Independent Contractor 3D Motion Graphics Jobs in Michigan

General information
Location:
Novi - Michigan, USA - Cabot Drive
Job Family:
Global Design
Worker Type Reference:
Regular - Permanent
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Career Level:
P4
Job ID:
R-52536-2026
Description & Requirements
About the Role
We are looking for a senior, hands-on Motion Designer with deep real-time implementation expertise in Unity to join our award-winning Automotive Design team in Novi. You will lead the creation of premium motion systems, micro-interactions, and real-time UI transitions that elevate in-vehicle experiences across clusters, IVI, AR HUD, and next-generation cockpit concepts.
This role goes beyond motion craft and execution. It requires ownership of motion direction across programs, the ability to define scalable motion frameworks, and strong collaboration with UX, UI, Product, Engineering, and leadership teams. You will help shape the future of real-time motion in automotive HMI, drive quality and consistency across multiple initiatives, and serve as a senior point of reference for motion design implementation in Unity.
Your Team
You'll 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.
What You Will Do

• Lead the design and implementation of high-quality motion for automotive HMI, including transitions, micro-interactions, UI behaviors, and motion systems
• Own real-time motion execution in Unity using Timeline, Animator, state machines, and VFX Graph where appropriate
• Translate UX flows and UI designs into premium motion principles that support usability, hierarchy, brand expression, and product differentiation
• Define and scale reusable motion patterns, standards, guidelines, and documentation across programs and platforms
• Partner closely with UX, UI, Product Management, and Engineering to align motion direction with product goals, technical feasibility, and embedded constraints
• Build advanced motion prototypes to validate concepts, communicate intent, and accelerate decision-making with stakeholders
• Drive animation and VFX optimization for embedded hardware performance through profiling, testing, and implementation best practices
• Provide senior-level guidance in reviews, workshops, and critiques, helping raise the overall quality bar of the team
• Mentor designers and contribute to capability building in real-time motion, Unity workflows, and motion systems thinking
• Improve internal pipelines, handoff practices, and asset organization to support scalable production and more efficient collaboration
• Contribute to strategic initiatives involving next-generation cockpit experiences, real-time prototyping, and innovation demos
• Act as a key motion design representative in cross-functional discussions, helping teams make informed decisions around implementation quality, feasibility, and design consistency

What You Need to Be Successful

• 8+ years of experience in motion design, with strong work in digital products, real-time, interactive systems, or automotive HMI
• Strong motion fundamentals including timing, transitions, composition, typography, and visual storytelling
• Advanced Unity experience implementing animation and interaction behavior in production or production-like environments, not only rendering or visualization
• Proven ability to define motion systems and reusable frameworks, not just create one-off animations
• Strong understanding of performance optimization for mobile, embedded, or real-time environments
• Proficiency with After Effects and solid knowledge of modern motion workflows across concept, prototyping, and implementation
• Familiarity with 2D and 3D pipelines and tools such as Blender or Cinema 4D for supporting assets and motion development
• Strong cross-functional communication skills, with confidence presenting to stakeholders and influencing decisions across design and engineering
• Experience mentoring others, leading reviews, and raising craft quality within a team
• Ability to operate with a high level of autonomy in ambiguous or fast-moving project environments

Bonus Points if You Have

• Deep automotive HMI experience across cluster, IVI, AR HUD, or other safety-critical interfaces
• Experience creating motion frameworks or design system guidance for large-scale product ecosystems
• Familiarity with Unity URP, HDRP, Shader Graph, and VFX Graph
• Experience integrating motion with real-time 3D scenes and interactive environments
• Exposure to prototyping methods, usability testing, or user research
• Experience contributing to innovation pitches, concept demos, or future-facing product vision work

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
• Professional Growth: Extensive training opportunities through HARMAN University's academies
• 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
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for further education and skill development through tuition reimbursement programs

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, we've 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 today's most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world's 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 you're 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. (www.harman.com)
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Pay Transparency
$ 108,750 - $ 159,500
Dependent on the position offered, other forms of compensation are also available, such as bonuses or commission.
Pay is based on a wide range of factors, including, without limitation, skill set, experience, training, location, and business need. While the above range is a reasonable estimate of the wage range for this position, please note the disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographical differential associated with the location where the position may be filled.
Benefits
HARMAN is interested in the health and wellbeing of you and your family and offers a range of benefits designed to support your needs for holistic wellbeing. Benefits and perks may vary depending on the nature of your employment with HARMAN, and may include paid vacation and holidays, paid sick leave, volunteer leave, and paid bonding and care giver leave. Employees may also be eligible to participate in comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, fertility support and adoption assistance, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan with employer match, short and long term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
About HARMAN: Where Innovation Unleashes Next-Level Technology
Ever since the 1920s, we've 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 today's most sought-after performers, while our digital transformation solutions serve humanity by addressing the world's 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 you're ready to innovate and do work that makes a lasting impact, join our talent community today!
Important Notice: Recruitment Scams
Please be aware that HARMAN recruiters will always communicate with you from an '@harman.com', '@careers.harman.com' or '@harmanglobal.avature.net' email address. We will never ask for payments, banking, credit card, personal financial information or access to your LinkedIn/email account during the screening, interview, or recruitment process. If you are asked for such information or receive communication from an email address not ending in one of the above email domains about a job with HARMAN, please cease communication immediately and report the incident to us through: harmancareers@harman.com.
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.
HARMAN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. HARMAN strives to hire the best qualified candidates and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse marketplaces and communities of our global colleagues and customers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, 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. HARMAN attracts, hires, and develops employees based on merit, qualifications and job-related performance.(www.harman.com)
HARMAN is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at harmancareers@harman.com. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.