UX/UI Designer - Integrated Connected Product Team at Trek

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer - Integrated Connected Product Team

Company: Trek

Location: Waterloo, Wisconsin, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design, UX/UI Design, Digital Product Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-11T00:00:00

Experience Level: Mid-Level (Likely 2-5 years based on description)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

Drive the user experience and user interface design for Trek's innovative electronic and digital bike products, focusing on integrated connected experiences.
Translate complex system requirements and user needs into intuitive and effective digital interfaces for riders, dealers, and internal stakeholders.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams (mechanical, firmware, software) to ensure seamless integration of digital design into physical products.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of a consistent visual and interaction design system across the Trek Bicycle digital product ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title and description strongly suggest this is a Mid-Level position requiring a blend of hands-on design execution, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to manage project tracks independently. The focus on integrated connected products indicates a need for experience in both hardware and software interface design.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Lead user experience projects, spanning research, ideation, design, and testing, often on complex initiatives involving multiple business domains.
Design the visual and interactive aspects of product user interfaces, working in tandem with mechanical and firmware engineers and user interface developers.
Develop and maintain visual controls and documentation to track project status and alignment with the Global Trek Bike digital product roadmap.
Transform system requirements, software specifications, and use cases into tangible design artifacts such as mockups, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs.
Iterate on designs based on feedback from cross-functional teams, clearly articulating design decisions and their implications for software implementation.
Design user experiences for various digital touchpoints, including mobile applications, web interfaces, and embedded interfaces, focusing on interaction flows and design patterns.
Contribute actively to discussions shaping the future direction of design and user experience for Trek Bicycle's product portfolio.
Research and evaluate emerging trends in design, technology, and the cycling industry to inform design strategy and innovation.
Plan and conduct user testing throughout the design lifecycle to gather feedback and assess product usability and overall user experience.
Contribute to the evolution and governance of a visual and interaction design system used across Trek Bicycle's digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a comprehensive design role involved in the full product development lifecycle, from research and conceptualization through testing and implementation. The emphasis on collaboration with engineering teams highlights the integrated nature of this role within the connected product division.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically expected for a role of this level. Relevant professional certifications in UX/UI design are also valuable.

Experience: The description implies a need for several years of relevant professional UX/UI design experience, likely 2-5 years, with a strong portfolio showcasing a breadth of design experience and successful project execution in digital product design. Experience working on connected hardware/software products is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

Deep understanding of user experience research methods, including usability studies, human factors principles, and direct consumer feedback techniques.
Proficiency in creating detailed visual design specifications and documentation for developers, clearly outlining functionality requirements and UI behavior.
Extensive product design knowledge covering mobile applications, web interfaces, SaaS platforms, and embedded systems interfaces.
Expertise in using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects) for visual design and a variety of design tools for prototyping and wireframing (e.g., Figma).
Ability to manage independent tracks of design work effectively, taking ownership of deliverables and timelines within a fast-paced environment.
Strong adaptability to rapid changes while maintaining a clear vision of the overall project goals and product roadmap.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams and external agencies, fostering a positive and productive working relationship.
Exceptional active listening skills to understand and respond effectively to the needs of users, stakeholders, and team members.

Preferred Skills:

Experience designing for consumer electronics or connected hardware products.
Familiarity with agile development methodologies and working within iterative product cycles.
Knowledge of front-end development basics (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate effective collaboration with developers.
Experience contributing to or maintaining design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific years of experience aren't listed, the responsibilities and required skills point to a Mid-Level role. The emphasis on leading projects, working with complex technical teams, and having a strong portfolio supports this assessment. The blend of visual design and UX research skills is critical for this integrated role.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Showcase a diverse range of projects demonstrating expertise in both UX research and UI design for digital products, ideally including examples of embedded or connected device interfaces.
Present detailed case studies that walk through your design process from initial problem definition and user research through ideation, prototyping, testing, and final implementation.
Highlight your ability to translate complex technical requirements into user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces.
Include examples of design documentation and specifications provided to developers.

Process Documentation:

Clearly articulate your approach to user research, including methodologies used to gather insights from users, customers, and internal stakeholders.
Illustrate your ideation process, showcasing how you explore different design solutions and iterate based on feedback.
Detail your approach to usability testing and validation, explaining how you used testing to refine your designs and improve the user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the focus on an "Integrated Connected Product Team," showcasing experience with designing for physical products with digital interfaces (embedded systems, mobile apps controlling hardware) will be a significant advantage in the portfolio. The emphasis on process documentation and case studies is standard for design roles and allows the hiring team to understand the candidate's problem-solving approach.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While not explicitly stated in the job description, a Mid-Level UX/UI Designer salary in Waterloo, Wisconsin, based on industry data from sources like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and LinkedIn Salary, typically ranges from $70,000 to $100,000 annually. This estimate is based on the cost of living in the region, industry benchmarks for a company of Trek's size and type, and the required skills and experience level for this role. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation.

Benefits:

Flexible and fun company culture that likely encourages work-life balance and a passion for cycling.
Comprehensive health care options including PPO & HDHP medical plans, Dental insurance, and Vision insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for pre-tax savings on healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Company-provided life insurance and the option to purchase additional term life insurance.
Competitive vacation package allowing for ample time off.
Strong retirement savings plan with a 401(k) match and participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP), offering potential ownership in the company.
Generous 12 weeks of paid maternity leave (100% pay) supporting new parents.
Flexible holiday schedule with 10 company holidays.
Significant tuition reimbursement program (up to $15,000) for undergraduate and Master's programs, supporting continuous learning and professional development.
Employee discounts on all Trek products, a significant perk for cycling enthusiasts.
Deep partner retail discounts on related products and services.

Working Hours: The role is listed as Full-time, likely adhering to a standard 40-hour work week. The mention of a "flexible and fun company culture" might suggest some flexibility in daily scheduling, though being on-site at HQ implies a consistent presence is expected for collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on publicly available salary data for similar roles and experience levels in the Waterloo, WI area and within the sporting goods/manufacturing industry. The benefits package is clearly listed and appears comprehensive, offering strong support for employee well-being and development.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Sporting Goods, specifically Bicycles and Cycling Accessories. Trek is a major player known for innovation in product development and design within the global cycling market.

Company Size: Trek has between 5,001 and 10,000 employees globally (based on LinkedIn data). This size suggests a well-established company with structured teams and processes, but still potentially agile enough for innovation within specific divisions like the Integrated Connected Product Team.

Founded: 1976. Trek has a long history in the cycling industry, which likely influences a culture rooted in product quality, performance, and a passion for riding.

Team Structure: The UX/UI Designer will be part of the Integrated Connected Product Team, working closely with mechanical engineers, firmware engineers, and user interface developers. This indicates a highly collaborative, cross-functional team environment focused on bringing complex electronic and digital products to market. The designer will likely report to a manager within this specific product team or potentially a design lead overseeing digital product experiences.

Methodology: The description mentions planning and conducting user testing "throughout design process," suggesting an iterative, user-centered design methodology. Collaboration with engineering teams implies potential integration with agile or lean development practices.

Company Website: https://trekbikes.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Trek's history and focus on product development strongly suggest a design culture that values innovation, quality, and the user experience of their products. Being part of the "Integrated Connected Product Team" implies a focus on the intersection of physical and digital design, requiring close collaboration with hardware and software engineers. The company's size and privately held status can influence the pace of decision-making and investment in design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX/UI Designer. This means the candidate is expected to have solid foundational skills, be able to manage independent projects, and contribute significantly to design strategy and execution. They will likely work with less direct supervision than a Junior designer but may report to a Senior Designer, Design Lead, or Product Manager.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report within the Integrated Connected Product Team. This structure suggests a focus on embedding design directly within product development, enabling close collaboration and influence on the product direction. Reporting could be to an Engineering Manager, Product Manager, or a dedicated Design Lead within the team.

Design Impact: Design in this role has a direct impact on the user experience of Trek's electronic and digital bike products, which are increasingly important to the company's future. The designer's work will directly influence how riders interact with connected features, how dealers utilize digital tools, and how internal teams manage product data. This offers a high level of visibility and potential for significant impact on the business and user satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

Advancement opportunities within the Integrated Connected Product Team, potentially moving into a Senior UX/UI Designer role with increased responsibility for complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and leading design initiatives.
Potential to specialize in specific areas like embedded interface design, mobile app design for connected devices, or design system architecture within Trek's digital product organization.
Opportunities to develop leadership skills by leading design projects, presenting to stakeholders, and contributing to the strategic direction of the design team.
Access to the company's tuition reimbursement program can support further education in design, technology, or related fields, facilitating career growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The placement of the designer within a specific product team focused on innovation suggests a direct path for growth within that team's domain. The opportunity to work on connected products provides a unique specialization area. Trek's size and history indicate potential for both vertical (Senior Designer, Lead) and horizontal (specialization, cross-functional movement) career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: On-site at Trek's Headquarters in Waterloo, Wisconsin. This implies a traditional office environment, likely with dedicated workspace for the design team and collaborative areas for cross-functional interaction.

Office Location(s): Trek Waterloo HQ, Waterloo, Wisconsin. The primary location is central to the company's operations and product development activities.

Design Workspace Context:

The on-site requirement suggests a collaborative workspace designed to facilitate close interaction among the Integrated Connected Product Team members (designers, engineers, product managers).
The workspace likely includes dedicated areas for design work, potentially with access to design tools, prototyping equipment, and spaces for brainstorming and critique sessions.
Proximity to engineering and product teams allows for frequent, informal communication and co-creation throughout the design and development process.

Work Schedule: Full-time, likely standard business hours, Monday through Friday. While the culture is described as "flexible," the on-site nature suggests a degree of structure to facilitate team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being based at HQ and on-site is a key characteristic of this role. It emphasizes the importance of close, in-person collaboration within the integrated product team. The workspace is likely designed to support this collaborative, product-focused environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening call (likely with HR or a recruiter) to assess basic qualifications and fit. Prepare to discuss your experience and interest in designing for connected products.
Technical interview(s) with design team members or the hiring manager. This will involve discussing your portfolio in detail, explaining your design process, and potentially participating in a live design exercise or whiteboard challenge. Be ready to articulate your design decisions and rationale clearly.
Cross-functional interviews with members of the Integrated Connected Product Team (engineers, product managers) to assess collaboration skills and technical understanding related to integrated products. Prepare to discuss how you work with technical teams and navigate technical constraints.
Potential presentation of a case study or response to a design challenge, allowing you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and design process in a more in-depth format.
Cultural fit interviews to assess alignment with Trek's values and team dynamics. Research Trek's culture and be prepared to discuss your collaboration style and approach to teamwork.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight projects relevant to designing for connected hardware/software products or consumer electronics.
For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your role, the research you conducted, your design process (including iterations), the tools you used, and the impact of your design.
Focus on demonstrating your end-to-end design process, from understanding user needs to delivering final designs and collaborating with development.
Be prepared to discuss the technical constraints you encountered and how you worked with engineers to overcome them.

Challenge Preparation:

If a design challenge is given, clarify the scope, timeline, and expected deliverables.
Approach the challenge using a structured design process, documenting your steps, research (even if limited), ideation, and rationale.
Be prepared to present your solution and explain your decisions, focusing on how your design addresses the user needs and business goals.

ATS Keywords: User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Product Design, Digital Product Design, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Usability Testing, User Research, Human Factors, Prototyping, Wireframing, Mockups, High-Fidelity Design, Design Systems, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Embedded Systems, Connected Products, Mobile App Design, Web Design, SaaS, Agile, Collaboration, Cross-Functional Teams, Design Documentation, Design Specifications, Case Studies, Design Thinking, User-Centered Design, Information Architecture, Usability, Accessibility. (Organized by category: Design Skills, Tools, Methodologies, Product Types, Soft Skills, Documentation).

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process for a design role at a product company like Trek will heavily emphasize the portfolio and the candidate's ability to articulate their design process and collaborate with technical teams. Preparing specific case studies that demonstrate experience with integrated products will be crucial. The ATS keywords listed cover the key technical and soft skills mentioned in the job description and are essential for resume optimization.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Figma: Likely used for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative design work, enabling real-time collaboration with the team. Proficiency in creating components, variants, and interactive prototypes is expected.
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects): Essential for visual design tasks, image editing, vector graphics, and potentially creating motion graphics or animations for interfaces. Advanced skills in these tools are required.
Other prototyping and wireframing tools may also be used depending on project needs and team preference.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Tools for design handoff to developers, potentially including Figma's developer handoff features or dedicated tools like Zeplin or InVision Inspect (though not explicitly mentioned, standard in design workflows).
Collaboration platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams for team communication and file sharing.
Project management tools (not specified, but common examples include Jira, Asana, or Trello) to track design tasks and integrate with engineering workflows.

Research & Testing:

Tools for conducting remote or in-person usability testing (e.g., Lookback, UserTesting.com, or internal setups).
Survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms) for gathering user feedback.
Analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and measure design impact (though access and direct use by designers may vary).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicitly mentioned tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) are standard in the design industry and indicate the core software used for visual design and prototyping. The need for collaboration and handoff implies the use of additional tools common in product development workflows, even if not listed. Experience with a variety of research and testing tools is also expected given the emphasis on user feedback.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

User-centricity: A deep understanding of and empathy for the needs of Trek's riders, dealers, and internal customers is a primary motivation for design ideas.
Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively within cross-functional teams (engineering, product, etc.) and external partners.
Adaptability: The ability to thrive in an environment with rapid changes while maintaining a clear vision and focus on the bigger picture.
Curiosity and Learning: A "Learn it all mindset" with a bias for action and discovery, indicating a culture that values continuous improvement and exploration.
Ownership: Taking responsibility for individual tracks of design work and managing deliverables effectively.

Collaboration Style:

Highly collaborative and integrated with engineering and product teams, facilitating co-creation and shared understanding throughout the product development process.
Likely involves regular design critiques and feedback sessions to improve design quality and align on solutions.
Communication is valued, with a focus on clear articulation of design decisions and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights several key cultural values important for this role: user focus, collaboration, adaptability, and a drive to learn. These values are consistent with a product-driven company focused on innovation. The on-site requirement reinforces the collaborative nature of the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Designing intuitive and seamless experiences that integrate digital interfaces with physical bike hardware, requiring an understanding of both domains.
Balancing the needs and expectations of diverse user groups (riders, dealers, internal teams) within a single product ecosystem.
Working within the constraints of embedded systems and hardware capabilities while still delivering innovative and user-friendly digital features.
Keeping pace with the rapid evolution of technology and user expectations in the connected product space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunity to deepen expertise in the intersection of hardware and software design, a growing and in-demand area.
Learning from and collaborating with experienced engineers across mechanical, firmware, and software disciplines.
Exposure to the full product development lifecycle within a major consumer brand.
Access to tuition reimbursement and internal learning resources to expand skills in design, technology, or the cycling industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges stem from the integrated nature of the products and the need to design across physical and digital touchpoints. This also presents a significant growth opportunity to become an expert in this specialized area of design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

"Walk me through a project where you designed for a connected product or embedded system. What were the unique challenges?" Prepare a case study focusing on a relevant project from your portfolio, detailing your process and the technical considerations involved.
"Describe your approach to user research and how you translate insights into design solutions." Be ready to discuss specific research methods you've used and how they informed your design decisions.
"How do you collaborate with engineers (mechanical, firmware, software) throughout the design process?" Provide examples of successful collaboration and how you handle technical constraints or disagreements.

Company Culture Questions:

"What interests you about designing for the cycling industry and Trek specifically?" Research Trek's products, values, and recent innovations in connected technology.
"Describe a time you had to adapt quickly to changing project requirements. How did you handle it?" Prepare an example that demonstrates your flexibility and ability to maintain focus under pressure.
"How do you approach receiving and giving design feedback within a team?" Discuss your experience with design critiques and your collaborative communication style.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 2-3 case studies that best demonstrate your experience with product design, UX research, UI design, and ideally, connected or embedded interfaces.
For each case study, use a structured approach (e.g., Problem, Role, Process, Solution, Impact) to guide the interviewer through your work.
Be prepared to go deep into your process, explaining your rationale for key design decisions, the tools you used, and how you collaborated with cross-functional teams.
Highlight any experience you have designing for physical products with digital interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe both your design skills and your ability to collaborate effectively within a technical, product-focused team. Demonstrating a strong understanding of the integrated nature of connected products and your process for handling the complexities involved will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link on the Trek careers website.
Customize your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your experience in UX/UI design for digital products, especially those involving connected hardware or embedded interfaces. Include detailed case studies illustrating your full design process.
Optimize your resume to include relevant design keywords (listed in the ATS Keywords section) and clearly articulate your experience with user research, prototyping, visual design, and collaboration with engineering teams.
Prepare for the interview process by practicing explaining your design process, articulating your design decisions, and discussing your experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, particularly engineers.
Research Trek Bicycle's products, their focus on connected technology, and their company culture to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

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

UX/UI Designer - Integrated Connected Product Team