3D Motion Designer-Unity at HARMAN International Cabot, AR

Description & Requirements

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. The 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.
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 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 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 AfterEffects and solid knowledge of modern motion workflows across concept, prototyping, and implementation
Familiarity with 2D and 3D pipelines and tools such as Blender or Cinema4D 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
Exclusive discounts on Harman and Samsung products
Professional growth through HARMAN University academies
Recognition and rewards via the "BeBrilliant" program
Wellness benefits promoting well‑being and work‑life balance
Inclusive culture fostering personal and professional growth
On‑campus facilities such as fitness centre and cafeteria
Tuition reimbursement for further education and skill development
Pay Transparency

$108,750 – $159,500 (dependent on position offered; other compensation forms such as bonuses or commission may be available)
Equal Opportunity

HARMAN is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or Protected Veterans status.

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