General Motors

Senior Vehicle Design Researcher

General Motors • $105K — $165K *
Sunnyvale, CA 94087Hybrid
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
1 month ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Psychology, Anthropology, Design Research, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 5+ years of user experience research experience in automotive, consumer electronics, hardware, software, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods research across both generative and evaluative methodologies.
  • Strong communication, storytelling, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Identify, prioritize, and lead research initiatives that generate actionable insights for in-vehicle user experiences.
  • Plan and execute generative and evaluative research studies, including concept testing and usability testing.
  • Partner closely with design, product management, and engineering teams to define research goals and inform design iteration.
  • Evaluate current and future concepts, features, and interfaces across hardware and software experiences.
  • Synthesize findings into clear recommendations that influence design strategy and direction.
  • Conduct concept testing and provide actionable feedback to design teams.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts available.
  • Retirement savings plan offered.
  • Paid vacation and holidays, including life insurance.
  • Tuition assistance programs and employee assistance program.
  • Discounts on GM vehicles.
Full Job Description

Job Description

The role

As General Motors shapes the future of in-vehicle experiences, we are seeking a Design/User Experience Researcher to leadgenerativeand evaluative research forfuture-facingfeatures and interfaces.

Youwill help inform the next generation ofin-vehicle user interfacesby grounding design decisions in real user needs, behaviors, and expectations. You will work across topics such as vehicle onboarding,infotainment UX framework, and cabin comfort, turning research insights into clear recommendations that influence product, design, and strategy.

WhatYoullDo

  • Identify, prioritize, and lead research initiatives that generate actionable insights to inform product, design, and user experience decisions for future in-vehicle experiences.

  • Plan and execute a range of generative and evaluative research studies, includingconcept testing, and usability testing, interviews,field studies, interviews, diary studies, participatorydesign, ethnography,andsurveys.

  • Partner closely with Design, Product Management,Prototyping,Engineering, and other cross-functional stakeholders to define research goals, inform designiteration,and proactively shape the productstrategy.

  • Evaluate current and future concepts, features, and interfaces across both hardware and software experiences.

  • Synthesize findings into clear, compelling stories, frameworks, and recommendations that influence design strategy anddesigndirection.

  • Conductconcept testingand provide actionable feedback and recommendations to design teams.

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • Bachelors degree in human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Psychology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

  • 5+ years of user experience research experience in automotive, consumer electronics, hardware, software, or related fields.

  • Demonstratedexpertisein qualitative and mixed-methods research across both generative and evaluative methodologies

  • Strong communication, storytelling, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teamsand senior stakeholders

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge(Preferred Qualifications)

  • Advanced degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Psychology, Anthropology, Design Research, orrelatedfield.

  • Experience researching automotive in-cabin experiences, driver information systems,orcamera systems.

  • Experience scoping and managing prototype development and conducting research on hardware and HMI products.

  • Familiarity with future-facing mobility experiences, emerging technologies, and evolving user expectations in transportation.

  • Strong curiosity, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset with a passion for future-focused design and emerging use cases.

  • Ability toproducegreat workin shorttimeframes, multi-task acrossdiverse topics, and comfortable withrapid context switchingacrossdifferent projects

Compensation:The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.

  • The salary range for this role:is$105,600 to $165,300. The actual base salary a successful candidate will be offered within this 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.

#LI-VC1

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}. The selected candidate will be required to travel <25% for this role.

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.

Keep Up to Date

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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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