UI Motion Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Motion Designer

Company: Avatr GmbH

Location: Munich, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UI/UX Design & Motion Graphics

Date Posted: 2026-11-05

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and conceptualize high-end UI motion graphics and expressive animations for cutting-edge in-car digital experiences.

• Translate complex UX ideas into compelling visual stories, focusing on intuitive interaction and emotional engagement through motion and light.

• Collaborate closely with international, cross-functional teams across Germany and China, including design, lighting, and engineering disciplines.

• Contribute to the definition and evolution of a signature motion language for next-generation mobility interfaces.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends in motion design, interaction, and real-time technologies to inform innovative design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the automotive and high-tech design sector, requiring a blend of UI/UX principles with specialized motion design expertise. The emphasis on "emotionally engaging" and "signature feeling" suggests a focus on brand experience and user delight through sophisticated animation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce high-fidelity UI motion graphics and animations for in-car digital interfaces, ensuring a premium and elegant aesthetic.

• Develop expressive animations incorporating light design, 2D, and 3D elements to create intuitive and emotionally resonant user experiences.

• Create compelling visual narratives and motion-driven concepts that effectively communicate user flows and enhance interaction.

• Partner with UX designers, lighting specialists, and engineering teams to integrate motion design seamlessly into the overall product vision.

• Establish and maintain a consistent motion design language and style guide across all digital touchpoints within the vehicle.

• Proactively research and integrate emerging trends and technologies in motion design, AR/VR, real-time rendering, and interactive storytelling.

• Present and articulate motion design concepts and rationale to stakeholders across different departments and geographies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for both creative execution and strategic thinking, focusing on how motion design contributes to the overall user experience and brand identity in a complex, multi-disciplinary environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Motion Design, Visual Communication, Interaction Design, Game Design, or a related field, OR equivalent relevant professional experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in motion design, UI design, or interaction design for digital products.

• Demonstrated experience within the automotive sector, connected products, or high-end technology design is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A strong, compelling portfolio showcasing exceptional motion design work, particularly in 2D, light-based, and 3D animation with a refined and elegant aesthetic.

• Software Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Adobe After Effects and Figma.

• Design Principles: A sharp eye for detail, a strong sense of timing, rhythm, visual storytelling, and premium design aesthetics.

• Collaboration: Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with fluency in English.

• Autonomy: Self-driven and capable of autonomous work with a proactive approach.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with 3D animation tools such as Blender, Unity, or Unreal Engine.

• Experience with real-time environments, lighting design, or interactive storytelling.

• Familiarity with working in cross-cultural teams or on international projects.

• Knowledge of German and/or Chinese language skills.

• Passion for shaping future mobility experiences beyond traditional screen interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with specific types of animation (2D, light-based, 3D) and a "refined aesthetic" indicates a need for a designer who can deliver sophisticated, high-quality visual output. Proficiency in Figma suggests integration with UI design workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Motion Design Showcase: The core of the portfolio must clearly demonstrate expertise in UI motion design, with specific examples of 2D animations, light-based effects, and 3D animations relevant to digital interfaces.

• Aesthetic Refinement: Evidence of a strong sense for premium, elegant, and emotionally engaging design should be apparent in all showcased projects.

• Interaction & Storytelling: Projects should illustrate the ability to translate UX concepts into motion, showing how animation enhances interaction and tells a visual story.

• Tool Proficiency Examples: Where possible, include examples that highlight proficiency with key tools like After Effects and Figma, and ideally showcase experience with 3D software.

Process Documentation:

• Conceptualization to Execution: Demonstrate the ability to move from initial concept sketches and storyboards to final animated assets, showcasing the design process.

• Collaboration Evidence: Include case studies or examples that show how motion design was integrated with other disciplines (UI, engineering, lighting) and how feedback was incorporated.

• Impact Articulation: Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind design choices and how the motion design contributed to user experience goals or brand perception.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a motion design role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to not only showcase technical skill but also a deep understanding of how motion contributes to user experience, brand identity, and emotional connection within a product.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: €60,000 - €90,000 per annum.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for experienced UI Motion Designers in Germany, specifically in the automotive and tech sectors. Factors considered include the 5-10 years of experience requirement, the hybrid work model, and the specific skill set demanded (e.g., 3D animation, real-time tech familiarity). The range accounts for variations in individual experience, specific technical proficiencies, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: Compensation reflecting your skills and experience.

• Hybrid Working: Flexibility to work both remotely and from the office, promoting work-life balance.

• Health & Wellness: Access to the Wellhub Pass for comprehensive well-being support.

• Employee Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training programs, and career growth.

• Transport Support: Provision of a Deutschland ticket or a fuel card for commuting.

• Meal Allowance: Subsidized meals provided at the company canteen.

• Appreciation Gifts: Gifts for work anniversaries and during Chinese New Year.

• Company Events: Regular team-building activities and social gatherings to foster a strong team culture.

• Optional Company Pension Scheme: A supplementary pension plan available to support long-term financial planning.

• Inclusive Culture: A diverse and supportive work environment that values every team member's contribution.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with a hybrid model offering flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is comprehensive, with a mix of standard offerings and unique perks like transport support and specific cultural gifts, reflecting the company's international presence. The salary estimate is a professional projection based on typical German market rates for this level of expertise.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology & Digital Experiences. Avatr GmbH is at the forefront of developing innovative digital solutions for the automotive sector, focusing on premium, next-generation in-car experiences.

Company Size: Based on typical Greenhouse job board postings and the nature of the role, Avatr GmbH is likely a medium to large-sized organization, potentially with a significant international footprint given the Germany-China collaboration. This implies structured processes but also opportunities for impact.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, the company's focus on "future-forward 3D animations" and "next-generation mobility" suggests a relatively modern company or a forward-thinking division within a larger entity, likely established to innovate in the evolving automotive tech landscape.

Team Structure:

• The role requires close collaboration with design, lighting, and engineering teams located in both Germany and China. This suggests a matrixed or project-based team structure where individuals contribute their specialized skills to defined initiatives.

• Reporting will likely be within a design hierarchy, potentially to a Head of Design or a Lead UI/UX Designer, with direct interaction with product managers and engineering leads.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, emphasizing communication and integration between diverse technical and creative disciplines across different geographical locations. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the focus on "intuitive" and "emotionally engaging" experiences implies a user-centered design approach, likely supported by UX research and data analysis to inform motion design decisions.

• Iterative Development: The nature of digital product development suggests an iterative process where motion concepts are prototyped, tested, and refined based on feedback.

• Agile Collaboration: Working with engineering teams often implies agile methodologies, requiring flexibility and responsiveness in the design process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on immersive in-car digital experiences and its international collaboration model are key differentiators. Applicants should be prepared for a dynamic, cross-cultural, and technologically advanced work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is a Senior or Lead-level role within the Design function, specifically focused on Motion Graphics and UI Animation. It requires a significant level of independent contribution and expertise, as indicated by the 5+ years of experience and the expectation to "define a consistent motion language." The role is not strictly "operations" in the Revenue/Sales Ops sense but is a critical part of the GTM product development lifecycle, ensuring the user experience is compelling.

Reporting Structure: The UI Motion Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Design, with frequent interaction and collaboration with Product Managers, UX Designers, Lighting Designers, and Software Engineers. The international nature of the teams (Germany and China) suggests a need for strong remote collaboration skills and clear communication channels.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional operations role, the UI Motion Designer's work directly impacts the user's perception and interaction with the vehicle's digital interface. This has a significant influence on customer satisfaction, brand perception, and potentially the perceived value and modernity of the vehicle – all critical GTM elements. Effective motion design can enhance usability, convey complex information intuitively, and create a premium emotional connection, thereby supporting sales and customer retention efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced areas like real-time animation (Unity/Unreal Engine), interactive lighting design, or AR/VR interfaces for automotive applications.

• Leadership: Progress to a Lead Motion Designer role, mentoring junior designers, defining design strategies, and overseeing larger animation projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary: Expand knowledge into UX strategy, product management, or even technical art roles, leveraging a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle.

• International Exposure: Develop expertise in managing design projects across different cultures and time zones, becoming a valuable asset for global companies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a UI Motion Designer in this context is focused on deepening creative and technical expertise within the automotive digital experience domain, with potential for leadership and cross-functional growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid working model, indicating a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration. This suggests a modern approach to work, balancing individual focus time with team interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Munich, Germany. However, the role explicitly mentions collaboration with teams in China, implying a global operational footprint and the need for comfort with distributed teamwork.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Munich office likely serves as a hub for innovation, where designers, engineers, and product teams can converge for brainstorming, workshops, and project reviews.

• Technology-Rich: As a company focused on cutting-edge digital experiences, the workspace would be equipped with advanced hardware and software necessary for motion graphics and 3D design.

• International Interaction: Expect regular virtual meetings and collaborative sessions with colleagues in different time zones, requiring strong communication tools and practices.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the hybrid model providing flexibility in how and where those hours are spent. This allows for dedicated time for focused creative work at home and collaborative sessions in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and international collaboration are key aspects of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of independent work and team-based interaction, as well as managing communication across different cultures and time zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter will review your application, focusing on your CV and portfolio link to assess your basic qualifications and experience.

2. Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Expect a detailed discussion about your portfolio with hiring managers and/or senior designers. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, explain your design process, rationale, and the tools used. This stage will assess your technical skills, aesthetic sensibility, and understanding of motion design principles.

3. Cross-functional Collaboration Discussion: You may have interviews with members of the design, lighting, or engineering teams to evaluate your collaboration and communication skills, particularly in a cross-cultural context.

4. Cultural Fit & Final Interview: A final interview to assess your alignment with Avatr GmbH's culture, values, and overall team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work. For this role, prioritize projects demonstrating UI motion, light-based animation, and 3D animation with a premium aesthetic.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (sketches, storyboards, iterations), the tools used, and the outcome or impact. Explain why you made certain design decisions.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples that demonstrate your proficiency in After Effects, Figma, and any 3D software. Show your understanding of timing, rhythm, and visual storytelling.

• Tailor to Automotive: If possible, include projects or discuss how your skills can be applied to the unique challenges and opportunities of in-car digital experiences.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually polished.

Challenge Preparation:

• Motion Design Task: Be prepared for a practical design challenge, which might involve creating a short animation sequence based on a given brief, refining an existing UI element's motion, or developing a concept for a specific interaction.

• Focus on Process: The evaluators will likely be interested in your approach to solving the problem, your creative thinking, and your ability to deliver within constraints, rather than just the final output.

• Communication: Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as you may need to present your solution and answer questions about your choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio review and a potential design challenge highlights the practical, skill-based nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their creative process and technical capabilities extensively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Motion Design: Adobe After Effects is essential for creating sophisticated 2D animations and motion graphics.

• UI Design & Prototyping: Figma is required for UI design, collaborative workflows, and potentially prototyping motion sequences.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency across the Adobe suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator) is expected for asset creation and manipulation.

3D & Real-time Tools (Preferred):

• 3D Modeling/Animation: Blender is a strong plus for creating 3D assets and animations.

• Game Engines: Experience with Unity or Unreal Engine is highly desirable, indicating an ability to work with real-time rendering environments common in automotive visualization and advanced HMI development.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Standard tools for remote collaboration (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) and project management will be used.

• Version control and asset management tools may also be part of the workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in After Effects and Figma forms the core technical requirement. Experience with 3D software like Blender and game engines like Unity/Unreal Engine significantly enhances a candidate's profile for this role, pointing towards advanced visualization and real-time applications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Futurism: A drive to create "future-forward" experiences and stay ahead of design and technology trends.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality, refined, and elegant design, especially in motion and UI.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Valuing teamwork across diverse, international teams and fostering an environment where all voices are heard.

• User-Centricity: Designing with the end-user's emotional and practical experience at the forefront.

• Efficiency & Agility: Adapting to fast-paced development cycles and finding efficient ways to bring concepts to life.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where motion designers work hand-in-hand with UI designers, UX researchers, lighting specialists, and engineers.

• Open Feedback Culture: A willingness to share work early and often, providing and receiving constructive feedback to refine designs.

• Global Synchronicity: Utilizing digital tools and clear communication protocols to ensure seamless collaboration across Germany and China, overcoming geographical and cultural differences.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of new techniques, tools, and trends within the design team to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on innovation, premium design, and international teamwork suggests a culture that values both creative excellence and pragmatic execution within a global context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Physical & Digital: Effectively translating the tactile and emotional experience of a premium vehicle into digital interfaces through motion and light.

• Cross-Cultural Design: Harmonizing design aesthetics and user expectations across German and Chinese markets.

• Real-Time Constraints: Optimizing complex animations for real-time performance within automotive hardware limitations.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in automotive HMI, AI, and display technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Animation Techniques: Opportunities to explore and master real-time animation engines (Unity, Unreal) and advanced 3D workflows.

• Automotive UX Specialization: Deepen understanding of user needs and design patterns specific to the automotive sector.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain insights into lighting design, engineering constraints, and UX research methodologies.

• Global Project Management: Develop skills in managing design projects within an international, distributed team structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to work on cutting-edge automotive technology, pushing the boundaries of digital user experience. The challenges are directly tied to the innovative nature of the industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a UI motion sequence from concept to final asset, focusing on how you ensure it's both functional and emotionally engaging." (Prepare to discuss storyboarding, prototyping, iteration, and aesthetic considerations.)

• "How would you approach designing motion for a specific in-car feature, like a navigation alert or a climate control adjustment, to convey a premium feel?" (Think about timing, easing, visual feedback, and brand consistency.)

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you collaborated with engineers or other disciplines. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight communication, problem-solving, and integration skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Avatr's vision for future mobility and in-car digital experiences?" (Research Avatr's mission, products, and future plans.)

• "How do you approach working with international teams, particularly those in different time zones and cultures?" (Discuss your experience with remote collaboration, cross-cultural communication, and tools.)

• "How do you ensure your motion design aligns with overall brand identity and user experience goals?" (Emphasize your understanding of brand consistency and user-centric design.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation to tell a story for each project: the challenge, your role, your creative process, the tools used, and the results or learnings.

• Focus on "Why": Be ready to explain the rationale behind every design decision – why you chose a particular animation style, timing, or effect.

• Demonstrate Technical Skill: Show clear examples of your mastery of After Effects, Figma, and any 3D software.

• Highlight Premium Aesthetic: Emphasize how your work embodies elegance, refinement, and emotional engagement.

• Interactive Elements: If applicable, show interactive prototypes or videos that demonstrate the motion in action.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your portfolio and your ability to articulate your creative process and collaborative approach, especially within an international context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Motion Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume highlights your relevant experience and that your portfolio link is prominently displayed and easily accessible. Curate your portfolio to specifically showcase UI motion, light-based animation, and 3D animation with a premium aesthetic, aligning with the job description's requirements.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords such as "UI Motion Design," "Interaction Design," "After Effects," "Figma," "3D Animation," "Automotive," and "Cross-cultural Collaboration." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Improved user engagement by X% through enhanced motion design").

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Avatr GmbH, its products, design philosophy, and any recent news or announcements. Understand their brand positioning and their vision for future mobility.

• Prepare Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your design process, rationale, technical execution, and collaborative contributions. Be ready to discuss how your work aligns with the "premium, forward-looking interface concepts" mentioned in the job description.

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