UX/UI Product Design Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Product Design Lead

Company: pmX Group

Location: Portland, Oregon, United States (Client On-site) / Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Product Design Leadership / UX/UI Operations

Date Posted: June 10, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site (Client Location)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of UX/UI designers, fostering a collaborative and innovative design environment within a complex automotive software project.

• Drive the holistic product vision, ensuring design consistency, architectural coherence, and seamless user experiences across all features.

• Spearhead UX research initiatives, from initial concept validation to late-stage usability testing, to inform product strategy and user-centric development.

• Act as a key cross-functional collaborator, bridging the gap between design, development, and product management to deliver cutting-edge software solutions for the automotive industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is presented as a temporary, on-site consulting position through pmX Group, specifically for a client project in Portland, Oregon. While the job title is "UX/UI Product Design Lead," the responsibilities and context strongly align with operations leadership within a product development lifecycle, particularly in managing design workflows, research processes, and cross-functional collaboration for a critical software initiative. The operations focus is on the delivery and management of the design function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Management: Lead, guide, and support a team of UX/UI designers, strategically delegating tasks, fostering professional growth, and ensuring efficient workflow management.

• Strategic Design Problem-Solving: Address high-level architectural design challenges and conceptualize innovative solutions that maintain overall design quality, coherence, and user-centricity.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner closely with cross-functional leads including Developers, Researchers, and Feature Owners to align on project goals and drive integrated product development.

• UX Research Execution: Design and implement comprehensive UX research plans, encompassing user interviews, recruitment strategies, and usability testing to gather actionable insights.

• Design System & Workflow Management: Maintain well-organized, accessible, and shareable design files, workflows, and workspaces to ensure efficient collaboration and knowledge transfer.

• Hands-on Design Support: Provide direct UI design support and execution when necessary, contributing to the team's deliverables and ensuring project momentum.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, workflows, and tools to enhance team efficiency and output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are heavily focused on leadership, process management, and strategic problem-solving within the design domain. This translates to an "operations" function for the design team, emphasizing efficiency, collaboration, and strategic alignment, critical for any GTM or product development operation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While formal education requirements are not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for leadership roles in UX/UI design. Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of dedicated UX design experience.

• Minimum of 3 years of dedicated UI design experience.

• Minimum of 3 years of comprehensive UX research experience, including user interviews, participant recruitment, and usability testing.

• Demonstrated experience in team leadership, including presenting, making significant decisions, effective communication, and organizational skills. Required Skills:

• UX Design Expertise: Proven ability to design intuitive and effective user experiences.

• UI Design Proficiency: Strong visual design skills and an understanding of user interface principles.

• UX Research Acumen: Experience in planning, executing, and analyzing user research studies.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to lead, motivate, and guide a design team.

• Figma Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Figma, including complex prototyping across features, states, and user flows.

• Interaction Design: Deep understanding of interaction design principles and best practices.

• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to tackle complex design and architectural challenges.

• Cross-functional Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with diverse teams.

• Adaptability: Comfort and proficiency in working with dynamic, evolving processes.

• Intercultural Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across language barriers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience within the automotive industry, with a particular understanding of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) and vehicle software programming.

• Familiarity with front-end development concepts, including data structures and code organization.

• Experience with capabilities such as Flash Over The Air (FOTA) updates and digital twins.

• Understanding of software-defined vehicle architectures and their implications for design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, hands-on experience and leadership capabilities, rather than just theoretical knowledge. The specific mention of Figma and prototyping indicates a need for operational efficiency in design tool usage. The preferred qualifications highlight a niche industry focus, suggesting the client values candidates who can hit the ground running with domain-specific knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual & Interaction Design: Showcase a strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional visual design aesthetics and sophisticated interaction design patterns.

• Problem-Solving Case Studies: Present detailed case studies that clearly articulate design challenges, the problem-solving process undertaken, and the rationale behind design decisions.

• UX Research Integration: Include examples of how UX research findings directly informed and improved design outcomes, demonstrating a research-driven approach.

• Ownership & Impact: Clearly define your specific contributions and ownership within team projects, highlighting the measurable impact of your design work.

• Figma Proficiency Showcase: Provide examples or a walkthrough of your Figma capabilities, particularly concerning complex prototyping, component systems, and collaborative workflows.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting and maintaining design workflows, system architecture, and design files in an organized and accessible manner.

• Ability to articulate and potentially refine processes for user research, design critiques, and cross-functional handoffs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a leadership role in design operations, the portfolio is critical. It's not just about the final output but the process and methodology used to achieve it. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their Figma files and explain their design decision-making framework, emphasizing efficiency and collaboration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the temporary nature, on-site client work in Portland, Oregon, and the leadership/specialized skill set required, a competitive hourly rate is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Lead UX/UI Designers with 3+ years of experience in a major US city, and considering the temporary contract, the estimated range could be $60 - $95 per hour. This range is subject to variation based on the candidate's specific experience, negotiation, and the final agreed-upon terms with pmX Group.

• Research Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing salary data for similar roles in Portland, Oregon, factoring in the specialized automotive industry context, and considering temporary contract rates which often include a premium for flexibility and short-term commitment. Data sources considered include industry salary reports, job board averages, and consulting rate benchmarks.

Benefits:

• As a consultant through pmX Group, benefits may vary but typically include:

  • Competitive hourly wage.

  • Potential for health insurance and other benefits packages (details to be confirmed with pmX Group).

  • Opportunity to work on a high-impact project for a leading automotive company.

  • Exposure to cutting-edge automotive software development (Software-Defined Vehicles, FOTA, Digital Twins).

  • Professional development opportunities through pmX Group. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The contract is initially set until December 31, 2026, implying a consistent commitment during this period. Flexibility might be appreciated, especially when collaborating across different time zones or dealing with urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The temporary nature of the contract is a key differentiator. Candidates should clarify benefit eligibility and compensation structure directly with pmX Group. The salary estimate is based on market rates for similar roles in the specified US location and the contract type.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consulting & Engineering (Specializing in Project Management, Process Optimization, Quality Engineering)

Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data suggests pmX Group is a medium-sized company, likely between 51-200 employees, given the "participatively run" and "team spirit" descriptions.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly provided, but it is described as a company with established principles and processes, suggesting a history beyond a startup phase.

Team Structure:

• Consulting Model: As an employee of pmX, you will be a consultant performing tasks for their client onsite. This means you'll be integrated into the client's project team while remaining employed by pmX.

• Client Project Team: You will collaborate with a cross-functional team at the client's automotive company, including Developers, Researchers, and Feature Owners.

• pmX Internal Structure: pmX operates as a "participatively run" company, implying a flatter hierarchy, transparent decision-making, and a strong emphasis on team collaboration internally.

Methodology:

• Process Optimization: A core specialty of pmX, suggesting a focus on improving workflows and efficiency.

• Quality Engineering: Emphasis on delivering high-quality outcomes.

• People-Focused: pmX strives to keep people in focus, indicating a value placed on employee well-being and collaboration.

• Value-Based Culture: Principles of respect, innovation, and sustainable business practices are central.

• Transparency: Company processes, decisions, and goals are transparent.

Company Website: https://pmx.jobs.personio.de/job/2666514 (Note: This is a job posting URL, not the main company site)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at pmX Group emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and a people-first approach, which can be a significant draw for professionals seeking a supportive consulting environment. The consulting model means adapting to both pmX's internal culture and the client's project culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the design domain, functioning as a "Lead" by managing a team and overseeing strategic design operations for a critical project. It bridges hands-on design work with people management and process oversight.

Reporting Structure:

• You will report to your direct manager at pmX Group for employment matters.

• Within the client project in Portland, you will collaborate with various cross-functional leads (Developers, Researchers, Feature Owners) and likely have a project lead or manager at the client site whose direction you will follow for project-specific tasks. Operations Impact:

• As the UX/UI Product Design Lead, your impact will be crucial in shaping the user experience of a web-based digital product that optimizes and automates vehicle software documentation and release processes for a major automotive company.

• Your leadership will directly influence the successful implementation of advanced capabilities like Flash Over The Air (FOTA) updates and digital twins, contributing significantly to the client's transition into the software-defined vehicle era.

• Effective design operations ensure that the development process is efficient, user-centric, and aligned with business objectives, ultimately driving adoption and satisfaction for the client's innovative automotive solutions. Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Gain hands-on experience managing a design team and leading complex projects, honing leadership and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in the automotive industry, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of software-defined vehicles, FOTA, and digital twins.

• Process Optimization: Contribute to and learn from pmX Group's core competency in process optimization within a high-stakes client environment.

• Consulting Experience: Develop robust client management and consulting skills by working on a significant project for a major industry player.

• Networking: Build valuable professional connections within both pmX Group and the client's organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of leadership, specialized industry exposure, and the opportunity to contribute to significant technological advancements in the automotive sector, all within a consulting framework that prioritizes growth and process.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at the client's automotive company in Portland, Oregon. This implies a corporate office environment typical of a large automotive manufacturer, likely featuring collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and dedicated areas for project teams.

Office Location(s): Channel Ave, Madras 4555 N, Portland, Oregon, 97217, United States.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic, collaborative setting where close interaction with developers, researchers, and feature owners is essential for success.

• Tools & Technology: Access to the client's standard design tools, software, and IT infrastructure will be provided. Proficiency in Figma is a prerequisite, suggesting it's a primary tool for the project.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Ample opportunities to engage with various stakeholders, fostering a holistic understanding of the product development lifecycle.

Work Schedule: Primarily standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM PST) on-site in Portland, Oregon. However, occasional flexibility may be required to accommodate project deadlines, internal pmX meetings, or collaboration with teams in different time zones (e.g., Germany).

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in Portland is a key aspect. Candidates must be willing and able to work in that specific location for the duration of the contract. The environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, typical of a large corporate client.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening (pmX Group): A preliminary call with a pmX recruiter to assess overall fit, experience, and understanding of the consulting model.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview (pmX Group/Client): This stage will likely involve an interview with the hiring manager or key stakeholders at the client organization. Expect questions about your leadership style, experience with complex design challenges, and ability to manage a team.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A significant part of the process will be a deep dive into your portfolio. You may be asked to present specific case studies, explain your design process, and potentially complete a small, timed design challenge relevant to automotive software or process optimization.

• Cross-functional Team Interview: You might meet with developers, researchers, or product owners to assess your collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion to confirm terms, answer any remaining questions, and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically. For each project, clearly state the problem, your role and responsibilities, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), key decisions made, and the final outcome/impact.

• Highlight Leadership: For this role, emphasize projects where you led a team, mentored designers, or influenced design strategy.

• Showcase Figma Skills: Be prepared to demonstrate your Figma capabilities, including complex prototyping, component libraries, and collaborative features.

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

• Automotive Relevance: If you have automotive experience, highlight it. If not, draw parallels from other complex industries where your work demonstrates similar problem-solving approaches.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research the automotive industry's shift towards software-defined vehicles, FOTA, and digital twins. Understand the challenges of software documentation and release processes.

• Process Thinking: Practice articulating how you would approach designing or improving a process (e.g., software release documentation).

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would handle team conflicts, manage stakeholder expectations, or motivate a team under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize not only your design skills but also your leadership potential and operational capabilities in managing design processes and teams. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates clear ownership and impact is non-negotiable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma: Essential and required. Proficiency in advanced features like prototyping, component systems, auto-layout, and collaborative workflows is expected.

• Prototyping Tools: Likely Figma's built-in capabilities, but familiarity with others like InVision or Adobe XD might be beneficial.

• Design Collaboration Platforms: Tools for feedback, handoff, and version control (e.g., Zeplin, Abstract, or Figma's built-in features).

UX Research Tools:

• User Interviewing Platforms: Tools for remote interviews (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams).

• Usability Testing Platforms: Software for conducting and analyzing usability tests (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).

• Survey Tools: For gathering user feedback (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Typeform).

Project Management & Collaboration:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com, likely used by the client's development team.

• Communication Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams, email.

• Documentation Tools: Confluence, Google Workspace, Notion, or similar for maintaining design documentation and workflows.

Preferred/Contextual Tools:

• Automotive Software Concepts: Familiarity with tools or systems related to ECU programming or vehicle software updates (though direct hands-on might not be required, understanding the context is key).

• Front-end Development Familiarity: Understanding of how designs translate to code (HTML, CSS, JavaScript frameworks) and data structures.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is paramount. The ability to navigate and integrate with the client's existing technology stack for project management and communication will also be crucial for operational success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values (Inferred from pmX Group & Project Context):

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Essential for success, both within the client's cross-functional team and with pmX Group. Emphasis on working constructively across language barriers.

• Process Excellence: A drive for optimization, efficiency, and clear, organized workflows, reflecting pmX's core competencies.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Comfort with evolving processes and a willingness to explore new solutions for complex challenges in the software-defined vehicle space.

• Respect & Transparency: Valuing open communication, mutual respect, and transparent decision-making, as championed by pmX Group.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and serving the end-user, driving the design decisions.

• Quality & Ownership: Taking pride in delivering high-quality work and taking responsibility for design outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work hand-in-hand with developers, researchers, and product owners.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that embraces constructive feedback for continuous improvement of designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the team.

• Agile Methodologies: Likely operating within an agile framework, requiring iterative design, quick feedback loops, and adaptable planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The successful candidate will need to embody a blend of pmX Group's collaborative, transparent, and process-oriented values while adapting to the client's specific project culture, which is likely fast-paced and focused on innovation in the automotive tech space.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Temporary Contract: Working under a contract with a defined end date (December 31, 2026) requires adaptability and a focus on delivering impact within that timeframe.

• Cross-Cultural & Language Barriers: Collaborating effectively with a team that may have diverse linguistic backgrounds requires enhanced communication skills and patience.

• Complex Technical Domain: Navigating the intricacies of automotive software, ECUs, and advanced features like FOTA and digital twins can be challenging without prior industry experience.

• Ramp-up Time: As a consultant, quickly understanding the client's existing systems, processes, and team dynamics is crucial.

• Balancing Leadership & Hands-on Work: Effectively managing a team while also being prepared to jump in for hands-on UI design tasks requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Automotive Tech: Gain unparalleled insight into the future of automotive technology and software development.

• Leadership Acumen: Develop robust team leadership, project management, and stakeholder management skills.

• Process Optimization Expertise: Contribute to and learn from pmX Group's core methodology in process optimization within a real-world, high-impact project.

• Consulting Skills: Enhance client-facing communication, negotiation, and project delivery skills.

• Figma Mastery: Further refine advanced Figma skills through complex project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a cutting-edge industry. Candidates who are proactive in learning and adapting will thrive.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to lead a design team through a complex architectural challenge. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, leadership, and problem-solving).

• "How would you ensure design consistency and coherence across a large product with multiple features and potentially multiple designers working on it?" (Focus on design systems, collaboration, and operational workflows).

• "Walk us through a UX research project you led. How did you define the research goals, recruit participants, conduct the study, and translate findings into actionable design recommendations?" (Focus on research methodology and impact).

• "Imagine you're working with a development team that has limited English proficiency. How would you ensure effective communication and collaboration on design requirements?" (Focus on communication strategies and adaptability). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on a temporary, on-site consulting project for a major automotive client through pmX Group?" (Highlight your understanding of the consulting model and interest in the industry).

• "How do you align with pmX Group's values of transparency, respect, and a people-focused approach?" (Connect your own values to theirs).

• "Describe your experience working in dynamic or evolving work processes. How do you adapt?" (Showcase your flexibility and comfort with change). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership, problem-solving, UX research, and Figma skills.

• Tell a Story: For each project, structure your presentation as a narrative: the challenge, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact.

• Demonstrate Thought Process: Be ready to articulate why you made certain design decisions. This is more important than just showing the final screens.

• Highlight Collaboration: Show how you worked with developers, researchers, and other stakeholders.

• Figma Walkthrough: Be prepared to share your Figma file and demonstrate specific techniques or complex prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to demonstrate not just design expertise but also strong leadership, operational thinking, and adaptability. Your portfolio should be a testament to your ability to manage design processes and teams effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your leadership experience, UX research execution, and Figma proficiency. Ensure case studies clearly showcase your problem-solving approach and design impact, especially any relevant to complex systems or process optimization.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your years of experience in UX/UI design and UX research, leadership qualities, and proficiency with Figma. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Research," "Team Leadership," "Figma," "Prototyping," and "Automotive."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), especially for leadership and problem-solving questions. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and walk through your design process.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with pmX Group's consulting model, values, and their focus on process optimization. Research the automotive industry's current trends in software-defined vehicles to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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 (pmX Group) before making application decisions. The role is a temporary, on-site consulting position.