General Motors

Design Manager, System Utilities

General Motors • $134K — $207K *
Sunnyvale, CA 94087In-Person
Consumer Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
1 month ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in digital interface design focused on system utilities or core application frameworks.
  • Formal training or degree in Interface Design, Visual Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX, interaction patterns, and visual systems for foundational UI.
  • Proven ability to drive platform-level design strategies aligned with business objectives.
  • Deep understanding of system utilities within the broader product ecosystem.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor a team of designers focused on system utilities and OS-level frameworks.
  • Define the design vision for system components like profiles, settings, and notifications.
  • Create system patterns and interaction models that simplify complex tasks.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop scalable design solutions.
  • Oversee the complete design lifecycle from problem framing to pixel-perfect specifications.
  • Maintain design guidelines and documentation for consistent utility use across teams.
  • Incorporate user research and testing into design decisions to enhance usability.

Benefits

  • Health and wellbeing benefit programs including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts options.
  • Retirement savings plan with company contributions.
  • Paid vacation and holidays, plus tuition assistance programs.
  • Employee assistance program and discounts on GM vehicles.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Design Manager, System Utilities

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Warren, MI or Sunnyvale, CA, three times per week, at minimum.

The Role

GM's Human Interface Design - Vehicle Studio is hiring a Design Manager, System Utilities to define the core building blocks of our in-vehicle operating system. In this role, you will lead a team focused on foundational system utilities-such as connectivity, profiles, settings, controls, and keyboards-that underpin every experience in the vehicle. You'll work closely with software, engineering, and product partners to deliver intuitive, coherent, and robust system experiences that feel effortless to use. Join us to shape the everyday interactions that drivers rely on across millions of vehicles.

What You'll Do
  • Lead, mentor, and grow a team of designers responsible for system utilities and OS-level frameworks, supporting both project delivery and career development.
  • Own the design vision and execution for connections, accounts and profiles, settings, controls, notifications, and virtual keyboards across GM brands and platforms.
  • Define system patterns, information architecture, and interaction models that make complex configuration and control tasks simple and predictable.
  • Collaborate with product managers, software engineers, and platform teams to translate requirements into scalable, reusable design solutions.
  • Oversee the full design lifecycle-from problem framing and flows through wireframes, prototypes, and pixel-perfect specifications-ensuring usability and consistency.
  • Build and maintain design guidelines, components, and documentation that enable teams across the organization to use system utilities correctly and consistently.
  • Ensure adherence to brand guidelines while delivering cohesive, platform-level experiences that feel unified across surfaces and programs.
  • Champion user-centered design by incorporating research insights, telemetry, and usability testing into design decisions.
  • Stay current on OS design trends, connectivity, security, and privacy UX to keep GM's system utilities modern and trustworthy.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and pragmatic team culture aligned with organizational goals.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Experience & Education
  • 8+ years of experience designing digital interfaces for web, mobile, or embedded platforms, with significant work on system utilities or core application frameworks.
  • Formal training or degree in Interface Design, Visual Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related discipline.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end UX, interaction patterns, and visual systems for settings, controls, or other foundational UI.


Design & Strategy Expertise
  • Proven ability to drive platform-level design strategies that align with business objectives while delivering clear, user-centered outcomes.
  • Deep understanding of how system utilities support the broader product ecosystem, including dependencies and technical constraints.
  • Ability to exercise restraint and clarity in design, turning complex configuration into approachable, confidence-building experiences.


Process & Tools
  • Demonstrated success in building design systems, component libraries, and documentation that scale across multiple teams and products.
  • Proficiency in design tools such as Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, with familiarity in prototyping tools for flows and interactions.


Collaboration & Leadership
  • Ability to partner with cross-functional teams (platform engineering, security, connectivity, product, research) to define and deliver cohesive system behaviors.
  • Strong adaptability in navigating changing priorities, dependencies, and release schedules, while keeping the team focused and supported.


Core Skills
  • Operational mindset with a focus on systems thinking, detail orientation, and reliability in everyday user flows.
  • Excellent visual, verbal, and written communication skills, especially when aligning stakeholders around frameworks and patterns.
  • Strong problem-solving and organizational skills, with experience managing multiple workstreams across platforms or brands.


What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Proven experience leading design teams of 5+ designers, building healthy culture and raising the quality bar across a portfolio of products.
  • 5+ years of experience in the automotive or complex systems domain (e.g., OS design, connected devices, consumer electronics).
  • Hands-on experience working in agile or lean environments, including sprint planning, backlog grooming, and iterative UX delivery.
  • Strong understanding of accessibility and inclusive design, particularly for settings, text input, and control patterns.
  • Proficiency in prototyping complex flows and system behaviors, with experience collaborating closely with software and/or hardware development teams.


Compensation:
  • The expected base compensation for this role is: ($134,700-207,600). Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
  • Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.
  • Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.
GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

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Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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