Software Engineer, UX/UI

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Software Engineer, UX/UI Company: Toyota Connected North America Location: Plano, Texas | Hybrid Option Job Type: Full-Time Category: Software Engineering / UX/UI Development Date Posted: July 31, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop high-quality, UX-driven software solutions for In-Vehicle (embedded systems) using Dart/Flutter and Node.js/TypeScript.
• Create robust tools and libraries to accelerate In-Vehicle software development cycles and enhance scalability.
• Collaborate closely with Product Owners, Designers, and Developers in an Agile environment to deliver customer-centric features.
• Ensure continuous integration and delivery of software components, adhering to best practices in development and CI/CD methodologies.
• Play a key role in feature discovery, providing technical perspectives and troubleshooting existing systems to maintain performance and reliability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on the intersection of software engineering and user experience within the automotive domain. The emphasis on "UX driven software" and collaboration with designers suggests a strong need for engineers who can translate user needs and design specifications into functional, engaging, and performant code, particularly for embedded systems.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Write high-quality, robust, and performant software using Node.js, TypeScript, and contribute to an In-Vehicle (embedded systems) Dart/Flutter codebase.
• Design, develop, and maintain tools and libraries that facilitate rapid and scalable In-Vehicle software development.
• Produce technical specifications, determine operational feasibility, and continuously integrate/deliver software components into functional systems.
• Implement and adhere to best practices in software development, including CI/CD methodologies, testing, and code maintenance.
• Actively participate in daily stand-ups and cross-functional team meetings with Product Owners, Designers, and fellow Developers to ensure effective feature development.
• Contribute technical insights during the design discovery process, offering solutions that align with user experience goals and technical constraints.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade existing systems to ensure optimal performance and address technical debt.
• Collaborate closely with Product Owners to refine requirements, shape features, and ensure successful delivery to customers.
• Lead technical innovation initiatives to address complex technical and business challenges within the UX/UI domain.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, best practices, and ethical guidelines for all projects.
• Identify and resolve technical issues across both development and production environments, recommending solutions for continuous improvement.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and developments, making recommendations to the team on adopting new technologies and practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core software engineering tasks with a strong emphasis on user experience, embedded systems development, and collaborative product lifecycle management. The expectation to "lead technical innovation" and "make recommendations" suggests opportunities for proactive contribution and influence within the team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for roles of this nature.

Experience: 3+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a focus on front-end or user interface development, or equivalent combined education and experience. Proven experience in building reusable UI components and interactive applications with animations and transitions.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in writing clean, concise, tested, and maintainable code in modern scripting languages such as TypeScript, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or Groovy.
• Experience with Node.js for backend or tooling development.
• Experience developing with Dart/Flutter for In-Vehicle (embedded systems) applications.
• Demonstrated ability to build reusable UI components/widgets and interactive UI applications with visual feedback (e.g., animations, screen transitions).
• Experience translating high-level designs into detailed feature requirements using design tools like Figma or Sketch.
• Hands-on experience working within an Agile software engineering environment.
• Strong understanding and application of current best practices and principles in software development.
• Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to apply systems thinking to understand interdependencies and design effective solutions.
• Aptitude for learning and applying new technologies, programming practices, patterns, and methods.
• Proven ability to work independently, take ownership of tasks, and deliver results.
• Effective communication of technical information in a clear, concise, and meaningful manner.
• Solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to find agreeable solutions through open-minded collaboration.
• Strong organizational and detail-oriented work habits.
• Ability to develop healthy working relationships and collaborate effectively with peers and leadership.
• Demonstrated integrity and high standards in work quality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Appreciation for diversity and inclusivity in interactions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other relevant programming languages such as Swift, Java, or Kotlin.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and best practices.
• Experience with version control systems, particularly Git.
• Knowledge of embedded systems development principles.
• Experience with performance optimization techniques for UI applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a modern technology stack (Node.js, TypeScript, Flutter) and a strong foundation in software engineering principles. The explicit mention of design tools like Figma/Sketch indicates a need for engineers who can bridge the gap between design and development, a key aspect of UX/UI roles. The requirement for systems thinking and adaptability is crucial for embedded systems development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase demonstrable experience in developing user-facing applications, highlighting UI component reusability and interactive elements.
• Include examples of projects where design specifications (from tools like Figma/Sketch) were translated into functional software features.
• Present code samples demonstrating clean, concise, tested, and maintainable code in at least one of the specified languages (TypeScript, Dart, Swift, Java, Kotlin).
• Provide evidence of contributions to projects utilizing Agile methodologies, illustrating understanding of iterative development and collaboration.
• Highlight projects that involved problem-solving, debugging, or optimizing existing systems, showcasing analytical and troubleshooting skills.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented workflows, system designs, or technical specifications in previous roles.
• Demonstrations of your approach to continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) processes, including any tools or methodologies used.
• Evidence of your approach to testing software components, including unit tests, integration tests, or UI tests.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, demonstrating practical application of skills through code samples, project examples, or a personal GitHub profile would be highly beneficial. The emphasis on "clean, concise, tested, maintainable code" and "best practices" suggests that the quality and structure of code samples will be evaluated.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Mid-Level Software Engineer (2-5 years of experience) in the Plano, Texas area, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $95,000 and $135,000. This range can vary based on specific experience, interview performance, and the company's compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Career Path: Structured opportunities for professional development and advancement within Toyota Connected.
• Training Budget: Annual $2,500 budget allocated for professional skill development, including courses, certifications, and conferences.
• Unlimited Time Off: Flexibility and autonomy in managing personal time off, promoting work-life balance.
• Home Office Stipend: $1,000 stipend to help furnish an ergonomic remote workspace.
• Paid Parental Leave: Four months of paid leave for new parents to bond with their children.
• Adoption Assistance: Financial support of $5,000 (or $6,000 for special needs) for adoption costs.
• 401(k) with Company Match: Generous company match on 401(k) contributions, fully vested from day one.
• Vehicle Discounts: Discounts on new and leased Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
• Vehicle Allowance: A significant allowance to cover new and leased Toyota and Lexus vehicles, potentially offsetting monthly payments.
• Innovation Events: Annual Patent-a-thons and Hackathons to foster creativity and problem-solving.
• Wellness Stipend: Annual $1,000 stipend to support overall mental and physical health.
• Onsite Perks: Free catered lunches when working onsite, with designated "cheat days."
• Refreshments: Access to Nespresso bars for coffee and tea.
• Workplace Environment: Casual dress code and free covered garage parking.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week. The "Unlimited Time Off" policy suggests flexibility in scheduling, but core business hours will likely require availability for team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is exceptionally comprehensive, emphasizing employee well-being, professional growth, and financial security. The vehicle allowance and discounts are unique perks tied to the automotive industry. The "Unlimited Time Off" policy, while attractive, often implies a high degree of trust and responsibility for managing workload and availability. Salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology / Connected Services. Toyota Connected North America (TC) operates at the forefront of automotive innovation, focusing on leveraging data, cloud intelligence, and mobility technologies to enhance the driving experience. This means the environment is likely fast-paced, data-driven, and focused on cutting-edge solutions.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Toyota Connected is a subsidiary of a major automotive manufacturer, suggesting it operates with the resources and structure of a large enterprise, but likely with the agility of a tech-focused division. The size implies opportunities for structured career progression and access to diverse projects.

Founded: Toyota Connected was established in 2016. This relatively recent founding date suggests a culture that is modern, adaptable, and built around the evolving landscape of connected car technology and data analytics, rather than legacy systems or processes.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Toyota Connected UX/UI team," indicating a specialized group focused on user interface and user experience design and implementation.
• This team likely comprises software engineers, UX/UI designers, product owners, and potentially quality assurance specialists.
• Collaboration is emphasized, suggesting a flat or matrixed structure where cross-functional teamwork is common. Reporting lines would likely be to a team lead or manager within the UX/UI or Software Engineering department.
• Interaction with other departments, such as product management, data science, and potentially hardware integration teams, is expected.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: The company's mission revolves around "big data and cloud intelligence," implying that data analysis and insights are central to decision-making and product development.
• Agile Development: The job description explicitly mentions working in an "Agile software engineering environment," indicating the use of Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban for project management and development.
• Customer-Centricity: The focus on "delighting and improving the experience of all Toyota Customers" suggests a strong emphasis on user feedback, user research, and iterative design based on customer needs.
• Innovation & Experimentation: The mention of "Patent-a-thons and Hackathons" and "technical innovation efforts" points to a culture that encourages experimentation, rapid prototyping, and exploring new technological solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Toyota Connected positions itself as a tech innovator within the automotive sector. The culture is likely a blend of automotive industry rigor and tech startup agility. The emphasis on data, customer experience, and modern development practices (Agile, CI/CD) will be key characteristics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Software Engineer (2-5 years of experience). It requires a solid foundation in software development principles and specific technologies, with the expectation of contributing independently to projects and collaborating effectively within a team. It's a role that offers opportunities to deepen expertise in automotive UX/UI development and embedded systems.

Reporting Structure: The Software Engineer will likely report to a Software Engineering Manager or a Lead Engineer within the UX/UI team. They will work closely with Product Owners and Designers, indicating a collaborative reporting structure where guidance and feedback come from multiple stakeholders.

Operations Impact: As a Software Engineer focused on UX/UI for In-Vehicle systems, the impact is direct on the customer experience. High-quality, intuitive, and performant software directly influences customer satisfaction, brand perception, and potentially future vehicle purchasing decisions. The work contributes to Toyota's overall strategy of making driving "more personal, intuitive, and safe."

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Dart/Flutter for embedded systems, Node.js/TypeScript for tooling, and modern UX/UI development patterns.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working closely with product management, design, and potentially data science teams, understanding the full product lifecycle.
• Leadership Potential: Opportunities to lead technical innovation efforts, mentor junior engineers, and potentially move into Senior Engineer or Tech Lead roles.
• Industry Knowledge: Develop specialized knowledge in automotive technology, connected services, and the unique challenges of embedded systems development.
• Formal Training: Utilize the annual $2,500 training budget for certifications, courses, or conferences relevant to software engineering, UX/UI, or automotive technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for technical growth within a specialized domain (automotive UX/UI). The company's investment in training and development, coupled with opportunities for innovation, suggests a supportive environment for career advancement. The impact of this role is tangible, directly affecting the end-user's interaction with Toyota vehicles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Plano, Texas, with a "Hybrid Option." This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, innovation, and focused work. Toyota Connected likely provides well-equipped workspaces that cater to software development needs.

Office Location(s): Plano, Texas. Toyota Connected encourages employees to live within a reasonable commuting distance, reinforcing the hybrid nature of the work arrangement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect designated areas for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional collaboration, facilitating interaction with designers, product owners, and fellow engineers.
• Technology Infrastructure: Access to robust development tools, high-performance computing resources, and potentially specialized hardware for testing In-Vehicle systems.
• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with the UX/UI team and other stakeholders is a core aspect of the role, fostering a dynamic and engaged work environment.
• Innovation Hubs: The company's focus on innovation may translate into spaces designed for experimentation, prototyping, and hackathons.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is likely 40 hours. The hybrid model means employees will split their time between the office and remote work, offering flexibility. Specific days in the office may be determined by team needs or company policy, but the "Unlimited Time Off" policy suggests a culture that trusts employees to manage their schedules effectively while meeting project deadlines and collaborative needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key feature, balancing the benefits of remote flexibility with the advantages of in-person collaboration. The culture of innovation and the specific industry focus (automotive tech) will shape the day-to-day workspace experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Screening: Review of resume and qualifications against the job requirements.
2. Technical Screen: A phone or video call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, soft skills, and cultural fit. May include initial technical questions.
3. Technical Interview(s): In-depth interviews, potentially including:
   • Coding Challenge/Live Coding: Practical assessment of coding skills in Node.js, TypeScript, or Dart/Flutter. This could involve solving algorithmic problems or building small features.
   • System Design: Discussion of how to design scalable and maintainable software systems, potentially focusing on UI architectures or embedded system considerations.
   • UX/UI Discussion: Questions about translating designs into code, building interactive elements, and understanding user experience principles.
   • Behavioral Questions: Assessment of problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and adaptability, often using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
4. Team/Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview to assess overall fit with the team, management style, and strategic alignment.
5. Offer: Extension of a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate proficiency in Node.js, TypeScript, Dart/Flutter, and UI development.
• Highlight UX/UI Contributions: Clearly articulate your role in translating designs into functional features, building interactive elements, and ensuring a positive user experience.
• Code Quality: Ensure code samples are well-organized, commented, and demonstrate clean, maintainable practices. A link to a well-maintained GitHub profile is highly recommended.
• Process Examples: If possible, include examples of how you've worked within Agile frameworks, utilized CI/CD, or documented technical specifications.
• Storytelling: Be prepared to walk through your projects, explaining the problem, your solution, the technologies used, and the impact or results achieved. Focus on the "why" behind your technical decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice Core Languages: Brush up on Node.js, TypeScript, and Dart/Flutter syntax, common libraries, and best practices.
• Algorithm & Data Structures: Review fundamental algorithms and data structures, as these are common in technical interviews.
• UI Concepts: Prepare to discuss UI component design, state management, animations, and responsive design principles.
• Agile & SDLC: Understand the software development lifecycle and Agile methodologies, being ready to discuss your experience within these frameworks.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think about past technical challenges you've overcome and how you approached them systematically.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Software Engineer role at a tech company like Toyota Connected will likely be rigorous, focusing on both technical proficiency and collaborative skills. A strong portfolio or GitHub profile showcasing relevant projects is crucial for demonstrating practical application of required skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Backend/Tooling: Node.js, TypeScript
• In-Vehicle Development: Dart, Flutter
• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch (for consuming and translating designs)
• Version Control: Git (and platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket)
• Build & CI/CD: Familiarity with CI/CD principles and tools (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions) is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, understanding how software contributes to user analytics and performance monitoring is valuable. Experience with analytics platforms or logging frameworks could be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this specific engineering role, but understanding the broader customer journey facilitated by CRM systems might be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is clearly defined: Node.js, TypeScript, and Dart/Flutter. Proficiency in these is essential. Familiarity with design tools like Figma/Sketch is also key for the UX/UI aspect of the role. Understanding CI/CD principles is a must for modern software development practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and improving the customer experience through intuitive and reliable software.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving, experimentation, and the adoption of new technologies to push the boundaries of automotive technology.
• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are paramount.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: Dedication to writing high-quality, maintainable, and performant code, reflecting a commitment to engineering excellence.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of always seeking ways to optimize processes, enhance system performance, and develop new skills.
• Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in work quality and professional conduct.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with Product Owners and Designers to ensure alignment between technical implementation and user experience goals.
• Agile Teamwork: Participating actively in Agile ceremonies (stand-ups, sprint planning, retrospectives) and contributing to team goals.
• Feedback Exchange: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback on code, designs, and processes to drive continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing technical insights, best practices, and learnings with team members to elevate collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture appears to value innovation, customer satisfaction, and strong teamwork. The emphasis on Agile methodologies suggests a collaborative and iterative approach to development. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion is also explicitly stated.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Embedded Systems Complexity: Developing software for In-Vehicle systems involves unique constraints and challenges compared to typical web or mobile development, requiring careful attention to performance, resource management, and reliability.
• Bridging Design & Code: Effectively translating complex UI/UX designs into functional, performant code for embedded environments can be challenging.
• Rapidly Evolving Technology: The connected car space is constantly evolving, requiring continuous learning to stay updated with new technologies, standards, and customer expectations.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication across diverse teams (engineering, design, product) to achieve cohesive product development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Skill Acquisition: Deepen expertise in Dart/Flutter, embedded systems programming, and advanced UI/UX development within the automotive context.
• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into the automotive industry's technological advancements and the future of mobility.
• Professional Certifications: Utilize the training budget to pursue certifications in relevant programming languages, cloud technologies, or Agile methodologies.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and designers within the team, potentially leading to mentorship roles as experience grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the specific demands of embedded systems development and the fast-paced nature of automotive technology. However, these challenges also present significant growth opportunities for engineers looking to specialize in this cutting-edge field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Approach: "Describe a time you had to translate a complex UI design into functional code. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure performance and user experience?" (Focus on process, tools like Figma/Sketch, and problem-solving).
• Collaboration & Communication: "Tell me about a project where you worked closely with designers and product owners. How did you ensure alignment and handle disagreements or conflicting requirements?" (Highlight Agile collaboration, communication skills, and solutions-orientation).
• Problem-Solving & Debugging: "Walk me through a challenging bug you encountered in a previous project. How did you diagnose the issue, and what steps did you take to resolve it?" (Demonstrate systematic troubleshooting and analytical thinking).
• Company & Culture Fit: "What interests you about Toyota Connected and this specific role? How do you see your skills contributing to our mission of enhancing the automotive customer experience?" (Research the company mission, values, and recent innovations).
• Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a positive and productive team dynamic?" (Showcase your understanding of collaboration, feedback, and shared goals).
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of the software you develop, particularly from a user experience perspective?" (Discuss metrics, user feedback, and performance indicators).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Walkthrough: Prepare a brief overview of each chosen project, highlighting your specific contributions and the technologies used.
• Focus on UX/UI: Emphasize how your code directly implemented design specifications, created interactive elements, and contributed to a positive user experience.
• Showcase Code Quality: Be ready to discuss your coding practices, testing methodologies, and how you ensure maintainability. Link to your GitHub.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, share metrics or results that demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., improved user engagement, reduced load times, successful feature adoption).
• Interactive Demo (Optional): If feasible, prepare a short live demo of a relevant project or feature to showcase functionality.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Practice: Utilize platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Codewars to practice JavaScript/TypeScript and potentially Dart coding problems. Focus on algorithms and data structures.
• System Design Fundamentals: Review common system design patterns, especially those related to UI architecture, component-based design, and state management.
• Agile Scenarios: Be ready to discuss your experience with Agile sprints, backlog grooming, and sprint retrospectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical competence in Node.js, TypeScript, and Dart/Flutter, along with a clear understanding of UX/UI principles and Agile development. Strong communication and problem-solving skills, backed by practical examples from your experience or portfolio, will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Software Engineer, UX/UI position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Toyota Connected careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and any accompanying materials to highlight your experience with Node.js, TypeScript, Dart/Flutter, UI development, Figma/Sketch usage, and Agile methodologies. Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to build interactive and user-friendly interfaces.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, specific technical skills, and quantifiable achievements. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common software engineering interview questions, focusing on behavioral aspects (STAR method), technical problem-solving, and system design. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Toyota Connected's mission, values, and its role in the automotive industry. Understand their focus on customer experience and technological innovation.

⚠️ 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.