Senior Vehicle Design Researcher

GM•Sunnyvale, CA

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

As General Motors shapes the future of in-vehicle experiences, we are seeking a Design/User Experience Researcher to lead generative and evaluative research for future-facing features and interfaces. You will help inform the next generation of in-vehicle user interfaces by 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.

Requirements

Bachelor's 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.
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

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Psychology, Anthropology, Design Research, or related field.
Experience researching automotive in-cabin experiences, driver information systems, or camera 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 to produce great work in short timeframes, multi-task across diverse topics, and comfortable with rapid context switching across different projects

Responsibilities

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, including concept testing, and usability testing, interviews, field studies, interviews, diary studies, participatory design, ethnography, and surveys.
Partner closely with Design, Product Management, Prototyping, Engineering, and other cross-functional stakeholders to define research goals, inform design iteration, and proactively shape the product strategy.
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 and design direction.
Conduct concept testing and provide actionable feedback and recommendations to design teams.