Analyst - UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Analyst - UX

Company: United Airlines

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UX/UI Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-04

Experience Level: 1-3 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the strategic design and implementation of user-centered experiences across United Airlines' digital platforms, ensuring seamless functionality and high user satisfaction.

• Responsibilities include creating wireframes, prototypes, and interaction designs, with a strong emphasis on responsive and accessible design principles.

• The Analyst will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, research, visual design, and engineering, to translate user needs and business objectives into effective digital solutions.

• A key aspect of this role involves contributing to and maintaining design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability across enterprise-level applications and platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Analyst - UX" title, combined with the 1+ years of experience requirement and the description of responsibilities, indicates an entry-level to junior analyst position within the UX/UI Design Operations function. The focus on "digital platforms" and "enterprise-level applications" suggests involvement in core customer-facing or internal operational tools, requiring a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and their application in a large corporate environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop wireframes, interactive prototypes, and detailed user flows that effectively address identified user pain points and business requirements.

• Ensure all digital designs adhere to user-centered design principles, compliance standards, and accessibility requirements (e.g., WCAG AA), optimizing for various devices and viewports.

• Collaborate with UX Copywriting to craft clear, consistent, and brand-aligned microcopy across all user touchpoints to enhance the overall user experience.

• Partner with UX Research to gather user insights, translate them into actionable design decisions, and validate design effectiveness through prototyping and testing.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of scalable and valuable design systems, ensuring consistency in UI elements and interaction patterns across applications.

• Work closely with product managers, visual designers, engineers, and other stakeholders to champion user needs and ensure design solutions align with business objectives.

• Actively participate in agile development environments, iterating on designs based on feedback, testing results, and evolving project requirements.

• Document design specifications, style guides, and interaction guidelines to ensure clear communication and accurate implementation by development teams.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in UX/UI design, generative AI, and accessibility to identify opportunities for innovation.

• Provide and solicit constructive feedback within the UX team, fostering a collaborative environment for continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with a significant emphasis on collaboration and documentation. The mention of "enterprise-level applications and platforms" suggests that the Analyst will be involved in projects with broad impact across United Airlines, requiring an understanding of how to balance user needs with complex business logic and technical constraints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience in UX/UI Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, or a related field.

Experience: 1+ years of experience in a digital design role within a cross-functional team environment, with a proven track record of delivering effective user experiences.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of responsive design principles, UX heuristics, and cross-platform design strategies.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Protopie, Framer, or similar.

• Ability to synthesize user and stakeholder feedback, alongside research findings, into actionable design decisions and recommendations.

• Skill in rapidly generating and iterating on design ideas to explore multiple solutions.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design choices and rationale to diverse audiences.

• Solid understanding of information architecture, content strategy, and UX writing principles.

• Experience creating and maintaining design systems to ensure UI consistency and scalability.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG AA) and inclusive design practices.

• Familiarity with front-end development technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and their implications for design feasibility.

• Experience working within agile development methodologies and iterative workflows.

• Ability to scope and prioritize work effectively across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience conducting user research, usability testing, and analyzing user data to inform design.

• Knowledge of analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Quantum) for data-driven design decisions.

• Understanding of communication strategies and their impact on user engagement.

• Familiarity with SEO principles and their relation to user experience.

• Demonstrated understanding of generative AI capabilities and limitations, with the ability to leverage these tools responsibly for research, analysis, and content creation, while adhering to company policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred skills suggests that while core design competencies are essential, experience with user research, data analysis, and emerging technologies like generative AI will significantly enhance a candidate's profile. The emphasis on agile and front-end familiarity points to a need for pragmatic designers who can work closely with development teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 distinct UX/UI design projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of user-centered design principles and problem-solving.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, user research conducted, design process, key design decisions, and the final outcome.

• Include examples of wireframes, interactive prototypes, user flows, and final UI designs.

• Demonstrate experience with responsive design and how designs adapt across different devices.

• Highlight contributions to or utilization of design systems, showcasing an understanding of consistency and scalability. Process Documentation:

• Present case studies that detail the user research methodologies employed, including how insights were gathered and translated into design solutions.

• Illustrate the iterative design process, showing how feedback and testing informed design revisions.

• Provide examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., product managers, developers, researchers) and how these collaborations impacted the design process.

• Clearly communicate the impact of your design solutions, using metrics or qualitative feedback where possible to demonstrate improvements in user satisfaction, task completion, or business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design process, explaining their rationale and the impact of their work. The emphasis on "enterprise-level applications" means showcasing projects with complexity and demonstrating an understanding of how design fits within larger business goals is highly beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $73,150.00 - $95,224.00 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Life, Accident & Disability insurance coverage.

• Generous Parental Leave policy.

• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support.

• Commuter benefits to assist with transportation costs.

• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) for work-life balance.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contributions.

• Flight privileges for employees and potentially their families.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to the US market and reflects an Analyst-level position within the tech/design field. The extensive benefits package offered by United Airlines is competitive and aims to support employee well-being, financial security, and work-life integration, including unique perks like flight privileges relevant to the airline industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aviation / Transportation Technology. United Airlines operates within the highly competitive and regulated airline industry, leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, operational efficiency, and safety. The digital transformation efforts are critical for maintaining market leadership and adapting to evolving traveler expectations.

Company Size: Large Enterprise. As a major global airline, United Airlines employs a vast number of individuals across various departments, indicating a complex organizational structure with numerous opportunities for specialization and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: 1926. With a long history, United Airlines has a rich heritage and a deep understanding of the aviation landscape, now focusing on modernizing its digital presence and technological infrastructure.

Team Structure:

• The Digital Technology team is a significant division within United Airlines, housing specialized groups like UX/UI Design Operations.

• This UX Analyst will likely be part of a dedicated UX/UI team, reporting to a UX Manager or Lead, and collaborating closely with Product Management, Engineering, and UX Research.

• The team structure emphasizes cross-functional partnerships to ensure seamless integration of design into the product development lifecycle. Methodology:

• United's Digital Technology team likely employs agile methodologies for product development, emphasizing iterative design and development cycles.

• A strong focus on data analytics and user insights is expected to drive design decisions and measure the effectiveness of digital solutions.

• Process optimization and continuous improvement are key to enhancing user experiences on a large scale.

Company Website: https://www.united.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a large, established airline like United Airlines suggests a dynamic environment where design plays a crucial role in modernizing services and operations. The UX Analyst will need to navigate a complex corporate structure while championing user-centric design principles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Analyst - UX. This role represents an early-career position within the User Experience discipline. It is designed for individuals with foundational knowledge and practical experience who are looking to grow their skills in a structured, professional environment. The focus is on executing design tasks, contributing to team projects, and learning from senior team members.

Reporting Structure: The UX Analyst will likely report to a UX Design Manager or a Senior UX Designer, who will provide guidance, mentorship, and oversee project assignments. They will be part of a larger UX or Digital Technology team, interacting regularly with Product Managers, UX Researchers, and Software Engineers.

Operations Impact: The UX Analyst's work directly impacts the usability and satisfaction of United Airlines' digital platforms. By creating intuitive and efficient user experiences, they contribute to customer loyalty, operational efficiency (for internal tools), and the overall brand perception of United Airlines in the digital space.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, such as interaction design, user research, accessibility, or design systems.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior UX Designer, Lead UX Designer, or management roles within the UX team or broader Digital Technology organization.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various departments, understanding different business functions and how UX integrates into them.

• Learning & Development: Access to training, workshops, conferences, and potentially mentorship programs to enhance design skills and industry knowledge.

• Generative AI Integration: Opportunity to develop expertise in leveraging generative AI tools for design, a rapidly growing field.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a solid foundation for a career in UX/UI design operations within a major corporation. The growth path is clear, with opportunities for specialization and advancement, supported by the company's commitment to employee development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This position is based at the United Airlines office in Chicago, Illinois, indicating a traditional office setting that encourages in-person collaboration and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, United States. This location provides access to a major metropolitan hub with extensive amenities and transportation options.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, likely featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated quiet zones for focused work.

• Access to up-to-date design tools, software, and hardware is expected, supporting the creation of high-fidelity prototypes and designs.

• Opportunities for spontaneous discussions and feedback sessions with colleagues are inherent in an on-site environment, which can accelerate the design process.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, typically during regular business hours. While core hours are expected, there may be some flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements, but the role is primarily office-based.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for collaborative workflows and team synergy that is best achieved through in-person interaction. Candidates should be prepared for a structured office environment that supports team-based design initiatives.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios for basic qualifications and fit.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of their work. This may involve a live design exercise or a deep dive into past projects.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with product managers, engineers, or other designers to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and understanding of the product development lifecycle.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion with the hiring manager to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with team culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio around compelling narratives for each project, clearly outlining the challenge, your role, your process, and the results.

• Showcase Process: Don't just present final designs; include sketches, wireframes, user flows, research insights, and iterations to demonstrate your thinking.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data, metrics, or user feedback to demonstrate the effectiveness and business value of your designs.

• Tailor to United: Research United Airlines' digital presence, understand their user base, and highlight projects that align with their industry and potential challenges.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and that your explanations are clear and to the point.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges that may assess your problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, and how you approach undefined problems.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, explaining the trade-offs and decisions you make.

• Understand how to incorporate feedback and iterate on a design concept quickly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and its impact. Demonstrating strong collaborative skills and an understanding of how UX fits into a large, complex organization like United Airlines will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expected to be a primary tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in its core features, component libraries, and collaboration workflows is essential.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop and Illustrator, likely used for image editing, asset creation, and potentially more complex visual design tasks.

• Protopie / Framer: Tools for creating high-fidelity, interactive prototypes to simulate complex user interactions and animations, essential for testing and stakeholder presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics: Familiarity with web analytics tools to understand user behavior, track key metrics, and inform design decisions.

• Quantum (or similar internal analytics platforms): Understanding how to access and interpret data from internal analytics systems to measure the impact of UX improvements.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX designs integrate with customer data and potentially CRM functionalities is beneficial.

• Design Systems Tools: Tools or platforms used for managing and distributing design system components (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook, or Figma's built-in capabilities).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern UX design and prototyping tools is non-negotiable. The mention of analytics tools and the potential for internal platforms highlights the data-driven nature of the role, requiring the analyst to connect design decisions to measurable outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value that places the user's needs and experience at the forefront of all design decisions.

• Collaboration: Emphasizing teamwork, open communication, and shared problem-solving across disciplines.

• Innovation: Encouraging the exploration of new ideas, technologies, and approaches to create cutting-edge digital experiences.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing the use of research, analytics, and feedback to inform and validate design choices.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Commitment to designing products that are usable and accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Working closely with product managers to understand requirements, engineers to ensure feasibility, and researchers to gather insights.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: Regularly sharing work-in-progress, soliciting feedback, and incorporating it into subsequent design iterations.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team discussions, sharing learnings, and contributing to a collective understanding of UX best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at United Airlines' Digital Technology team likely reflects a blend of corporate structure and a forward-thinking approach to technology. The UX Analyst should be prepared to work in a team that values both rigorous process and creative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Constraints: Navigating complex airline industry regulations, legacy systems, and business objectives while advocating for optimal user experiences.

• Scalability and Consistency: Ensuring design consistency and a high-quality user experience across a vast array of digital platforms and touchpoints for millions of users.

• Adopting New Technologies: Integrating emerging technologies like generative AI into design workflows while ensuring responsible and effective use.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Effectively communicating and aligning diverse stakeholder needs and priorities to achieve cohesive design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Training: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, or courses focused on advanced UX techniques, accessibility, or specific design tools.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend UX and technology conferences to stay updated on industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced UX professionals within United Airlines for guidance and career advice.

• Exposure to AI in Design: Developing practical skills in utilizing generative AI tools for design ideation, content creation, and workflow optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a UX role in a large, established company. The growth opportunities are robust, offering a clear path for professional development and skill enhancement, particularly in areas like AI integration.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a user-centered design decision that conflicted with business goals. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your persuasion skills, data-backed arguments, and negotiation tactics).

• "How do you approach designing for accessibility, and what are some common pitfalls to avoid?" (Demonstrate knowledge of WCAG, inclusive design principles, and practical application).

• "Walk us through your process for designing a new feature for a mobile application. What steps do you take from concept to final handoff?" (Detail your research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and collaboration phases). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for United Airlines, specifically within our Digital Technology team?" (Show research into the company's mission, digital initiatives, and industry challenges).

• "How do you handle constructive feedback on your designs, especially from non-designers?" (Emphasize your openness to feedback, ability to understand different perspectives, and iterative approach).

• "Describe a project where you had to collaborate closely with engineers. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure a smooth implementation?" (Highlight your communication skills, understanding of technical constraints, and teamwork). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, with a clear introduction, detailed case studies, and a concluding summary.

• Focus on Process: For each project, emphasize how you arrived at the solution, not just the final outcome. Use visuals to illustrate your journey.

• Quantify Results: If possible, present metrics or user feedback that demonstrate the positive impact of your designs.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions thoughtfully and engage in a discussion about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only possesses strong design skills but also understands how to apply them effectively within a large corporate structure, collaborate with diverse teams, and articulate the value of UX to business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the United Airlines careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate experience with responsive design, accessibility, and potentially complex enterprise applications. Showcase your process for problem-solving and iterative design.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your UX/UI design experience, proficiency in relevant tools (Figma, Adobe Suite, Protopie), and understanding of UX principles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your rationale for key decisions, and preparing to discuss specific projects from your portfolio in detail. Research United Airlines' current digital offerings.

• Company Research: Understand United Airlines' mission, values, and recent digital initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and approach align with their goals and culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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