UX/UI Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Product Designer

Company: Daimler Truck AG

Location: Portland, OR, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-06-03

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design high-quality, pixel-perfect in-vehicle user interfaces (UIs) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for global brands like Freightliner and Western Star, focusing on typography, color, layout, and motion.

• Translate complex product requirements, user needs, and brand intentions into cohesive and intuitive UX/UI solutions, grounded in real-world context and system constraints.

• Develop and deliver implementation-ready specifications, assets, and reusable components for a global design system, ensuring consistency and efficiency across digital experiences.

• Craft high-fidelity prototypes to effectively communicate visual design, motion intent, and interaction flows, enabling clear stakeholder understanding and feedback.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product strategy, and truck technology teams to drive design execution from concept through to final handoff with minimal day-to-day oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on in-vehicle digital experiences for commercial trucks, a niche within UX/UI design that requires a deep understanding of glance-based interfaces, user context (professional drivers), and the unique constraints of automotive HMI. The emphasis on "designing for the road" and "real production vehicles" highlights the tangible impact and specialized nature of this position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute visual design for in-vehicle UIs, encompassing typography, color palettes, layout composition, and motion graphics across global truck brands.

• Produce pixel-perfect, implementation-ready specifications, design assets, and reusable components for the company's global design system, ensuring adherence to established standards.

• Construct high-fidelity prototypes to clearly articulate the intended visual appearance, motion dynamics, and interaction patterns of new features and concepts.

• Design glance-based interfaces characterized by clear visual hierarchy, intuitive feedback mechanisms, and ease of comprehension for professional drivers.

• Translate product requirements, user insights, and brand imperatives into effective UX/UI solutions that meet both business objectives and user needs.

• Integrate insights from user research and understand system constraints to inform design decisions and ensure practical applicability within the vehicle environment.

• Foster cross-functional collaboration with engineering, product strategy, and truck technology teams to ensure seamless integration and alignment of design efforts.

• Clearly articulate design rationale and decisions to stakeholders, actively seeking and incorporating feedback through early and frequent work sharing.

• Take ownership of assigned workstreams from initial concept ideation through to final delivery, demonstrating a proactive and execution-driven approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strong visual design craft ("pixel-perfect," "typography, color, layout, and motion") and strategic UX thinking ("translate product requirements," "apply research insights"). The expectation of owning workstreams with "minimal day-to-day oversight" suggests a need for self-starters who can manage their own projects effectively within a larger team structure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in UX, Interaction Design, Product Design, Industrial Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: Internship experience or up to 1-2 years of professional experience in UX/UI or product design.

Required Skills:

• Academic focus or demonstrable hands-on experience in automotive UX/UI, HMI, or in-vehicle interaction design.

• A strong portfolio showcasing visual design, interaction design, and problem-solving capabilities, with clear evidence of individual ownership of projects.

• Profound understanding of visual design fundamentals, including typography, color theory, layout principles, and motion design.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design tools: Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Competence in 3D modeling and rendering specifically for visualizing UI concepts and prototypes.

• Demonstrated ability to create effective prototypes and clearly communicate design decisions and rationale.

• Systems thinking approach, with the ability to design cohesively across multiple features, user states, and interaction flows.

• Proactive, curious, and execution-driven mindset with a demonstrable passion for design craft and quality. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience with automotive HMI systems, including cluster displays, infotainment systems, Head-Up Displays (HUDs), and embedded interfaces.

• Familiarity with specialized automotive HMI and prototyping tools such as Kanzi, Unreal Engine, Unity, or ProtoPie.

• Exposure to emerging interface technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), or spatial interfaces.

• Experience integrating or leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) within design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio demonstrating "clear ownership of work" is critical for junior designers. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their specific contributions within team projects and highlight how they translated user needs and product goals into tangible design solutions. The emphasis on automotive-specific experience or academic focus is a strong signal for candidate prioritization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of projects demonstrating strong visual design execution, clear interaction design patterns, and effective problem-solving methodologies.

• Projects should clearly articulate the design process, from initial concept and user research through to final design solutions and implementation considerations.

• Evidence of individual contribution and ownership within each project, detailing specific challenges, design decisions, and outcomes.

• Demonstration of the ability to translate product requirements and user needs into tangible UX/UI designs within a defined system or product context. Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly outline the problem statement, user research methods employed, design iterations, and the rationale behind key design decisions.

• Visual documentation of the design process, including wireframes, user flows, mockups, and prototypes, should be presented.

• For implementation-ready assets, provide examples of detailed specifications, style guides, or component library contributions.

• Highlight experience in collaborating with engineering teams, including how design specifications were handed off and how feedback was incorporated.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, the portfolio should emphasize the candidate's foundational design skills, understanding of the design process, and their ability to learn and apply feedback. While complex case studies are valuable, clear articulation of foundational UX/UI principles and visual design craft will be paramount. Demonstrating familiarity with design systems and component-based design is also highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $71,000 - $91,000 USD per year Pay offered is dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits:

• Annual bonus program.

• 401k company contribution with company match up to 6%, plus a non-elective company contribution of 3-7% depending on age.

• Generous paid time off, starting at 4 weeks of paid vacation annually.

• 13+ calendar holidays.

• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental and emotional well-being.

• Onsite fitness facilities available at select locations.

• Tuition assistance for continued learning and professional development.

• Paid time off for volunteer activities.

• Short-term and long-term disability plans for income protection.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a junior UX/UI Product Designer role in a major metropolitan area like Portland, OR. The benefits package is robust, particularly the 401k matching and comprehensive paid leave policies, which are attractive to early-career professionals. The mention of "Onsite fitness (at some locations)" suggests potential perks depending on the specific DTNA facility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing & Technology, Heavy Truck Manufacturing.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (10,000+ employees). Daimler Truck AG is a global leader with a significant presence in the commercial vehicle sector.

Founded: Daimler Truck AG was formed in December 2021, spinning off from Daimler AG. Its predecessor companies have a long history of innovation in automotive engineering.

Team Structure:

• The Design Center likely operates as a specialized unit within Daimler Truck North America's engineering or product development division.

• The UX/UI Product Designer will be part of a globally distributed design team, working with colleagues across different regions.

• This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams including engineering, product strategy, and truck technology specialists. Methodology:

• Design decisions are expected to be grounded in user research, product requirements, and brand intent, emphasizing a data-informed and user-centered approach.

• The team values "Respect, Tenacity, and Excellence," fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.

• A strong emphasis is placed on design quality and continuous growth, with a focus on pushing UI craft and shaping future mobility.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, established automotive manufacturer, Daimler Truck AG likely has structured processes and a strong emphasis on quality, safety, and reliability. The Design Center's role is crucial in modernizing the digital experience within these heavy-duty vehicles. The company's recent spin-off suggests a dynamic environment focused on future growth and innovation in areas like electric and autonomous mobility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Product Designer. This role is an entry-level position focused on design execution and learning within a specialized domain (automotive HMI). It requires a strong foundation in design principles and the ability to take direction while developing independent contribution skills.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Manager within the Design Center, who oversees the execution of HMI concepts and design systems. Collaboration will extend to product managers and engineering leads.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Product Designer directly impacts the daily experience of professional drivers by shaping the intuitiveness, efficiency, and usability of the vehicle's digital interfaces. This role contributes to driver satisfaction, operational efficiency for trucking companies, and the overall brand perception of Daimler Truck's vehicle lines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in automotive HMI design, visual design, interaction design, and prototyping tools. Potential to become proficient in specialized automotive design software.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific areas of in-vehicle design such as instrument clusters, infotainment systems, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) interfaces, or future mobility concepts.

• Leadership Track: With demonstrated growth and impact, progression to Mid-Level UX/UI Designer, Senior Designer, Design Lead, or HMI Architect roles is possible within the organization.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader understanding of product development, engineering challenges, and strategic product planning within the automotive industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior designer, the primary growth path will involve honing their craft and gaining specific industry knowledge. The emphasis on a "global design system" suggests opportunities to contribute to scalable design solutions. The company's focus on future mobility (electric, autonomous) also presents exciting areas for skill development and career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role requires presence at the Portland Corp HQ - DTNA facility.

Office Location(s): Portland, Oregon, USA.

Workspace Context:

• The Design Center environment is likely collaborative, fostering interaction among designers, product strategists, and engineers.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including high-performance workstations for Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modeling/rendering software.

• Opportunities for hands-on interaction with vehicle prototypes or mockups to inform design decisions and user testing.

• A professional corporate setting with established workplace norms and expectations.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule (40 hours/week), likely with some flexibility for focused work, but requiring consistent on-site presence for collaborative activities and team integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement for this role underscores the importance of in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct engagement with physical products or prototypes within the automotive design context. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work environment typical of a large manufacturing corporation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of application, focusing on education, basic qualifications, and portfolio availability.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session with design leadership or senior designers to evaluate the candidate's portfolio. Expect to walk through 2-3 key projects, explaining your role, design process, and rationale.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a design challenge or exercise to assess visual design skills, problem-solving approach, or proficiency in specific tools (e.g., Figma).

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with engineering and product strategy team members to assess collaboration skills, communication clarity, and understanding of technical constraints.

• Final Interview: Discussion with hiring manager or senior leadership to assess cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the role and team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your visual design skills, problem-solving approach, and any relevant automotive or complex system design experience.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process you followed, the challenges you faced, your specific contributions, and the outcomes or learnings.

• Highlight Ownership: Emphasize your individual contributions, especially if projects were team-based. Use phrases like "I designed...", "My contribution was...", "I led the UI design for...".

• Showcase Craft: Ensure high visual fidelity in your portfolio presentation. Include detailed mockups, prototypes, and explanations of typography, color, and layout choices.

• Address Automotive Context: If you have automotive-specific projects, highlight them prominently. If not, explain how your experience with complex systems or user-centric design is transferable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Fundamentals: Brush up on core visual design principles (typography, color, layout), interaction design patterns, and usability heuristics.

• Figma Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your skills in Figma, including component creation, auto layout, and prototyping features.

• Problem-Solving: Practice breaking down design problems, identifying user needs, and proposing solutions with clear rationale.

• Communication: Prepare to articulate your design decisions clearly and concisely, anticipating questions about trade-offs and constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical stage for this role. Candidates must be prepared to not only showcase their work but also articulate their thought process and individual contributions effectively. For a junior role, demonstrating a strong learning aptitude and foundational skills is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration within a design system. Expect to use features for component libraries, auto layout, and interactive prototyping.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency expected, particularly in Photoshop and Illustrator for asset creation, image manipulation, and visual detailing.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned for the designer role, familiarity with how design impacts user behavior and how data informs design decisions is beneficial. Understanding the output of analytics tools used by product teams can inform design.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design integrates into product development workflows is important.

Specialized Tools (Preferred):

• 3D Modeling & Rendering Software: For conceptual visualization of UI elements within a 3D vehicle environment. Specific software not listed, but common tools include Blender, Maya, or similar.

• Automotive HMI/Prototyping Tools: Kanzi, Unreal Engine, Unity, ProtoPie. Experience with these tools is a significant advantage for rapid prototyping and simulating in-vehicle interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable. Experience with 3D visualization tools and specialized automotive HMI prototyping software will significantly differentiate candidates. The ability to work within and contribute to a "global design system" implies a need for understanding component-based design and pattern libraries.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect, Tenacity, and Excellence: These are the core values guiding the team's approach. Expect an environment where mutual respect is paramount, challenges are met with persistence, and a high standard of quality is consistently pursued.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across functions and geographies to achieve shared goals. Open communication and knowledge sharing are likely encouraged.

• Design Quality: A deep appreciation for craft, attention to detail, and the pursuit of elegant, effective design solutions.

• Future-Oriented: A drive to innovate and shape the future of mobility, particularly in areas like electrification, autonomous driving, and connected vehicle experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with engineering, product strategy, and truck technology teams are essential.

• Iterative Design Process: Expect a culture of sharing work early and often, providing constructive feedback, and iterating based on input.

• Global Team Dynamics: Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with team members across different time zones and cultural backgrounds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated values of "Respect, Tenacity, and Excellence" suggest a demanding yet rewarding work environment. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their work ethic and collaborative approach, particularly in tackling complex design challenges within a large corporate structure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for a Niche Audience: Tailoring interfaces for professional drivers requires understanding specific use cases, environmental factors (vibration, glare), and operational demands, which differ significantly from consumer electronics.

• Balancing Global Consistency with Brand Specificity: Ensuring a cohesive design system across Freightliner, Western Star, and other brands while respecting individual brand identities presents a complex design challenge.

• Technical Constraints: Working within the limitations of embedded automotive hardware and software requires creative problem-solving and a deep understanding of feasibility.

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in automotive technology (EV, autonomy, connectivity) and translating them into effective user experiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Automotive HMI Training: Potential for formal or informal training on industry-specific HMI development tools and best practices.

• Design System Contribution: Opportunity to contribute to and learn from a large-scale, global design system, developing skills in pattern definition and component management.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced senior designers and HMI specialists within the organization for guidance and skill development.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with the latest trends in automotive technology and user experience through internal projects and potentially industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the unique and demanding nature of automotive HMI design. Candidates who can demonstrate adaptability, a strong learning appetite, and a proactive approach to overcoming these obstacles will be well-suited for this role and its associated growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging UX/UI project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating problem-solving, process, and impact).

• "How do you approach designing for a user group with specific professional needs, like truck drivers?" (Assess understanding of user empathy and context).

• "Walk us through your process for creating a reusable UI component for a design system." (Evaluate understanding of design systems and modular design).

• "How do you balance visual aesthetics with functional requirements and technical constraints in your designs?" (Gauge understanding of trade-offs and practical design). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about designing for commercial vehicles and Daimler Truck AG?" (Show research into the company and industry).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or differing opinions on your designs from engineers or product managers?" (Assess collaboration and resilience).

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design process based on new information or constraints." (Evaluate flexibility and problem-solving under pressure).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI trends, especially in the automotive sector?" (Demonstrate continuous learning mindset). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Project Overview -> Problem Statement -> Your Role & Process -> Key Design Decisions & Rationale -> Outcomes & Learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, interactive prototypes, and clear user flows. Minimize text on slides; speak to the visuals.

• Ownership: Be very clear about what you did versus what the team did. Quantify your impact where possible (e.g., "This design aimed to reduce task completion time by X%").

• Conciseness: Practice your presentation to fit within the allocated time, ensuring you cover the most critical aspects of each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a junior role, interviewers will be looking for a strong foundation in design principles, a clear understanding of the design process, good communication skills, and a genuine enthusiasm for the automotive industry and Daimler Truck's mission. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning and problem-solving is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strong visual design, interaction design, and problem-solving skills, especially any relevant automotive HMI or complex system design experience. Clearly articulate your individual contributions.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your educational background, relevant internship or work experience, and proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and any 3D modeling or HMI-specific tools. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer questions about your approach to user-centered design and collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Daimler Truck AG, its brands (Freightliner, Western Star), and its vision for future mobility. Understand the unique challenges and opportunities in designing for commercial vehicles.

⚠️ 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.