Principal Digital Factory UX/UI Test Engineer IV (Appr ID 202)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Digital Factory UX/UI Test Engineer IV (Appr ID 202)

Company: RTX

Location: McKinney, TX, United States (Onsite)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Operations Technology / Manufacturing Operations / UX/UI Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-08-26

Experience Level: 8+ years (Principal Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of intuitive User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) for digital factory applications, including MES workflows and IIoT systems.

• Drive the front-end testing strategy, focusing on usability, workflow accuracy, and interface clarity to ensure a seamless operator experience.

• Establish and promote department-wide testing best practices, standards, and guidelines for software engineers and stakeholders.

• Build and maintain automated regression test suites using Python-based frameworks to ensure the reliability and quality of digital manufacturing applications.

• Collaborate closely with manufacturing engineers, software developers, and stakeholders to translate operator needs into effective and user-friendly digital solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is focused on the intersection of User Experience (UX) design and Quality Assurance (QA) within a manufacturing operations technology context. The "Principal" title indicates a senior-level position requiring significant autonomy, leadership in establishing best practices, and the ability to mentor others. The requirement for a DoD Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship highlights the sensitive nature of the work within a defense manufacturing environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• UI/UX Design Leadership:

  • Spearhead the design of modern, intuitive UI/UX for Ignition screens, MES workflows, dashboards, and other digital factory applications.
  • Create wireframes, prototypes, and final design layouts using tools like Figma and Ignition Designer.
  • Define and enforce consistent UX patterns, visual standards, and interaction guidelines across all Connected Factory Intelligence (CFI) applications.
  • Partner with engineers and stakeholders to ensure designs effectively meet operator needs and align with manufacturing workflows.

• Front-End Testing & Validation:

  • Own and execute the front-end testing strategy for all digital factory applications within the CFI department.
  • Develop and implement structured test plans covering usability, workflow accuracy, interface clarity, error handling, and navigation.
  • Validate the fidelity of implemented features against approved UX designs.
  • Conduct iterative UI/UX reviews and acceptance testing to proactively identify and prevent defects from reaching production.

• Testing Standards & Department Best Practices:

  • Define, document, and disseminate testing best practices, templates, and guidelines for software engineers and stakeholders.
  • Establish standards for test case documentation, release readiness criteria, and UX validation processes.
  • Train and mentor engineers on testing fundamentals, Azure DevOps workflows, defect triage procedures, and UI/UX acceptance criteria.

• Automated Regression Testing:

  • Develop and maintain automated regression test scripts focused on front-end interactions, click-path validation, and navigation behaviors.

  • Utilize Python-based automation frameworks such as Selenium or Playwright to simulate user workflows.

  • Integrate automated tests into Azure DevOps pipelines to ensure consistent operation and quality checks before software releases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a dual focus on design authority and quality assurance for front-end applications. The emphasis on defining standards and training others points to a senior, influential role. The requirement to build and maintain automation within Azure DevOps pipelines is a critical technical aspect.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM). Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience in UI/UX design, front-end testing, human-machine interfaces, or digital manufacturing systems.

• Experience should demonstrate a progression to a Principal-level contributor. Required Skills:

• UI/UX Design: Proven experience designing user-centric interfaces using tools such as Figma, Ignition Designer, or similar platforms. Ability to translate complex requirements into intuitive and visually appealing designs.

• Front-End Testing & Validation: Expertise in developing and executing comprehensive test plans for UI/UX, including usability, workflow validation, and interface clarity. Strong understanding of defect identification and reporting.

• Automation Frameworks: Hands-on experience building and maintaining automated UI regression tests using Python-based frameworks like Selenium or Playwright.

• Test Management & CI/CD: Familiarity with Azure DevOps (or similar tools) for test case management, defect tracking, and integrating automated tests into CI/CD pipelines.

Preferred Skills:

• Ignition & MES Systems: Experience with Ignition SCADA/HMI platform and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) workflows.

• Programming & Scripting: Proficiency in Python for automation scripting and SQL for data validation and lightweight scripting tasks.

• Digital Manufacturing Concepts: Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies, IIoT connectivity, and digital factory applications.

• Manufacturing Workflow Knowledge: Understanding of plant floor operations, operator interfaces, and digital systems used in manufacturing environments.

• Test Standards Leadership: Experience in defining, documenting, and implementing testing standards or leading testing initiatives within engineering organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred skills is crucial. While a STEM degree is a baseline, the 8+ years of experience in specific areas like UI/UX design and front-end testing are paramount. Proficiency in Python and automation tools within an Azure DevOps environment is a strong indicator of the technical expectations for this role. The preference for Ignition and MES experience directly ties the role to the company's manufacturing technology stack.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• UI/UX Design Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating your UI/UX design process from concept to final implementation for complex applications, preferably within an industrial or manufacturing context.

• Front-End Testing Examples: Include specific examples of test plans, test cases, and reports that highlight your approach to validating UI/UX, workflow accuracy, and system usability. Detail how you prevented defects.

• Automation Scripts & Frameworks: Provide examples of automated regression test scripts (e.g., Python with Selenium/Playwright) that simulate user interactions and validate critical functionalities. Demonstrate your ability to build and maintain robust automation suites.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Present documentation or case studies illustrating how you have defined, implemented, or improved testing standards, workflows, or processes within a team or organization, with measurable outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase examples of how you have mapped, analyzed, and optimized user workflows for digital applications, ensuring efficiency and intuitive navigation.

• Test Automation Integration: Provide evidence of integrating automated testing into CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Azure DevOps), including setup, execution, and reporting mechanisms.

• Metrics & Reporting: Demonstrate your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for UI/UX quality and testing effectiveness, and present data-driven insights through dashboards or reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Principal-level role focused on UX/UI and testing, a robust portfolio is non-negotiable. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design philosophy, testing methodology, and automation strategies with tangible examples. The emphasis on process improvement and metrics is key to demonstrating strategic impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $107,500 - $204,500 USD per year.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is provided as a good faith estimate by RTX, considering all experience levels for this role. The final offer will be determined by factors including the candidate's specific experience, location, education, skills, and the responsibilities of the role. RTX operates in a highly regulated industry, and compensation packages for senior engineers with security clearance requirements often fall within the upper end of general market ranges.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• 401(k) plan with company match.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• Flexible work schedules.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Employee Scholar Program for continued education and development.

• Generous parental leave policy.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays.

• Potential eligibility for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours.

• Flexible work schedules may be available, offering some adaptability for operations-related tasks and data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a large, established corporation like RTX. The inclusion of an Employee Scholar Program is a significant perk for continuous learning, highly relevant for a Principal-level engineer. The mention of potential incentive compensation indicates performance-based bonuses could be part of the total compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Manufacturing Technology. RTX is a leading provider of integrated systems and services for the defense industry, with a strong focus on advanced manufacturing and digital transformation.

Company Size: Large enterprise (RTX is a global corporation with tens of thousands of employees). This implies structured processes, significant resources, and opportunities for large-scale impact.

Founded: Raytheon was founded in 1922, with a long history of innovation in technology and defense. The company has evolved through mergers and acquisitions, including the formation of Raytheon Technologies Corporation (now RTX) in 2020.

Team Structure:

• The Connected Factory Intelligence (CFI) department is responsible for developing and deploying digital factory solutions.

• This role is part of a team focused on advanced manufacturing technologies and data-driven manufacturing processes.

• The team likely includes software developers, manufacturing engineers, data scientists, and other operations technology specialists.

• Reporting structure likely involves a manager or director overseeing CFI operations and digital transformation initiatives. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Manufacturing: Emphasis on leveraging data from IIoT devices and systems to inform decisions, optimize processes, and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

• Agile Development & DevOps: Adoption of agile methodologies for software development and CI/CD pipelines within Azure DevOps for efficient release cycles.

• User-Centric Design: A commitment to designing systems that are intuitive and effective for the end-users (operators) on the factory floor.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages ongoing refinement of processes, technologies, and user experiences.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's deep roots in aerospace and defense, combined with its focus on advanced manufacturing and digital factory solutions, create a unique environment. The company size means opportunities for broad impact but also requires navigating established processes. The CFI department's mission is central to modernizing manufacturing operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal (IV). This signifies a senior individual contributor role with significant technical expertise, leadership in defining best practices, and the ability to influence technical direction. It often involves mentoring junior team members and driving strategic initiatives within the domain.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to leadership within the Connected Factory Intelligence (CFI) department, likely a manager or director responsible for digital manufacturing solutions. Collaboration will be extensive with cross-functional teams including software development, manufacturing engineering, and operations management.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the efficiency, quality, and user experience of critical digital manufacturing systems. By ensuring intuitive interfaces and reliable functionality, the engineer contributes to reduced operator errors, improved production throughput, and faster adoption of new technologies on the factory floor. Strong UI/UX and testing are foundational to successful digital transformation in manufacturing.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UI/UX design tools, automation frameworks, and digital manufacturing technologies (e.g., Ignition, IIoT, MES).

• Process Leadership: Lead the evolution of testing methodologies and UX design standards across CFI and potentially broader manufacturing organizations within RTX.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Guide and mentor junior engineers, fostering a culture of quality and user-centric design.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Expand influence across different business units or product lines by contributing to the design and validation of critical manufacturing systems.

• Project Management: Potentially take on project lead responsibilities for specific digital factory initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" level indicates a path for deep technical expertise and leadership, rather than necessarily a management track, though leadership in defining standards is a key component. The growth opportunities are geared towards becoming a recognized expert within RTX's digital manufacturing space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Onsite," meaning the primary work location will be at one of RTX's designated office facilities. This implies a traditional office environment with dedicated workspaces.

Office Location(s): The position is available in McKinney, TX; Tucson, AZ; Andover, MA; and Forest, MS. Candidates should be willing to work from one of these specific locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a mix of individual focused work (design, coding, testing) and collaborative sessions (design reviews, team meetings, stakeholder discussions) within a shared office space.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, high-performance computing resources for design and development, and specific software licenses for Figma, Ignition, Azure DevOps, and automation tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with fellow engineers, manufacturing specialists, and project managers, fostering a strong sense of team and shared purpose in advancing digital manufacturing.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• While the role is onsite, RTX mentions flexible work schedules, which might allow for some adaptability in start/end times to accommodate personal needs or project demands, provided operational coverage is maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Onsite" designation is firm, with specific location options. The environment will be that of a large corporate campus, offering structured support and resources. Flexibility in work schedules, if available, would typically be managed at the team level to ensure operational continuity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of application and resume, focusing on meeting minimum qualifications (degree, years of experience, clearance eligibility).

• Technical Screening: An interview with a hiring manager or senior team member to assess technical skills in UI/UX design, front-end testing, and automation. Expect questions on your design process and testing methodologies.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 1-3 key projects, explaining your role, design choices, testing strategies, and the impact of your work.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions designed to assess your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, communication skills, leadership potential, and how you handle challenges relevant to a Principal-level role.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a DoD Secret clearance will be a critical part of the process. Candidates may be asked to attend select interview steps in-person.

• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level management to discuss strategic fit and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your UI/UX design skills, front-end testing expertise, and automation capabilities, ideally with a manufacturing or industrial focus.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your specific contributions, the tools used, challenges overcome, and measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process & Rationale: Explain why you made certain design decisions or chose specific testing approaches. Demonstrate a thoughtful and data-driven process.

• Showcase Automation: If possible, include a brief demonstration or code snippets of your automation work, explaining its effectiveness and integration.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., reduction in usability issues, improvement in test coverage, time saved through automation).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a scenario to design a UI for a specific manufacturing task or to improve an existing interface. Focus on user-centricity and clarity.

• Testing Scenario: You may be asked to outline a test plan for a new feature or troubleshoot a reported UI defect. Demonstrate a systematic approach.

• Automation Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would automate a specific user workflow or troubleshoot an automation script failure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes both technical prowess and the ability to articulate that expertise. The portfolio review is a critical gate, requiring candidates to actively demonstrate their capabilities. Security clearance requirements are paramount and will be integrated early and throughout the process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UI/UX Design Software: Figma (preferred), Ignition Designer, or similar wireframing/prototyping tools.

• Automation Frameworks: Selenium, Playwright, Robot Framework (Python-based preferred).

• Programming Languages: Python (for automation and scripting), SQL (for data validation).

• CI/CD & ALM: Azure DevOps (preferred) for test management, defect tracking, and pipeline integration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Potentially Power BI, Tableau, or Ignition's built-in dashboarding capabilities for reporting on test results and UX metrics.

• Reporting Tools: Within Azure DevOps or custom reporting solutions for test progress and defect analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• Digital Manufacturing Platforms: Ignition (SCADA/HMI), MES systems (general familiarity is key).

• IIoT Platforms: Understanding of Industrial Internet of Things connectivity and data streams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on front-end development, testing, and automation within a manufacturing context. Proficiency in Python, Figma, Azure DevOps, and at least one major UI automation framework is essential. Familiarity with Ignition and MES is a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety: Paramount in aerospace and defense; ensuring systems are safe for operators and operations.

• Trust & Accountability: Taking ownership of design quality, test integrity, and reliable automation.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams (engineering, manufacturing, IT) to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Driving the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to modernize manufacturing processes.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality, robust, and user-friendly digital solutions that meet stringent industry standards.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with manufacturing engineers, software developers, and product owners to ensure designs and tests align with operational needs and technical feasibility.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that values open communication, constructive criticism, and iterative improvements based on feedback from design reviews and testing.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices in UI/UX design, testing techniques, and automation strategies through team meetings, documentation, and mentoring.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's stated values (Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation) are directly applicable to this role. The emphasis on collaboration and innovation within a safety-critical industry shapes the team's approach to developing and validating digital manufacturing solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design & Functionality: Ensuring intuitive UX while meeting stringent functional requirements and performance standards in a demanding manufacturing environment.

• Legacy System Integration: Working with existing plant floor systems that may have older interfaces or limitations, requiring creative design and testing solutions.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying current with evolving Industry 4.0 technologies, automation tools, and UX design best practices.

• Security Clearance Requirements: Navigating the process and maintaining eligibility for a DoD Secret security clearance, which requires ongoing diligence.

• Defining & Enforcing Standards: Establishing consistent UI/UX and testing standards across diverse projects and teams within a large organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UI/UX Training: Access to specialized courses or certifications in user experience design, human-computer interaction, and industrial design.

• Automation & Programming Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Python, automation frameworks, and potentially other relevant programming languages.

• Industry 4.0 Technologies: Exposure to cutting-edge digital manufacturing technologies, IIoT, AI/ML applications in manufacturing, and advanced analytics.

• Mentorship Programs: Guidance from senior leaders and subject matter experts within RTX on career development, technical leadership, and navigating complex projects.

• Conferences & Workshops: Potential for attending industry events focused on UX/UI, testing, and manufacturing technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges typical of advanced technology roles in regulated industries, balanced by strong growth opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement within a leading defense contractor.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a user interface for a complex industrial application, focusing on how you ensure it's intuitive for operators."

• "Walk me through a challenging UI/UX design problem you solved. What was the problem, your approach, the outcome, and what did you learn?"

• "How would you approach building a comprehensive front-end regression test suite for a new digital factory dashboard? What tools and methodologies would you use?"

• "Describe a time you had to establish new testing standards or best practices within a team. What was your strategy and what was the result?"

• "How do you balance the need for robust testing with the pressure to release software quickly in a manufacturing environment?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of RTX and the aerospace/defense industry, how would you tailor your UX/UI design and testing approach for this role?"

• "How do you ensure your work aligns with company values like safety, trust, and innovation?"

• "Describe your experience working in a cross-functional team environment. How do you handle disagreements or differing priorities?"

• "What are your thoughts on the future of digital manufacturing and the role of UX/UI in that evolution?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentations as narratives, highlighting the "why" behind your decisions.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the value your work delivered (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced errors, enhanced user satisfaction). Use metrics where possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Show your thought process – from initial requirements and wireframes to final design, testing strategy, and automation implementation.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about specific design choices, testing methodologies, automation logic, and how you handled unexpected issues.

• Tailor to RTX: If possible, reference how your experience aligns with RTX's mission or the specific challenges of digital manufacturing in their industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. Candidates should be ready to provide detailed, example-driven answers that showcase their ability to lead and innovate in a complex, high-stakes environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the RTX careers portal via the provided link.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and experiences directly related to UI/UX design, front-end testing, automation (Python, Selenium/Playwright), Azure DevOps, and digital manufacturing technologies (Ignition, MES, IIoT). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio (e.g., PDF, personal website) showcasing 3-5 key projects. For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, design process, testing methodology, automation implementation, and measurable results. Ensure it's easily accessible.

• Research RTX & CFI: Understand RTX's mission, values, and their commitment to digital manufacturing. Familiarize yourself with the Connected Factory Intelligence (CFI) department's objectives and the technologies they employ.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on clear communication, concise explanations, and demonstrating your strategic thinking and technical capabilities. Be ready to articulate your design rationale and testing approach.

• Prepare for Security Clearance: Confirm your U.S. citizenship and be ready to discuss your eligibility and willingness to undergo the security clearance process.

⚠️ 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.