3D Character & Motion Designer

A Career at HARMAN

As a technology leader that is rapidly on the move HARMAN is filled with people who are focused on making life better. Innovation inclusivity and teamwork are a part of our DNA. When you add that to the challenges we take on and solve together youll discover that at HARMAN you can grow make a difference and be proud of the work you do every day.

About the Role

We are looking for a hands-on 3D Character & Motion Designer specializing in Unity to join our award-winning Automotive Design team in Novi. You will be responsible for crafting expressive real-time digital characters and immersive interface environments that push the boundaries of in-vehicle experience.

This role combines expertise in Unity character rigging and animation 3D background design and scene optimization. You will collaborate closely with UX UI and engineering teams while also mentoring junior designers and guiding visual execution from concept to implementation.

Your Team

Youll 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 while staying connected to a broader international creative community.

What You Will Do

• Design animate and implement 3D characters in Unity including rigging lighting shading and optimization for real-time automotive performance
• Create visually polished branded 3D backgrounds and UI environments aligned with project and brand guidelines
• Build real-time motion sequences and interactive prototypes using Unitys animation tools (Timeline Animator VFX Graph etc.)
• Ensure scene and asset optimization to meet the performance constraints of embedded hardware
• Collaborate across disciplines to align character animation with broader UX and HMI narratives
• Mentor junior designers and support cross-functional collaboration within the product development team
• Lead or contribute to internal presentations creative reviews and design workshops
• Support and improve internal design processes pipelines and documentation

What You Need to Be Successful

• 5 years of experience designing in Unity with a strong focus on 3D character animation and motion design
• Expertise in real-time rigging shading lighting and animation workflows
• Proficiency in 3D tools such as Blender Cinema 4D or Maya
• Strong design sensibility: composition emotion and storytelling
• Experience in scene optimization asset management and Unity performance profiling
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud After Effects and advanced motion design techniques
• Experience mentoring junior team members or leading visual execution within a design team
• Fluent in English and comfortable presenting to stakeholders

Bonus Points if You Have

• Background in the gaming industry especially NPC or character interaction design
• Experience designing for automotive HMI IVI or other real-time digital cockpit systems
• Familiarity with Unitys URP/HDRP Shader Graph or embedded systems workflows
• Understanding of the automotive HMI pipeline from design concept to implementation
• Exposure to prototyping usability testing or user research
• Experience working with AR/VR or immersive interaction design environments

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 (JBL Harman Kardon AKG and more)
• Professional Growth: Extensive training opportunities through HARMAN Universitys academies for continuous learning and career development
• 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 to the HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria for a healthy convenient work environment
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for further education and skill development through our tuition reimbursement program

You Belong Here

HARMAN is committed to making every employee feel welcomed valued and empowered. No matter what role you play we encourage you to share your ideas voice your distinct perspective and bring your whole self with you all within a support-minded culture that celebrates what makes each of us unique. We also recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit and want you to flourish. We proudly offer added opportunities for training development and continuing education further empowering you to live the career you want.

About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology

Ever since the 1920s weve been amplifying the sense of sound. Today that legacy endures with integrated technology platforms that make the world smarter safer and more connected.

Across automotive lifestyle and digital transformation solutions we create innovative technologies that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. Our renowned automotive and lifestyle solutions can be found everywhere from the music we play in our cars and homes to venues that feature todays most sought-after performers while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the worlds ever-evolving needs and demands. Marketing our award-winning portfolio under 16 iconic brands such as JBL Mark Levinson and Revel we set ourselves apart by exceeding the highest engineering and design standards for our customers our partners and each other.

If youre ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact join our talent community today!

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. ()

#LI-DPWHITE1

#LI-Hybrid

HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace religion color national origin gender (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) sexual orientation gender identity gender expression age status as a protected veteran status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.