Industrial Designer for Car Audio

About the Role

Are you ready to spearhead the transformation of automotive audio experiences with Bang & Olufsen, a paragon of audio excellence? Join us on an exhilarating journey where your creative vision will drive the future of in-car sound for the prestigious brands of Harman and our distinguished partners.

In this pivotal role within the Bang & Olufsen Industrial Design Experience Team, you will lead innovative design initiatives, crafting the evolution of automotive audio from concept to reality. You will be at the center of collaboration among industry leaders, engaging directly with customer business units and establishing robust relationships with key clients.

As an Industrial Designer, you will guide projects that integrate the exceptional aesthetics and sound of Bang & Olufsen with Harman's cutting-edge technology to deliver superior automotive audio experiences. You are expected to foster strong partnerships with the Bang & Olufsen brand team, engineering leads, and marketing experts to ensure a cohesive product vision and execution. Your mission will involve delivering compelling, holistic car audio experiences that captivate drivers and passengers alike, elevating every journey with meticulously designed soundscapes.

In addition to overseeing the development and refinement of design concepts, you will ensure they align with both Harman's and our partners' brand values and business objectives. Your role will also involve mentoring and inspiring a team of designers, encouraging innovative approaches and solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible in automotive audio design.

We are looking for a visionary creative, ready to challenge norms and innovate within the automotive audio space. You should have extensive experience in industrial design, preferably in automotive or audio systems, and a proven track record in managing high-profile collaborative projects. An exceptional ability to communicate concepts and ideas effectively, both visually and verbally, across diverse teams and with clients is crucial.

Embrace the unique challenge of melding Harman's premium brands into unforgettable automotive experiences. Your creativity and leadership will not only shape the future of car audio but also define the legacy of quality and innovation that Harman and Bang & Olufsen are known for.

What You Will Do

• Spearhead the development and promotion of Harman's esteemed audio brands, particularly Bang & Olufsen, reinforcing their prestige in the automotive industry.
• Lead and execute industrial design projects from inception to completion, delivering compelling and strategic presentations to key stakeholders.
• Translate Harman's diverse brand portfolio into unified and immersive car audio design experiences, ensuring alignment with overall brand values.
• Facilitate collaboration among design teams and stakeholders across various locations, streamlining communication and project efficacy.
• Innovate and conceptualize new car audio experiences that showcase the premium nature of Harman's brands, setting industry benchmarks.
• Critically assess, refine, and evolve existing brand design guidelines to maintain and enhance brand integrity.
• Define and implement unique design languages for each brand, strategically positioning them as leaders in the competitive automotive audio market.
• Mentor and lead cross-functional teams, fostering an environment of creativity and continuous improvement in design practices.

What You Need

• BA or certificate in Industrial Design, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial design, with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in product development.
• Proficient in Rhino CAD Modeling and Adobe Creative Suite, with a strong understanding of the Grasshopper plugin for Rhinoceros 3D.
• Strong understanding of material costs, finishes, manufacturing processes, and assembly methods.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively convey ideas through sketches, models, and renderings.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and incorporate brand values into car audio design experiences.
• Experience in adapting and creating brand-related design languages specifically for car interiors.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly to stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a proven ability to work independently and lead projects to completion.
• Strategic understanding of design concepts and the application of design thinking to solve complex problems.
• Ability to apply logical structures to collaboration efforts, enhancing team efficiency and project outcomes.
• Experienced in engaging directly with stakeholders, providing insights and integrating feedback into design processes.

What is Nice to Have

• Proven ability to drive projects to completion, demonstrating a results-oriented approach and leadership in team settings.
• Outgoing and influential, with a passion for design and an excellent sense of humor, capable of energizing and motivating the team.
• Advanced proficiency in English; multilingual capabilities are highly valued, enhancing communication in diverse teams.
• Skilled in handling high-pressure situations with poise and decisiveness, ensuring project timelines and quality standards are met.
• Demonstrated passion for music, leveraging this enthusiasm to innovate and inspire unique design solutions for audio products.
• Capable of mentoring junior designers, fostering their professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.
• Strategic thinker, with the ability to align design initiatives with broader business goals and stakeholder expectations.

What Makes You Eligible

• Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically or internationally.
• Remote work with occasional trips to the Novi office (1-2 times a week) with notice.
• Successful completion of background investigation and drug screen.
• Clean driving record with no more than 4 active points for moving violations in the last 10 years.

What We Offer

• Flexible work environment with remote work options.
• Employee discounts on Harman and Samsung products.
• Extensive training opportunities through HARMAN University.
• Competitive wellness benefits.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Access to HARMAN Campus Fitness Center and Cafeteria.
• Inclusive and diverse work environment fostering professional and personal development.

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