Senior Lead Content Designer Job at CARIAD in Mountain View

We are CARIAD, an automotive software development team with the Volkswagen Group. Our mission is to make the automotive experience safer, more sustainable, more comfortable, more digital, and more fun. To achieve that we are building the leading tech stack for the automotive industry and creating a unified software platform for over 10 million new vehicles per year. We’re looking for talented, digital minds like you to help us create code that moves the world. Together with you, we’ll build outstanding digital experiences and products for all Volkswagen Group brands that will transform mobility. Join us as we shape the future of the car and everyone around it.

Role Summary:

As the Senior Lead Content Designer, you will be a cornerstone in the SDV UX Group, crafting compelling and clear content strategies that engage and inform users across various digital touchpoints in our vehicles. Your work will ensure that content is not only an integral user interface aspect but also a significant driver of the overall user experience, providing clarity, context, and engagement in highly technical and innovative products.

At Cariad, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of automotive experiences, working with some of the most iconic brands in the industry. You will be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of software-defined vehicles. We offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment, competitive compensation, and the chance to make a significant impact on the future of mobility.

Role Responsibilities:

Design & Development

• Develop and lead the content strategy for Cariad's reference design for in-car digital UX, mobile applications, and web platforms associated with our software-defined vehicles.
• Drive the creation of user-focused content, including UI texts, help articles, and interactive tutorials, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
• Lead the design of text-forward features such as first-time user experience, help and service interaction, learning center, over the air update communications strategy, etc.
• Establish a unified voice and tone guidelines that reflect Cariad’s brand and are adaptable to various VW Group brands.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and incorporate best practices in automotive UX content, particularly in the areas of AI-driven interfaces and adaptive content systems.

Content Management

• As the team grows, mentor and lead a team of content designers, setting high standards for quality and innovation.
• Evaluate the impact of content through usability testing and user feedback, adjusting strategies as needed to improve user comprehension and retention.
• Develop and maintain localization guidelines to ensure consistency and cultural relevance across different markets.

General Skills:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team and drive projects with a partnership-driven mindset.
• Experience in leading a cross-functional team, with a focus on mentoring and developing talent.
• Collaborate and work with multiple teams across geographies and time zones.

Required Specialized Skills:

• Serve as the subject matter expert for content strategies for software-focused development processes.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating a track record of leading content strategy in complex systems, preferably in the automotive or related industries.
• Experience in developing UI/UX internal tools for design, development, and branding purposes.
• Experience in building reference design for digital, mobile, and web-based content
• Ability to incorporate designs and translate them into technical specifications for engineering teams.

Desired Skills:

• Fluency in English; proficiency in at least one other language is a plus.

Workplace Flexibility:

• Calls, (virtual) meetings & workshops (overlapping with German/US business hours as needed) to align with leadership and development teams.
• Occasional international and domestic travel to provide on-site support and planning/integration workshops with our internal and external stakeholders.

Years of Relevant Experience:

• 10+ years’ experience in content strategy and design within a tech-forward environment
• 3+ years’ experience in a leadership role

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Communication, Journalism, UX Design, or a related field.

Desired Education:

• Master's degree in Communication, Journalism, UX Design, or a related field.

Compensation

Salary range is dependent on factors such as geographical differentials, credentials or certifications, industry-based experience, qualification and training. In the city of Mountain View, California, the salary range for this position is $149,000 - 193,500.

CARIAD, Inc. provides performance based merits and annual bonus along with a competitive benefits package. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k with employer match and defined contribution plan, short and long term disability, basic life and AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment plans, maternity and non-primary caregiver leave, adoption assistance, employee referral program and vacation and paid holidays. We also offer a unique vehicle lease program that covers registration and insurance fees.

CARIAD 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.