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Narrative Designer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Partner closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers ... Articulate research findings through compelling visual and narrative storytelling to influence ...

Partner closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers ... Articulate research findings through compelling visual and narrative storytelling to influence ...

Partner closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers ... Articulate research findings through compelling visual and narrative storytelling to influence ...

Envision advanced UX concepts and visual directions that shape future in-vehicle experiences, supported by storyboards, narrative flows, and compelling visual storytelling. * Produce and guide others ...

Presentation Skills Tutor

Detroit, MI ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain the principles of visual communication, narrative structure in business ... Guides students through structuring presentations with clear narratives, designing clean and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Narrative Designer information

See Michigan salary details

$30.9K

$72.5K

$95.9K

How much do narrative designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for narrative designer in Michigan is $72,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,600.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a narrative designer?

To thrive as a Narrative Designer, you need a strong background in creative writing, storytelling, and an understanding of narrative techniques, often supported by a degree in writing, game design, or a related field. Familiarity with interactive scripting tools, branching dialogue systems, and game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine is typically required. Collaboration, adaptability, and excellent communication skills are vital for working with multidisciplinary teams and incorporating feedback. These skills ensure the creation of compelling, player-centric narratives and smooth integration of story elements within interactive media.

What is a narrative designer?

A Narrative Designer is responsible for shaping the story, dialogue, and overall storytelling experience in a game. They collaborate with writers, game designers, and other developers to ensure that narrative elements integrate seamlessly with gameplay. Unlike traditional writers, they focus on how story interacts with mechanics, level design, and player choices. Their work involves character development, world-building, and ensuring consistency in the game's narrative structure.

What are common collaborative responsibilities for a narrative designer within a game development team?

Narrative Designers regularly work alongside game designers, artists, and programmers to ensure that story elements align with gameplay mechanics and visual storytelling. They often participate in brainstorming sessions, review narrative implementation in-game, and revise scripts based on team feedback. Effective cross-department collaboration is key, as the narrative must support and enhance the overall player experience while fitting technical and design limitations. This collaborative environment requires strong communication and a willingness to iterate on ideas based on input from various team members.

How to get into narrative designer?

To become a narrative designer, develop strong storytelling skills, a background in creative writing or game design, and proficiency with tools like Twine or Ink. Gaining experience through internships, creating a portfolio of writing samples, and understanding game development processes can improve your chances of entering the field.

How much are narrative designers paid?

Narrative designers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the company. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working on AAA titles can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.

What does a narrative designer do?

A narrative designer creates and develops storylines, dialogue, and world-building elements for video games or interactive media. They collaborate with writers, designers, and developers to ensure the story aligns with gameplay and engages players, often using tools like scripting languages or narrative design software.

Do you need a degree to be a narrative designer?

A degree is not strictly required to become a narrative designer, but many employers prefer candidates with a background in creative writing, game design, or related fields. Strong storytelling skills, a portfolio of writing samples, and experience with tools like Twine or dialogue systems are often more important than formal education.
What are the most commonly searched types of Narrative Designer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Narrative Designer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Narrative Designer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Narrative Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Narrative Designer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,471 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Color & Material Designer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.


Join us in shaping the future of Ford Motor Company, as part of a global organization with exceptional colleagues in world-class facilities. As part ofFord Design, you'll be at the cutting edge of Ford's most strategically critical work, designing people and society's needs into the heart of our next generation of products, services, and experiences.ย 
Join our Color & Material team to lead design for current and future customers of the Ford brands product line up, including Battery Electric Vehicle, Commercial vehicles, Trucks, Compact trucks, Icons, Passenger vehicle/utilities, Luxury, and Emerging Markets.


In this position...ย 
Our Color & Material Designer creates, curates, and delivers Color, Material and Finish (CMF) solutions that influence and enhance the current automotive landscape. This role is responsible in specifying all CMF applications on the exterior and interior of the vehicles that bring a distinct look and experience to the automobile.

This position will be located in Dearborn, MI and will be in office 4 days/week.

What you'll do...

  • Creates, curates, and delivers Color, Material and Finish (CMF) solutions and specifies all CMF applications on the exterior and interior of the vehicles.
  • Ideate and create overall CMF design using concepts that embody a creative narrative, advanced functionality, and innovative user experience.
  • Ensure integration of complex CMF into the overall vehicle design and alignment with cross-functional teams across all stages of design.
  • Collaborate with external vendors and internal teams to translate new designs into visual samples to validate feasibility and functionality.
  • Partner with teammates in analysis of future consumer trends to identify brand relevant CMF narratives that inform cutting-edge CMF design solutions.
  • Develop digital and physical CMF presentations that embody the creative narrative and accurately depict design intent.
  • Supports all program timing, ensuring program and project deliverables are met within the program targets. ย 


You'll have... ย 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Color and Material Design or any other related discipline.
  • Minimum 2 year of related work experience with a Master's degree or 5 years of related work experience with a Bachelor's degree.
  • Automotive CMF Design experience preferred
  • 3D visualization skills
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with diverse disciplines.
  • Highly collaborative and proactive both internally and externally.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in a wide range of formats for presenting future design strategies.
  • Knowledge of the Colors and Materials design process.
  • Must be self-motivated, adaptable, flexible, and able to multi-task.
  • Demonstrated understanding of color theory (hue, value, chroma, etc.).
  • Proficient in Adobe Suit tools (i.e. Photoshop, Illustrator, VRED) and Microsoft Suit tools (i.e. PowerPoint, Excel)
  • Experience leveraging generative AI tools to accelerate early-stage design ideation.
  • Demonstrated capability in strategy creation and stewarding, with the ability to guide long-term design visions from initial concept through to successful implementation.
  • Knowledge of materials innovation and emerging technologies.
  • Proven experience in color development.
  • Strong capability in trend-based research and forecasting, with the ability to synthesize insights from into actionable CMF strategies.
  • Portfolio of your workย 
    ย 

Even better, you may have...

  • Master's Degree (preferred) in Industrial Design, Color and Material Design or any other related discipline
  • Expertise and knowledge of 3D prototyping, property builds, etc.
  • Working level knowledge of fabrics and trims associated with the development process.ย 

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!ย 
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:ย 
Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverageย 
Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and moreย 
Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and moreย 
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leasesย 
Tuition assistanceย 
Established and active employee resource groupsย 
Paid time off for individual and team community serviceย 
A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Dayย 
Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

This position is a salary grade 6-8 and ranges from $74,300-$166,200.ย 
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.ย 
For more information on salary and benefits, click here:https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

This position is hybrid. Candidates who are in commuting distance to a Ford hub location may be required to be onsite four or more days per week. ย 
#LI-Hybrid ย #DesignTeam ย #LI-LS1ย 


Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982