UX Engineer

Worldwide, the Volkswagen Group has a long tradition of dramatic innovations. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The Group comprises twelve brands from seven European countries: Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN.Brief Role DescriptionThe ICC focuses on research and development of leading-edge technologies with the goal to meet the future mobility needs of the Volkswagen Group customer. The ICC also works to test and validate North American vehicle systems to improve and localize those products for the market.Usability (“UX”) work at the ICC has always spanned these diverse goals of the ICC teams. Our value as UX designer to the ICC is to support the customer experience at all stages of the product development process, from blue-sky concept ideation to benchmark usability testing of our products on market versus competitors’ products. The goal of the ICC UX program centers on a core aspect of the ICC’s mission statement: “improving the customer experience.”Role ResponsibilitiesUsability Program Development and Management To sustainably bring ideas to lifeDefines scope, timeline, and deliverablesTracks project timeline and resourcesAligns individual goals with team goals, and ICC vision/missionHelps to contribute to the ICC design specific cluster performance metrics.Drives work with Team Leaders at ICC to insert best-practices UX into team roadmapsDrive the work with partners across the Brands and Volkswagen Group to standardize and improve UXTransfers actionable improvements for improving customer experience to the relevant parties within Volkswagen GroupPresents project/progress reports and presentations to top management, mentors, partners, and project affiliates.Initiates, organizes and leads management, PR, and Lobbying meetings at the ICCRepresents Volkswagen Group at conferences, regulatory authorities, and the mediaNetwork Development Secures internal project funding for initiatives from the Brands and Volkswagen GroupExpands network between Volkswagen Group and local Tier 1, Tier 2, and UniversitiesDevelops supplier network with local Silicon Valley companiesResource Management Helps to strategically organize personnel around usability activities at ICCFacilitates networking opportunities for team membersProvides research, design, and engineering skill development opportunities for group membersManages internal/external project budget and resources for team, grows own sub-businessStrategic Management Secures intellectual property and develops roadmaps with an automotive focusManages portfolio of intellectual property in the fieldLeads research and development activities to improve vehicle systems across all functionsProvides a Research and Development focusQualification requirementsYears of Experience: Minimum years of experience neededBachelor’s Degree and at least 5 years of experience in UX Design (or equivalent)EducationRequiredDesiredBachelor’s Degree in DesignMFA in DesignSkills: General skills needed to perform the jobCommunication skillsProblem solving skillsCreate Concepts from Scratch that solve a human problem or needAnalytical skillsConceptual thinking skillsComputer savvyExcellent knowledge of UX research methods and advanced statistical analysisIntegration - joining people, processes or systemsBroad knowledge of full vehicle interrelationshipsVerbal and writing skillsAdvanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Proto.ioSpecialized Skills: Knowledge or certifications unique to this roleRequiredDesiredProven experience supporting all stages of the product design process to create from scratch to final product.High level of engagement and self-initiativeFocus on customer orientationWorking to solve complex problems in UX design to address internal and external customer needsStrong storytelling abilities when laying out workStrong communication skills, problem solving abilities, and influencing and negotiation skillsStrong UX and Human Factors methods expertiseProven leadership skills and project management experience in interdisciplinary and inter-organizational teamsDetailed knowledge of specific usability issues and human factors issues around vehicle interfacesWork Flexibility: Physical requirements, travel requirements, work schedule, etc.International and domestic travel to meet with internal/external partners Travel for internal and external shows for communication of project progress, results, and transfer#LI-CK1CompetenciesAct as an ownerBe a pioneerHandle complexityLive integrity & compliancePerform togetherThink aheadVolkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.This role description is a guideline and does not create contractual rights between the Company and any of its applicants. The Company does not enter into any type of employment contract, implied or written, with its applicants regarding job security.This Organization participates in E-Verify. We maintain a drug free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.