UX Motion Design Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Motion Design Lead

Company: Stellantis

Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Motion Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-28T18:17:05

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creation and delivery of high-end visual effects, motion graphics, and 3D CGI for user interfaces across Stellantis's automotive brands (Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler).

• Enhance interfaces through dynamic motion design to ensure information clarity, ease of understanding, and intuitive navigation, while preserving brand identity.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including interior/exterior design, product planning, brand, software, HMI, and engineering to integrate user experience seamlessly into the product development cycle.

• Bridge the gap between advanced technology and customer needs by leveraging hardware, software, and strategic partnerships to create meaningful and engaging product experiences.

• Uphold brand uniqueness and strengthen customer relationships through a deep understanding of brand ethos and a customer-centric design perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title "UX Motion Design Lead" suggests a senior position with potential leadership responsibilities, even if not explicitly stated as a formal management role. The focus on "high-end visual effects" and "concept, advanced, and production interfaces" indicates a strategic and impactful contribution to the overall product vision and user experience strategy within Stellantis. The integration with design studios and product development cycle highlights a deep involvement in the entire product lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and execute the creation of compelling motion themes, from initial concept through to final production artwork for automotive user interfaces.

• Develop and produce high-end visual effects, including 3D CGI and animation, to bring interfaces to life and clearly communicate functionality to users.

• Generate detailed Motion Guides to effectively communicate design intent and specifications to external suppliers and internal development teams.

• Collaborate with UX Designers, Interaction Designers, and Visual Designers to ensure motion design principles are applied consistently and effectively across all user touchpoints.

• Uphold brand identity and customer experience standards for Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler brands through thoughtful and engaging motion design solutions.

• Proactively identify opportunities to leverage motion design to improve user comprehension, task completion, and overall user satisfaction within vehicle infotainment systems and digital interfaces.

• Participate in user research and testing sessions, providing motion design expertise to inform design decisions and validate user experience enhancements.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in motion design, 3D visualization, and interactive interfaces to continuously innovate and elevate Stellantis's product offerings.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of UX design within the automotive context, influencing how motion graphics shape the future of in-car experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize both creative execution and strategic collaboration. The mention of "Motion Guides" points to a need for clear documentation and communication skills, crucial for working with external vendors and development teams in a large automotive organization. The integration with "product development cycle" implies a need to understand project timelines and deliverables within a complex manufacturing environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in Motion Design, Game Design, Entertainment Design, Communications Design, Graphic Design, UX Design, Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Product Design, or a closely related UX field is considered ideal. Experience:

• 5+ years of professional work experience in roles such as Game Designer, Motion Artist, Graphic Artist, UX Designer, Interaction Designer, or a similar UX-related field.

• Preferred: 5+ years of design experience specifically within the automotive industry. Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in creating compelling motion graphics and visual effects for digital interfaces.

• Proven ability to translate complex concepts into clear, persuasive visual narratives for diverse audiences and organizational levels.

• Strong time management and project prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency in a wide range of 2D and 3D software tools, including but not limited to: Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects), Figma, Cinema 4D, Unity, and Unreal Engine.

• Experience in conceptualizing and producing final production artwork for motion graphics.

• Ability to create detailed Motion Guides for effective communication with suppliers and developers.

• Experience in using motion graphics and animation to enhance interface functionality and user understanding.

• Strong portfolio showcasing relevant work, particularly in automotive or product design. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with embedded software and hardware systems common in automotive applications.

• A broad understanding of business concepts and operational processes within a large corporation.

• Business Acumen: Ability to understand and contribute to business objectives and financial considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is critical and heavily emphasized. The broad range of software tools suggests a need for adaptability and a deep technical skillset. The "preferred" experience in automotive and understanding of business concepts indicate a desire for candidates who can quickly integrate into the industry and understand the broader impact of their work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio submission is mandatory for all applications; without it, applications will not be considered.

• The portfolio must contain work directly relevant to the position, with a strong emphasis on automotive or product design projects.

• Projects should be presented chronologically, from most recent to oldest, to demonstrate evolving skills and experience.

• For collaborative projects, clear descriptions detailing your individual contributions are essential to assess your specific impact.

• A clear distinction between professional (client/employer) and personal projects is required for accurate evaluation.

• All portfolio files must be named using the specified format: Lastname-Firstname-Portfolio.pdf. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in translating design concepts into actionable motion guides for technical teams, ensuring clarity and precision in specifications.

• Showcase the ability to document and articulate the user experience journey enhanced by motion, highlighting how animation improves usability and comprehension.

• Provide examples of how motion design processes were integrated into broader product development workflows, including collaboration with HMI, software, and engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed portfolio requirements underscore the importance of visual communication and the ability to demonstrate tangible contributions. The emphasis on individual contribution in collaborative projects is key for assessing the candidate's specific skills and impact. Process documentation requirements are inferred from the need to create "Motion Guides" and collaborate with technical teams.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for a UX Motion Design Lead with 5-10 years of experience in a major automotive hub like Auburn Hills, Michigan, the estimated salary range is between $110,000 and $160,000 annually. This range accounts for the required expertise, leadership potential, and the specialized nature of motion design within the automotive sector. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Covering medical needs for employees and their families.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Including 401(k) matching contributions to support long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure work-life balance.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to training, workshops, conferences, and certifications to foster continuous learning and skill enhancement in UX and motion design.

• Employee Discount Programs: Potential discounts on Stellantis vehicles and related services.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Providing financial protection for employees and their beneficiaries.

• Commuter Benefits: Assistance for commuting to the on-site location. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Stellantis often offers some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and project needs, to accommodate efficient workflow and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimation based on role, experience, and location. Stellantis, as a major automotive manufacturer, is expected to offer a competitive benefits package. The "on-site" nature of the role is confirmed, but standard corporate flexibility in hours is often common.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Mobility Services. Stellantis is a leading global automaker with a portfolio of iconic brands, committed to providing clean, safe, and affordable mobility solutions. The company operates in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving industry, driven by technological innovation, sustainability, and customer experience.

Company Size: Stellantis is a very large multinational corporation, employing over 270,000 people globally. This scale means extensive resources, complex organizational structures, and opportunities for significant impact.

Founded: Stellantis was formed in January 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. This recent formation suggests a culture that is integrating diverse legacies while striving for a unified, forward-looking vision.

Team Structure:

• The global creative team is diverse, comprising UX Designers, Interaction Designers, 2D/3D Visual Designers, Motion Graphic Artists, Researchers, and Prototypers.

• This team is integrated with the interior and exterior design studios, indicating a close working relationship with product aesthetics and form.

• Collaboration extends to product planning, brand teams, software development, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) specialists, engineering departments, and external suppliers.

• The reporting structure likely involves leadership within the UX/Design department, with direct and indirect reporting lines to senior management overseeing product development and customer experience. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Leveraging user research, analytics, and performance metrics to inform design decisions and validate the effectiveness of motion graphics and interface designs.

• Agile Development Integration: Working within product development cycles that may incorporate agile methodologies, requiring iterative design processes and close collaboration with software teams.

• Brand-Centric Approach: Ensuring all design outputs align with and enhance the specific brand identity and value proposition of Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Emphasizing open communication and partnership across design, engineering, software, and marketing disciplines to achieve cohesive product outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's recent formation through a merger implies a dynamic environment focused on integration and future growth. The team structure emphasizes a highly collaborative and cross-functional approach, typical of large product development organizations. The methodology points towards a modern design approach that values data, brand consistency, and teamwork.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Lead within the UX Motion Design discipline. It requires significant professional experience (5+ years) and implies a level of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to guide projects and potentially influence junior team members. It's a senior individual contributor role with significant creative and strategic responsibilities, bridging technical execution with user-centric design.

Reporting Structure: The UX Motion Design Lead will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager of UX Design or Creative Services within Stellantis's global design or product development organization. They will work closely with other design leads (UX, Interaction, Visual) and collaborate extensively with product managers, software architects, and engineering leads.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant and directly tied to the customer's perception and interaction with Stellantis vehicles. By creating intuitive, engaging, and brand-aligned interfaces through motion design, this role influences:

• Customer Satisfaction & Loyalty: Enhancing the in-car digital experience can lead to higher customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

• Brand Perception: High-quality, innovative motion design reinforces the premium and technologically advanced image of brands like Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler.

• Product Differentiation: Unique and effective interface animations can be a key differentiator in a competitive automotive market.

• Usability & Safety: Clear and understandable interfaces reduce cognitive load and can contribute to safer driving experiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into formal management roles overseeing a team of motion designers or UX specialists as Stellantis grows its design functions.

• Specialization Advancement: Deepening expertise in advanced areas like real-time rendering, AI-driven animation, or immersive VR/AR experiences for automotive applications.

• Cross-Brand Leadership: Opportunity to lead motion design efforts across multiple Stellantis brands, gaining broader exposure and strategic influence.

• Innovation & R&D: Contributing to future mobility concepts and research initiatives, exploring new frontiers in automotive UX and HMI.

• Mentorship: Guiding and mentoring junior designers, fostering talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title is key here, indicating a senior individual contributor with influence. The growth opportunities are framed around expanding leadership, technical specialization, and strategic impact within a large automotive organization. The emphasis on impact highlights how this role contributes to core business objectives like customer loyalty and brand perception.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "On-site," meaning the individual will be based at Stellantis's facilities in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This environment is typical of large automotive headquarters, featuring dedicated design studios, collaborative workspaces, and access to advanced prototyping and testing labs.

Office Location(s):

• The primary location is 1000 Chrysler Drive, Auburn Hills, Michigan, 48326, United States. This is a major hub for Stellantis (formerly FCA) in North America, housing significant design, engineering, and corporate functions. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design Studios: The workspace will likely be within a modern design studio environment, equipped with advanced workstations and tools necessary for 2D/3D design and motion graphics.

• Access to Technology: Expect access to high-performance computing, advanced rendering farms, VR/AR equipment, and specialized software licenses.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: The physical proximity to interior/exterior design, product planning, software, and engineering teams will foster frequent informal and formal collaboration, vital for the role's success.

• Brand Immersion: Working within a corporate headquarters environment dedicated to automotive brands allows for constant immersion in the brand's aesthetic and user experience ethos.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily hours, but the nature of product development and collaboration often requires adherence to core business hours and potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature is definitive, and the Auburn Hills location is a significant automotive design and engineering center. The workspace context emphasizes the blend of creative studio environment with advanced technical resources and the necessity of close, in-person collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications, focusing on minimum qualifications and portfolio submission.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager and potentially other senior designers to assess technical skills, creative approach, and experience relevance. This stage will heavily involve reviewing the submitted portfolio.

• Technical/Creative Assessment: Potentially a design challenge or a more in-depth portfolio review session where candidates are asked to walk through specific projects, discuss their process, and demonstrate problem-solving skills related to motion design for automotive interfaces.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with representatives from engineering, software, product planning, or brand teams to evaluate collaboration skills and understanding of integrated product development.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with Stellantis's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your motion design skills applied to interfaces, ideally with automotive or complex product examples. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and contributions, the design process undertaken, the tools used, and the ultimate outcome or impact. Use concise descriptions.

• Demonstrate Brand Awareness: If possible, include examples that show how you adapted motion design to specific brand aesthetics or user needs.

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Clearly state the software and techniques used, especially for 3D, CGI, and advanced animation.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure the portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and adheres strictly to the specified naming convention (Lastname-Firstname-Portfolio.pdf). Use high-quality visuals and smooth animations.

• Showcase Motion Guides: If you have examples of effective motion guides you've created for suppliers or developers, include them to demonstrate communication clarity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Be prepared for challenges that simulate real-world scenarios of designing motion for automotive interfaces, potentially involving specific brand guidelines or technical constraints.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a clear, logical design process, even if the final output is conceptual. Explain your rationale at each step.

• Time Management: Practice working within time constraints, prioritizing key elements of the design challenge, and delivering a polished presentation.

• Communication: Be ready to articulate your design decisions clearly and persuasively, anticipating questions about user impact, brand alignment, and technical feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the portfolio is paramount. The interview process is structured to assess not only creative and technical skills but also collaboration, brand understanding, and process execution, which are crucial in a large automotive organization.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Motion Graphics & Compositing: Adobe After Effects (essential), Adobe Premiere Pro (beneficial for video editing and final output).

• 3D Modeling & Animation: Cinema 4D (explicitly mentioned), potentially others like Maya, Blender, 3ds Max.

• Real-time Engines: Unity and Unreal Engine (explicitly mentioned) are critical for interactive interfaces and potentially for real-time visualization or simulation.

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (explicitly mentioned) for UI design and collaborative prototyping.

• Vector Graphics: Adobe Illustrator for creating vector assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, experience with tools that can help analyze user interaction with interfaces (e.g., analytics platforms for in-car systems, heat mapping tools) would be beneficial. Understanding how to interpret data to inform motion design choices is key. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core function, but familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) used in software development and product design workflows would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are industry-standard for high-end motion graphics and 3D work, with a specific emphasis on those relevant to interactive and real-time applications (Unity, Unreal). Figma's inclusion highlights the integration with broader UX design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A core value driving all design decisions, ensuring that motion design enhances the user's experience and meets their needs.

• Brand Integrity: Upholding and strengthening the distinct identities of Stellantis's brands (Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler) through consistent and thoughtful design.

• Innovation & Excellence: A commitment to pushing creative boundaries, exploring new technologies, and delivering high-quality, impactful visual effects and motion graphics.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse skills and perspectives are shared to achieve common goals in product development.

• Efficiency & Precision: Valuing clear communication, well-defined processes (like Motion Guides), and accurate execution to ensure seamless integration into production.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Design Process: Working closely with UX, Interaction, and Visual Designers to ensure a cohesive user experience across all touchpoints.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Building strong relationships with engineering, software development, product planning, and brand teams to ensure designs are technically feasible and strategically aligned.

• Open Communication: Encouraging candid feedback and constructive criticism to refine designs and improve outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team critiques, sharing insights on new tools and techniques, and mentoring junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a blend of creative passion, customer focus, and the rigorous execution required in the automotive industry. The collaboration style emphasizes the need for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively within a large, complex organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Aesthetics with User Functionality: Effectively translating the distinct personalities of brands like Jeep (rugged, adventurous) or Dodge (performance-oriented) into intuitive and functional interface motion without compromising usability or safety.

• Technical Constraints of Embedded Systems: Designing sophisticated motion graphics that can perform optimally on automotive hardware with potentially limited processing power and memory.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring a consistent and high-quality motion design experience across various screen sizes, resolutions, and hardware configurations within different vehicle models and brands.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in real-time rendering, AI, and interactive technologies and determining their applicability and integration into automotive UX.

• Managing Supplier/Developer Communication: Clearly conveying complex motion design specifications to external partners to ensure accurate implementation, avoiding misinterpretations and costly revisions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastery of Emerging Technologies: Deep dive into advanced applications of Unity/Unreal Engine for real-time HMI, AI-driven animation, and potentially VR/AR for future automotive interfaces.

• Automotive Design Processes: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the automotive product development lifecycle, from concept ideation through to mass production.

• Cross-Brand Strategy: Developing a strategic understanding of how to tailor UX and motion design to the unique needs and target audiences of multiple distinct automotive brands.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through project guidance and potentially formal mentorship programs.

• Industry Exposure: Attending automotive and design industry conferences to stay at the forefront of trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the unique complexities of designing for the automotive sector, particularly concerning technical constraints and brand diversity. The growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement, strategic development, and leadership within the automotive UX domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used motion design to solve a complex usability problem in an interface. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio. Clearly articulate the user problem, your motion design solution, the tools/techniques used, how you validated its effectiveness, and the quantifiable or qualitative results. Focus on demonstrating problem-solving skills and impact.

• "How would you approach designing motion for a new infotainment system feature for the Jeep brand, considering its adventurous and rugged identity?"

  • Preparation: Research Jeep's brand identity. Think about how motion can convey ruggedness, exploration, and reliability. Consider UI elements that might need animation (e.g., navigation transitions, status indicators, interactive maps) and how motion can enhance their meaning. Discuss your process for brand immersion.

• "Explain your process for creating Motion Guides for external suppliers or developers. What are the key elements you include to ensure accurate implementation?"

  • Preparation: Detail your methodology for documenting motion. This includes specifying timing, easing curves, transitions, animations, and any interactive states. Discuss how you use tools like After Effects, Figma, or dedicated documentation platforms to convey this information clearly and unambiguously. Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Stellantis and specifically on the Jeep, Ram, Dodge, or Chrysler brands?"

  • Preparation: Research Stellantis's current strategies, recent product launches, and future vision. Show genuine interest in the brands and how your skills can contribute to their specific user experiences.

• "How do you collaborate with engineers and software developers to bring your motion design concepts to life within technical constraints?"

  • Preparation: Provide examples of successful cross-functional collaboration. Discuss your communication style, how you handle technical feedback, and your strategies for finding creative solutions that balance design intent with technical feasibility.

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in motion design, 3D, and interactive technology, and how might you apply them to automotive interfaces?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific resources you follow (blogs, influencers, conferences) and demonstrate how you critically evaluate new technologies for their potential application in the automotive context. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Context is Key: For each project, briefly set the stage: the client/company, the project goal, and the specific challenge you addressed.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality video examples or interactive demos. Narrate your process, highlighting key design decisions and your specific contributions.

• Focus on Impact: Whenever possible, discuss the results of your work. Did it improve user engagement, task completion, or brand perception? Quantify if possible.

• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss the software, plugins, and techniques you used, especially for complex 3D or real-time work.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice delivering your portfolio walkthrough efficiently, focusing on the most impactful projects and insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative vision, technical expertise, understanding of the automotive context, and strong collaborative skills. The portfolio is the central piece, so preparing to present it effectively is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Motion Design Lead position at Stellantis:

• Submit your application through the official Stellantis careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest work in motion design for interfaces, with a preference for automotive or complex product examples. Ensure it strictly follows the naming convention: Lastname-Firstname-Portfolio.pdf.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly showcase your 5+ years of relevant experience, proficiency in the required software tools (After Effects, Figma, Cinema 4D, Unity, Unreal Engine), and any automotive design experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Motion Design," "3D CGI," "HMI," and "User Interface."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio for potential interview questions, focusing on demonstrating impact and brand alignment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Stellantis's brands (Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler), their current product offerings, and their strategic direction in the automotive market. Understand their design philosophy and commitment to innovation.

⚠️ 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.