シニア UX/UI デザイナー（車載HMI）

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer (Automotive HMI)

Company: Tech Exsea Co., Ltd.

Location: Koto, Tokyo, Japan

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX/UI Design, Automotive HMI

Date Posted: August 7, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver end-to-end UX/UI solutions for automotive Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) for Japanese Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

• Engage in the full product lifecycle, from initial concept generation through to mass production implementation.

• Collaborate extensively with software development teams to translate design concepts into functional and aesthetically pleasing user experiences.

• Work within a global team, bridging communication and design understanding between domestic OEM requirements and international development centers in Japan, China, and India.

• Contribute to a design organization that has expanded from its audio roots into comprehensive in-car experience solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on UX/UI design within the automotive sector, with a strong emphasis on the HMI aspect. The requirement for end-to-end involvement from concept to mass production is a key differentiator, suggesting a need for designers who can manage complex projects and collaborate across diverse teams and geographical locations. The integration with Japanese OEMs and overseas development centers indicates a critical "liaison" function for the chosen candidate.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the UX/UI design process for automotive HMI solutions, encompassing infotainment systems (IVI), instrument clusters, and automotive audio interfaces.

• Develop user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs that align with user needs and OEM specifications.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and competitive analysis to inform design decisions and ensure optimal user experience.

• Translate complex technical requirements and user needs into intuitive and engaging interface designs.

• Act as a key point of contact between Japanese OEMs and the internal development teams, ensuring clear communication of design intent and feasibility.

• Collaborate closely with software engineers, product managers, and hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration of UX/UI designs into the final product.

• Provide design support and guidance throughout the development and mass production phases, addressing any implementation challenges or necessary adjustments.

• Contribute to the evolution of design systems and guidelines for automotive HMI to maintain consistency and efficiency across projects.

• Participate in cross-functional team meetings to present design concepts, gather feedback, and align on project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for a designer who is not just a visual or interaction designer but also a strategic thinker capable of managing the entire design process. The emphasis on "bridging the gap" between OEMs and development teams, along with involvement in "mass production," highlights the importance of practical implementation experience and strong communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design (e.g., Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design), Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, with a significant portion dedicated to automotive or complex digital products. Proven experience in managing design projects from concept to mass production is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in UX/UI design for automotive HMI (e.g., IVI, instrument clusters, automotive audio UI) or other complex digital products.

• Demonstrated experience in the full design lifecycle, from initial concept ideation and user research to detailed design and implementation support.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Axure).

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Experience in collaborating effectively with software development teams, understanding technical constraints, and iterating on designs.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Fluency in both Japanese and English (reading, writing, and conversational) for effective communication with domestic OEMs and global teams. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience working with Japanese OEMs, including an understanding of their development processes, decision-making culture, and specific requirements.

• Hands-on experience with mass production projects in the automotive sector.

• Experience collaborating with international development teams, particularly in China and India.

• Familiarity with automotive HMI design guidelines and standards.

• Knowledge of audio system design principles and their integration into HMI.

• Experience in defining and utilizing design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on both Japanese and English fluency, coupled with experience with Japanese OEMs and overseas development centers, points to a highly specialized role requiring cross-cultural and cross-functional communication expertise. The "5-10 years" experience level suggests that candidates should be able to work independently and mentor junior designers if needed.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end UX/UI design projects, ideally within the automotive or complex digital product domain.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing, implementation), and the final solution.

• Highlight specific contributions to concept development and mass production phases, detailing how design intent was maintained through implementation.

• Include examples of collaboration with software development teams and how design challenges were resolved during development.

• Present metrics or qualitative feedback demonstrating the impact and success of your designs. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of how to document design processes, including user flows, wireframes, interaction specifications, and visual design guidelines.

• Show experience in creating and maintaining design documentation that facilitates clear communication with development teams and stakeholders.

• Provide examples of how you've adapted design processes to fit specific project constraints, OEM requirements, or development team workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role, especially one involving end-to-end project ownership and cross-functional collaboration, a robust portfolio is crucial. It needs to go beyond just showcasing pretty interfaces to demonstrating a deep understanding of the design process, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to drive projects from inception to completion within a complex environment like automotive HMI development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the seniority of the role (Senior UX/UI Designer), the location (Tokyo, Japan), and the specialized nature of automotive HMI design with global collaboration, an estimated annual salary range would be between JPY 8,000,000 to JPY 10,000,000. This range reflects the experience level (5-10 years) and the specialized skills required, including dual language proficiency and OEM experience.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance and social security contributions.

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

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and attendance at relevant industry conferences.

• Support for commuting expenses.

• Access to company facilities and potential for employee events.

• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely to be around 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday, with flexibility potentially offered based on project needs and team collaboration schedules. Adherence to Japanese labor laws and company policies is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX/UI designers in Tokyo, Japan, with adjustments for the specialized automotive HMI domain and the dual-language requirement. Benefits listed are standard for full-time positions in Japan, with added emphasis on professional development relevant to a global design role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Electronics, Audio Technology, Connected Car Solutions. Tech Exsea Co., Ltd. operates as a key player in the automotive electronics sector, known for its strong heritage in audio technology and its expanding presence in HMI and connected car solutions for global OEMs. This positions the company at the intersection of traditional automotive manufacturing and cutting-edge digital technology.

Company Size: While specific numbers aren't provided, the description of "multiple major audio brands" and supplying "major OEMs globally" suggests a medium to large-sized enterprise with significant international reach and dedicated teams for key clients like Japanese OEMs.

Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but its established presence in both audio and automotive electronics indicates a history of innovation and market adaptation. The company's focus on a dedicated design team for Japanese OEMs suggests a strategic expansion and commitment to the Japanese market.

Team Structure:

• The design team for Japanese OEMs is likely specialized, focusing on the unique requirements and development processes of these partners.

• This team operates within a global framework, collaborating daily with development centers in Japan, China, and India.

• The UX/UI designer will report into a design leadership role, likely within the automotive HMI or product design division.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, involving close interaction with product management, software engineering, hardware engineering, and potentially marketing/sales teams involved with OEM accounts. Methodology:

• A blend of user-centered design principles and agile development methodologies is expected, allowing for iterative design and development cycles.

• Emphasis will be placed on clear design documentation, effective communication, and rigorous testing to ensure product quality and OEM satisfaction.

• The company likely employs a data-informed approach to design, using user feedback and performance metrics to refine HMI solutions.

• A global design approach will be balanced with a deep understanding of local market nuances, particularly for Japanese OEMs.

Company Website: https://techexsea.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's positioning as a US-based audio/electronics giant with a dedicated team for Japanese OEMs highlights a unique operational dynamic. The culture is likely to be a blend of global corporate standards and the specific demands of working closely with Japanese automotive partners, requiring adaptability and cultural sensitivity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior UX/UI Designer. This implies a level of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility where the individual is expected to lead design efforts on significant projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to design strategy. The "end-to-end" responsibility from concept to mass production signifies a deep engagement with the entire product development lifecycle, offering substantial career development.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Head of UX/UI for the automotive division. The role involves close collaboration with project managers, software leads, and potentially account managers responsible for the Japanese OEM relationship.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI designer's impact is directly tied to the user experience and perceived quality of the automotive HMI. Successful designs can enhance brand perception for the OEM, improve customer satisfaction, and contribute to the overall success of the vehicle model. By bridging communication gaps and ensuring effective implementation, the role directly impacts project timelines, development efficiency, and product quality.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in automotive HMI design, potentially focusing on specific areas like driver monitoring, advanced infotainment features, or voice interaction.

• Leadership: Progress into a Lead UX/UI Designer or Design Manager role, overseeing larger teams and strategic design initiatives for multiple OEMs or product lines.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into Product Management roles, leveraging deep user understanding and product lifecycle experience.

• Global Exposure: Gain extensive experience working with diverse international teams and markets, enhancing cross-cultural collaboration skills.

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to learn about new automotive technologies, design tools, and user research methodologies through company-sponsored training and industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth paths for a senior designer in this context are strong, particularly given the specialized and high-demand nature of automotive HMI. The opportunity to influence product outcomes from concept to mass production, combined with global exposure, offers a rich environment for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating a physical office presence in Koto, Tokyo. This setup is typical for roles requiring close collaboration with domestic partners and development teams.

Office Location(s): Koto Ward, Tokyo, Japan. This location provides access to a vibrant business district and is likely chosen for its proximity to Japanese OEM headquarters or relevant industry hubs.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with fellow designers, engineers, and project managers.

• Access to modern design tools, software, and potentially hardware for testing and prototyping will be provided.

• The environment will likely support a mix of focused individual work (designing, prototyping) and team-based activities (brainstorming, reviews, cross-functional meetings).

• Given the global nature of the work, strong digital communication tools and infrastructure will be essential for seamless interaction with overseas teams.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be on-site, Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. While standard hours apply, the dynamic nature of automotive development and OEM relationships may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines or urgent requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Koto, Tokyo, emphasizes the importance of direct collaboration with Japanese OEMs and the local development team. This suggests a hands-on, integrated work environment where physical presence is valued for effective communication and partnership building.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruitment team or hiring manager to assess qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focused on UX/UI design principles, your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with automotive HMI. This may include a portfolio review where you present case studies.

• Cross-functional/Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues (e.g., software engineers, product managers) to assess your collaboration style and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager/Final Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager to discuss your career aspirations, leadership potential, and alignment with the company's vision. This may involve a final assessment of your suitability for the role and the specific challenges.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant case studies that showcase end-to-end design ownership, particularly in automotive HMI or complex digital products.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role, the design process, the challenges faced, and the solutions implemented. Emphasize your contributions from concept to mass production.

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with software development teams, how you translated design into implementation, and how you resolved technical constraints.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics, user feedback, or business outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness and value of your designs.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, rationale, and how you would approach specific challenges relevant to automotive HMI and Japanese OEMs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a potential design exercise or case study, either take-home or live, that assesses your problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to articulate solutions for an automotive HMI scenario.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would handle common HMI design challenges, manage conflicting requirements, or integrate new technologies.

• Cultural Nuance: For questions related to working with Japanese OEMs, demonstrate an understanding of their development processes, communication styles, and quality expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly evaluate not only design skills but also the candidate's ability to navigate complex project lifecycles, collaborate effectively across cultures and disciplines, and understand the specific demands of the automotive industry. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates end-to-end ownership and collaboration is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), Axure RP, InVision. Proficiency in at least one primary design tool (e.g., Figma) is essential.

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Confluence, Jira.

• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar tools for task tracking and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary data analysis role, an understanding of how user analytics and performance metrics are used to inform design decisions is beneficial. Familiarity with tools that track user engagement, task completion rates, and error occurrences within digital interfaces. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX/UI design function, but an awareness of how CRM systems might integrate with in-car services or how automation impacts user workflows could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary focus will be on industry-standard UX/UI design and prototyping tools. The ability to use these tools proficiently and efficiently to create detailed design specifications and interactive prototypes is paramount. Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools is expected for seamless integration into team workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the end-user, ensuring intuitive and enjoyable automotive experiences.

• Excellence in Design: Striving for high-quality, innovative, and aesthetically pleasing designs that meet and exceed OEM expectations.

• Collaboration & Communication: Valuing open, honest, and effective communication across diverse teams and global locations, fostering a supportive work environment.

• Adaptability & Agility: Embracing change, learning new technologies, and adapting design approaches to meet evolving market demands and project requirements.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for design outcomes from concept through to mass production, ensuring successful delivery and impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with engineering, product management, and OEM representatives to ensure design feasibility and alignment with business goals.

• Constructive Feedback: Participating in design reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to collectively improve design quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing insights, best practices, and learnings with team members to foster collective growth and elevate the design standard.

• Partnership Approach: Building strong working relationships with Japanese OEMs, understanding their unique processes and cultural nuances to foster a true partnership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes a blend of global corporate standards and the meticulous, collaborative approach often associated with Japanese business practices, especially when dealing with OEMs. A strong emphasis on user needs, design quality, and effective teamwork will be central to success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Cultural & Technical Gaps: Effectively communicating design intent and resolving technical constraints between Japanese OEMs and international development teams requires strong intercultural communication skills and technical understanding.

• Complexity of Automotive HMI: Designing for a wide range of in-car functions (audio, navigation, vehicle settings, driver assistance) while ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user experience across different platforms and vehicle models.

• Balancing Innovation with Constraints: Innovating user experiences while adhering to strict OEM specifications, safety regulations, development schedules, and hardware limitations.

• Maintaining Consistency: Ensuring design consistency across a broad product portfolio and multiple development cycles, especially when working with diverse teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced HMI Technologies: Exposure to cutting-edge automotive technologies like AI-driven interfaces, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) integration, and emerging in-car connectivity solutions.

• Global Project Management: Developing skills in managing complex, international design projects and understanding diverse market requirements.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Honing skills in working effectively with teams from different cultural backgrounds, enhancing negotiation and communication strategies.

• Industry Certifications & Training: Opportunities to attend automotive design conferences, workshops, and pursue certifications related to UX/UI design or specific automotive technologies.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior design leaders or to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership and team development skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to high-impact roles in the automotive sector. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to become a specialist in a critical and evolving field, with ample potential for leadership and international experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex technical requirement into a user-friendly HMI feature. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, collaboration with engineers, and impact.)

• "How would you approach designing an HMI feature for a Japanese OEM, considering their development processes and cultural expectations?" (Demonstrate understanding of OEM collaboration and cultural nuances.)

• "Walk us through a project where you managed UX/UI design from concept to mass production. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight end-to-end ownership, problem-solving, and delivery.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Tech Exsea's position in the automotive electronics market, and why are you interested in this specific role?" (Show research into the company's products and market.)

• "How do you envision collaborating with teams in Japan, China, and India to ensure a cohesive design vision?" (Address global collaboration and communication strategies.)

• "What are your thoughts on balancing user experience innovation with the practical constraints of automotive mass production?" (Discuss your design philosophy and pragmatism.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the context, problem, your role, process, solutions, and results. Use visual aids effectively.

• Emphasize End-to-End Ownership: Clearly articulate your involvement from initial concept sketches through to final implementation and mass production support.

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight specific instances of working with software developers, engineers, and OEM stakeholders, detailing how you navigated feedback and technical challenges.

• Quantify Impact: Present any available metrics, user feedback, or business outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, tools used, and decision-making rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design proficiency but also project management capabilities, strong communication skills (especially in Japanese and English), cultural awareness, and a deep understanding of the automotive HMI lifecycle and OEM engagement.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Zoho Recruit portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in automotive HMI design, end-to-end project ownership (concept to mass production), and proficiency in both Japanese and English. Use keywords relevant to the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies demonstrating your capabilities in automotive UX/UI design, collaboration with development teams, and successful project delivery. Focus on projects that showcase your ability to manage the entire design lifecycle.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on your role, process, challenges, and the impact of your designs. Be ready to discuss your approach to working with Japanese OEMs and international teams.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Tech Exsea's products, their market position, and their work with Japanese OEMs to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.

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