3D Motion Designer-Unity

About The Role
We are looking for a senior, hands‑on Motion Designer with deep real‑time implementation expertise in Unity to join our award‑winning Automotive Design team in Novi. You will lead the creation of premium motion systems, micro‑interactions, and real‑time UI transitions that elevate in‑vehicle experiences across clusters, IVI, AR HUD, and next‑generation cockpit concepts.

This role goes beyond motion craft and execution. It requires ownership of motion direction across programs, the ability to define scalable motion frameworks, and strong collaboration with UX, UI, Product, Engineering, and leadership teams. You will help shape the future of real‑time motion in automotive HMI, drive quality and consistency across multiple initiatives, and serve as a senior point of reference for motion design implementation in Unity.

Your Team
You’ll join HARMAN Automotive Design, a global, award‑winning design studio bringing together UX/UI, Product, Industrial, Communication, and Motion Designers. Our team spans Germany, the US, China, Korea, and Japan, working across time zones and disciplines with a shared commitment to design excellence, emotional storytelling, and real‑world impact.

What You Will Do

Lead the design and implementation of high‑quality motion for automotive HMI, including transitions, micro‑interactions, UI behaviors, and motion systems

Own real‑time motion execution in Unity using Timeline, Animator, state machines, and VFX Graph where appropriate

Translate UX flows and UI designs into premium motion principles that support usability, hierarchy, brand expression, and product differentiation

Define and scale reusable motion patterns, standards, guidelines, and documentation across programs and platforms

Partner closely with UX, UI, Product Management, and Engineering to align motion direction with product goals, technical feasibility, and embedded constraints

Build advanced motion prototypes to validate concepts, communicate intent, and accelerate decision‑making with stakeholders

Drive animation and VFX optimization for embedded hardware performance through profiling, testing, and implementation best practices

Provide senior‑level guidance in reviews, workshops, and critiques, helping raise the overall quality bar of the team

Mentor designers and contribute to capability building in real‑time motion, Unity workflows, and motion systems thinking

Improve internal pipelines, handoff practices, and asset organization to support scalable production and more efficient collaboration

Contribute to strategic initiatives involving next‑generation cockpit experiences, real‑time prototyping, and innovation demos

Act as a key motion design representative in cross‑functional discussions, helping teams make informed decisions around implementation quality, feasibility, and design consistency

What You Need To Be Successful

8+ years of experience in motion design, with strong work in digital products, real‑time, interactive systems, or automotive HMI

Strong motion fundamentals including timing, transitions, composition, typography, and visual storytelling

Advanced Unity experience implementing animation and interaction behavior in production or production‑like environments, not only rendering or visualization

Proven ability to define motion systems and reusable frameworks, not just create one‑off animations

Strong understanding of performance optimization for mobile, embedded, or real‑time environments

Proficiency with After Effects and solid knowledge of modern motion workflows across concept, prototyping, and implementation

Familiarity with 2D and 3D pipelines and tools such as Blender or Cinema 4D for supporting assets and motion development

Strong cross‑functional communication skills, with confidence presenting to stakeholders and influencing decisions across design and engineering

Experience mentoring others, leading reviews, and raising craft quality within a team

Ability to operate with a high level of autonomy in ambiguous or fast‑moving project environments

Bonus Points if You Have

Deep automotive HMI experience across cluster, IVI, AR HUD, or other safety‑critical interfaces

Experience creating motion frameworks or design system guidance for large‑scale product ecosystems

Familiarity with Unity URP, HDRP, Shader Graph, and VFX Graph

Experience integrating motion with real‑time 3D scenes and interactive environments

Exposure to prototyping methods, usability testing, or user research

Experience contributing to innovation pitches, concept demos, or future‑facing product vision work

What Makes You Eligible

Based in the United States and authorized to work without visa sponsorship

Fluent in English and comfortable collaborating across cultures and disciplines

Able to work on‑site at our Novi, MI studio as needed

Open to occasional travel for project reviews, HARMAN offices, or global design workshops

What We Offer

Flexible Work Environment: Enjoy a flexible schedule with a culture that encourages work‑life integration and global collaboration

Exclusive Discounts: Access employee discounts on world‑class Harman and Samsung products

Professional Growth: Extensive training opportunities through HARMAN University’s academies

Recognition & Rewards: Participate in the “Be Brilliant” program to celebrate achievements and contributions

Wellness Benefits: Competitive packages that promote well‑being and work‑life balance

Inclusive Culture: Be part of a diverse workplace that fosters professional and personal growth in a supportive, collaborative environment

On‑Campus Facilities: Access the HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria

Tuition Reimbursement: Support for further education and skill development through tuition reimbursement programs

Pay Transparency
Salary range: $108,750 - $159,500 (depending on position offered, other forms of compensation such as bonuses or commission may be available). Pay is based on a wide range of factors, including skill set, experience, training, location, and business need.

Equal Opportunity Employer
HARMAN is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or Protected Veterans status. HARMAN offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training, and competitive compensation.

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