Junior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior UX/UI Designer Company: Texas Department of Transportation Location: Austin, Texas, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: UX/UI Design & Digital Experience Date Posted: 2025-11-10T22:07:25 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on designing user-centered digital experiences that effectively balance user needs with business objectives, leveraging iterative design methodologies.
• The position involves close collaboration with senior UX/UI designers and the web development team to contribute to feature development and expand the existing design system.
• A key aspect of this role is the application of accessibility best practices, ensuring digital products are usable by all individuals.
• The Junior UX/UI Designer will be instrumental in documenting user patterns and design decisions, contributing to a growing UX program and driving clarity in ambiguous environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Junior UX/UI Designer," the listed responsibilities and experience requirements (3 years minimum) suggest a role that may bridge junior and mid-level expectations. The emphasis on "growing UX program" and "thrives in ambiguity" indicates an opportunity for significant contribution and learning.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop user-centered digital interfaces and experiences that align with strategic business goals and user needs.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional stakeholders, including product managers and developers, to define project objectives, gather requirements, and ensure design alignment.
• Create and maintain essential UX artifacts such as personas, user journey maps, and empathy maps to advocate for user needs throughout the design process.
• Support and expand the enterprise design system by documenting UI components, creating detailed UI specifications, and ensuring design consistency.
• Assist in conducting user research, analyzing findings, and translating insights into actionable design improvements and strategic recommendations.
• Evaluate external vendor products and solutions for their UX quality, usability, and adherence to established design standards.
• Apply and champion accessibility guidelines, such as WCAG 2.1, to all interface and experience designs, ensuring inclusive digital products.
• Work within defined technical, business, and time constraints to deliver feasible and impactful design solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest UX/UI best practices, emerging industry trends, and innovative design technologies to continuously improve design quality.
• Actively contribute to the development and growth of the UX program through comprehensive documentation, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design work and strategic contribution to the UX program's maturity. The emphasis on documentation, stakeholder collaboration, and working within constraints points to a need for strong communication and project management skills in addition to design proficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in any discipline.
• Relevant work experience may be substituted for the degree on a year-for-year basis.
• Related graduate-level education may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in interface design, information architecture, user mobile design, and/or web site design and production. This experience can be satisfied by full-time roles or prorated part-time equivalents.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma and the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, XD).
• Demonstrated understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles, best practices, and relevant UX laws.
• Experience in applying accessibility guidelines, such as WCAG 2.1, to digital product design.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders, developers, and other designers on cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of graphic and visual design principles, including typography, color theory, and layout.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with content management systems (CMS) such as Adobe Experience Manager, Craft CMS, Drupal, or WordPress.
• Background or demonstrated aptitude in graphic design.
• Experience with user testing methodologies and conducting user research.
• Familiarity with collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams, Monday.com, or SharePoint.
• Comfort and experience working within ambiguous project scopes, translating abstract ideas into actionable design solutions.
• Proactive mindset for shaping design processes and advocating for user-centered solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3 years of experience, combined with the "Junior" title, suggests the ideal candidate will have a solid foundation but may still be developing advanced strategic capabilities. The preferred skills indicate areas where candidates can differentiate themselves, particularly those with experience in CMS and user research.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a clear process for user-centered design, from initial research and ideation to final UI implementation and iteration.
• Showcase projects that highlight your ability to translate complex business requirements and user needs into intuitive and effective digital interfaces.
• Include examples of how you've contributed to or utilized design systems, component libraries, and UI specifications.
• Present case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the solutions you developed, and the measurable impact or outcomes achieved.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of UX artifacts created, such as personas, journey maps, wireframes, and interactive prototypes, demonstrating your methodology.
• Illustrate your approach to integrating accessibility best practices (e.g., WCAG compliance) into the design workflow.
• Showcase how you collaborate with development teams, including documentation provided to support implementation and QA.
• Include examples of how you approach iterative design, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and user testing to refine solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should emphasize not just visual design skills but also the candidate's understanding of the UX design process, their ability to document their work, and their commitment to accessibility. Case studies that show problem-solving within constraints are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) salary scales for similar roles and the minimum 3 years of experience, a salary range of $55,000 - $75,000 per year is estimated for this Junior UX/UI Designer position in Austin, Texas.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage options.
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Texas Employees Retirement System (ERS), including state contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous accrual of vacation leave, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and conference attendance to enhance UX/UI skills.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-paid and optional supplemental coverage.
• Wellness Programs: Initiatives focused on employee health and well-being.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule of 40 hours per week.
• Typical working hours may fall within the range of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with potential for some flexibility based on project needs and departmental policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on Texas state government job classification standards for roles requiring a Bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience, with adjustments for the Austin, TX cost of living and tech industry benchmarks. The Texas Department of Transportation, as a state agency, typically offers robust benefits packages focused on long-term employee well-being and career stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government / Transportation Infrastructure. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is a state agency responsible for planning, building, and maintaining the state's transportation infrastructure, including highways, aviation, public transportation, and ports. This context means a focus on public service, long-term planning, and adherence to state regulations and procurement processes. Company Size: Large Enterprise. As a state department, TxDOT is a significant employer with thousands of employees across Texas. This scale implies structured processes, established hierarchies, and diverse career paths. Founded: 1917. With a long history, TxDOT has evolved significantly, adapting to technological advancements and changing public needs, which likely influences its approach to digital transformation and user experience for its internal and external-facing systems.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI team is likely part of a larger IT or Digital Services division, focusing on enhancing internal tools and public-facing digital platforms.
• Reporting structure will be hierarchical, with the Junior UX/UI Designer reporting to a Senior UX/UI Designer or a UX/UI Manager.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with web developers, product owners, business analysts, IT security, and potentially subject matter experts from various transportation divisions.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis: Emphasis on understanding user needs through data, potentially including website analytics, user feedback, and research findings, to inform design decisions.
• Workflow Planning: Structured approaches to design, likely involving defined stages from discovery and research to design, testing, and implementation, with an emphasis on documentation.
• Automation and Efficiency: While not a primary focus for UX/UI, there may be an interest in leveraging tools and processes to streamline design workflows and improve the efficiency of digital service delivery.

Company Website: https://www.txdot.gov/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a government agency like TxDOT means prioritizing public service and adherence to regulations. The UX/UI team's work will likely impact a broad range of users, from Texas citizens interacting with public services to internal employees managing transportation operations. The "growing UX program" suggests an environment where new ideas can be introduced, but change management and consensus-building will be key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a foundational or "Junior" level within a specialized UX/UI design function. It's an entry point for individuals with foundational design education and some practical experience (3 years minimum) looking to build a career in user-centered design within a large, established organization. The role involves supporting senior designers and contributing to defined projects. Reporting Structure: The Junior UX/UI Designer will report to a more senior member of the UX/UI team, likely a Senior UX/UI Designer or a UX/UI Manager. This mentorship relationship is crucial for skill development and understanding organizational processes. Collaboration will extend to developers and other stakeholders, requiring effective communication and cross-functional teamwork. Operations Impact: The impact of this role is primarily on the usability, accessibility, and user satisfaction of digital products developed or maintained by TxDOT. By contributing to user-centered design, this role helps improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public services and internal operations, ultimately enhancing the citizen experience with Texas transportation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, such as interaction design, visual design, information architecture, accessibility, or user research.
• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to mid-level (UX/UI Designer), senior (Senior UX/UI Designer), or lead roles within the UX/UI team, managing projects and mentoring junior staff.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience by working on diverse projects across different transportation domains, understanding broader IT and business strategies within TxDOT.
• Formal Training & Certifications: Access to state-provided training programs and potential support for industry-recognized certifications (e.g., IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies) to enhance professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "growing UX program" aspect offers significant potential for rapid learning and impact. Candidates who demonstrate initiative and a proactive approach to learning and contributing can accelerate their career progression within TxDOT, potentially moving beyond traditional junior-level responsibilities sooner.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position at the TxDOT facility located at 6230 East Stassney Lane in Austin, Texas. It is assumed to be a standard office environment typical of a government agency. Office Location(s): The primary work location is Austin, Texas (78744). TxDOT has offices throughout the state, but this specific role is based in Austin. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be an office setting with dedicated desk space, providing access to necessary hardware and software for design work.
• Expect access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design software pre-loaded on work computers. Collaboration spaces and meeting rooms will be available for team discussions and stakeholder meetings.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with senior designers, developers, and project managers will be frequent, fostering a collaborative and learning-oriented environment.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time position with a standard 40-hour work week. The schedule is expected to be Monday through Friday, with typical office hours (e.g., 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), though some flexibility might be available based on departmental needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and direct mentorship, which is beneficial for a junior designer. The Austin location offers a vibrant tech and design community, though the role itself is within a government framework.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and resume to assess basic qualifications and experience.
• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, and how they approach problem-solving. This may include technical questions related to UX/UI principles, tools (Figma, Adobe CC), and accessibility.
• Behavioral Interview: Focus on assessing soft skills such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving, ability to work in ambiguity, and how you handle feedback and work within constraints. Expect questions about your motivation for joining TxDOT and your career aspirations.
• Final Interview: May involve meeting with a hiring manager or a panel to discuss team fit and overall suitability for the role and the agency's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX/UI skills and process. Prioritize projects that demonstrate user-centered design, problem-solving, and a clear understanding of UI principles.
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the methodologies used (research, wireframing, prototyping, testing), your design decisions, and the outcome or impact. Visuals are key, but the narrative explaining your thought process is paramount.
• Highlight Accessibility: If possible, include a project where accessibility was a key consideration. Discuss your understanding of WCAG guidelines and how you implemented them.
• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud, and how you leverage these tools in your workflow.
• Tailor to TxDOT: If you can, subtly align your project examples with the types of digital products TxDOT might develop (e.g., public-facing information portals, internal tools for operations, data visualization interfaces).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design exercises or case studies, which might involve a short design problem or a critique of an existing interface.
• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, explaining the "why" behind your choices.
• For ambiguity, think about how you would approach a design task with incomplete information – what questions would you ask, and what steps would you take to gather the necessary details?

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "growing UX program" means interviewers will likely be looking for candidates who are not only skilled but also adaptable, proactive, and eager to contribute to process improvement. Your portfolio should reflect this potential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Expect to use it extensively for creating interfaces, design systems, and interactive mockups.
• Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: Includes applications like Adobe XD (for prototyping and design), Photoshop (for image editing), and Illustrator (for vector graphics and icons).
• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Microsoft Teams, Monday.com, or SharePoint for team communication, project management, and document sharing is preferred.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) or an understanding of how to interpret data from such tools to inform design decisions would be beneficial.
• Proficiency in creating design specifications and documentation that facilitate reporting on design implementation.

CRM & Automation:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms like Adobe Experience Manager, Craft CMS, Drupal, or WordPress is preferred, as UX/UI designers often work with or design for CMS-driven websites.
• Knowledge of workflow automation within design tools or project management systems can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud are central to this role. Experience with CMS platforms is also highly valued, indicating an understanding of how designs are implemented in real-world web environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Advocacy: A core value is prioritizing the needs and experiences of the end-users (citizens, internal staff) in all design decisions.
• Service-Oriented: Driven by a mission to serve the public and improve the state's transportation infrastructure, fostering a sense of purpose and responsibility.
• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and open communication across disciplines and departments to achieve shared goals.
• Efficiency & Pragmatism: While striving for excellent design, there's an understanding of working within governmental constraints, timelines, and budgets, requiring practical and efficient solutions.
• Continuous Improvement: As a "growing UX program," there's an implied value in learning, adapting, and actively seeking ways to enhance processes and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with developers, project managers, business analysts, and stakeholders from various TxDOT divisions.
• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes, with mechanisms for regular design reviews and critiques.
• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share best practices, learnings from user research, and insights into design trends within the team and potentially across the agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely balances the structured, process-driven nature of government with an emerging emphasis on user-centricity and digital innovation. Proactive engagement and a team-oriented mindset will be key to success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Bureaucracy: Working within a large government agency can involve complex approval processes, longer decision-making cycles, and adherence to strict policies and procurement rules.
• Balancing Diverse Needs: Designing for a wide range of users with varying technical abilities and needs, while also meeting diverse stakeholder requirements and business goals.
• Legacy Systems Integration: Potentially working with or designing for older systems that may have technical limitations or require careful integration strategies.
• Driving UX Maturity: Contributing to the growth of a relatively nascent UX program within a traditional organization, which may require educating stakeholders and advocating for user-centered practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior UX/UI designers on complex design problems, career development, and navigating organizational dynamics.
• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to learn and apply advanced UX/UI techniques, explore specialized areas like accessibility or user research, and gain experience with enterprise-level design systems.
• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend workshops, webinars, or conferences related to UX/UI design, government technology, or accessibility.
• Impactful Projects: Contributing to projects that have a tangible impact on public services and the lives of Texans.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles in government agencies. The growth opportunities, particularly mentorship and the chance to shape a UX program, offer significant professional development potential for an ambitious junior designer.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing user needs with business requirements. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process, compromise, and decision-making)
• "How do you ensure accessibility is a core part of your design process?" (Discuss WCAG, testing, and proactive implementation)
• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio where you faced significant ambiguity. How did you bring clarity and drive the design forward?" (Highlight your problem-solving, research, and iterative approach)
• "How would you contribute to growing a UX program within an organization like TxDOT?" (Showcase initiative, collaboration, and understanding of organizational change)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for the Texas Department of Transportation, specifically in a UX/UI role?" (Connect your passion for design with public service and the agency's mission)
• "Describe your experience working with developers and stakeholders. How do you ensure effective collaboration?" (Emphasize communication, documentation, and mutual respect)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI trends and best practices?" (Mention specific resources, communities, or learning activities)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, your solutions, and the outcomes. Use a consistent structure.
• Highlight Your Process: Don't just show final screens. Explain why you made certain design decisions, what research informed them, and how you iterated based on feedback.
• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If you have metrics on how your design improved usability, efficiency, or user satisfaction, present them.
• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges encountered, and alternative solutions considered.
• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your workflow in Figma and Adobe CC, and how you utilize their features.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing your design skills, your understanding of the UX process, your ability to collaborate, and your potential to grow within TxDOT. Demonstrating a proactive, user-centric, and collaborative mindset will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Taleo job portal link: https://fa009.taleo.net/careersection/exm/jobdetail.ftl?job=2503138&lang=en
• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description, particularly your experience with Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, accessibility (WCAG), and user-centered design principles. Use keywords from the job posting.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and showcases 3-5 of your strongest UX/UI projects. Clearly articulate your process, role, and the outcomes for each project. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.
• Research TxDOT: Understand the mission and recent digital initiatives of the Texas Department of Transportation. Familiarize yourself with their website and any public-facing applications to grasp the context of their digital services.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for common UX/UI interview questions, behavioral questions, and practice articulating your portfolio projects and design process. Be ready to discuss your understanding of accessibility and working within constraints.

⚠️ 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.