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 behaviours, 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 optimisation 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 organisation 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 behaviour in production or production‑like environments, not only rendering or visualisation

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

Strong understanding of performance optimisation 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 authorised 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" programme 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 to the HARMAN Campus Fitness Centre and Cafeteria

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

Pay Transparency
$108,750 – $159,500 (dependent on position offered). Other forms of compensation such as bonuses or commission may also be available. Pay is based on a wide range of factors, including, without limitation, skill set, experience, training, location, and business need.

Benefits
HARMAN is interested in the health and wellbeing of you and your family and offers a range of benefits designed to support your needs for holistic wellbeing. Benefits and perks may vary depending on the nature of your employment with HARMAN, and may include paid vacation and holidays, paid sick leave, volunteer leave, paid bonding and care giver leave. Employees may also be eligible to participate in comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, fertility support and adoption assistance, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan with employer match, short and long term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.

Important Notice: Recruitment Scams
Please be aware that HARMAN recruiters will always communicate with you from an '@harman.com', '@careers.harman.com' or '@harmanglobal.avature.net' email address. We will never ask for payments, banking, credit card, personal financial information or access to your LinkedIn/email account during the screening, interview or recruitment process. If you are asked for such information or receive communication from an email address not ending in one of the above domains about a job with HARMAN, please cease communication immediately and report the incident to us through: harmancareers@harman.com.

Equal Opportunity Statement
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 veteran status. HARMAN offers a great work environment, challenging career opportunities, professional training, and competitive compensation.

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