Senior UX Design Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Design Specialist

Company: Tapestry Solutions, A Boeing Company

Location: San Diego, CA, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This Senior UX Design Specialist role is pivotal in shaping the user experience for complex Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) systems within Boeing Global Services.

• The position requires a strong understanding of user-centered design principles, translating end-user needs into intuitive and effective digital interfaces for air, land, sea, and space assets.

• A key aspect of this role involves leveraging design systems and design tokens to ensure visual and interactive consistency across a portfolio of responsive web and native mobile applications.

• The specialist will act as a user advocate throughout the product development lifecycle, collaborating closely with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders to drive innovative solutions and seamless user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior UX Design Specialist," the responsibilities and experience level suggest a role focused on the practical application of UX design principles within a complex enterprise software environment, rather than a purely strategic or research-heavy position. The emphasis on MRO systems and Boeing Global Services indicates a need for understanding complex workflows and technical requirements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute comprehensive user research initiatives, employing a variety of methodologies to gather critical insights and validate design hypotheses.

• Develop detailed interaction models and user flows that map out user journeys and system functionalities.

• Create a range of design artifacts, including wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, to effectively communicate design concepts and user experiences.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with product managers, software developers, and other cross-functional stakeholders to define and implement innovative product direction, visual aesthetics, and overall user experience.

• Champion the voice of the user throughout the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring user needs and usability are paramount in all design and development decisions.

• Design responsive web applications adhering to established guidelines such as Google Material Design, and develop native mobile applications in compliance with platform-specific best practices.

• Actively utilize and contribute to design tokens and established design systems to maintain visual and functional consistency across the application portfolio.

• Proactively stay abreast of the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and UX best practices to continuously enhance design processes and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of research, design execution, and cross-functional collaboration, typical for a senior individual contributor role in product development. The mention of specific design systems (Google Material Design) and the need to work with MRO systems suggests a need for adaptability and attention to detail in complex enterprise environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in digital product design, applying User Experience (UX) best practices.

• Proven track record of successfully designing for both mobile and web applications.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in industry-standard UX design tools, with a strong emphasis on Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.

• Solid understanding and practical application of user research methodologies to inform design decisions.

• Expertise in developing interaction models, user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

• Ability to design responsive web applications and native mobile applications.

• Experience leveraging design tokens and design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating design rationale and decisions effectively to diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for complex enterprise software, particularly in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) domain.

• Familiarity with Google Material Design principles and implementation.

• Understanding of native mobile platform design guidelines (iOS and Android).

• Experience integrating UX design into Agile development methodologies.

• Knowledge of human factors principles as applied to system design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly emphasize practical application of UX skills with specific tools and methodologies. The preference for experience in MRO systems and human factors suggests the role requires more than just aesthetic design; it demands an understanding of complex operational environments and user needs within those contexts. The 5+ years of experience positions this as a mid-to-senior level role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse digital product design projects demonstrating end-to-end UX process from research to final design.

• Include case studies that clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the design process, key decisions, and measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight projects involving both web and mobile application design, ideally showing responsive design considerations.

Process Documentation:

• Projects should illustrate proficiency in user-centered design methodologies and user research techniques.

• Examples of user flows, interaction models, and system architecture diagrams are highly encouraged.

• Showcase the application of design systems and design tokens in maintaining consistency and scalability.

• Evidence of collaboration with development teams and stakeholders, including how feedback was incorporated.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Design Specialist, a portfolio is critical. It needs to demonstrate not just design output, but also the strategic thinking, process rigor, and collaborative ability. The emphasis on MRO systems suggests that any relevant enterprise software experience in the portfolio will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance plans.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for eligible employees.

• Retirement savings plans, likely including a 401(k) with company match.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Disability insurance programs (short-term and long-term).

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• The role is listed as Hybrid, indicating a mix of on-site and remote work, with specific on-site days to be determined by the team or manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and aligns with a Senior UX Design Specialist role in a high-cost-of-living area like San Diego, especially for a large aerospace and defense company like Boeing. The benefits are standard for a large corporation, offering a robust package. The hybrid nature implies a need for some in-office presence for collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Information Technology Solutions

Company Size: Tapestry Solutions is described as having approximately 500 professionals, while Boeing is a global aerospace giant. This indicates a blend of smaller team agility with large corporate resources.

Founded: Tapestry Solutions has over 30 years of industry experience. Boeing was founded in 1916.

Team Structure:

• The role is within Tapestry Solutions, a part of Boeing Global Services (BGS).

• The UX Design Specialist will be part of a product design team, collaborating with product managers and developers.

• The team structure likely involves cross-functional pods or squads focused on specific product areas or MRO system modules.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective IT and business intelligence solutions.

• User-centered design is a core methodology, with an emphasis on involving end-users throughout the design and development process.

• Collaboration and communication are highlighted as key values for success.

• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, given the nature of software product development in this sector.

• A focus on innovation and continuous improvement is implied by the company's experience and Boeing's industry position.

Company Website: https://www.tapestrysolutions.com/ (Tapestry Solutions) and https://www.boeing.com/ (Boeing)

📝 Enhancement Note: Tapestry Solutions positions itself as having the agility of a small business with the backing of Boeing. This implies a culture that values individual contributions and innovation while adhering to the rigorous standards and processes of a large aerospace corporation. The focus on defense and government clients suggests a need for understanding secure system design and compliance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor (IC) in UX Design. This level typically involves leading design efforts for significant features or product areas, mentoring junior designers, and driving best practices. The focus is on execution and contribution to team goals.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior UX Design Specialist will likely report to a UX Manager, Lead Designer, or Product Manager within the Tapestry Solutions division of Boeing Global Services.

Operations Impact:

• The UX Design Specialist's work directly impacts the usability, efficiency, and effectiveness of critical MRO software used by defense, commercial, and government clients.

• Improved UX can lead to reduced training time, fewer errors, increased operational efficiency, and enhanced user satisfaction, which are critical for clients managing complex assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for complex enterprise systems, MRO, or specific UX research methodologies.

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead UX Designer role, mentoring junior designers and owning larger design initiatives.

• Management: Potentially move into a UX Management or Product Management role, overseeing design teams or product strategy.

• Cross-functional Moves: Develop a deeper understanding of product management or business analysis within the aerospace and defense sector.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to gain experience with new design tools, research techniques, and emerging UX technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a senior individual contributor role, offering a path for deep specialization in UX design for complex, mission-critical systems. Growth opportunities lean towards technical leadership, mentorship, or a transition into product management, leveraging deep domain knowledge gained in this role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring a balance of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a collaborative office space designed for team interaction, meetings, and focused work.

Office Location(s): San Diego, CA, United States. This location is known for its strong presence in the aerospace, defense, and technology sectors.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely to be a modern office environment that fosters collaboration.

• Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and necessary software licenses (e.g., Figma, prototyping tools) will be provided.

• Opportunities for in-person collaboration with design peers, product managers, and development teams will be available on designated office days.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with flexibility typically managed by the team lead or manager, allowing for work-life balance within the hybrid model.

• Specific on-site days will be coordinated with the team to maximize collaborative opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in San Diego implies a need for local candidates or those willing to relocate. The environment is likely structured to support both individual focused work and team-based collaboration, crucial for complex design projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing relevant UX design projects, process, and outcomes. This is a critical step.

• Technical Interview/Design Challenge: May involve a practical design exercise or a deep dive into UX methodologies, problem-solving, and tool proficiency.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with product managers, developers, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills and domain understanding.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or the hiring manager for a final assessment of fit and qualifications.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience with enterprise software, complex systems, responsive design, and collaboration. Highlight MRO or similar domain experience if possible.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, the user research and design process, key challenges, solutions, and measurable results or impact.

• Showcase Your Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, decision-making rationale, and how you incorporated user feedback and stakeholder input.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Demonstrate your mastery of Figma and other relevant design and prototyping tools.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to walk through your designs, explain your choices, and answer questions about your process and outcomes in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for design challenges that might involve a hypothetical problem related to MRO systems or a similar complex domain.

• Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving approach, user-centered thinking, and ability to iterate quickly.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a non-design audience.

• Understand how to leverage design systems and constraints effectively within a given challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should meticulously prepare it, focusing on projects that showcase their ability to handle complex requirements, collaborate effectively, and deliver user-centric solutions in an enterprise context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, high-fidelity design, and collaboration. This will be the primary design tool.

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in tools like Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities, or potentially others like InVision, Axure RP, depending on project needs.

• User Research Tools: Familiarity with tools for conducting remote user interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, SurveyMonkey).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, an understanding of how to interpret user analytics from tools like Google Analytics or specialized product analytics platforms (e.g., Mixpanel, Amplitude) would be beneficial for informing design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX design function, but awareness of how UX integrates with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or business process automation tools can provide valuable context for enterprise software design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly mentioned as a required tool. The role emphasizes design execution and user research, so proficiency in these areas and associated tools is key. Understanding how designs translate into implemented software and impact users is also important context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: Consistently delivering high-quality, cost-effective IT solutions.

• Ownership: Taking full responsibility for design outcomes and project success.

• Innovation: Developing creative and effective solutions to meet critical mission needs.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• User Focus: Prioritizing end-user needs and satisfaction throughout the design process.

• Integrity: Adhering to Boeing's standards and ethical practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with product managers, developers, and other UX team members.

• Emphasis on open communication, feedback exchange, and shared problem-solving.

• Likely follows Agile methodologies, requiring frequent interaction and iteration with development teams.

• Cross-functional partnerships are crucial for translating user needs into functional software solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of innovative problem-solving and disciplined execution, characteristic of a leading aerospace company. The emphasis on collaboration and user focus suggests a team environment where diverse perspectives are valued and integrated into the design process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of MRO Systems: Designing intuitive interfaces for complex, data-intensive maintenance and repair workflows requires deep understanding and careful consideration of user tasks and system logic.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Ensuring a seamless user experience while adhering to strict technical requirements, security protocols, and legacy system integrations.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design rationale and advocating for user needs across diverse teams with varying priorities (e.g., engineering, product management, client stakeholders).

• Maintaining Consistency: Ensuring design consistency across a broad portfolio of applications, especially when working with established design systems and diverse platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) processes within the aerospace and defense industry.

• Advanced UX Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like complex data visualization, enterprise system design, and advanced user research methodologies.

• Design System Contribution: Potentially contributing to the evolution and enhancement of the company's design system.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers and product professionals within Boeing Global Services.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying current with UX trends applicable to enterprise software and defense technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the complexity of the domain and the need for effective cross-functional collaboration. Growth opportunities are strong for those looking to specialize in enterprise UX and gain deep domain expertise within a major industry player.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to understanding complex user workflows and translating them into user-friendly designs for enterprise applications.

• Articulate how you would balance user needs with technical constraints and business requirements in a project.

• Explain how you incorporate user feedback and data into your design iterations.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Tapestry Solutions and Boeing Global Services: understand their mission, client base (defense, commercial, government), and the types of solutions they offer.

• Be ready to discuss how your values and work style align with the company's emphasis on excellence, ownership, innovation, and collaboration.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the positive impact or outcomes achieved. Use metrics where possible.

• Highlight Process: Walk through your design process step-by-step, explaining your rationale for key decisions.

• Showcase Collaboration: Describe how you worked with cross-functional teams (PMs, Devs, SMEs) and how you managed feedback.

• Demonstrate Tool Mastery: Explain how you utilized Figma and other tools to create your designs and prototypes.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that demonstrate experience with complex systems, responsive design, and user advocacy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process and its impact. Demonstrating an understanding of enterprise software and the MRO domain will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Design Specialist position:

• Submit your application through the official Boeing Careers website, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant projects (enterprise, responsive design, complex systems), and clearly outlines your process and impact. Have a narrative ready to present key case studies.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of UX design experience, proficiency in Figma, experience with user research, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio extensively, practice articulating your design decisions and user-centered approach, and research Boeing's mission and values. Be ready for potential design challenges.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Tapestry Solutions and Boeing Global Services, particularly their work in the MRO sector and their commitment to technology solutions. Understand their client base and industry context.

⚠️ 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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