UI Data Visualization Engineer

Adobe
Full_time$114k-215k/year (USD)San Jose, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Data Visualization Engineer Company: Adobe Location: San Jose, California, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Engineering / Data Visualization Date Posted: 2026-02-10 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Architect and implement sophisticated, responsive, and scalable data visualization experiences for a broad audience within the Adobe Experience Cloud.
  • Develop innovative visualization components and patterns, extending the React Spectrum Charts ecosystem to enhance AI-driven insights communication.
  • Apply core principles of visual encoding, data semantics, and perceptual design to ensure clarity, meaning, and accessibility in complex data representations.
  • Integrate UI and visualization layers with REST APIs, efficiently parsing and transforming JSON data for seamless visual consumption by users.
  • Drive technical quality and performance through rigorous code reviews, architecture reviews, and strategic testing methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the front-end engineering of data visualization, with a strong emphasis on applying these skills within the context of AI-driven insights and the Adobe Experience Platform. The "UI Data Visualization Engineer" title, combined with responsibilities like extending React Spectrum Charts and integrating with AI Assistant experiences, points to a specialized role bridging front-end development, data visualization best practices, and emerging AI capabilities. The focus is on making complex AI insights digestible and actionable through visual interfaces.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Deliver best-in-class, responsive, and scalable visualization experiences for mass audiences, ensuring high performance and user engagement.
  • Architect and implement visualizations utilizing modern technologies such as React, SVG, and contemporary data visualization frameworks.
  • Contribute to and extend the React Spectrum Charts ecosystem by developing new visualization components and design patterns.
  • Apply fundamental principles of visual encoding, data semantics, and perceptual design to craft visualizations that are both clear and meaningful.
  • Integrate UI and visualization layers with RESTful APIs, including parsing and transforming JSON data to prepare it for visual representation.
  • Leverage D3, SVG, and optionally Canvas to construct custom charts and graphical representations that go beyond standard charting forms.
  • Design, develop, test, deploy, and monitor visualization features with a keen focus on performance, scalability, and accessibility standards.
  • Ensure visualization experiences meet high accessibility standards, including ARIA patterns for charts, keyboard navigation, and color-safe design principles.
  • Lead initiatives to enhance technical quality through thorough code reviews, architecture evaluations, and the development of robust testing strategies.
  • Foster close collaboration with designers and data partners to ensure visualizations are purposeful, accurate, and effectively convey complex information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core front-end development (React, SVG, APIs) and specialized data visualization expertise (D3, visual encoding, data semantics). The emphasis on extending an existing component library (React Spectrum Charts) suggests a need for contributions to a design system and reusable UI elements. The requirement to ensure accessibility and drive technical quality through reviews indicates a senior-level expectation for robust software engineering practices.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Data Science, or a related field is typically expected for roles requiring this level of technical proficiency and experience. Experience: 4+ years of professional experience in building highly performant and sophisticated web applications with a strong focus on data visualizations.

Required Skills:

  • Expert-level proficiency in JavaScript, React, and core front-end engineering principles.
  • Strong experience with SVG and visualization-driven engineering; D3 is a mandatory requirement.
  • Deep understanding of data visualization concepts, including visual encoding, data types, and selecting appropriate chart types for specific data.
  • Experience with React Spectrum Charts or comparable modern visualization frameworks.
  • Practical understanding of fundamental statistical concepts, including distributions, trends, correlation, and outlier detection.
  • Proven experience in preparing and transforming data specifically for visualization purposes.
  • Expertise in responsive web design principles and front-end performance optimization techniques.
  • Experience with modern testing frameworks such as Jest and Cypress for ensuring code quality and application stability.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of English proficiency.
  • A demonstrable passion for building meaningful user experiences, with a natural inclination for crafting thoughtful visual communication.
  • Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and an understanding of how they can inform or generate visualization content.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience designing, developing, or extending charting libraries or comprehensive visualization systems.
  • Experience with GraphQL, or proficiency in writing and consuming RESTful APIs.
  • Knowledge of load optimization strategies, cloud deployment best practices, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Full-stack engineering experience, demonstrating a broader understanding of application development.
  • Experience with real-time visualization techniques or interactive data exploration interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section clearly delineates the core technical competencies needed, with a strong emphasis on JavaScript, React, and specifically D3 for visualization. The "Preferred Skills" offer a pathway for candidates with broader or more specialized experience to stand out, particularly those with experience in library development or full-stack capabilities. The mention of AI/ML concepts as a requirement suggests the role is forward-looking and will involve integrating with AI-generated data or insights.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a portfolio demonstrating a strong track record of building sophisticated and performant web applications, with a significant emphasis on data visualization components.
  • Include case studies detailing the process of transforming complex data into clear, actionable, and visually engaging insights.
  • Present examples of custom chart development or extensions to existing charting libraries, highlighting technical implementation and design considerations.
  • Demonstrate experience in integrating visualizations with backend data sources via APIs, including data preparation and transformation steps.
  • Highlight contributions to design systems or component libraries, particularly those focused on charting and visual analytics.

Process Documentation:

  • Examples of how you approach the design and implementation of interactive data visualizations, from initial concept to final deployment.
  • Documentation or explanations of your process for ensuring data accuracy, visual clarity, and user accessibility in your visualizations.
  • Demonstrations of your methodology for performance optimization, testing, and code quality assurance in front-end visualization development.
  • Detail your process for collaborating with designers, product managers, and data partners to iterate on visualization designs and ensure alignment with project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on UI Data Visualization Engineering, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis should be on tangible examples of data visualization work, showcasing not just the aesthetic appeal but also the technical implementation, data handling, and the thought process behind visualization choices. Demonstrating an understanding of the full development lifecycle for these components, including testing and accessibility, will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • National (U.S.): $114,100 - $214,950 annually.
  • California Specific: $148,500 - $214,950 annually.

Explanation of Range: This range reflects the cost of labor across various U.S. geographic markets, with California commanding a higher end due to regional market dynamics and cost of living. Pay within this range is further influenced by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as specific work location.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
  • Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Retirement savings plans, such as a 401(k) with company match.
  • Potential for new hire equity awards, particularly for roles with significant impact.
  • Employee development programs, including access to training, conferences, and continuous learning resources.
  • Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
  • Various employee discounts and perks.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, reflecting a full-time commitment. Flexibility may be available, but core hours are expected for team collaboration and project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary ranges are specific and significant. The distinction between the national U.S. range and the California-specific range is important. The note about "total target compensation (TTC)" for sales roles and "base salary and short-term incentives" for non-sales roles indicates a standard corporate compensation structure. For this engineering role, the salary is likely base salary plus potential incentives and equity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software & Technology, specifically Digital Media, Creative Tools, and Customer Experience Management. Adobe is a leader in creative software and digital marketing solutions. Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 10,000 employees, based on LinkedIn data for Adobe). This implies a structured environment with established processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. Founded: 1982. With a long history, Adobe has evolved significantly, demonstrating adaptability and innovation in the tech landscape.

Team Structure:

  • The Gen AI Experience Engineering team operates with a "startup mentality," suggesting agility, rapid iteration, and a focus on delivering value quickly within a larger corporate structure.
  • This team is at the forefront of integrating AI capabilities across the Adobe Experience Cloud, indicating a forward-thinking and innovation-driven focus.
  • Collaboration is expected with product managers, architects, designers, and data partners, highlighting a cross-functional and matrixed work environment.

Methodology:

  • Embraces an iterative approach to building scalable solutions.
  • Focuses on rapid delivery of value.
  • Leverages AI capabilities to enhance user experiences.
  • Emphasizes best-in-class UI and visualization design.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "startup mentality" within a large enterprise like Adobe is a key cultural indicator. It suggests a dynamic team that values speed and innovation while benefiting from the stability and resources of a major corporation. Understanding this duality will be crucial for candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior-level UI Engineer with a specialization in Data Visualization. It requires deep expertise and the ability to mentor or guide others, leading to potential Principal or Lead Engineer roles in data visualization or front-end architecture. Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Gen AI Experience Engineering team. This team likely operates within a broader engineering or product development organization. The reporting structure within this "startup mentality" team might be flatter, encouraging direct contribution to architectural decisions and project direction. Operations Impact: The engineer will directly influence how thousands of developers and customers understand their data through AI-driven insights. By shaping the communication of AI Assistant insights, this role has a significant impact on the usability and perceived value of Adobe Experience Cloud products, ultimately driving customer adoption and satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced data visualization techniques, AI integration, and front-end architecture within the Adobe ecosystem.
  • Leadership: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers, lead visualization projects, and influence the technical direction of the Gen AI Experience Engineering team.
  • Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working across various Adobe product lines and collaborate with diverse teams, including AI research, product management, and design.
  • Skill Expansion: Potential to explore full-stack development, cloud deployment strategies, and advanced AI/ML concepts relevant to visualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are substantial, given Adobe's scale and focus on innovation. The role offers a clear path for technical leadership and specialization in a high-demand area (AI + Data Viz). Candidates should be prepared to discuss their long-term career aspirations and how this role aligns with them.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role in San Jose, California. Adobe offices are typically modern, well-equipped, and designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Office Location(s): San Jose, California, a hub for technology companies, offering a vibrant ecosystem for tech professionals. Workspace Context:

  • Expect a collaborative and dynamic work environment, typical of engineering teams focused on rapid development and innovation.
  • Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies will be standard.
  • Opportunities for direct interaction and knowledge sharing with a team of skilled engineers, designers, and product managers.
  • The "startup mentality" suggests a fast-paced and iterative approach to development, with an emphasis on teamwork and shared problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While the core expectation is 40 hours per week, the emphasis on rapid delivery and iterative development may sometimes require flexibility. However, Adobe generally promotes a healthy work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The San Jose location is a significant factor, placing the role in a competitive and high-cost-of-living area. The office environment will likely be designed to support collaborative engineering work, with ample resources and amenities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
  • Technical Screening: A coding challenge or technical interview focusing on JavaScript, React, and potentially data structures or algorithms.
  • Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their work, focusing on data visualization projects, explaining their role, technical approach, and impact. This is a critical stage.
  • On-site (or Virtual On-site) Interviews: Multiple interviews with team members, including engineers, designers, and potentially a hiring manager. These will cover technical depth, problem-solving, collaboration, and behavioral questions.
  • System Design/Architecture Challenge: Potentially a session where candidates discuss how they would design a complex visualization system or component.
  • Final Interview: May involve a senior leader or product manager discussing strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Wisely: Select 2-3 of your strongest data visualization projects that best demonstrate the required skills (React, D3, SVG, data handling, accessibility).
  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the technical challenges, your solutions, and the measurable impact or outcomes.
  • Highlight Technical Details: Be prepared to dive deep into the code, architecture, and specific visualization techniques used. Explain why you made certain choices (e.g., why D3 over a simpler library, why SVG over Canvas).
  • Demonstrate Process: Showcase your understanding of the development lifecycle, including data preparation, API integration, performance optimization, and testing.
  • Emphasize Accessibility: Clearly explain how you ensured accessibility for your visualizations (ARIA, keyboard navigation, color contrast).
  • Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to show the success of your visualizations (e.g., improved user engagement, faster data comprehension).

Challenge Preparation:

  • JavaScript & React Fundamentals: Brush up on core JS concepts (ES6+) and advanced React patterns (hooks, context API, performance optimization).
  • D3.js: Practice building various chart types with D3, understanding its data binding, scales, axes, and SVG manipulation capabilities.
  • SVG & Canvas: Understand the differences and use cases for both. Be ready to discuss SVG manipulation and potentially Canvas rendering for performance-intensive visualizations.
  • Data Structures & Algorithms: Prepare for questions related to efficient data handling and processing, as these are crucial for performance in data visualization.
  • System Design: Think about how you would architect a scalable charting library or a tool for generating visualizations from diverse data sources.
  • Behavioral Questions: Prepare STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answers for questions about teamwork, problem-solving, handling challenges, and dealing with ambiguity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is explicitly called out as a critical stage. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing a compelling portfolio that directly addresses the job requirements, especially the blend of UI engineering and data visualization expertise.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • JavaScript: The foundational language for web development.
  • React: The primary JavaScript library for building user interfaces.
  • SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics): Essential for creating dynamic and resolution-independent vector visualizations.
  • D3.js: A powerful JavaScript library for manipulating documents based on data, a core requirement for custom visualizations.
  • React Spectrum Charts: Adobe's own charting library, which the candidate will extend. Familiarity or a quick learning curve here is key.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not explicitly listed, expect to work with various data sources and potentially integrate with Adobe's analytics platforms. Data transformation and preparation for visualization are key.

CRM & Automation:

  • This role is not directly CRM or automation focused, but it will likely integrate with systems that manage customer data and workflows within the Adobe Experience Cloud.

Other Potentially Relevant Tools:

  • Canvas API: For performance-critical or pixel-heavy visualizations.
  • Jest & Cypress: For unit, integration, and end-to-end testing.
  • GraphQL / REST APIs: For data fetching and integration.
  • Version Control: Git.
  • CI/CD Tools: For automated deployment and testing.
  • Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP): For deployment and scaling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily front-end focused, with a significant emphasis on JavaScript, React, and D3. The mention of "React Spectrum Charts" indicates a need to work within Adobe's internal design system and component library, which is a crucial detail for applicants.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Innovation: Driving new ideas and solutions, especially in the realm of AI and data visualization.
  • Customer Focus: Building experiences that deliver tangible value and exceptional user experiences.
  • Collaboration: Working effectively across teams (design, product, data) to achieve common goals.
  • Excellence: Striving for high-quality, performant, and accessible technical solutions.
  • Agility: Embracing iterative development and rapid delivery, akin to a startup environment.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Close partnership with product managers, designers, and data scientists to translate complex requirements into effective visualizations.
  • Open Communication: Encouraging direct and transparent feedback through code reviews, design critiques, and team discussions.
  • Shared Ownership: A collective responsibility for the success of the product and features developed.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing data and user feedback to inform design and development choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team's "startup mentality" suggests a culture that is fast-paced, results-oriented, and encourages initiative. This contrasts with the typical culture of a large enterprise, offering a unique hybrid environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they thrive in such settings.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Innovation and Scalability: Creating cutting-edge visualizations while ensuring they are robust, performant, and scalable for enterprise-level use within the Adobe Experience Cloud.
  • Complexity of Data: Translating complex AI-generated insights and large datasets into easily understandable and actionable visual formats.
  • Cross-functional Alignment: Effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders (designers, product managers, AI experts) who may have different priorities or technical understanding.
  • Keeping Pace with AI Advancements: Integrating evolving AI capabilities into visualization tools and ensuring the visualizations remain relevant and insightful.
  • Accessibility Standards: Consistently meeting and exceeding accessibility requirements for complex visual data representations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Deep Dive into AI/ML: Gain hands-on experience with AI/ML concepts and how they are applied to generate data insights, directly influencing visualization output.
  • Advanced Visualization Techniques: Master sophisticated charting techniques, custom component development, and performance optimization for data-heavy applications.
  • Adobe's Ecosystem: Become proficient in the Adobe Experience Cloud and its underlying platforms, understanding how visualizations fit into the broader customer experience landscape.
  • Design System Contribution: Contribute to and learn from Adobe's robust design system (React Spectrum), enhancing skills in building reusable UI components and patterns.
  • Leadership and Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and lead technical initiatives within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are significant, reflecting the cutting-edge nature of the role. The growth opportunities are equally compelling, offering a chance to develop highly sought-after skills in AI, data visualization, and enterprise software development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to visualize complex data insights derived from AI or machine learning. What were the challenges, and how did you approach them?" (Focus on your process, tools, and the clarity of the final visualization.)
  • "How would you design a new visualization component for our React Spectrum Charts library to represent [specific type of AI insight, e.g., customer segmentation trends]? Walk me through your thought process, data handling, and potential challenges." (Demonstrate your understanding of visual encoding, React architecture, and component design.)
  • "Discuss your approach to ensuring data visualization accessibility. What specific techniques and standards do you follow?" (Highlight your knowledge of ARIA, keyboard navigation, color contrast, and inclusive design principles.)
  • "Imagine a scenario where a designer provides you with a highly innovative but technically challenging visualization concept. How would you collaborate with them to ensure feasibility, performance, and alignment with engineering constraints?" (Showcase your collaboration and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Adobe's mission and the Gen AI Experience Engineering team specifically?" (Research Adobe's values, recent AI initiatives, and the Experience Cloud.)
  • "How do you see your role contributing to the 'startup mentality' of this team while working within a large organization like Adobe?" (Discuss your ability to be agile, innovative, and collaborative.)
  • "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams. How do you handle differing opinions or priorities?" (Prepare examples of successful collaboration and conflict resolution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Presentation: Start with an overview, dive into the problem and your solution, detail the technical implementation (focusing on React, D3, SVG), explain your design choices, and conclude with the impact or outcome.
  • Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific lines of code, API integrations, data transformation logic, performance bottlenecks, and accessibility implementation.
  • Explain Your "Why": Articulate the rationale behind your design decisions, not just the "how." Why did you choose a particular chart type? Why SVG? Why D3?
  • Quantify Results: Use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects, if possible.
  • Showcase Your Process: Walk through your workflow, from understanding requirements to testing and deployment.
  • Enthusiasm for Data Viz: Convey your passion for creating meaningful and impactful visual representations of data.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Mock Interviews: Practice coding challenges and technical discussions with peers.
  • Whiteboarding: Be comfortable explaining your thought process verbally and visually, whether on a physical whiteboard or a digital collaboration tool.
  • Review Key Technologies: Revisit JavaScript, React, D3.js, SVG, and accessibility standards. Understand their nuances and common pitfalls.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of skills, problem-solving, and collaboration. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their expertise through their portfolio, technical discussions, and behavioral responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Data Visualization Engineer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Adobe careers portal.
  • Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest data visualization projects. Ensure these examples clearly demonstrate your expertise in React, D3.js, SVG, data handling, and accessibility. Prepare to walk through 2-3 key projects in detail, explaining your technical approach, design considerations, and the impact of your work.
  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and experiences directly relevant to this role, such as "Data Visualization," "React," "D3.js," "SVG," "JavaScript," "Front-End Performance," and "Accessibility." Quantify your achievements where possible.
  • Interview Practice: Practice answering common technical questions related to JavaScript, React, D3.js, and SVG. Prepare STAR method responses for behavioral questions focusing on collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it is clear, concise, and impactful.
  • Company Research: Thoroughly research Adobe, its products (especially the Experience Cloud), its mission, and its recent work in AI. Understand the company's values and how they align with your own professional approach.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates should have over 4 years of experience in building web applications with data visualizations and expert-level proficiency in JavaScript and React. A strong understanding of data visualization concepts and experience with SVG and D3 is required.