Design Strategist

We are seeking an Experience Design Strategist to join a leading global automotive company in Torrance, CA. This role will develop innovative brand, product, and digital experience strategies that strengthen market competitiveness and create meaningful connections with next-generation customers.

The ideal candidate brings a blend of strategic thinking, research, storytelling, and visualization skills to identify emerging mobility opportunities and help shape future vehicle and customer experiences through cross-functional collaboration with Product Planning, Engineering, UX, and Design teams.

Responsibilities

Advanced Research & Storytelling

Lead advanced research initiatives focused on emerging user values, future mobility behaviors, technologies, and market trends

Conduct both qualitative and quantitative market and customer research using methodologies such as segmentation studies, surveys, focus groups, ethnography, and auto clinics

Analyze and synthesize complex data into compelling, actionable, and story-driven strategic insights

Utilize AI tools and data visualization techniques to support strategic research and concept development

Develop presentations and visual storytelling materials for executive and stakeholder reviews

Experience Strategy & Concept Development

Create innovative experience strategies that enhance future vehicle and mobility competitiveness

Identify new opportunities across physical and digital customer experiences

Collaborate with Product Planners, Engineers, UX teams, and Interior/Exterior/CMF Designers to integrate holistic experience solutions into future product concepts

Support strategic vision development for future mobility ecosystems and customer touchpoints

Translate customer insights into tangible design and business recommendations

Concept Visualization & Prototyping

Visualize strategic concepts using advanced design and visualization tools

Develop dynamic presentations and experiential content through XR/VR/AR, 2D/3D animation, motion graphics, and video creation

Partner with Prototype and Visualization teams to bring strategic concepts into physical and digital prototype experiences

Support rapid ideation and concept communication in collaborative workshop environments

Qualifications

3 years of hands-on experience leading strategic brand, product, or customer experience initiatives

5 years of experience in areas such as:

Market Research

Strategic Planning

Brand Consulting

Product Planning

UX Research

BA/BS degree in UX Design, Industrial Design, Transportation Design, Social Science, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field preferred

Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of degree

Experience working in agile, fast-paced, and highly collaborative environments

Strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies

Required Skills

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook

Strong visual storytelling and presentation development skills are required

Experience with design and visualization software including: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), Figma, Blender

Familiarity with AI-powered creative and productivity tools including: Midjourney, ChatGPT / Copilot, Sora, Runway AI

Experience with analytics and research tools such as: Tableau, Power BI, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey

Experience with collaborative ideation platforms including: Miro, Mural, FigJam

Preferred Qualifications

Automotive industry experience preferred

Experience developing future mobility or transportation concepts

Familiarity with digital experience ecosystems, connected products, and emerging mobility technologies

Strong communication, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills

Ability to transform complex insights into compelling strategic narratives and customer-centric solutions

Type: Contract

Rate: $40 W2

Duration: 12 months

Location: Torrance, CA (onsite)