Senior Staff UX/UI Engineer - AI-Powered Design Systems

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Staff UX/UI Engineer - AI-Powered Design Systems

Company: GE Vernova

Location: Niskayuna, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/UI Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2025-09-26

Experience Level: Senior Staff (8+ years preferred, 3+ years required)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the integration of AI tools and capabilities into modern design and development workflows, focusing on AI-powered design systems and user experience.

• Lead the creation and implementation of sophisticated interfaces that seamlessly incorporate AI-powered features, adhering to human-centered design principles.

• Bridge the gap between design and engineering by transforming user-centric designs into production-ready code using modern front-end frameworks.

• Shape the future of human-AI interaction by designing intuitive interfaces for complex AI features, ensuring accessibility, usability, and user delight.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within GE Vernova's Advanced Research division, specifically the Design & Product team, indicating a focus on innovation, R&D, and pioneering new technologies. The emphasis on "AI-Powered Design Systems" and "human-AI interaction" suggests a strategic initiative to leverage AI for both design efficiency and enhanced user experiences in the energy transition sector. The "Senior Staff" title implies significant autonomy, leadership potential, and a need for deep expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and prototype user interfaces that make complex AI capabilities accessible and intuitive for users.

• Create and maintain design systems and component libraries that standardize AI interaction patterns across a portfolio of products.

• Conduct user research, including usability testing for AI features, to understand user behavior and iterate on designs based on behavioral insights.

• Design conversational interfaces, prompt builders, and feedback mechanisms for AI-powered features, ensuring clarity and effectiveness.

• Develop information architecture for applications incorporating semantic search, recommendations, and AI-generated content, optimizing for discoverability and utility.

• Create responsive, accessible designs that meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards and Section 508 compliance, ensuring inclusivity.

• Transform designs into production-ready code using modern front-end frameworks such as React, Vue, or Angular, ensuring high-quality implementation.

• Build reusable UI components that elegantly handle AI states, including loading, streaming responses, and error handling.

• Implement real-time interfaces for AI features, such as chat interfaces, live previews, and progressive disclosure mechanisms.

• Develop interactive visualizations for AI model outputs, confidence scores, and decision explanations to enhance user understanding.

• Create smooth animations and micro-interactions that provide clear feedback during AI processing, improving perceived performance and user engagement.

• Leverage AI design tools (e.g., Figma AI, Framer AI, Galileo AI) to accelerate design iteration and prototyping cycles.

• Utilize AI coding assistants to rapidly implement and test design variations, enhancing developer productivity.

• Design and implement A/B testing frameworks to optimize AI feature adoption and usability.

• Create intuitive controls for AI parameters (e.g., temperature, context, model selection) that are accessible to non-technical users.

• Develop robust patterns for graceful degradation when AI services are unavailable, ensuring a consistent user experience.

• Design transparency features that help users understand AI decision-making processes and build trust.

• Partner closely with AI/ML engineers to understand technical constraints and co-develop innovative solutions.

• Collaborate with product managers to define AI feature requirements and establish key success metrics.

• Work with content strategists to develop effective AI interaction copy and usage guidelines.

• Conduct design reviews with a specific focus on AI-human interaction patterns and user impact.

• Document design decisions, AI interaction patterns, and component usage guidelines to ensure consistency and knowledge sharing.

• Mentor junior team members on best practices for designing AI-augmented experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hybrid role requiring deep expertise in both UX/UI design and front-end development, with a critical focus on AI integration. The emphasis on design systems, user research, and collaboration with AI/ML engineers highlights the need for strategic thinking and cross-functional leadership. The mention of AI design tools and AI coding assistants suggests an expectation for candidates to be early adopters and proficient users of AI in their workflow.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Required:

  • 3+ years of experience as a UX designer, UI engineer, product designer, or front-end engineer in a similar role.
  • 2+ years of experience using design tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD to create interactive prototypes and design systems.
  • 2+ years of experience implementing designs in production using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript/TypeScript.
  • Experience with modern front-end frameworks (React, Vue, or Angular) and state management solutions.
  • Experience designing and implementing responsive, mobile-first interfaces.
  • Understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) and inclusive design principles.
  • Experience with version control systems (Git) and collaborative development workflows.
  • Must be willing to work on-site in Niskayuna, NY.
  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required; sponsorship is not available for this role at the Bachelor's level.

• Preferred:

  • 8+ years of combined experience in UX/UI design and front-end development.
  • Proven experience designing interfaces for AI-powered features (chatbots, recommendation systems, semantic search, generative content, etc.).
  • Hands-on experience with AI design tools such as Figma AI features, Framer AI, Galileo AI, Magician, or Uizard.
  • Proficiency with modern CSS frameworks like Tailwind CSS or Material-UI, and animation libraries like Framer Motion or GSAP.
  • Experience with design tokens and building themeable component systems.
  • Knowledge of prompt engineering principles for AI-assisted design and content generation.
  • Experience conducting usability testing specifically for AI features and interpreting user feedback.
  • Understanding of machine learning concepts and their implications for user experience design.
  • Experience with data visualization libraries (e.g., D3.js, Chart.js, Recharts).
  • Familiarity with WebGL/Three.js for advanced 3D visualizations.
  • Experience designing for voice interfaces or conversational AI systems.
  • Background in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, or Psychology.

Required Skills:

• UX Design & Strategy

• UI Engineering & Implementation

• Front-End Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript)

• Modern Front-End Frameworks (React, Vue, or Angular)

• Design System Development & Management

• Prototyping & Wireframing (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD)

• Responsive & Mobile-First Design

• Accessibility Standards (WCAG 2.1 AA, Section 508)

• Version Control (Git)

Preferred Skills:

• AI Integration & Design Principles

• AI Design Tool Proficiency (Figma AI, Framer AI, Galileo AI)

• Prompt Engineering

• Conversational Interface Design

• Data Visualization (D3.js, Chart.js)

• CSS Frameworks (Tailwind CSS) & Animation Libraries (GSAP)

• Design Tokens & Theming

• Machine Learning Concepts Understanding

• Design Ops & System Scaling

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Staff" designation is supported by the preferred 8+ years of combined experience and the expectation of mentoring capabilities. The distinction between required and preferred qualifications clearly outlines the core competencies versus areas where additional expertise is highly valued, particularly concerning AI-specific design tools and ML concepts. The Master's degree requirement in specific technical fields signals a strong emphasis on foundational knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing shipped products with thoughtful user experiences and polished interfaces, demonstrating a track record of delivering high-quality design and implementation.

• Specific case studies that highlight your ability to design and implement complex AI-powered features, detailing the problem, your approach, and the measurable impact.

• Examples of design systems or component libraries you have developed or significantly contributed to, emphasizing reusability, scalability, and consistency.

• Demonstrations of your proficiency in translating complex requirements into intuitive user flows and interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your experience in documenting design decisions, AI interaction patterns, and component usage guidelines, illustrating your ability to facilitate knowledge transfer and maintain consistency across teams.

• Provide examples of how you have conducted user research and usability testing, detailing your methodologies and how insights were translated into design improvements for AI features.

• Illustrate your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams (AI/ML Engineers, Product Managers, Content Strategists) throughout the product development lifecycle, highlighting your communication and problem-solving strategies.

• Include examples of how you have implemented front-end code for AI features, demonstrating clean, maintainable code practices and effective handling of AI-specific states (loading, streaming, errors).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Staff UX/UI Engineer role, especially one focused on AI and design systems, the portfolio must go beyond static mockups. It needs to demonstrate a deep understanding of the end-to-end product development process, from user research and conceptualization to high-fidelity design, implementation, and iteration. The emphasis on AI integration and design systems implies a need for candidates to show how they build scalable, maintainable solutions that leverage new technologies effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $138,000 - $230,000 USD, annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health care coverage (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy).

• Retirement plan, including Company Retirement Savings and a 401K with Company matching.

• Life Insurance options.

• Disability coverage.

• Paid time-off (PTO).

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Senior Staff Engineer role in a high-cost-of-living area like Niskayuna, NY, and reflects the specialized skills required in AI-UX/UI and front-end development. The inclusion of relocation assistance is a significant perk for candidates needing to move. The benefits package is robust and typical for a large, established technology company like GE.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy (specifically focused on the energy transition, electrification, and decarbonization). GE Vernova is a global industrial technology leader.

Company Size: GE Vernova is a large, established corporation, part of the broader General Electric ecosystem. The Advanced Research division likely operates with a blend of corporate structure and R&D agility.

Founded: GE Vernova was established as a standalone company in 2024, spinning off from General Electric, though its roots and technologies trace back much further through GE's history.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Design & Product team of GE Vernova Advanced Research. This team is pioneering human-AI interaction.

• It operates at the intersection of design, engineering, and AI research, aiming to create accessible AI capabilities for thousands of users.

• The culture emphasizes rapid prototyping, user feedback, and continuous iteration, with regular design critiques and AI-UX workshops.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing user research and A/B testing to inform design decisions and optimize AI feature adoption and usability.

• Agile Development: Employing rapid prototyping and continuous iteration to quickly bring innovative AI-UX concepts to life.

• Human-Centered AI: Prioritizing user needs and intuitive interaction design to make advanced AI capabilities accessible and trustworthy.

• Systematic Approach: Building scalable design systems and component libraries to ensure consistency and efficiency across products.

Company Website: www.gevernova.com

📝 Enhancement Note: GE Vernova's focus on the "energy transition" provides a critical context for the type of AI applications this role will support. The Advanced Research division implies a forward-thinking, innovative culture, likely attracting individuals passionate about solving complex global challenges through technology. The emphasis on rapid iteration and experimentation suggests a dynamic and collaborative environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Staff UX/UI Engineer. This level typically signifies an individual contributor with deep technical expertise, significant influence on product direction, and the ability to mentor others. It's a role expected to drive technical strategy and innovation within a specialized domain.

Reporting Structure:

• The role reports into the Design & Product team within GE Vernova Advanced Research.

• While specific reporting lines aren't detailed, a Senior Staff position often reports to a Director or Senior Manager of Engineering/Design.

Operations Impact:

• This role directly impacts the usability, accessibility, and adoption of AI-powered features within GE Vernova's products.

• By creating intuitive human-AI interactions, the engineer will enhance user productivity, trust, and overall satisfaction, contributing to the successful deployment of advanced energy technologies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-UX design, advanced front-end development, and scalable design systems.

• Leadership: Potential to lead technical initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and influence architectural decisions for AI-driven products.

• Innovation: Contribute to cutting-edge research and development in human-AI interaction within the critical energy sector.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Become a key liaison between design, engineering, and AI research teams.

• Industry Recognition: Opportunity to work on projects that define the future of energy technology and human-AI collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Staff" title is crucial here. It indicates a high level of autonomy and influence. Growth opportunities will likely involve taking on more complex projects, leading technical strategy, and potentially moving into management or principal engineering roles within GE Vernova's R&D or product divisions. The impact is significant, touching on both user experience and the efficiency of product development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role in Niskayuna, NY, implying a traditional office or research facility setting.

Office Location(s): Niskayuna, New York, United States. This is a known hub for GE's research and advanced development activities.

Workspace Context:

• The Niskayuna facility likely offers modern office spaces designed for collaboration and focused work.

• As part of Advanced Research, expect access to cutting-edge tools, technologies, and potentially specialized lab equipment relevant to energy research.

• The team culture emphasizes collaboration, rapid prototyping, and continuous learning, suggesting an environment conducive to open communication and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time (likely 40 hours/week) with an on-site requirement.

• While the core hours are fixed, the emphasis on rapid prototyping and iteration might suggest some flexibility in task execution, provided project deadlines and collaborative needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator. For a Senior Staff role focused on innovation and collaboration, an office environment likely facilitates spontaneous brainstorming, direct interaction with AI/ML engineers, and access to specialized resources. The Niskayuna location is historically significant for GE's technological advancements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Technical/Design Assessment: This may involve a portfolio review, a coding challenge (front-end focused), or a design exercise related to AI-UX.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, problem-solving approach, and alignment with team goals.

• Team Interviews: Interviews with potential peers and cross-functional collaborators (e.g., AI/ML Engineers, Product Managers) to assess technical collaboration skills and domain knowledge.

• Senior Staff/Leadership Interview: Evaluation of strategic thinking, leadership potential, and ability to drive innovation at a senior level.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI Integration: Clearly showcase projects where you've designed for or integrated AI features. Detail the AI's role, the challenges, and how you addressed them.

• Showcase Design Systems: Present your experience with building, maintaining, or contributing to design systems. Explain the architecture, governance, and impact on efficiency and consistency.

• Demonstrate Hybrid Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly illustrates your proficiency in both UX/UI design (prototypes, user flows, research) and front-end implementation (code samples, live examples, technical explanations).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced user errors, increased feature adoption, development time savings due to design system).

• Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the problem, your unique contribution, the process you followed, the key decisions made, and the final outcome.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI-UX Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would design interfaces for hypothetical AI features, considering user trust, transparency, and control.

• Front-End Challenges: Expect questions or exercises related to React/Vue/Angular, state management, component design, and responsive implementation.

• Design System Thinking: Be ready to discuss how you would approach building or evolving a design system, especially one incorporating AI-specific components or patterns.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've collaborated effectively with engineering and product teams, particularly when dealing with complex technical constraints or novel technologies like AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Staff" level interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing not just on technical skills but also on strategic thinking, mentorship, and the ability to influence technical direction. A strong portfolio is paramount, and candidates should be prepared to articulate their AI-UX design process and front-end implementation skills in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design: Figma (primary), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Principle, ProtoPie.

• AI Design Tools: Figma AI features, Framer AI, Galileo AI, Magician, Uizard (demonstrates a need for familiarity with emerging AI tools in design).

• Front-End: React/Next.js, Vue.js, TypeScript, HTML5, CSS3, Tailwind CSS.

• Component Libraries: Storybook, Bit, Material-UI, Ant Design, Shadcn/ui (indicates experience with component-driven development and design systems).

• Animation: Framer Motion, GSAP, Lottie, CSS animations, React Spring (for creating engaging micro-interactions and dynamic interfaces).

• Development Tools: VS Code, GitHub Copilot (AI coding assistant), Chrome DevTools, Figma Dev Mode (for bridging design and development).

• Testing: Jest, React Testing Library, Playwright, accessibility testing tools (essential for ensuring quality and compliance).

• Collaboration: Figma, FigJam, Miro, Linear, Slack (standard tools for modern software development teams).

• Visualization (Preferred): D3.js, Chart.js, Recharts, Three.js (for advanced data and 3D visualizations).

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a comprehensive list reflecting a modern, sophisticated front-end and design technology stack. Proficiency in Figma and a core front-end framework (React/Vue/Angular) is essential. The explicit mention of AI design tools and AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot signals a strong expectation for candidates to be adept at leveraging AI in their daily workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence: A commitment to creating interfaces that are not only functional and intuitive but also aesthetically pleasing and user-delighting, especially when dealing with complex AI functionalities.

• Technical Proficiency: Valuing strong coding skills and the ability to translate sophisticated designs into robust, maintainable front-end code, understanding the technical nuances of AI systems.

• AI-Augmented Workflow: Embracing and actively utilizing AI tools to enhance creativity, accelerate processes, and improve the quality of design and development output, while retaining human oversight and creative control.

• User Advocacy: Championing inclusive, accessible, and trustworthy experiences for all users, with a particular focus on building confidence and understanding in AI-driven applications.

• Systems Thinking: Approaching design and development with a focus on scalability, consistency, and maintainability, creating reusable patterns and components within design systems.

• Continuous Learning: Fostering a culture of curiosity and adaptation, staying abreast of rapidly evolving design trends, AI capabilities, and front-end technologies through experimentation and knowledge sharing.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration between UX/UI designers, front-end engineers, AI/ML engineers, and product managers to ensure cohesive product development.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: Regularly engaging in design critiques, AI-UX workshops, and code reviews to foster continuous improvement and shared understanding.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in documentation, mentoring, and sharing best practices related to AI-UX design, design systems, and front-end development.

• Experimentation-Driven: Encouraging a culture where experimentation with new AI tools and design approaches is supported, leading to innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with a high-performing, innovation-focused team. The emphasis on "AI-Augmented Workflow" and "Continuous Learning" is particularly relevant given the rapidly evolving nature of AI and its integration into design and engineering.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for AI Ambiguity: Creating intuitive interfaces for AI features where outcomes can be probabilistic or require user interpretation, balancing power with understandability and trust.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of AI tools, models, and front-end technologies, and integrating them effectively into design and development workflows.

• Bridging Design and Engineering Gaps: Effectively translating complex AI concepts and intricate designs into production-ready code, ensuring fidelity and performance.

• Scaling Design Systems for AI: Evolving design systems to accommodate new AI interaction patterns, ensuring consistency and efficiency across a growing product portfolio.

• User Trust and Transparency: Designing AI interactions that build user confidence, clearly communicate AI capabilities and limitations, and provide appropriate levels of transparency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI-UX Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in areas like prompt engineering, conversational AI design, and AI ethics in design.

• Cutting-Edge Technology Exposure: Working with next-generation AI tools and front-end frameworks within a leading R&D environment.

• Leadership Development: Potential to take on technical leadership roles, mentor junior staff, and influence strategic product direction.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Access to relevant conferences, workshops, and potential for certifications in AI, UX, or front-end development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Learning from world-class AI/ML engineers, researchers, and product strategists.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the innovative nature of the role. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for a Senior Staff position, offering pathways for both deep technical mastery and broader leadership influence within a critical industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• AI-UX Design Strategy: "How would you approach designing a user interface for an AI feature that generates complex technical reports? What key principles would guide your design for user trust and understanding?" (Prepare to discuss user research, transparency mechanisms, iterative feedback, and potential A/B testing scenarios.)

• Design System Evolution: "Imagine we're introducing a new AI capability that requires novel UI patterns. How would you incorporate these into our existing design system, ensuring scalability and consistency?" (Focus on design token usage, component architecture, documentation, and collaboration with engineering.)

• Hybrid Role Approach: "Describe a project where you actively used AI tools to accelerate your UX/UI design or front-end development process. What tools did you use, what was the impact, and what were the limitations?" (Be ready to showcase your practical experience with AI assistants like GitHub Copilot or AI design tools.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• GE Vernova's Mission: "How do you see your role contributing to GE Vernova's mission of powering the energy transition, particularly through innovative AI-UX design?" (Research GE Vernova's strategic goals and connect your skills to their impact.)

• Team Collaboration: "This team emphasizes rapid prototyping and continuous iteration. How do you adapt your workflow to thrive in such an environment, and how do you ensure effective collaboration with AI/ML engineers who may have different development cycles?" (Highlight your experience with agile methodologies, communication skills, and ability to bridge disciplines.)

• AI Ethics & Responsibility: "What are your thoughts on ethical considerations when designing AI-powered user experiences, especially in a critical sector like energy?" (Demonstrate awareness of bias, transparency, and user control in AI design.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• AI Case Study Deep Dive: Select 1-2 projects that best showcase your AI integration and design system experience. Clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific contributions, the AI technologies involved, the design rationale, and the measurable outcomes.

• Code Demonstration: Be prepared to walk through relevant code snippets from your projects, highlighting clean implementation, framework usage, and how you handled complex UI states or integrations. Use tools like GitHub Copilot or Figma Dev Mode to show your workflow if applicable.

• Design System Walkthrough: Present a portion of a design system you've worked on, explaining its structure, component library, and how it supports AI feature development.

• Interactive Prototyping: Use interactive prototypes (e.g., in Figma) to demonstrate user flows and key interaction patterns, especially for AI features. Be ready to explain design decisions live.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes practical application of AI in design and development, strategic thinking about design systems, and the ability to articulate complex technical and design decisions clearly. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate both their creative design thinking and their robust engineering capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Staff UX/UI Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the GE Vernova careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your expertise in AI-powered design systems, front-end implementation, and hybrid UX/UI design. Focus on case studies that highlight your ability to integrate AI tools and solve complex user experience challenges in a technical domain.

• Optimize your resume to include keywords relevant to UX/UI Engineering, AI Integration, Front-End Development (React, Vue, Angular, TypeScript), Design Systems, Accessibility, and specific tools mentioned in the job description. Quantify your achievements with metrics where possible.

• Prepare for technical interviews by reviewing modern front-end frameworks, design system principles, and common AI-UX design patterns. Practice articulating your design process and technical solutions, especially concerning AI integration.

• Conduct thorough research on GE Vernova, its mission in the energy transition, and its Advanced Research division. Understand the company's values and how your contributions can align with their strategic objectives.

⚠️ 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.