UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer Company: Lovelace AI Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design Date Posted: 2025-07-22T00:00:00 Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the user experience and interface design for safety-critical AI tools within a mission-driven organization focused on human safety in dangerous conditions.
• Translate complex user needs and business objectives into intuitive, accessible, and visually compelling digital interfaces for web and mobile platforms.
• Leverage user research methodologies, including interviews and usability testing, to inform design decisions and ensure user-centricity.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management and engineering, to deliver high-quality, consistent user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a UX Designer at a company focused on AI for human safety in high-risk environments (conflict, disaster response, anti-terrorism). The emphasis on "safety-critical AI tools" suggests a need for robust, reliable, and highly usable interfaces, where design errors could have significant consequences. The mention of "GenAI-aided prototypes" indicates an interest in leveraging new technologies in the design process. The company's mission and the background of its founders point towards a culture valuing both technical expertise and a strong sense of responsibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Champion user-centered design principles throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept to implementation.
• Conduct comprehensive user research, including ethnographic studies, user interviews, persona development, and usability testing, to deeply understand user needs, pain points, and workflows in critical operational environments.
• Develop detailed user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes (potentially using GenAI tools), and high-fidelity mockups that clearly articulate design concepts and user journeys.
• Design intuitive and efficient user interfaces for web-based and mobile applications, adhering to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and best practices for complex systems.
• Collaborate effectively with product managers to define product requirements and with software engineers to ensure seamless and accurate implementation of designs, maintaining visual consistency and functional integrity.
• Iteratively refine designs based on feedback from user testing, stakeholder reviews, and performance data to enhance usability and user satisfaction.
• Contribute to the development and evolution of a strong, coherent brand identity and visual language for Lovelace AI's suite of AI tools.
• Stay abreast of emerging UX trends, design tools, and technologies, particularly those relevant to AI interfaces and high-stakes applications, and share insights with the broader team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "form a strong coherent branding opinion" after becoming familiar with users and use cases indicates a significant role in establishing the visual identity and user perception of Lovelace AI's critical systems. The "defense or government sector" experience preference suggests a need for designers comfortable with complex, data-rich interfaces and potentially stringent compliance or security requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design.
• Demonstrated experience in designing for complex enterprise or government systems, with a preference for candidates with backgrounds in the defense or government sectors.
• Proven ability to conduct user research, including planning, executing, and analyzing results from usability testing, user interviews, and surveys.
• Experience in creating wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using industry-standard design tools.
• Strong understanding and practical application of user-centered design principles, methodologies, and design thinking processes.
• Proficiency in designing with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA) in mind and experience creating accessible interfaces.
• Experience working with development teams to hand off design assets and ensure accurate implementation.
• Ability to iterate on designs based on user feedback, usability testing, and analytics.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design: Expertise in designing user interfaces and user experiences for digital products.
• Wireframing & Prototyping: Proficiency in creating low-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes using tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.
• User Research: Experience conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing to gather insights.
• Design Tools: Mastery of industry-standard design software such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.
• User-Centered Design: Deep understanding of user-centered design principles and iterative design processes.
• Accessibility: Knowledge of and ability to apply accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for articulating design concepts and rationale.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing sophisticated GIS (Geographic Information System) user interfaces.
• Previous experience designing video game interfaces.
• Familiarity with military or defense industry standards and protocols.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• US Citizenship required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "3+ years of experience" aligns with a mid-level UX Designer role. The mention of "defense or government sector" experience is a significant differentiator, suggesting a need for candidates familiar with the unique challenges and user needs in these domains, such as high levels of data density, critical decision support, and potentially stringent security protocols. The preference for GIS and video game interface design experience indicates a potential need for designers who can handle complex data visualizations and engaging, dynamic interfaces.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of user-centered design processes, from research to final implementation.
• Demonstrated examples of complex problem-solving through design, specifically highlighting challenges faced and how design solutions addressed them.
• Case studies that detail the design process, including user research methodologies employed, wireframes, prototypes, and final UI designs.
• Evidence of iterative design improvements based on user feedback and usability testing, with clear articulation of the impact of these changes.
• Examples that showcase an ability to design for complex systems, data visualization, and potentially real-time information display.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase how you translate user requirements and business goals into actionable design deliverables.
• Illustrate your approach to user research, including how you identify user needs and incorporate findings into the design process.
• Provide examples of your prototyping workflow, demonstrating the progression from low-fidelity concepts to high-fidelity, interactive prototypes.
• Detail your collaboration process with product managers and engineers, including how you manage design handoffs and feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Designer role, a robust portfolio is critical. It should not just display final designs but also the process behind them. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design thinking, research methods, and how they arrived at their solutions, especially for complex or safety-critical applications. Emphasis on iterative improvement and user feedback is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the mid-level experience requirement (3+ years), the location in Pittsburgh, PA, and the specialized nature of the company (AI for safety-critical applications), a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for UX Designers in major tech hubs and considering Pittsburgh's cost of living, a likely range would be $85,000 - $115,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation Packages: This likely includes a base salary, potentially performance bonuses, and possibly equity options given the startup nature of Lovelace AI.
• Comprehensive Benefits: This typically includes health insurance (medical, dental, vision), paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k).
• Supportive and Inclusive Work Environment: Emphasis on a culture that values diverse perspectives and fosters collaboration.
• Impactful Work: Opportunity to contribute to a mission-critical company focused on improving human safety through advanced AI.
• Professional Development: Potential for learning and growth within a cutting-edge technology field.

Working Hours:

• The standard full-time workweek is typically around 40 hours. While the role is on-site, Lovelace AI may offer some flexibility in start and end times, though core collaboration hours will likely be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimated based on general market data for UX Designers with 3+ years of experience in a tech-centric city like Pittsburgh. Factors such as specific skills (GIS, defense experience), interview performance, and the company's funding stage can influence the final offer. Benefits information is inferred from the general statement provided.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Systems Engineering, Human Safety Technology, Defense Technology. Lovelace AI operates at the intersection of cutting-edge AI development and critical applications for national security and public safety. Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but the founding team structure suggests a growing startup environment, likely in the early to growth stages. This means opportunities for significant impact and direct influence. Founded: The company's mission and the founding team's backgrounds suggest a recent establishment, likely within the last few years, aiming to address a critical need in the market. Founding Team:

• Andrew Moore: Experienced AI leader, focused on human rights impact and AI ethics, with extensive experience in cloud AI divisions and research.
• Brendan Dunne: Career Special Operations veteran and retired Army officer, with deep experience in leading high-performance teams and managing advanced analytics platforms for national security.
• Toby Smith: Respected Pittsburgh tech leader with strong engineering and design leadership experience from Google and NetApp, known for complex system infrastructure projects.

Team Structure:

• The core team appears to be small but highly experienced, comprised of AI/tech experts and seasoned military/national security professionals.
• The UX Designer will likely report to a Product Manager or a Head of Design/Engineering, working closely with a small, dedicated engineering and product team.
• Cross-functional collaboration is inherent, given the need to integrate AI technology with user-facing applications in a safety-critical context. The UX Designer will bridge the gap between technical capabilities and end-user usability.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Expect a strong emphasis on using data from user research, usability testing, and potentially operational feedback to drive design decisions.
• Agile Development: Likely follows agile or lean methodologies, requiring flexibility and iterative development cycles.
• Mission-Oriented: The company's focus on human safety and national security will likely permeate the work culture, fostering a sense of purpose and responsibility.
• Human-Centric AI: A core tenet is to apply AI responsibly and make systems useful and safe for humans, especially in high-stakes scenarios.

Company Website: https://lovelace.ai/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and founding team composition are key cultural indicators. The emphasis from Andrew Moore on "sensible and robust use of advanced computer science" and ensuring people "gain a lot from the experience" suggests a culture that values learning, ethical development, and impactful contributions. The blend of AI expertise and national security experience points to a unique, high-stakes environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX Designer. It requires a solid foundation of 3+ years of experience and the ability to work independently on design projects while also collaborating effectively with a core team. The role offers the opportunity to significantly shape the user experience of critical AI tools and contribute to a company with a vital mission.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report into a Product Management or Engineering leadership structure. They will work closely with product managers on requirements and strategy, and with software engineers on implementation. Given the startup environment, direct interaction with founders and senior leadership (like Andrew Moore) is probable.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work will directly impact the effectiveness and adoption of Lovelace AI's safety-critical tools. Well-designed interfaces are crucial for ensuring that users in high-stress, dangerous environments can quickly and accurately understand information, make critical decisions, and operate AI systems reliably. Poor UX could lead to confusion, errors, and potentially compromise safety. Conversely, excellent UX can enhance situational awareness, improve decision-making speed, and ultimately save lives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for complex systems, AI interfaces, GIS, or defense applications.
• Leadership: As the company grows, opportunities may arise to lead UX initiatives, mentor junior designers, or define design processes and standards.
• Product Strategy: Contribute more significantly to product strategy and roadmap planning as understanding of users and the domain deepens.
• Broader Impact: Grow with the company, potentially taking on more responsibility for branding, user research strategy, or even broader product design leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "UX Designer" title at a company like Lovelace AI, with its mission-critical focus, offers a unique growth path. It's not just about visual design; it's about designing for impact and safety. The opportunity to influence product direction in a growing startup can accelerate career progression compared to larger, more established organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Lovelace AI is an on-site role. The specific office environment is not detailed, but given the company's focus and location in Pittsburgh (a growing tech hub), it's likely a modern, collaborative office space designed to foster innovation and teamwork. Office Location(s): Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (specific address likely provided during the interview process). Pittsburgh offers a vibrant tech ecosystem with access to talent and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect close collaboration with product managers, engineers, and potentially domain experts (e.g., former military personnel).
• Tooling: Access to industry-standard design and prototyping tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) will be provided. The company may also utilize collaboration and project management software.
• Mission Focus: The work environment will likely be driven by the company's mission to improve human safety, fostering a sense of purpose and dedication.
• Innovation Hub: Being in Pittsburgh, a city with a growing AI and tech presence, means opportunities to engage with the local tech community.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected for an on-site role. While core hours will be necessary for team collaboration, some flexibility in daily start/end times might be offered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests that in-person collaboration and team synergy are highly valued by Lovelace AI, especially given the sensitive nature of their work. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work environment that balances focused design time with active team engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios. Be sure your resume and portfolio clearly highlight relevant UX/UI experience, user research skills, and experience with complex systems or relevant industries.
• Portfolio Review / Design Challenge: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their process, design decisions, and the impact of their work. A design challenge, either take-home or live, focusing on a relevant problem might be administered.
• Hiring Manager / Team Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager (e.g., Andrew Moore) and potential team members (product managers, engineers) to assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Potentially with other senior leadership to discuss overall fit and vision alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: For each project in your portfolio, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, iteration), the solutions you designed, and the outcomes or impact.
• Show Your Process: Emphasize user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. Demonstrate how you incorporated feedback.
• Highlight Complexity: Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to handle complex data, intricate workflows, or demanding user needs, especially if they relate to enterprise, government, or defense contexts.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved task completion time by X%", "reduced user errors by Y%"). If quantitative data isn't available, focus on qualitative impact and user feedback.
• Tailor to Lovelace AI: If possible, include a project that demonstrates an understanding of AI interfaces, complex systems, or even a conceptual design for a safety-critical application.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Mission: Research Lovelace AI's mission and the types of problems they are solving. Consider the user context for safety-critical AI tools.
• Practice Design Thinking: Be ready to articulate your approach to problem-solving, user research, and design ideation under pressure.
• Communicate Clearly: Practice explaining your design decisions and rationale concisely and effectively.
• Be Ready for "Why": Anticipate questions about your design choices and be prepared to defend them with user-centric reasoning and data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to translate complex requirements into usable designs for high-stakes applications. A strong portfolio demonstrating a systematic, user-focused approach is paramount. Understanding the company's mission and the criticality of their AI tools will be key to answering behavioral and situational questions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping:
  • Figma: Highly likely to be the primary tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration.
  • Sketch: Another strong possibility, commonly used for UI design.
  • Adobe XD: Also a possibility for prototyping and UI design.
  • GenAI-aided prototyping tools: Mentioned in the description, indicating potential use of AI for generating design elements or prototypes, requiring adaptability.
• User Research & Testing:
  • Tools for conducting and analyzing user interviews (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet).
  • Usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze).
  • Survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).
• Collaboration & Project Management:
  • Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for task management and workflow tracking.
  • Communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
  • Documentation tools like Confluence or Google Workspace.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a UX tool, understanding how to interpret user analytics (e.g., from Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or custom dashboards) to inform design decisions will be beneficial.
• Experience with data visualization tools might be helpful for presenting user research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX Designer role, but familiarity with how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and automation platforms interface with user-facing applications could provide context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools, particularly Figma, is essential. The mention of "GenAI-aided prototypes" suggests openness to exploring and integrating AI tools into the design workflow, which could be a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to the company's goal of enhancing human safety through AI.
• User-Centricity: Prioritizing the needs and experiences of users who operate in high-stakes environments.
• Excellence & Rigor: Given the safety-critical nature of the products, a high standard for design quality, accuracy, and reliability.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication across disciplines (AI, engineering, product, domain expertise).
• Innovation: Embracing new technologies like AI to solve complex problems.
• Responsibility & Ethics: A conscious effort to develop AI systems that are safe, ethical, and beneficial.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The UX Designer will be a key bridge between technical teams and user needs, requiring close collaboration with product managers, AI engineers, and software developers.
• Feedback-Rich Environment: Expect regular feedback sessions, design critiques, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing insights from user research and design explorations to inform the broader team.
• Purposeful Work: A shared sense of purpose will likely drive the team's collaborative efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission heavily influences its culture. Candidates should expect a team that is passionate about their work, values intellectual rigor, and operates with a high degree of responsibility due to the nature of their AI applications.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for High-Stakes Environments: Creating interfaces that are intuitive and reliable under pressure, where user errors can have severe consequences.
• Balancing Complexity and Usability: Designing for sophisticated AI tools that require users to process significant amounts of information without overwhelming them.
• Adopting New Technologies: Integrating GenAI tools into the design workflow and potentially designing interfaces for AI-driven systems.
• Defining Brand Identity: Establishing a strong, cohesive brand for a new company in a critical and sensitive sector.
• Potential Security Clearance Requirements: Navigating any necessary processes to obtain security clearances if required for certain projects or access levels.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Domain Knowledge: Gaining deep insights into the operational challenges and needs of users in defense, disaster response, and security sectors.
• AI Interface Design: Developing expertise in the emerging field of designing user experiences for AI-powered systems.
• Advanced Design Techniques: Exploring the use of GenAI in design and potentially advanced data visualization or GIS interface design.
• Startup Growth: Contributing to building a company from its early stages, offering broad exposure to product development and business growth.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced founders in AI and national security.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are directly tied to the company's unique mission and the nature of safety-critical AI. Successfully navigating these challenges offers significant opportunities for professional growth and specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a complex system interface. What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?"
  • Preparation: Focus on a project where you managed intricate data, multiple user flows, or demanding functional requirements. Detail your research, problem-solving approach, and the iterative process.
• "How would you approach designing an interface for an AI tool that provides real-time threat assessment for first responders?"
  • Preparation: Think about data visualization, alert mechanisms, user roles, potential stress factors for users, and the need for clarity and actionable insights. Mention user research and iterative testing.
• "Walk me through your process for conducting user research and translating those insights into design decisions."
  • Preparation: Be ready to detail your methodologies (interviews, surveys, usability testing), how you recruit participants, analyze data, and integrate findings into wireframes and prototypes.
• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive, especially for users who may be under duress?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your knowledge of WCAG standards and any specific considerations for designing for users in high-stress situations.
• "Describe your experience working with engineers. How do you ensure effective collaboration and design handoff?"
  • Preparation: Highlight your communication skills, understanding of technical constraints, and experience with design handoff tools and processes.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Lovelace AI's mission to enhance human safety with AI?"
  • Preparation: Research the company's mission, founders, and the problems they aim to solve. Connect your personal values or career aspirations to their objectives.
• "How do you stay current with UX trends and new design technologies, such as GenAI?"
  • Preparation: Mention specific resources, conferences, or practices you use, and express enthusiasm for adopting new tools.
• "How would you contribute to building a strong brand identity for Lovelace AI's products?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your understanding of branding, visual design principles, and your approach to creating a consistent user experience.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, likely by project. For each project, follow a narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process (Research, Ideation, Design) -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.
• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of your wireframes, mockups, and prototypes. Annotate key design decisions.
• Storytelling: Engage your audience by telling compelling stories about the users you designed for and the problems you solved.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your choices, challenges, and the results of your work.
• Demonstrate Passion: Show enthusiasm for the company's mission and the role of UX in creating impactful technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, assessing both design craft and strategic thinking. Candidates need to demonstrate not only their technical skills but also their ability to understand and contribute to a mission that has significant real-world implications.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position at Lovelace AI:

• Submit your application via the provided link: https://lovelaceai.applytojob.com/apply/x1HKHmiGhS/UX-Designer
• Curate a strong portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects that showcase your UX/UI process, user research skills, and experience with complex systems or data-rich applications. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates the problem, your role, your design process, and the impact of your work.
• Tailor your resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UX/UI Design," "User Research," "Prototyping," "Wireframing," "Figma," "Sketch," "Adobe XD," "Accessibility," and any experience in defense or government sectors. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare for portfolio presentation: Practice walking through your selected projects, focusing on your problem-solving approach and design rationale. Be ready to discuss your experience with user-centered design and iterative processes.
• Research Lovelace AI: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, its founders, and the critical nature of its AI applications. Understand the context of safety-critical systems and human safety.

⚠️ 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.