3D Motion Designer-Unity

Harman International offers a flexible work environment, opportunities for professional growth through Harman University academies, an inclusive culture, and a comprehensive benefits package. This onsite role in Novi, MI seeks a senior, hands-on 3D Motion Designer with Unity real-time implementation expertise to lead motion systems and real-time UI transitions for automotive design.

Responsibilities

• Steer the design and implementation of premium motion for automotive HMI, covering transitions, micro-interactions, UI behaviors, and motion systems
• Own real-time motion execution in Unity through Timeline, Animator, state machines, and VFX Graph as appropriate
• Translate UX flows and UI designs into 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
• Collaborate with UX, UI, Product Management, and Engineering to align motion direction with product goals, feasibility, and embedded constraints
• Create advanced motion prototypes to validate concepts, communicate intent, and accelerate stakeholder decisions
• Optimize animation and VFX for embedded hardware performance via profiling, testing, and best practices
• Provide senior-level guidance during reviews, workshops, and critiques to raise the team's overall quality
• Mentor designers and contribute to capability building in real-time motion, Unity workflows, and motion systems thinking
• Improve pipelines, handoff practices, and asset organization to support scalable production and efficient collaboration
• Support strategic initiatives around next-generation cockpit experiences, real-time prototyping, and innovation demos
• Represent motion design in cross-functional discussions to guide decisions on implementation quality, feasibility, and design consistency

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in motion design with strong work in digital products, real-time interactive systems, or automotive HMI
• Solid foundation in 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 solely rendering
• Proven ability to define motion systems and reusable frameworks rather than single-use 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 design and engineering decisions
• Experience mentoring others, leading reviews, and elevating craft quality within a team
• Ability to operate with a high level of autonomy in ambiguous or fast-moving project environments

Technologies

• Unity
• Timeline
• Animator
• VFX Graph
• After Effects
• Blender
• Cinema 4D
• Shader Graph
• Unity URP
• Unity HDRP

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
• Available to work on-site at the Novi, MI studio as needed
• Open to occasional travel for project reviews, HARMAN offices, or global design workshops

Benefits

• Paid vacation and holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Volunteer leave
• Paid bonding and caregiver leave
• Comprehensive medical plans
• Dental plans
• Vision plans
• Fertility support and adoption assistance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Retirement savings plan with employer match
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Life insurance
• Flexible Work Environment
• Exclusive Discounts
• Professional Growth
• Recognition and Rewards
• Wellness Benefits
• Inclusive Culture
• On-Campus Facilities
• Tuition Reimbursement

What We Offer

• Flexible Work Environment with a culture that supports work-life integration and global collaboration
• Exclusive Discounts on Harman and Samsung products
• Professional Growth through Harman University academies
• Recognition and Rewards through the Be Brilliant program
• Wellness Benefits to support well-being and balance
• Inclusive Culture that fosters growth in a collaborative setting
• On-Campus Facilities including Fitness Center and Cafeteria
• Tuition Reimbursement for further education and skill development

Pay Transparency

Salary range: $108,750 - $159,500 per year. This range reflects the position offered and may include other compensation such as bonuses or commissions. Final pay is influenced by factors including skill set, experience, training, location, and business needs. The stated range accounts for standard geographic considerations where applicable.