Unity & UX/UI Developer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Unity & UX/UI Developer

Company: The Aerospace Corporation

Location: El Segundo, CA, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Software Development / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-04-23

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop and implement cutting-edge user experiences for complex space systems, leveraging expertise in Unity and advanced visualization tools to create intuitive interfaces for critical decision-making.

• Build responsive, accessible, high-performance front-end interfaces with exceptional attention to detail, transforming complex engineering data into actionable insights for civil, commercial, and national security space programs.

• Partner closely with product experience designers, engineers, scientists, and stakeholders to translate customer needs into innovative design solutions and deliver cohesive, high-impact systems.

• Foster a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and user empathy within a team that utilizes advanced information system technologies, including cloud computing, containerization, and microservices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Engineering Applications Department (EAD), specifically focusing on creating visualization tools and immersive experiences for complex space systems. While not a traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, the emphasis on translating complex data into intuitive interfaces, user research, and stakeholder collaboration aligns with the GTM operations principle of enabling better decision-making through accessible technology and optimized user journeys. The required security clearance indicates a focus on national security and defense sectors.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement intuitive and high-performance user interfaces for game engine applications, advanced visualization software, and immersive technologies using Unity.

• Collaborate closely with product experience designers, software engineers, scientists, and stakeholders to understand requirements, align vision, and deliver cohesive, end-to-end digital solutions that meet critical decision-making needs.

• Build responsive, accessible, and visually appealing front-end interfaces with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring optimal user experience across various platforms and devices.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and rapid prototyping to gather feedback and iterate on design solutions, ensuring the final product is user-centric and effective.

• Translate complex engineering data and system functionalities into intuitive and easily understandable visual representations and interactive elements.

• Partner with backend developers to integrate front-end components with RESTful APIs and ensure seamless data flow and functionality.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability across multiple applications and projects.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning, technical excellence, and user empathy within the engineering applications team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical development (Unity, game engines) and UX/UI design principles (user research, usability testing, rapid prototyping). This dual focus is critical for creating effective visualization tools that bridge the gap between complex data and user comprehension, a key aspect of GTM operations where data clarity drives strategic decisions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, or a related STEM discipline.

Experience: A minimum of two years of development experience in Unity or other game engines post-bachelor's degree completion, with demonstrated expertise in developing complex digital environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven development experience in Unity or other game engines.

• Expertise in building complex solutions for complete digital environments.

• Proficiency in Python, C#, C++, or JavaScript.

• Understanding of RESTful APIs for data integration.

• Experience with version control systems, specifically Git.

• Familiarity with modern development workflows and methodologies.

• Demonstrated ability in user research and usability testing.

• Experience with rapid prototyping techniques to iterate on designs.

• Practical experience with accessibility standards in interface design.

• Proven ability to present complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including engineers and executives.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's or Ph.D. in HCI, Computer Science, Design, or Human Factors.

• Extensive experience in UX/UI design and development.

• Deep experience with 3D visualization environments and augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies.

• Proficiency with WebGL, Three.js, D3.js, Qt, OpenGL, shader programming, or real-time rendering pipelines.

• Skilled in motion design using tools like After Effects or Cinema4D.

• Proficiency with 3D modeling tools such as Blender, Maya, or 3DS Max.

• Experience within the aerospace, defense, or government sectors.

• Strong understanding of graphics principles, 3D math, and rendering pipelines.

• Experience building and maintaining large-scale design systems.

• Publications, presentations, or patents in UX/UI or human-computer interaction.

• Current DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills highlight a strong technical foundation in game development and programming languages, coupled with essential UX/UI design competencies. The preferred skills indicate areas where candidates can differentiate themselves, particularly those with advanced degrees or specialized experience in 3D graphics, AR/VR, and relevant industry sectors. The explicit mention of a security clearance is a critical requirement for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of at least two significant projects developed using Unity or similar game engines, demonstrating complex environment creation and interactive functionality.

• Examples of user interface designs and prototypes, illustrating a strong understanding of UX principles, user research findings, and usability testing outcomes.

• Case studies detailing the process from initial concept and customer needs translation to final implementation, highlighting problem-solving approaches and user-centric design decisions.

• Demonstrations of front-end development skills, including responsive design, accessibility implementation, and integration with data sources or APIs.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of participation in user research methodologies, including user interviews, surveys, and observational studies.

• Examples of usability testing protocols, data collection, and subsequent design iterations based on findings.

• Workflow diagrams or process maps illustrating the design and development lifecycle from ideation to deployment for specific projects.

• Documentation of accessibility considerations and implementation strategies within developed interfaces.

• Examples of collaboration processes with cross-functional teams (designers, engineers, stakeholders) and how feedback was incorporated.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on developing visualization tools and immersive experiences, a robust portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase technical proficiency with Unity and UX/UI design but also demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, user advocacy, and the ability to translate complex requirements into functional and intuitive applications. The emphasis on process documentation highlights the importance of a repeatable and scalable development methodology.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $86,600 - $129,800 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

• Standard and alternate work schedules, with potential for telework options (though this specific role requires 100% on-site presence).

• 401(k) Plan: Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, with immediate eligibility and vesting.

• Flexible spending accounts to manage pre-tax healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions, recognizing outstanding performance.

• Relocation assistance to support candidates moving to the El Segundo, CA area.

• Professional growth and development programs, including workshops, training, and certifications to advance career skills.

• Education assistance programs to support ongoing learning and academic pursuits.

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (typically 40 hours per week), with potential for alternate work schedules as per company policy, though the role is specified as 100% on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is for the specified role and location, reflecting industry standards for a developer with 2-5 years of experience in Unity and UX/UI. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering strong support for employee well-being, financial security, and professional development. The 401(k) matching is particularly generous.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, Defense, and Government Contracting. The Aerospace Corporation operates as a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), providing critical technical expertise and innovative solutions to national space programs. This context implies a mission-driven environment with a focus on cutting-edge technology and national security.

Company Size: Large enterprise, as indicated by the company's role in national space programs and its extensive benefits package. This size suggests robust organizational structure, established processes, and significant resources.

Founded: The Aerospace Corporation was founded in 1960, indicating a long history of expertise and stability in the space and defense sectors. This longevity points to a culture that values deep technical knowledge and long-term strategic thinking.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Engineering Applications Department (EAD), which focuses on developing visualization tools and immersive experiences. This suggests a specialized team of engineers and developers.

• The team likely comprises individuals with diverse technical backgrounds, including software development, UX/UI design, and potentially data visualization specialists.

Methodology:

• The team leverages cutting-edge information system technologies, including cloud computing, containerization, microservices, and advanced visualization frameworks.

• Emphasis is placed on software architecture, AI, and cybersecurity to deliver high-performance systems.

• The role requires translating complex engineering data into intuitive interfaces, suggesting a data-driven approach to design and development.

• A culture of "problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators" is promoted, indicating an environment that encourages creative solutions and forward-thinking development.

Company Website: https://www.aerospace.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The Aerospace Corporation's FFRDC status dictates a unique culture focused on technical excellence, national security, and innovation. The team structure within EAD points to a specialized group working on critical visualization and user experience challenges for high-stakes space programs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role can be seen as a mid-level developer/designer position. It requires specialized technical skills (Unity, UX/UI) and a degree of autonomy in translating requirements into functional applications. It sits at the intersection of software engineering and user experience design, a growing area in complex technical fields.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Engineering Applications Department (EAD). While the specific reporting line isn't detailed, it's likely to be to a manager or lead within EAD who oversees development projects and team performance. Collaboration with product experience designers and other engineers suggests a team-oriented reporting structure.

Operations Impact: While not a direct "Revenue Operations" role, the impact is significant in enabling better decision-making for critical space programs. By transforming complex data into intuitive visualizations, this role directly contributes to the effectiveness and efficiency of engineers, scientists, and decision-makers in civil, commercial, and national security sectors. Optimized user experiences can lead to faster problem identification, more informed strategic choices, and ultimately, more successful mission outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Unity, AR/VR development, 3D graphics, and advanced visualization techniques.

• UX/UI Leadership: Transition into lead UX/UI design roles, managing design projects and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Move into roles focusing on software architecture, systems engineering, or project management within the aerospace and defense domain.

• Domain Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in space systems, defense applications, or civil space programs, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Security Clearance Advancement: Progress to roles requiring higher-level security clearances, opening doors to more sensitive and impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential for this role lies in deepening technical specialization within game development and visualization, or in broadening skills into UX/UI leadership and systems-level thinking within the aerospace sector. The security clearance requirement is a significant factor for career progression in this industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in El Segundo, CA, and requires 100% on-site work. This suggests a traditional office environment within The Aerospace Corporation's facilities.

Office Location(s): El Segundo, California, a hub for aerospace and technology companies in the Los Angeles area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, requiring close interaction with product experience designers, engineers, scientists, and stakeholders.

• Access to advanced development tools, software licenses (e.g., Unity Pro), and high-performance computing resources is likely provided to support the creation of complex visualizations and immersive experiences.

• The environment likely fosters a culture of technical rigor, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, typical of a federally funded research and development center.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule (likely 40 hours per week) is expected. While the company offers alternate work schedules and telework options for some roles, this specific position is designated as 100% on-site, indicating a need for consistent in-office presence for collaboration and access to specific resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 100% on-site requirement in El Segundo, CA, emphasizes the need for a traditional office-based work environment. This setup is often chosen for roles that involve sensitive information, require high levels of team collaboration, or depend on specialized on-site equipment and infrastructure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, experience, and alignment with role requirements.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on Unity development, C#, Python, JavaScript, UX/UI principles, and problem-solving capabilities. Expect coding challenges or discussions about past projects.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session where candidates present their work, explaining their design process, technical implementation, and the impact of their projects.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Assessment of how candidates handle teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving under pressure, and alignment with company values and leadership competencies.

• Security Clearance Discussion: Confirmation of U.S. citizenship and eligibility for obtaining/maintaining a security clearance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (Unity applications, UX/UI case studies). For each project, clearly state your role, the problem addressed, your design/development process, the technologies used, and the outcome or impact.

• Unity Projects: Showcase interactive demos or videos of your Unity applications. Highlight complex environments, interactive elements, and performance optimization strategies.

• UX/UI Case Studies: Detail your user research findings, wireframes, prototypes, usability testing results, and final designs. Explain the rationale behind your design decisions.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss your code, architectural choices, and how you integrated different systems (APIs, data sources).

• Presentation: Practice presenting your work concisely and engagingly. Be ready to answer technical questions and articulate your problem-solving approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Brush up on data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming concepts in C#, Python, or JavaScript. Practice coding problems common in game development and front-end development.

• Design Exercises: Be prepared for hypothetical design problems where you might need to sketch out UI flows or describe how you'd approach a specific user experience challenge.

• Technical Q&A: Anticipate questions about Unity's architecture, rendering pipelines, 3D math, graphics principles, and best practices for building scalable and maintainable applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, serving as tangible proof of technical proficiency and design thinking. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their projects in detail, demonstrating not just the final product but also the thought process and methodologies behind it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unity: The core game engine for developing interactive applications, visualizations, and immersive experiences. Proficiency in its editor, scripting (C#), and asset pipeline is essential.

• Game Engines: Experience with other game engines like Unreal Engine may be beneficial.

• 3D Modeling Software: Tools such as Blender, Maya, or 3DS Max for creating and manipulating 3D assets.

• Motion Design Tools: Software like After Effects or Cinema4D for creating animations and visual effects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Usability Testing Tools: Software for conducting and analyzing user feedback.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or similar for creating interactive mockups.

CRM & Automation:

• Version Control: Git is a mandatory requirement for collaborative development and code management.

• APIs: Experience working with RESTful APIs for data integration is expected.

Other Relevant Technologies:

• Web Technologies: WebGL, Three.js, D3.js for web-based visualizations.

• Graphics APIs: OpenGL for low-level graphics programming.

• Shader Programming: For advanced visual effects and rendering customization.

• Cloud Computing/Containerization/Microservices: Familiarity with these modern development practices is preferred.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on game development and advanced visualization. Unity is central, supported by 3D modeling, motion design, and front-end web technologies. Familiarity with modern development practices like Git and RESTful APIs is also crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, robust, and innovative engineering solutions, particularly in the demanding aerospace and defense sectors.

• Mission Focus: Dedication to supporting national space programs and critical missions, understanding the significant impact of their work.

• Continuous Learning: An emphasis on staying current with rapidly evolving technologies in game development, visualization, and UX/UI design.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in working together across disciplines to solve complex problems and achieve shared goals.

• User Empathy: A dedication to understanding and prioritizing the needs of the end-users to create effective and intuitive interfaces.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active collaboration between developers, designers, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful project delivery.

• Agile/Iterative Development: Likely an iterative approach involving rapid prototyping, user feedback loops, and continuous refinement of solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned to foster collective growth and efficiency.

• Problem-Solving Culture: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical and design challenges through collaborative brainstorming and expert input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at The Aerospace Corporation is shaped by its mission-critical work and its FFRDC status. Values revolve around technical mastery, dedication to national interests, and a collaborative spirit to tackle complex challenges.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Space Systems Data: Translating highly technical and complex engineering data from aerospace and defense systems into intuitive and actionable user interfaces.

• Balancing Technical Constraints and User Experience: Ensuring that cutting-edge visualization and immersive technologies meet stringent performance, security, and reliability requirements.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in Unity, AR/VR, and 3D graphics to leverage the latest capabilities effectively.

• Security Clearance Requirements: Navigating the process of obtaining and maintaining a government security clearance, which can be time-consuming.

• On-site Requirement: Adapting to a fully on-site work environment, which may differ from previous remote or hybrid experiences.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Unity & Graphics Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Unity's advanced features, rendering pipelines, and shader programming.

• AR/VR Development Specialization: Training and project experience in augmented and virtual reality development for immersive simulations and visualizations.

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Research: Exposure to and participation in HCI research, potentially leading to publications or advanced degrees.

• Aerospace Domain Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of space systems, satellite technology, and defense applications, becoming an expert in a specialized industry.

• Leadership Development: Potential pathways to team lead or project management roles, focusing on overseeing development and design efforts for critical projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges related to the inherent complexity of aerospace data and the need to balance advanced technology with stringent security and performance requirements. Growth opportunities are significant for those who excel technically and within the specialized domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex data visualization project you worked on using Unity. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on process, technical choices, and impact.)

• "How do you approach user research and usability testing for a new interface? Walk us through an example." (Demonstrate user-centric methodology.)

• "Imagine you need to design an interface for real-time satellite telemetry data. What are the key considerations for UX/UI and what Unity features would you leverage?" (Assess problem-solving and technical application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for The Aerospace Corporation and specifically on national security space programs?" (Align your career goals with the company's mission.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with engineers or stakeholders with different technical backgrounds. How did you ensure effective communication and alignment?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in Unity and UX/UI design?" (Showcase commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as stories. What was the problem, what was your role, what was your solution, and what was the impact?

• Visuals: Use clear, high-quality screenshots, videos, or interactive demos of your work. For UX/UI, show user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and final designs.

• Technical Details: Be ready to explain the technical implementation of your Unity projects, including scripting, asset integration, and performance optimization. For UX/UI, discuss your research methods and design rationale.

• Conciseness: Practice presenting each project within a defined timeframe (e.g., 5-10 minutes per major project) to respect the interviewer's time.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, technical challenges, and how you would adapt your work to the specific needs of aerospace applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of technical development skills in Unity and a deep understanding of UX/UI principles, all within the context of complex, high-stakes technical applications. Be ready to articulate your process and showcase tangible results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Unity & UX/UI Developer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on The Aerospace Corporation's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to game engine development (Unity), 3D visualization, and user interface design. Emphasize projects that showcase complex environments, data translation, and user-centric design.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description, such as "Unity," "UX/UI," "C#," "Python," "3D visualization," "game engines," "usability testing," and "RESTful APIs." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Improved user task completion time by X%").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with Unity and UX/UI design principles. Prepare to walk through your portfolio projects, explaining your process, challenges, and solutions. Be ready to discuss your understanding of accessibility and user research.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The Aerospace Corporation's mission, its role as an FFRDC, and its contributions to national space programs. Understand their commitment to technical excellence and innovation. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in working on defense and civil space projects.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Aerospace Corporation before making application decisions. The requirement for U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance is critical.