UX Designer (F/H)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (F/H) Company: Thales Location: Vélizy-Villacoublay, France Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Design & User Experience Date Posted: 2026-02-12 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on the design and development of user experiences and visual interfaces for high-technology products and solutions within Thales's core sectors: Defense & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Cyber & Digital.
• The UX Designer will be instrumental in translating complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive, effective, and innovative design solutions.
• A key aspect of the role involves leveraging design thinking, systemic design methods, and advanced creative techniques like design fiction and speculative design to tackle open-ended and complex design challenges.
• The position requires a strong ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams, communicate design rationales effectively, and contribute to a culture of continuous innovation and user-centricity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original job description focuses on UX Design, this enhancement interprets the role within a broader GTM (Go-to-Market) context by emphasizing how the UX/UI design directly impacts product adoption, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue generation for Thales's high-tech solutions. The emphasis on complex problem-solving and innovation aligns with the strategic importance of UX in differentiating complex offerings.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Generate innovative ideas, design concepts, and functional prototypes for new high-technology products and user interfaces.
• Develop detailed design specifications and conduct user testing to validate concept feasibility and refine user experience.
• Conduct comprehensive design research, including primary and secondary research, to gather user insights and market data for informed design decisions.
• Facilitate and lead design workshops and creative sessions to foster collaboration, gather requirements, and consolidate research findings.
• Prepare clear and compelling design reports, visualizations, and communication materials for stakeholders, effectively conveying research outcomes and design rationales.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, product management, and other cross-functional teams throughout the product development lifecycle to ensure seamless integration and user-centricity.
• Champion user-centered design principles and methodologies, ensuring that user needs and pain points are at the forefront of all design initiatives.
• Leverage storytelling and visual communication techniques to effectively present design concepts, test results, and project outcomes to diverse audiences.
• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and methodologies, including AI, cybersecurity, quantum, cloud technologies, and 6G, to inform future design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been expanded to highlight the strategic impact of UX design on product development and market success, aligning with GTM operations. This includes emphasizing research, stakeholder communication, and the application of advanced design methodologies to complex problems, which are critical for driving adoption and competitive advantage in the high-tech sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master 2 (BAC +5) degree from an Engineering school or a university program in Design, Product Design, Industrial Design, or Interaction/Experience Design.

Experience:

• Proven experience in visual design and user experience (UX) design, supported by a strong portfolio showcasing previous work.
• Experience working within systemic design methods and addressing open-ended design challenges in complex contexts.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of design principles, practices, and methodologies (e.g., design process, methods, and practices).
• Proficiency in user-centered design (UCD) methodologies and a strong ability to empathize with user needs.
• Expertise in leading design thinking, creative workshops, and innovation sessions.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to effectively present complex ideas and research findings.
• Familiarity with design research techniques, including primary and secondary research, and the ability to synthesize findings into actionable insights.
• Competence in creating design concepts, prototypes, and specification documents.
• Understanding of design standards, including sustainable design, ethics, and eco-design principles.
• Proficiency in multiple design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Axure, Adobe Suite, Sketch, or FramerX.
• Ability to formulate and test design hypotheses through prototyping and experimentation.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams throughout the product development lifecycle.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of advanced design thinking methodologies like design fiction, strategic foresight, and speculative design.
• Familiarity with 3D modeling software (e.g., Rhino, Keyshot).
• Experience in sectors relevant to Thales, such as Defense, Aeronautics, Space, Cyber, or Digital technologies.
• Ability to direct design-led innovation activities.
• Experience in data dramatization through visual media.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills section has been enhanced to include operations-relevant keywords and to differentiate between core competencies and preferred expertise. The emphasis on systemic design, complex problem-solving, and advanced design techniques like design fiction is crucial for roles that influence product strategy and market differentiation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong, well-curated portfolio demonstrating a range of visual design and user experience (UX) projects is mandatory.
• Projects should showcase the candidate's ability to tackle complex design challenges within systemic design frameworks.
• Include examples of user research insights and how they were translated into design solutions.
• Showcase proficiency in various design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Axure, Adobe Suite).
• Demonstrate experience in developing concepts, prototypes, and design specifications for testing and implementation.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of involvement in design research processes, including primary and secondary research phases.
• Examples of design synthesis and reporting, illustrating how research findings were consolidated and communicated.
• Documentation of participation in or leadership of design workshops and creative brainstorming sessions.
• Case studies that detail the application of user-centered design methodologies and the impact of those designs.
• Documentation demonstrating an understanding of design standards such as sustainability, ethics, and eco-design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section has been tailored to emphasize the documentation and presentation of design processes and outcomes, which is critical for operations roles that require demonstrating impact and efficiency. The focus is on showcasing methodologies, research, and tangible results through a portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for experienced UX Designers in the Paris region, a competitive annual salary range is estimated between €50,000 and €70,000 gross. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Attractive compensation package.
• Continuous skills development through training programs, internal academies, and professional communities.
• Access to a supportive and inclusive work environment that respects work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a leading global technology group.
• Recognition of societal and environmental commitments.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 35-40 hours per week, with potential for hybrid work arrangements. Flexibility may be offered to accommodate project needs and employee well-being, aligning with Thales's commitment to work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on typical compensation for mid-level UX Designers in France, considering the company's industry and location. Benefits have been detailed to reflect the provided information and commonly offered perks for professionals in this field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: High Technologies (Defense & Security, Aeronautics & Space, Cyber & Digital). Thales operates at the forefront of technological innovation, providing critical solutions in complex and high-stakes environments. This industry context demands rigorous design standards, a focus on reliability, and a deep understanding of user operational needs. Company Size: Thales is a large, multinational corporation with nearly 81,000 employees across 68 countries. This scale offers significant opportunities for career development, exposure to diverse projects, and cross-cultural collaboration. Founded: Thales was founded in 2000, building on a rich heritage of technological expertise. Its history reflects a continuous commitment to innovation and a forward-looking approach to global challenges.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team likely operates within product development or R&D departments, collaborating closely with engineering, product management, and project teams.
• Reporting structures may vary, but typically involve a lead UX designer or a design manager, with opportunities for matrixed reporting on specific project teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring designers to work seamlessly with technical experts, domain specialists, and business stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions.

Methodology:

• Thales emphasizes a data-driven approach to innovation, leveraging research and analytics to inform design and product strategy.
• Design thinking and user-centered methodologies are integral to the innovation process, encouraging iterative development and continuous feedback loops.
• Automation and efficiency are key considerations, particularly in complex operational environments where optimized user interfaces can significantly improve performance and safety.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been enriched with details about Thales's industry, size, and operational focus, highlighting how these factors influence the UX design role and the broader GTM strategy. The emphasis on innovation and complex environments is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX Designer, implying 2-5 years of professional experience. It requires independent contribution to design projects while also demonstrating potential for leadership and strategic influence. The responsibilities suggest a role that goes beyond execution to include concept generation and strategic input. Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or a Head of Product Design within a specific business unit. They will also collaborate closely with product managers, project leads, and engineering teams, often in a matrixed environment. Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly impacts the usability, adoption, and perceived value of Thales's high-technology products. Effective UX design can lead to increased customer satisfaction, reduced training costs, improved operational efficiency for end-users, and ultimately, stronger market competitiveness and revenue generation for Thales's solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Expertise: Deepen specialization in specific design areas such as interaction design, visual design, user research, or accessibility.
• Leadership Development: Progress to a Senior UX Designer role, leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and influencing design strategy.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into roles in product management, R&D, or even specialized areas like design operations or UX strategy within the broader Thales ecosystem.
• International Exposure: Opportunities to work on global projects and potentially relocate to other Thales locations, leveraging the company's international presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on the career trajectory and impact of a UX Designer within a large corporation like Thales, framing it within the context of operations and GTM by highlighting how design influences business outcomes and offering specific growth paths relevant to operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on the Thales campus in Vélizy-Villacoublay, described as a site offering a diversity of Thales activities and equipped with the latest technological innovations. This suggests a modern, well-resourced, and potentially collaborative workspace. Office Location(s): Vélizy-Villacoublay, located west of Paris, France. This site provides access to urban amenities and is part of the vibrant Ile-de-France region's business and technology hub. Workspace Context:

• The environment is designed to foster innovation and collaboration, with access to advanced technological tools and services.
• The workspace likely supports hybrid work, allowing for focused individual work and collaborative team sessions.
• Opportunities for interaction with diverse teams across Aeronautics, Defense, and Digital sectors will be prevalent, enriching the design process with varied perspectives.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a typical French working week likely around 35-40 hours. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility, allowing for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote focused work, which is beneficial for deep design thinking and workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to emphasize how the physical and hybrid setup supports operational efficiency, collaboration, and innovation for a UX design role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with role requirements.
• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on design methodologies, problem-solving skills, and experience with design tools. Candidates will be expected to articulate their design process and rationale.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present selected projects from their portfolio, explaining their role, process, challenges, and outcomes. This is a critical step to evaluate practical application of skills.
• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of soft skills, collaboration style, and alignment with Thales's values and culture, including how they contribute to innovation and team growth.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or hiring managers to discuss strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in visual design, UX, and problem-solving for complex systems.
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the methodologies used (user research, ideation, prototyping, testing), your design decisions with rationale, and the measurable outcomes or impact.
• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved user satisfaction, reduced task completion time, increased adoption rates).
• Tailor to Thales: If possible, include projects that demonstrate an understanding of complex, high-stakes environments or technologies relevant to Thales's sectors.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate in-depth questions about your design choices, trade-offs made, and how you handle feedback and collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential design challenges or case studies, which might involve analyzing a given problem, proposing a design solution, or critiquing an existing interface.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a mixed audience of designers, engineers, and product managers.
• Focus on demonstrating your ability to break down complex problems, identify user needs, and propose innovative yet feasible solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable advice for preparing the portfolio and navigating the interview process, tailored to a UX design role within a large, technical organization like Thales, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating process and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Axure, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Sketch, FramerX. Proficiency in at least one of these is essential, with familiarity in others being a significant advantage.
• 3D Modeling (Preferred): Rhino, Keyshot, or similar software for advanced visualization needs.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams for project management and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary tool for the UX Designer, an understanding of how to interpret user analytics (e.g., from tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or bespoke internal dashboards) to inform design decisions is beneficial.
• Ability to communicate research findings and design impacts through clear reports and visualizations.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX design responsibilities, but an awareness of how CRM systems and automation tools might impact user journeys or data collection for UX research could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools section is populated with specific software mentioned in the job description and expanded with industry-standard tools relevant to UX design and collaboration within a large technology company, emphasizing core competencies and desirable additions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust & Security: Aligned with Thales's core mission, a strong emphasis on reliability, security, and ethical considerations in design is paramount.
• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to push technological boundaries and deliver world-class solutions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Encouraging cross-functional partnerships and open communication to achieve shared goals and collective success.
• User-Centricity: Placing the user at the heart of all design decisions, ensuring solutions are intuitive, effective, and meet real-world needs.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Integrating eco-design and sustainable practices into the design process.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with engineers, product managers, researchers, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and shared understanding of design objectives and constraints.
• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive criticism and iterative refinement of designs based on team input and user testing.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in design reviews, sharing best practices, and contributing to internal design communities to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section interprets the company's stated values and likely operational ethos through the lens of a UX design role, highlighting how these values translate into daily work practices and collaboration styles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Problem Solving: Tackling intricate design challenges in open-ended contexts within high-technology domains requires significant analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Effectively mediating between user desires and the technical feasibility, security requirements, and cost implications inherent in Thales's product lines.
• Driving Adoption of Innovative Solutions: Communicating the value of new and potentially disruptive design concepts to stakeholders and users to ensure successful adoption.
• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding and influencing within a large, matrixed corporate structure to champion user-centered design principles effectively.
• Security Clearance Requirements: For certain projects, obtaining and maintaining security clearances may be a requirement, adding a layer of administrative complexity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to Thales's internal academies and training programs to deepen expertise in areas like AI-driven UX, cybersecurity design, or advanced prototyping techniques.
• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend leading UX and technology conferences to stay current with industry trends and network with peers.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced designers and leaders within Thales for guidance and career development.
• Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Exposure to diverse projects across Thales's business units, fostering a broad understanding of technology and user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges specific to a UX role in a high-tech, large-scale organization like Thales and outlines concrete growth and learning opportunities that align with operational improvement and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy: "Describe a complex design challenge you faced, how you approached it using systemic design methods, and what the outcome was." Focus on your process, the trade-offs you made, and the impact.
• User-Centricity: "How do you ensure user needs are met while also balancing business objectives and technical constraints? Provide an example."
• Collaboration & Communication: "How do you typically collaborate with engineers and product managers? Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders to adopt your design recommendations."
• Innovation: "How do you stay current with emerging design trends and technologies like design fiction or speculative design, and how might you apply them at Thales?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Thales's Mission: "How does your approach to UX design align with Thales's commitment to building a safer, more secure, and sustainable future?"
• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to fostering a collaborative and innovative culture."
• Problem Solving: "Walk us through your process for analyzing and solving a usability issue or a complex user flow."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your journey to the solution, and the impact.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, user flows, and prototypes. Clearly annotate key design decisions and user research insights.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., user satisfaction scores, task completion rates, engagement metrics).
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of each project. Be prepared to dive deeper into specific areas if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides targeted interview preparation advice, including specific question types and strategies for presenting a portfolio, tailored to a UX Designer role at Thales, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating process, impact, and strategic thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Thales careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in visual design, user experience, systemic design methods, and your proficiency with relevant design tools. Prioritize projects that showcase your ability to solve complex problems.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your achievements using action verbs and quantify your impact whenever possible. Integrate keywords from the job description naturally, such as "UX Designer," "Figma," "User-Centered Design," and "Systemic Design."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of user needs in complex environments.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Thales's mission, values, and the specific sectors it operates in (Defense, Aeronautics, Cyber, Digital). Understand how UX design contributes to their overall business objectives and GTM strategy.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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