and cultural constraints. Specific emphasis should be placed on automotive-related projects if available.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on regional benchmarks for a Sr. UX/UI Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Tokyo, Japan, the estimated annual salary range is ¥8,000,000 - ¥12,000,000 JPY. This estimate considers the cost of living in Tokyo, industry standards for senior design roles, and the specialized nature of automotive UX/UI design. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package (medical, dental, vision).

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

• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Travel assistance for international collaboration and meetings, if applicable.

• Access to company resources and employee assistance programs. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Specific daily schedules may be flexible to accommodate collaboration with global teams, but on-site presence in Tokyo is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for Tokyo are based on research from reputable job boards and salary aggregators for senior design roles. The range is broad to account for variations in specific experience, skill set, and negotiation. Benefits are standard for a large, international corporation like HARMAN.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology, Consumer Electronics, Software & Services. HARMAN designs, engineers, and markets a wide range of infotainment, audio, and connected car solutions.

Company Size: HARMAN is a large enterprise, part of Samsung Electronics, with over 30,000 employees globally. This implies access to significant resources, a structured corporate environment, and opportunities for broad impact.

Founded: HARMAN was founded in 1953. Its long history in audio and electronics, coupled with its integration into Samsung, positions it as a stable yet innovative player in the automotive technology space.

Team Structure:

• The Automotive Design Team is likely a global, distributed function, with key hubs in different regions to support OEM partnerships.

• This specific role is embedded within a team supporting a Japanese OEM, requiring close collaboration with local Japanese teams and potentially other regional design and engineering centers (e.g., China, India).

• Reporting structure likely involves a Design Lead or Manager within the Automotive Design division, with direct interaction with OEM counterparts. Methodology:

• HARMAN emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and teamwork. The operations within the design team likely follow established design thinking processes, incorporating user research, ideation, prototyping, and iterative testing.

• Given the OEM partnership, design processes will need to be highly collaborative and adaptive, ensuring alignment with the partner's strategic goals and technical roadmaps.

• A data-driven approach to design is expected, using insights from user feedback and performance metrics to refine product experiences.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: HARMAN's culture emphasizes innovation and making life better through technology. For a designer, this translates to an environment that encourages creative problem-solving and a focus on user impact. The scale of HARMAN suggests robust processes and opportunities for professional development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Sr. UX/UI Designer" role, indicating a senior individual contributor position. It signifies a level of expertise where the designer is expected to lead design efforts for significant product areas, mentor junior designers, and contribute to design strategy. The scope includes complex automotive platforms and a key OEM partnership.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead within the HARMAN Automotive Design organization. They will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including product managers, software engineers, hardware engineers, and most importantly, with stakeholders from the Japanese OEM partner.

Operations Impact: The designer's impact is critical to the user experience of HARMAN's automotive products. Successful UX/UI design directly influences customer satisfaction, brand perception, and ultimately, the adoption and success of the OEM's vehicles and HARMAN's integrated solutions. This role has a direct line of sight to product success and user engagement within the automotive ecosystem.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in automotive UX/UI design, HMI, or specific areas like digital cockpits or connected car services.

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead Designer or Design Manager role, managing design projects and teams.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Move into related roles such as Product Management or UX Research within HARMAN.

• Global Exposure: Gain experience working on diverse global projects and with different OEM partners.

• Skill Development: Access to HARMAN's learning and development programs for continuous improvement in design tools, methodologies, and industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr." title implies a significant level of responsibility and autonomy. Growth opportunities will likely involve taking on more complex projects, leading design initiatives, and potentially moving into management or specialized expert tracks within HARMAN's extensive structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at HARMAN's office in Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan. This suggests a professional office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan. This location is known for its business and exhibition facilities, offering a modern urban work setting.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with dedicated areas for design work, team meetings, and client presentations.

• Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially specialized automotive simulation or testing equipment may be available.

• Opportunities for close interaction with local Japanese engineering and product teams, as well as regular virtual collaboration with global counterparts.

• The environment will likely encourage a blend of focused individual work and dynamic team collaboration, especially when working with the Japanese OEM partner.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility to accommodate critical project deadlines or urgent stakeholder needs. Collaboration with teams in different time zones (e.g., Asia, potentially Europe or North America) may require occasional adjustments to working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Tokyo, combined with global collaboration, means the candidate must be comfortable with a hybrid work style—deeply embedded in the local Japanese team while maintaining strong virtual connections with international colleagues.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter will review applications and conduct a brief call to assess basic qualifications, language proficiency, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A hiring manager or senior designer will review the candidate's portfolio, focusing on relevant automotive UX/UI projects, design process, and problem-solving skills. This will be followed by a technical interview to delve deeper into design methodologies, tool proficiency, and case studies.

• Cross-functional Interview: Candidates may meet with cross-functional team members (e.g., product managers, engineers) to assess collaboration skills and understanding of development constraints.

• Cultural/OEM Fit Interview: Given the role's focus on a Japanese OEM, there may be an interview specifically to assess understanding of Japanese business culture, communication style, and ability to navigate stakeholder relationships.

• Final Interview: A final discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best showcase your automotive UX/UI design experience, problem-solving skills, and ability to work within complex systems.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the impact or outcomes achieved. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your points.

• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your understanding of the end-to-end design process, from research and ideation to prototyping and testing. Show how you iterated based on feedback.

• Showcase Technical Acumen: Include examples that demonstrate your understanding of engineering constraints and how you collaborated with development teams.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved user satisfaction, reduced task completion time, increased engagement).

• Japanese Context: If possible, include examples that show sensitivity to cultural nuances in design, even if not directly automotive.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail for specific projects.

• Practice articulating your design rationale and defending your design decisions.

• Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

• Prepare questions about the team, the OEM partner, ongoing projects, and the design challenges specific to HARMAN's automotive division.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both design skills and intercultural competence. The portfolio review will be a critical gate, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just aesthetic ability but a strategic and process-driven approach to UX/UI design within the demanding automotive sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Principle, ProtoPie. Proficiency in at least one major tool is essential.

• Visual Design: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator.

• Collaboration: Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Miro, Mural.

• File Management: Version control systems (e.g., Git) for design assets may be utilized.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, familiarity with tools used to track user behavior and product performance (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) can be beneficial for informing design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX/UI design function, but understanding how design impacts customer journeys managed through CRM systems is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools is non-negotiable. The ability to use collaboration platforms effectively is crucial given the distributed nature of the team and the need to work closely with engineering and product management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and creative solutions to complex design challenges.

• User-Centricity: Placing the user at the heart of all design decisions, striving for intuitive and delightful experiences.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are paramount.

• Excellence: Committing to high-quality design output and continuous improvement in craft and process.

• Adaptability: Being responsive to changing project requirements, technical limitations, and market trends, especially within the fast-paced automotive industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with product managers, engineers, and researchers to ensure designs are feasible, meet business goals, and address user needs holistically.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactively engaging with OEM partners and internal stakeholders, building strong relationships based on trust and clear communication.

• Feedback-Driven: Embracing constructive criticism and feedback from peers, stakeholders, and users to refine designs and improve outcomes.

• Global Teamwork: Adapting communication and collaboration methods to effectively work with international colleagues across different time zones and cultural backgrounds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Japanese OEM collaboration suggests a need for designers who are respectful of hierarchy, diligent in their work, and adept at indirect communication when necessary, while still advocating for user needs.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Effectively bridging communication gaps and understanding cultural nuances when working with Japanese OEM partners and distributed global teams.

• Balancing Design Vision with Constraints: Navigating the complexities of automotive engineering, software development limitations, and OEM-specific requirements while upholding a strong user experience vision.

• Distributed Team Dynamics: Ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment across geographically dispersed teams, maintaining design consistency and efficient workflows.

• Rapidly Evolving Automotive Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in automotive technology (e.g., ADAS, EV interfaces, connectivity) and translating them into intuitive user experiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Automotive UX Training: Opportunities to attend industry conferences (e.g., UXPA, CHI, Automotive HMI events) or specialized workshops focused on automotive design.

• Language and Cultural Training: Support for further developing Japanese language proficiency and deepening understanding of Japanese business etiquette.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior designers and leaders within HARMAN for guidance and career development.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working on innovative projects that push the boundaries of in-car digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the unique demands of the automotive industry and the specific context of working with a Japanese OEM. Growth will come from mastering these complexities and expanding expertise in automotive UX.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex automotive UX/UI project you worked on. What was the challenge, your role, your process, and the outcome?" (Focus on structure: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact)

• "How do you balance user needs with technical constraints and business objectives, especially in a regulated industry like automotive?" (Highlight your process for trade-offs and negotiation.)

• "How would you approach designing for a Japanese OEM, considering cultural differences and communication styles?" (Demonstrate awareness and respect for Japanese business culture.)

• "Explain your process for conducting user research and usability testing for automotive interfaces. What methods would you prioritize?" (Show practical application of user-centered design.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about HARMAN and our role in the automotive industry?" (Research HARMAN's products, partnerships, and recent news.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback from stakeholders?" (Emphasize collaboration, active listening, and iterative design.)

• "Describe your experience working in a global, distributed team environment. What strategies do you use for effective collaboration?" (Highlight communication tools, time zone management, and cross-cultural sensitivity.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with a brief overview of your career, then dive into 2-3 key case studies that best represent your skills for this role.

• Narrative: For each case study, tell a compelling story. Clearly define the problem, your specific contributions, the design decisions you made and why, and the measurable results.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, prototypes, and user flows to illustrate your work. Explain the context and purpose of each visual.

• Process Focus: Emphasize your design process – research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, iteration. Show how you arrived at your solutions.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's impactful and within the allocated duration. Be prepared for deeper dives into specific aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating practical UX/UI skills within the automotive context, showcasing an understanding of the Japanese OEM environment, and articulating a clear, structured design process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the HARMAN International careers portal via the provided URL.

• Tailor your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in UX/UI design, automotive product development, user-centered methodologies, and proficiency with relevant design tools. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX/UI Designer," "Automotive," "OEM," "User Experience," "User Interface," and "Cross-functional Collaboration."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work relevant to automotive UX/UI, and clearly articulates your design process and impact. Be ready to present specific case studies during interviews.

• Research HARMAN and the OEM Partner: Understand HARMAN's position in the automotive technology market and research the specific OEM partner if possible. Familiarize yourself with their current product offerings and design language.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and technical questions, focusing on demonstrating your design skills, problem-solving abilities, cross-cultural communication competence, and experience with automotive design challenges. Practice articulating your portfolio projects concisely.

⚠️ 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.