About this role
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 Description The 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 Responsibilities Usability Program Development and Management To sustainably bring ideas to life Defines scope, timeline, and deliverables Tracks project timeline and resources Aligns individual goals with team goals, and ICC vision/mission Helps to contribute to the ICC design specific cluster performance metrics. Drives work with Team Leaders at ICC to insert best-practices UX into team roadmaps Drive the work with partners across the Brands and Volkswagen Group to standardize and improve UX Transfers actionable improvements for improving customer experience to the relevant parties within Volkswagen Group Presents project/progress reports and presentations to top management, mentors, partners, and project affiliates. Initiates, organizes and leads management, PR, and Lobbying meetings at the ICC Represents Volkswagen Group at conferences, regulatory authorities, and the media Network Development Secures internal project funding for initiatives from the Brands and Volkswagen Group Expands network between Volkswagen Group and local Tier 1, Tier 2, and Universities Develops supplier network with local Silicon Valley companies Resource Management Helps to strategically organize personnel around usability activities at ICC Facilitates networking opportunities for team members Provides research, design, and engineering skill development opportunities for group members Manages internal/external project budget and resources for team, grows own sub-business Strategic Management Secures intellectual property and develops roadmaps with an automotive focus Manages portfolio of intellectual property in the field Leads research and development activities to improve vehicle systems across all functions Provides a Research and Development focus Qualification requirements Years of Experience: Minimum years of experience needed Bachelor’s Degree and at least 5 years of experience in UX Design (or equivalent) Education Required Desired Bachelor’s Degree in Design MFA in Design Skills: General skills needed to perform the job Communication skills Problem solving skills Create Concepts from Scratch that solve a human problem or need Analytical skills Conceptual thinking skills Computer savvy Excellent knowledge of UX research methods and advanced statistical analysis Integration - joining people, processes or systems Broad knowledge of full vehicle interrelationships Verbal and writing skills Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Proto.io Specialized Skills: Knowledge or certifications unique to this role Required Desired Proven experience supporting all stages of the product design process to create from scratch to final product. High level of engagement and self-initiative Focus on customer orientation Working to solve complex problems in UX design to address internal and external customer needs Strong storytelling abilities when laying out work Strong communication skills, problem solving abilities, and influencing and negotiation skills Strong UX and Human Factors methods expertise Proven leadership skills and project management experience in interdisciplinary and inter-organizational teams Detailed knowledge of specific usability issues and human factors issues around vehicle interfaces Work 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-CK1 Competencies Act as an owner Be a pioneer Handle complexity Live integrity & compliance Perform together Think ahead Volkswagen 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.