Lead Product Designer

Our Mission:  Driving technology always feels old. Not by a little bit. We believe vehicles can be a thousand times smarter, safer, and more connected to the world around us, and our mission is to see it happen. In 2019, we joined forces with Honda as their first startup acquisition, and now we're expanding our vision into building the future of electric vehicles (BEV) for millions of people around the world.

Why Drivemode:  Drivemode is the new software and user experience division of Honda that is focused on digital experience for new electric vehicles. You will be joining an exciting startup environment that combines impactful work, competitive compensation, and excellent benefits. By becoming a part of our team, you'll contribute to our crucial mission of changing the way people engage with vehicles and help solving the world's environmental challenges. This presents an exceptional opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation and drive Honda's success in the EV market.

About the role: Drivemode is looking for a Lead Product Designer based out of our Silicon Valley Office to help define how people interact with new electric vehicles. Our designers are involved in every step of the process, from gathering data, brainstorming, prototyping, to launching end-to-end experiences with Honda's powerful hardware capabilities. As a Product Designer in our Digital Strategy Office, you'll be tasked with collaborating with various global teams in the pursuit of consolidated digital platforms for all new electric vehicles for the Honda and Acura brands. By working closely with our partners in California, the Midwest, and Asia, you will help ensure that all future products are easy to use, valuable to our customers, and crafted with a high level of execution. 

We are looking for candidates who have strong user empathy, a hunger to solve problems, and world-class communication skills. You will also help Drivemode push design thinking and process into all our product development projects globally.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Partner with various global teams in the development of new EV products for Honda and Acura
• Work with senior management and business partners in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Ohio to advise and create design best practices
• Get your hands dirty by wireframing, prototyping, and designing end-to-end product features by using data, market research, and AB Testing
• Help maintain high design standards by constantly challenging the team with thoughtful critique
• Provide effective leadership as a senior member of the design team
• Freedom to test new ideas and push boundaries

What We're Looking For:

• 6+ years of product design experience, with a focus on mobile applications and complex software
• Excellent communication and presentation skills that will allow you to defend complex design ideas, push large scale projects forward, and get buy-in from various global divisions
• Bachelor's degree in a design-related field; Master's preferred or equivalent relevant experience
• Strong background in interaction design with a great eye for layout, typography, iconography, and color
• Ability to maintain high design standards in a lean, fast-paced environment
• Advanced experience with prototyping tools
• A thoughtful web portfolio demonstrating your passion for simple, intuitive, and beautiful design

Additional Requirements:

• Business level Japanese is preferred
• 15-20% travel within the US and Asia is required, depending on the project.

Drivemode is proud of a very diverse team with employees coming from 5 continents/11 countries as of today. Diversity in our workplace has played an important part in our success; we recognize each employee's unique background, knowledge, experiences, ideas, and viewpoints which are all critical in developing a product that has the greatest impacts on drivers all over the world.

Drivemode provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristics that make you unique.