Senior UI-UX-Programmer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI-UX-Programmer 5

Company: S R INTERNATIONAL INC (Client: State of Ohio - DPS)

Location: Phoenix, Arizona, United States (with onsite requirement in Columbus, Ohio every 3rd day)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UI/UX Design & Development, Software Engineering

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with specific onsite requirements)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on designing and developing modern, intuitive User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) for complex applications within an agile framework.

• The Senior UI-UX-Programmer will collaborate closely with business users, IT supervisors, project managers, and development teams to translate user needs into exceptional design solutions.

• Key responsibilities include proactive identification of product improvement areas, driving product roadmap enhancements, and ensuring adherence to best practices in security and accessibility.

• The position requires a strong understanding of information architecture, design systems, and modern design tools, with a critical emphasis on user-centered design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title includes "Programmer," the detailed responsibilities heavily emphasize UI/UX design, prototyping, and user research. The "Programmer" aspect likely refers to the ability to collaborate with developers and understand technical implementation, rather than core coding duties. The hybrid nature with specific onsite requirements in Columbus, Ohio, necessitates careful consideration for candidates outside that immediate area, despite the listed Phoenix, AZ location. The "ONLY CURRENT OHIO RESIDENTS" note is paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of modern, intuitive UI/UX interfaces, directly engaging with business users to understand and fulfill their requirements.

• Champion a user-centered design approach within an agile development environment, tackling complex design problems and influencing product strategy.

• Proactively identify areas for product improvement and drive these initiatives into a concrete product roadmap.

• Research, design, and develop user interfaces using prototyping designer tools, ensuring new applications implement an N-tier architecture and comply with ODPS coding standards.

• Participate in stakeholder meetings to gather and refine UI requirements, translating them into wireframes, interactive prototypes, and user-friendly designs that support complex business processes.

• Execute various stages of the product development lifecycle, from discovery and research to final UI design and testing.

• Conduct user research and analysis to validate design concepts and iterate on product features.

• Collaborate with project managers, developers, and business analysts to brainstorm ideas and deliver optimal design solutions.

• Create and maintain a 'Design System' library for reusability and consistency across applications.

• Ensure a seamless UI handoff process to the development team, providing clear documentation and support.

• Guarantee that user interface and experience designs adhere to best practices, security requirements, and accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508).

• Integrate front-end components with backend systems by working closely with backend developers.

• Participate actively in backlog grooming and other agile ceremonies, ensuring development teams have a clear understanding of UI designs.

• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior technical staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking, hands-on execution with design tools, and strong collaboration skills within an agile framework. The emphasis on "State of Ohio - DPS" suggests a government or public sector context, which often implies stringent adherence to accessibility and security standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational requirements are not listed, a Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior UI/UX role. A strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education.

Experience: 5-10 years of verifiable experience in UI/UX design and development, with a significant portion in senior-level roles. Experience within government or public sector projects is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Verifiable experience translating user interface requirements into intuitive, user-centered interfaces for workflow-heavy applications.

• Advanced understanding of information architecture and designing intuitive user interfaces, navigations, and multi-step workflows.

• Proven experience developing projects within an AGILE methodology, including backlog refinement, sprint planning, and iterative delivery.

• Highly skilled in working with design systems, including component libraries, reusable patterns, and visual standards.

• Experience designing and delivering SaaS, enterprise, or complex digital products.

• Proficiency with modern designer tools such as Figma, Axure, Sketch, or similar.

• Familiarity with backend and frontend development environments (HTML/CSS) sufficient for effective collaboration.

• Experience designing accessible interfaces that align with WCAG and Section 508 requirements.

• Demonstrable understanding of secure UX design practices and accessibility standards.

• Strong communication, leadership, influence, collaboration, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to communicate ideas to a wide variety of stakeholders and lead discussions.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing time and resources effectively.

• Strong understanding of prioritization based on system and user requirements.

• Fluency in English, both oral and written, with clear and understandable communication. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in creating and managing a comprehensive 'Design System' library.

• Experience with user research methodologies and usability testing.

• Familiarity with N-tier architecture principles.

• Experience in mentoring junior technical staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-(PR5)" in the job title suggests a specific pay band or level within the State of Ohio system, indicating a senior and well-compensated role. The emphasis on "ONLY CURRENT OHIO RESIDENTS" is a critical filter.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-10 diverse UI/UX projects, demonstrating progression from concept to completion.

• Each project should clearly articulate the problem statement, the user research conducted, the design process, the tools used (e.g., Figma, Axure), and the final outcome.

• Specific examples of designing complex workflows, multi-step processes, and intuitive navigations are crucial.

• Projects demonstrating the creation or utilization of Design Systems and component libraries are highly valued.

• Evidence of designing for accessibility (WCAG, Section 508) and security best practices must be present.

• Case studies detailing collaboration with business users and development teams, including UI handoff processes, are expected. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process for user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

• The ability to articulate how they integrate feedback into iterative design cycles within an agile framework is important.

• Documentation of their approach to creating and maintaining design systems and ensuring seamless handoffs to development teams will be reviewed.

• Understanding and application of N-tier architecture principles in UI design should be demonstrable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of needing to "present or share their portfolio with samples" during the interview process underscores its importance. This is not just a resume requirement but a core part of the evaluation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60.00 - $65.00 per hour. This translates to approximately $124,800 - $135,200 annually, assuming a standard 40-hour work week.

Benefits: Specific benefits are not detailed in the provided information. However, for a State of Ohio contract position, typical benefits might include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (often through a third-party provider for contractors)

• Paid Time Off (PTO) or accrued vacation and sick leave

• Potential for 401(k) or retirement savings plans (may vary by contract type)

• Professional development opportunities and training

• Access to state employee resources and potentially discounted services

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. The role is described as "Hybrid," with an explicit requirement to be onsite in Columbus every 3rd day. The remaining days are flexible work-from-home options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate of $60-$65 suggests a senior-level contractor role. It's important for candidates to understand that benefits for contract positions can differ significantly from direct employment, and these should be clarified with S R INTERNATIONAL INC. The "ONLY CURRENT OHIO RESIDENTS" note is critical for understanding eligibility for both employment and potential benefits. The hybrid requirement with specific onsite days in Columbus, OH, is a key logistical consideration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Government & Public Sector, Consulting. S R INTERNATIONAL INC is acting as a vendor/consulting firm providing services to the State of Ohio - Department of Public Safety (DPS). The culture will likely be a blend of corporate consulting standards and public sector operational requirements.

Company Size: S R INTERNATIONAL INC's exact size isn't provided, but they operate as a staffing and IT services company. The State of Ohio DPS is a large government agency.

Founded: S R INTERNATIONAL INC was founded in 1999. This indicates a long-standing presence in the IT services industry.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UI-UX-Programmer will be part of a project team within the State of Ohio's IT department, likely working within an Agile Scrum team.

• This team will include other developers, project managers, business analysts, and potentially QA testers.

• Collaboration will extend to business users and stakeholders within the Department of Public Safety.

• The role may involve mentoring or providing technical guidance to other team members. Methodology:

• The primary methodology is Agile development, with specific mentions of backlog grooming, sprint planning, and iterative delivery.

• A user-centered design approach is paramount, influencing all aspects of the design process.

• Emphasis is placed on following established coding standards and N-tier architecture principles.

• Secure UX design practices and accessibility compliance are core operational requirements.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of working for a government agency (State of Ohio - DPS) via a consulting firm (S R INTERNATIONAL INC) means candidates should be prepared for structured processes, adherence to regulations, and potentially longer decision-making cycles, balanced with the agility required for modern software development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position (indicated by "Senior" in the title and "5-(PR5)" designation), requiring significant experience and the ability to lead design initiatives. The role involves not just execution but also influencing product strategy and mentoring junior staff.

Reporting Structure: The individual will report to an IT Supervisor or Project Manager within the State of Ohio's IT structure, likely coordinated through S R INTERNATIONAL INC. They will collaborate closely with business users and development teams.

Operations Impact: The UI/UX Programmer's work will directly impact the usability, efficiency, and user satisfaction of critical State of Ohio applications. By creating intuitive and accessible interfaces, they will enhance the effectiveness of public services and internal operations, potentially improving citizen engagement and internal workflow efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UI/UX design, accessibility compliance (WCAG, Section 508), and design system architecture.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers/programmers, and influence product roadmaps.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse stakeholders across different government departments and IT functions.

• Contract Extension/Conversion: Depending on performance and project needs, there may be opportunities for contract extension or potential conversion to a direct State of Ohio employee role (though this is not guaranteed).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-(PR5)" designation is a strong indicator of a senior classification within the State of Ohio's personnel system, suggesting a role with substantial responsibility and commensurate compensation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role requires a combination of remote work and onsite presence.

Office Location(s): While the primary listed location is Phoenix, Arizona, the job explicitly states: "Requires onsite every 3rd day at Columbus." This means the candidate must be able to travel to and work onsite in Columbus, Ohio, regularly. The "ONLY CURRENT OHIO RESIDENTS" note is critical here.

Workspace Context:

• Remote: Candidates will work from home for the majority of the week, requiring a dedicated, productive workspace with reliable internet access.

• Onsite (Columbus, OH): This onsite presence is crucial for in-person collaboration, team meetings, and potentially accessing specific state resources or infrastructure. The requirement to be onsite "every 3rd day" suggests a structured hybrid schedule.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design tools (Figma, Axure, Sketch), collaboration platforms (Teams, likely), and project management software will be provided or expected.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. While flexibility exists for remote days, the onsite requirement in Columbus dictates a structured schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is complex. The Phoenix, AZ location may be a general administrative point, but the operational reality is a hybrid role with significant onsite requirements in Columbus, Ohio, and a strict residency requirement for Ohio. Candidates must be able to commit to regular travel and onsite work in Columbus.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening (15-minute Teams Interview): Expect a brief introductory call to assess basic qualifications, communication skills, and understanding of the role's core requirements, including the Ohio residency and hybrid onsite needs.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates will present their portfolio, showcasing specific projects and explaining their design process, problem-solving approach, and impact.

This is a critical step.

• Full Technical Interviews (Onsite in Columbus): Following the portfolio review, candidates will likely undergo more in-depth technical interviews at the Columbus, OH location. These may include:

  • Deep dives into UI/UX principles, design thinking, and methodology.
  • Scenario-based questions testing problem-solving and design decision-making.
  • Discussions on Agile practices, design systems, and accessibility standards.
  • Behavioral questions assessing collaboration, leadership, and communication skills.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment will likely focus on technical expertise, portfolio quality, cultural fit with the State of Ohio's operational environment, and ability to meet the hybrid work requirements.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that best demonstrate your skills in UI/UX design, user research, prototyping, design systems, and accessibility.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you overcame, your design solutions, and the quantifiable impact or learnings.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly call out your experience with Figma, Axure, Sketch, Agile methodologies, WCAG/Section 508 compliance, and design system creation.

• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you collaborated with business users, developers, and project managers.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design decisions, process, and any challenges encountered.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design exercises or scenario-based questions that test your ability to quickly analyze a problem and propose a UI/UX solution.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if explaining it to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Understand the State of Ohio's context and the importance of accessibility and security in government applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a 15-minute Teams interview followed by full technical interviews onsite in Columbus is a strong signal that candidates will be evaluated for both remote and in-person effectiveness, and that the portfolio is a central piece of the evaluation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Axure, Sketch (proficiency in at least one is required).

• Collaboration: Microsoft Teams (for interviews and likely day-to-day communication).

• Project Management: Experience with Agile tools like Jira or similar platforms for backlog management and sprint tracking is highly probable.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, experience with user analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar) for understanding user behavior and informing design decisions would be beneficial.

• Familiarity with creating dashboards or reports to communicate design impact may be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this UI/UX role, but an understanding of how front-end interfaces interact with backend CRM or ERP systems is implied through collaboration with backend developers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, Axure, and Sketch indicates a need for modern, industry-standard design and prototyping software proficiency. Collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams are essential for hybrid work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs is paramount.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, cross-functional communication, and consensus-building.

• Excellence & Quality: Dedication to producing high-quality, intuitive, and accessible designs that meet rigorous standards.

• Continuous Improvement: Proactive approach to identifying and implementing product enhancements and process optimizations.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adherence to security protocols, accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508), and government regulations.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Working within an agile framework necessitates frequent communication, feedback loops, and adaptability.

• Cross-Functional: Close collaboration with business users, project managers, developers, and potentially QA.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to effectively communicate design rationale and gather consensus from diverse stakeholder groups.

• Mentorship: A willingness to share knowledge and guide less experienced team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will likely reflect both the fast-paced, iterative nature of agile development and the structured, compliance-driven environment of a government agency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Effectively designing intuitive interfaces while adhering to strict technical requirements, security protocols, and N-tier architecture.

• Navigating Government Processes: Understanding and working within the specific procurement, approval, and compliance processes of the State of Ohio.

• Hybrid Work Logistics: Managing the requirement of being onsite in Columbus every 3rd day while also working remotely, ensuring seamless productivity and communication.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Gaining consensus and buy-in from a diverse group of stakeholders with potentially differing priorities.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Continuously updating skills in UI/UX design tools and best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UI/UX Techniques: Opportunities to refine skills in areas like interaction design, information architecture, and user research methodologies.

• Accessibility Expertise: Becoming a subject matter expert in WCAG and Section 508 compliance.

• Design System Development: Gaining hands-on experience in building and maintaining robust design systems.

• Agile Process Mastery: Deepening understanding and application of Agile and Scrum principles in a large-scale project environment.

• Mentorship Roles: Taking on leadership responsibilities by guiding and mentoring junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity to gain experience within the public sector, which can be a stable and impactful career path, especially for those interested in serving the community.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex business process you've designed an interface for. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure user adoption?" (Focus on process mapping, user research, and iterative design.)

• "How do you approach building a design system? What are the essential components, and how do you ensure its adoption by development teams?" (Highlight your experience with reusable components, style guides, and collaboration.)

• "Walk us through your process for ensuring a design meets WCAG 2.1 AA or Section 508 accessibility standards. What tools do you use?" (Be specific about testing methods and compliance requirements.)

• "How do you balance user needs with technical constraints and security requirements in your designs?" (Emphasize your problem-solving skills and ability to find elegant solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the State of Ohio's Department of Public Safety and its mission?" (Research their website and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a government project that serves the public?" (Focus on impact and civic responsibility.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment with specific onsite requirements. How do you manage your time and collaboration effectively?" (Address the Columbus onsite requirement directly.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction -> Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact/Learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. Avoid walls of text.

• Storytelling: Engage your audience by telling the story of each project, focusing on the "why" and "how."

• Quantify: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved task completion time, reduced error rates, increased user satisfaction).

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your tool choices, design decisions, and collaboration methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the explicit mention of a portfolio presentation, candidates should treat this as a primary evaluation component. Practice delivering a concise, impactful presentation that clearly showcases their design process and outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the S R INTERNATIONAL INC career portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in UI/UX design, prototyping, Agile methodologies, design systems, and accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate and polish your portfolio. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a link to a personal website or a well-organized PDF) and showcases your strongest, most relevant work. Be ready to present it.

• Address Ohio Residency: Explicitly state your current Ohio residency and your ability to meet the hybrid work requirements, including regular onsite presence in Columbus, OH.

• Research: Familiarize yourself with S R INTERNATIONAL INC and the State of Ohio's Department of Public Safety (DPS) mission and operational context. Understand the implications of working on government projects.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions, particularly those related to UI/UX strategy, design process, and collaboration. Practice your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding the hybrid work arrangement, onsite requirements in Columbus, Ohio, and the "ONLY CURRENT OHIO RESIDENTS" stipulation, should be verified directly with S R INTERNATIONAL INC. Ensure your application and portfolio clearly demonstrate your eligibility and capability to meet these specific conditions.