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 • Translate trends, market shifts, and consumer behaviors into future mobility concepts and business implications • 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 DevelopmentCreate innovative experience strategies that enhance future vehicle and mobility competitiveness • Support future product and lineup concept development initiatives • Identify opportunities across physical, digital, software-driven, and ambient customer experiences • Collaborate with Product Planners, Engineers, UX teams, and Interior/Exterior/CMF Designers to integrate holistic experience solutions into future product concepts • Help shape future Honda and Acura customer experiences through strategic mobility concepts • Support strategy development that may influence future lineup proposals • Translate customer insights into tangible design and business recommendations • Concept Visualization & PrototypingVisualize 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, proof-of-concept development, and concept communication in collaborative workshop environments • Qualifications • 2–5 years of hands-on experience leading strategic brand, product, customer experience, or innovation initiatives • 2+ years of experience in areas such as: Market Research, Strategic Planning, Brand Consulting, Product Planning, UX Research, Innovation Strategy, or Future Mobility 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 SkillsStrong ability to connect business, technology, and customer experience strategy • Ability to synthesize large concepts into actionable business implications • Curious, insightful, and future-focused mindset • Comfortable working across strategy, technology, and creative disciplines • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Teams, and Outlook • Strong visual storytelling and presentation development skills 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 QualificationsAutomotive 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 • Backgrounds in product strategy, UX strategy, software/product strategy, industrial design, or innovation strategy strongly considered