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HARMAN International · 3 days ago

3D Character & Motion Designer

Novi, MI

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

HARMAN International is looking for a hands-on 3D Character & Motion Designer specializing in Unity to join their award-winning Automotive Design team in Novi. The role involves crafting expressive digital characters and immersive environments while collaborating with UX, UI, and engineering teams, and mentoring junior designers.

AudioConsumerConsumer ElectronicsDSPElectronicsManufacturing

No H1B

Responsibilities

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 Unity's 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

Qualification

Unity3D character animationRiggingBlenderScene optimizationAdobe Creative CloudMentoringCollaborationPresentation skillsStorytelling

Required

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

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

Preferred

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 Unity's 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

Benefits

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 University’s 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

Company

HARMAN International

Glassdoor3.9

Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things.

Founded in 1980

Stamford, Connecticut, USA

10001+ employees