UX Designer II (Exton, PA) at Ansys

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer II Company: Ansys (now part of Synopsys) Location: Exton, PA Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design Date Posted: July 28, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This role is focused on designing user-centric interfaces for complex aerospace and defense mission modeling software, specifically STK Next.
The UX Designer will be instrumental in transforming intricate workflows into intuitive and user-friendly experiences, directly impacting the usability of critical simulation tools.
A key aspect of the role involves developing and managing reusable components within an enterprise-level Design System to ensure consistency and scalability across Ansys's Digital Mission Engineering (DME) products.
The position requires a strong understanding of user research methodologies, prototyping, and usability testing to drive iterative design improvements based on user feedback and subject matter expert input.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically within the Ansys Digital Mission Engineering (DME) division, focusing on aerospace and defense applications. The emphasis on "STK Next" suggests a significant project for a flagship product. The "UX Designer II" title typically implies an intermediate level, requiring demonstrated proficiency and the ability to work with some autonomy, but still under the guidance of senior designers or product leads.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews and surveys, to identify user pain points, understand needs, and validate design concepts for complex aerospace and defense applications.
Collaborate closely with domain experts, product managers, and engineering teams to deeply understand intricate system functionalities and translate them into intuitive user interface designs.
Create a range of design deliverables, including detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, to effectively communicate design solutions and user flows.
Develop, maintain, and evolve reusable UI components and patterns within an enterprise-level Design System, ensuring consistency, scalability, and adherence to design standards across the STK Next product suite.
Analyze and document UI patterns, design standards, and best practices to contribute to the growth and evolution of the Ansys Design System.
Lead and participate actively in design critiques and UX review sessions, providing constructive feedback and incorporating insights from peers and stakeholders.
Plan, support, and analyze usability testing sessions, translating user feedback into actionable design iterations to enhance overall user experience and product efficacy.
Work within an Agile or Lean UX development environment to deliver iterative design solutions that align with product roadmaps and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking (user research, system understanding) and tactical execution (wireframing, prototyping, Design System management). The emphasis on "complex systems" and "aerospace and defense" indicates a need for a designer who can handle intricate data visualization and workflow management within specialized software.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, or a closely related field.
Alternatively, a Master's degree in a relevant field is acceptable.

Experience:

A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in UX design, with a focus on user-centered design principles and methodologies.
Experience working with component-based design principles and contributing to or managing enterprise-level Design Systems.
Familiarity with Agile or Lean UX development methodologies is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

Portfolio: A strong and comprehensive portfolio showcasing user-centered design work, including case studies demonstrating problem-solving, user research, interaction design, and visual design skills (PDF or website format).
Design Tools: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma and/or Adobe XD.
Visual Design: Strong skills in visual design, including layout, typography, color theory, and iconography, with experience in Adobe Illustrator or equivalent.
Design Systems: Proven experience in developing, documenting, or utilizing component-based design systems and UI pattern libraries.
User Research: Experience conducting user research, including user interviews, surveys, and persona development, to inform design decisions.
Prototyping: Ability to create interactive prototypes to effectively communicate user flows and interaction design.
Collaboration: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

Familiarity with HTML/CSS, providing a foundational understanding of front-end implementation.
Experience in conducting and analyzing usability testing sessions.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a meticulous attention to detail.
A collaborative mindset and a proactive drive to tackle challenging UX problems.
Strong writing skills for documentation and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies that illustrate their design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of their designs. Proficiency in Figma is explicitly mentioned, making it a key tool to highlight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

User-Centered Design Case Studies: Detailed case studies demonstrating a complete design process from problem identification to solution, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, and final design.
Design System Contribution: Examples of work related to Design Systems, such as creating new components, documenting patterns, or ensuring UI consistency across multiple screens or applications.
Complex System Design: Showcase experience designing interfaces for complex software or systems where data visualization, intricate workflows, or specialized domain knowledge is critical.
Problem-Solving Examples: Evidence of how you've identified and solved specific user pain points through innovative design solutions.

Process Documentation:

Demonstrate understanding of user research methodologies and how findings are translated into design requirements.
Showcase proficiency in creating clear and concise design documentation, including user flows, wireframes, and interaction specifications.
Highlight experience in contributing to or maintaining design system documentation, ensuring clarity and usability for development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should not just be a collection of final mockups, but a narrative of the design process. For this role, demonstrating experience with complex datasets, simulation software, or technical applications would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The provided job description does not specify a salary range. However, based on industry standards for a UX Designer II role with 2-5 years of experience in the Exton, PA area, the estimated annual salary typically falls between $85,000 and $115,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and the specialized nature of the aerospace and defense industry.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, wellness, and financial benefits package.
Details on the specific salary range and benefits will be provided by the recruiter during the hiring process.
Ansys (Synopsys) likely offers standard benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week.
While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility depending on team needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for UX Designer II roles in the Exton, PA region and the tech industry. Candidates should expect specific details to be discussed during the interview process. The statement about "total rewards" suggests a comprehensive package beyond base salary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software, Engineering Simulation, Aerospace & Defense Technology. Ansys provides advanced simulation software that empowers engineers and designers across various industries to innovate. The Digital Mission Engineering (DME) division specifically targets the aerospace and defense sectors. Company Size: Ansys, now part of Synopsys, is a large, established technology company. Synopsys has over 20,000 employees globally, indicating a well-resourced and structured organization. Founded: Ansys was founded in 1970. Synopsys was founded in 1986. This long history suggests stability, expertise, and a deep understanding of the markets they serve.

Team Structure:

The UX Designer will be part of the Ansys Digital Mission Engineering (DME) team, working on the STK Next product. This team likely includes Product Managers, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in aerospace and mission engineering, Software Developers, and potentially other UX/UI professionals.
The reporting structure will likely involve a UX Lead or Design Manager, with direct collaboration across product development disciplines.
Cross-functional collaboration is a core expectation, involving close interaction with engineers, product managers, and field engineers to ensure designs meet user needs and technical requirements.

Methodology:

The team operates within an Agile or Lean UX framework, emphasizing iterative development and continuous feedback loops.
Design processes will likely involve user research, persona development, user journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing to drive data-informed design decisions.
Emphasis is placed on building and maintaining a robust Design System to ensure consistency and efficiency in product development.

Company Website: https://www.ansys.com/, https://www.synopsys.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The acquisition by Synopsys means the company operates within a larger, more diversified tech ecosystem. This could offer more resources and opportunities but also implies integration of processes and potentially a more structured corporate environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a UX Designer II position, indicating an intermediate career stage. It requires demonstrated proficiency beyond entry-level tasks, with the ability to take ownership of design tasks, contribute to design systems, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Reporting Structure: The UX Designer II will likely report to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or Head of Product Design within the DME division. They will work closely with Product Managers and Development Leads on specific product initiatives. Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly impacts the usability and effectiveness of Ansys's flagship aerospace mission modeling software. By creating intuitive interfaces for complex systems, the designer will enable engineers and mission planners to perform their critical tasks more efficiently and accurately, ultimately contributing to successful space missions and defense operations.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in UX design for complex technical software, data visualization, and enterprise-level Design Systems.
Leadership Potential: Progression to Senior UX Designer, UX Lead, or Design Manager roles, potentially leading design initiatives or managing a team.
Industry Exposure: Gaining specialized knowledge in the aerospace and defense sectors, which can be a niche and valuable area of expertise.
Cross-functional Development: Opportunities to learn about product management, software development lifecycles, and specialized engineering domains.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" in the title suggests a level where individuals are expected to contribute significantly and begin to mentor or guide more junior designers, or take on more complex design challenges independently.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Exton, PA, indicating an on-site work environment. This suggests a traditional office setting with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and collaborative areas. Office Location(s): Exton, Pennsylvania, USA. This location is within the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area. Workspace Context:

The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for team members to interact, share ideas, and conduct design critiques.
Access to relevant design tools and technology, including high-performance workstations and software licenses, is expected.
The environment will involve close interaction with engineering and product teams, facilitating a deep understanding of the software and its users.

Work Schedule:

Standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday.
While the role is on-site, flexibility may be available based on project needs and company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being on-site in Exton, PA, means candidates should be prepared for a physical presence at the office. This allows for more direct collaboration and immersion in the company culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and portfolios to assess qualifications and experience.
Hiring Manager/Recruiter Screen: A preliminary call to discuss the role, your background, and answer initial questions.
Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A more in-depth session where you'll present your portfolio and likely complete a design challenge or discuss hypothetical design scenarios relevant to the STK Next product. This stage assesses your design thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate your process.
Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members, including Product Managers, engineers, and possibly other designers, to evaluate collaboration skills and cultural fit.
Final Interview: Typically with senior leadership or a hiring manager for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio case studies to tell a compelling story about the problem, your process, your role, and the impact of your design.
Show, Don't Just Tell: Include visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows) that clearly illustrate your design decisions and the evolution of the product.
Highlight Process: Emphasize the "why" behind your design choices, focusing on user research, testing, and iterative improvements.
Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, higher user satisfaction).
Tailor to the Role: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work relevant to complex systems, enterprise software, or similar domains if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

Familiarize yourself with Ansys's products, particularly in the aerospace and defense sector, and understand the general challenges of designing for technical users.
Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, including how you approach user research, ideation, and validation.
Practice articulating your design decisions and trade-offs clearly and concisely.
Understand the importance of Design Systems and be ready to discuss your experience with them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is a critical component. Candidates should be ready to walk through specific projects, explaining their thought process and the rationale behind key design decisions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly preferred), Adobe XD, Sketch.
Visual Design: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop.
Collaboration & Documentation: Confluence, Jira, Miro, or similar tools for project management and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

Familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) and user feedback platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics) is beneficial for informing design decisions.
Experience using data to justify design choices and measure impact.

CRM & Automation:

Not directly relevant to this UX role, but understanding how design integrates with the broader product lifecycle is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a key requirement. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their skills with this tool during the interview process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

User-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users, particularly engineers and mission planners in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Innovation: Driving advancements in simulation and mission modeling software through cutting-edge design and technology.
Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where open communication, feedback, and shared problem-solving are encouraged.
Excellence: Striving for high-quality design and user experiences that meet the rigorous demands of the industries served.
Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing research, analytics, and testing to inform and validate design strategies.

Collaboration Style:

The team likely operates with a collaborative and iterative approach, valuing input from all disciplines.
Expect regular design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional meetings to ensure alignment and shared understanding.
A culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing is expected, especially given the technical complexity of the products.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the acquisition by Synopsys, the values may also reflect broader corporate initiatives around innovation, inclusivity, and customer focus.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Complexity of Domain: Designing intuitive interfaces for highly technical users (aerospace engineers, mission planners) working with complex physics-based simulation data.
Design System Evolution: Contributing to and maintaining a comprehensive Design System for a large, evolving product suite requires rigor and strategic thinking.
Balancing User Needs and Technical Constraints: Effectively translating user requirements into designs that are also technically feasible and performant within the software architecture.
Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring design solutions are well-understood and adopted by development and product teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Specialized UX Knowledge: Deepen expertise in UX for scientific and engineering software, data visualization, and complex workflow design.
Industry Insight: Gain in-depth understanding of the aerospace and defense industries and the critical roles Ansys software plays within them.
Design System Mastery: Become highly proficient in the principles and practices of building and scaling enterprise-level Design Systems.
Professional Development: Access to training, conferences, and resources offered by Ansys/Synopsys to enhance UX skills and industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges present opportunities for significant professional growth, particularly for a designer interested in specialized technical domains.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Tell me about a time you had to design for a complex technical audience. What were the challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on your research, simplification strategies, and user validation.)
"How do you approach building or contributing to a Design System? What are the key principles you follow?" (Highlight your understanding of reusability, consistency, scalability, and documentation.)
"Describe a situation where user feedback led you to significantly change your initial design. What was your process?" (Emphasize your adaptability, user research skills, and iterative design approach.)
"How do you collaborate with engineers and product managers to ensure your designs are implemented effectively?" (Discuss communication strategies, handoff processes, and your understanding of technical constraints.)

Company & Culture Questions:

"What interests you about Ansys and specifically the STK Next product?" (Research Ansys's mission, its role in aerospace/defense, and the significance of STK.)
"How do you see your skills contributing to our team's goals?" (Connect your UX expertise to the team's objective of building next-generation mission modeling software.)
"Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to positive team dynamics." (Focus on collaboration, communication, and a shared commitment to quality.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select Relevant Projects: Choose 2-3 projects from your portfolio that best demonstrate your skills in user research, interaction design, visual design, and Design System work. Prioritize projects that showcase experience with complexity or technical domains if possible.
Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate:
- The problem you were solving.
- Your specific role and responsibilities.
- The user research and discovery process.
- Key design decisions and the rationale behind them.
- The tools and methods you used.
- The outcomes and impact of your design (quantify if possible).
Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handle feedback. Be ready to discuss challenges and what you learned.
Showcase Design System Work: If you have specific examples of Design System contributions, be prepared to walk through components, patterns, and documentation processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely, aiming for about 5-7 minutes per project to allow ample time for discussion.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer II position:

Submit your Application: Apply through the Ansys careers portal using the provided URL.
Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your resume and portfolio are up-to-date, highlighting relevant UX skills, accomplishments, and ideally, examples of work relevant to complex systems or Design Systems. Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description.
Research Ansys & STK Next: Familiarize yourself with Ansys's mission, its position in the aerospace and defense market, and the purpose of STK (Systems Tool Kit) and STK Next. Understanding the user base (aerospace engineers, mission planners) is crucial.
Practice Portfolio Presentation: Prepare a concise and compelling presentation of your chosen portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving abilities, and impact.
Prepare for Interview Questions: Review common UX interview questions, especially those related to user research, design systems, collaboration, and handling complex challenges. Consider potential design challenge scenarios.

⚠️ 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.

UX Designer II (Exton, PA)