Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: NATS (National Air Traffic Services)

Location: Whiteley, Hampshire, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Human Factors

Date Posted: June 1, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end UX research and design initiatives within complex, safety-critical Air Traffic Control (ATC) environments, driving user acceptance, efficiency, and safety improvements.

• Translate user needs and business objectives into measurable UX outcomes through robust qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, ideation workshops, and iterative prototyping.

• Champion user-centered design principles, accessibility standards, and inclusive design practices across digital platforms, ensuring consistency through the development and maintenance of design systems.

• Effectively manage UX project timelines, priorities, and stakeholder communication, demonstrating clear business value and influencing cross-functional teams and senior management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer within NATS, a critical national infrastructure provider in air navigation. The emphasis on "complex, technical ATC environments" and "safety-critical" systems indicates a high degree of responsibility and a need for meticulous design processes. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead UX research and design projects as a key member of cross-functional teams, collaborating with Air Traffic Control (ATC) leads, human factors specialists, business analysts, data scientists, engineers, and project managers.

• Plan and execute comprehensive user research using qualitative and quantitative methods within demanding ATC environments to deeply understand user behaviors, identify needs, and establish baseline metrics for measuring UX improvements.

• Transform research findings into actionable insights that define project outcomes and key performance indicators (KPIs) for UX deliverables, ensuring alignment with business and project objectives.

• Facilitate creative ideation sessions to generate innovative solutions that meet strategic goals, and prioritize concepts for prototyping based on potential impact and feasibility.

• Design detailed prototypes at various fidelity levels, from sketches and wireframes to interactive Figma prototypes, conducting iterative testing with end-users to validate effectiveness and refine designs.

• Deliver finalized UX solutions to internal and external development teams, adhering to standards set by the Head of UX and meeting all relevant regulatory requirements.

• Ensure all designed solutions meet stringent accessibility and usability standards, actively promoting and implementing inclusive design principles throughout the design lifecycle.

• Develop and maintain robust design systems across diverse digital platforms to ensure visual and functional consistency, enhancing the overall user experience.

• Proactively manage UX engagement within project lifecycles, effectively planning time, prioritizing tasks, and reporting progress to team members and the Head of UX.

• Engage with and influence a wide range of stakeholders, clearly communicating UX progress, achieved outcomes, and the tangible business value delivered by user-centered design initiatives.

• Identify opportunities for UX engagement expansion, process enhancements, and strategic growth across the organization, contributing to the development and execution of the overarching UX strategy.

• Act as a vocal advocate for UX best practices and design thinking methodologies across NATS, supporting the Head of UX in embedding user-centered approaches into organizational processes and culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution. The emphasis on research, ideation, prototyping, and delivery within a safety-critical domain requires a candidate who can balance user needs with stringent operational requirements. The need to "engage and influence stakeholders" and "champion UX best practices" points to a senior-level individual capable of driving change.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of significant professional experience in UX research and UI design/prototyping.

• Demonstrated experience working within complex, technical, and ideally safety-critical environments.

• Proven ability to lead UX projects from conception through to delivery, ensuring measurably effective solutions within demanding timelines and to high user/stakeholder satisfaction.

• Experience in planning and leading research and design workshops with diverse project teams.

Required Skills:

• A strong, compelling portfolio showcasing significant UX work, with a focus on research and UI design/prototyping.

• Deep understanding of UX and Design Thinking processes and their practical application in real-world projects.

• Proven ability to work autonomously, influence change, and effectively collaborate with stakeholders and cross-disciplinary teams.

• Awareness and understanding of commercial considerations in projects and the ability to articulate the business benefits delivered by UX.

• Excellent time management, planning, organizational, and facilitation skills, enabling the production of clear, concise, and accurate documentation.

• Strong networking skills with the ability to quickly establish, value, and leverage key organizational contacts.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication style for middle to senior management.

• Strong interpersonal, influencing, persuading, and communication skills with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to formulate and develop documentation quickly and effectively, presenting to management clearly and concisely.

• Self-motivated, self-reliant, and proactive, with the ability to make swift, informed decisions.

• A proactive team player, prepared to address problems proactively and contribute to a high-performance delivery organization.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Air Traffic Control (ATC) or aviation is highly desirable.

• Experience in Human Factors is desirable.

• Proficiency in Figma for detailed prototyping and design.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.

• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio demonstrating significant work experience" is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase projects that clearly illustrate their UX process, problem-solving abilities, and tangible impact, particularly within challenging technical domains. The "ideal, but not essential" mention of ATC/aviation experience suggests that transferable skills from similar safety-critical industries (e.g., healthcare, finance, defense) would be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory and must be submitted with the application. It should clearly demonstrate significant UX research and UI design/prototyping experience.

• Showcase projects that highlight your ability to understand complex user needs within technical or safety-critical environments, detailing your research methodologies and design process.

• Include examples of iterative design and testing, demonstrating how user feedback was incorporated to refine solutions and achieve measurable improvements.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating detailed prototypes, with examples using tools like Figma, and showcase how these prototypes were used to validate design concepts with end-users.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case studies outlining your approach to UX research, including planning, execution of qualitative and quantitative methods, and synthesis of findings into actionable insights.

• Showcase examples of your ideation process, including workshop facilitation techniques and how you prioritized design solutions.

• Detail your process for designing and testing prototypes, emphasizing iterative feedback loops and user validation strategies.

• Illustrate how you ensure accessibility and inclusive design principles are integrated into your design workflow and final deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio with the application, and the warning that applications without it will be sifted out, underscores its importance. Candidates should curate their portfolios to specifically address the requirements of this role, emphasizing complexity, safety, and user impact in technical domains.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £55,107.59 - £73,476.78 per annum

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Total Reward Package: NATS offers a competitive package designed to support employees both personally and professionally.

• Agile Working: Embracing agile working practices to provide greater flexibility and choice in working arrangements.

• Hybrid Work Environment: Opportunity to work from modern office facilities in Whiteley and remotely, offering a blend of in-office collaboration and independent work.

• Flexible & Part-time Working: Openness to discussions regarding flexible working hours and part-time arrangements to accommodate individual needs.

• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth within a leading air navigation service provider.

• Contribution to Safety: The chance to contribute to advancing aviation and keeping skies safe, a mission-critical and impactful role.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are likely around 40 hours per week, but the company promotes agile and flexible working, indicating potential for adjusted schedules and remote work days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined. The benefits emphasize flexibility and a comprehensive package, aligning with modern work expectations. The mention of "agile working" and "flexible and part-time working arrangements" suggests a progressive approach to work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Air Navigation Services Provider

Company Size: NATS is a significant organization, handling over 2.4 million flights annually and employing a substantial workforce. While an exact number isn't provided, it operates from two control centers and multiple airports, indicating a large, established entity.

Founded: NATS has a long history in aviation, evolving with air traffic management technologies and regulations. Its current form as a public-private partnership has been in place for decades, signifying stability and a commitment to national infrastructure.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Head of User Experience, who is part of the Human Factors team. This indicates a dedicated UX function within a broader Human Factors discipline, suggesting a strong emphasis on user well-being and operational effectiveness.

• The Senior UX Designer will work within cross-functional project teams, collaborating with a diverse group of specialists including ATC leads, human factors experts, business analysts, data scientists, engineers, and project managers.

Methodology:

• NATS emphasizes a user-centered design approach, driven by robust UX research (qualitative and quantitative) to understand user needs in complex, safety-critical environments.

• The company utilizes Design Thinking principles for ideation and solution generation, followed by iterative prototyping and user testing to ensure effectiveness and user acceptance.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed within project teams, allowing for flexibility, continuous feedback, and adaptation to evolving requirements.

• There is a strong focus on delivering measurable outcomes, with UX impact being assessed against defined metrics related to user acceptance, efficiency, and safety.

Company Website: https://www.nats.aero/careers/why-nats/

📝 Enhancement Note: NATS operates in a highly regulated and safety-critical industry. The company culture will likely reflect a strong sense of responsibility, a commitment to precision, and a deep understanding of the impact of technology on human performance. The integration of UX within Human Factors suggests a mature approach to user design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Designer role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position within the UX discipline. It requires significant experience, the ability to lead projects independently, and influence stakeholders. The responsibilities suggest a role that contributes to strategic UX direction and process improvement.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer reports to the Head of User Experience, who is part of the Human Factors team. This provides a clear reporting line and access to senior leadership within the UX and Human Factors domains.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer's work directly impacts the efficiency, safety, and user acceptance of critical air traffic control systems. By improving the user experience of these systems, the role contributes significantly to operational effectiveness, error reduction, and overall aviation safety. This role has a direct impact on the core mission of NATS.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to move into Lead UX Designer or Management roles within the UX or Human Factors team, overseeing larger projects or teams.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as advanced user research methodologies, complex system design, or accessibility within safety-critical domains.

• Strategic Contribution: Involvement in shaping the overall UX strategy for NATS, influencing how user-centered design is integrated across the organization.

• Industry Influence: Contribution to NATS's reputation as a leader in aviation UX and Human Factors, potentially leading to speaking opportunities or contributions to industry standards.

• Continuous Learning: Encouragement to stay abreast of the latest UX trends, tools, and technologies, with opportunities for training, conferences, and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the scope of work suggest this role is for an experienced UX professional looking to make a significant impact in a critical industry. Growth opportunities are likely tied to increasing responsibility within UX leadership, strategic contributions, and specialization in high-stakes design environments.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: NATS offers modern office facilities, alongside the flexibility of remote work, indicating a hybrid environment. This setup is designed to foster collaboration while accommodating individual work preferences.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Whiteley, Hampshire. This location serves as a hub for NATS operations and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role involves working within cross-functional project teams, suggesting a dynamic and collaborative workspace where ideas are exchanged and solutions are co-created.

• Technology & Tools: Access to modern UX tools and technologies is implied, given the nature of the role and NATS's position as an industry leader. This includes design software like Figma and a range of research tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with air traffic controllers, planners, and other end-users are integral to the role, providing direct insight into operational needs and challenges.

Work Schedule:

• NATS promotes "agile working" and welcomes discussions on "flexible and part-time working arrangements." This suggests a work schedule that prioritizes results and efficiency, with flexibility in how and when work is accomplished, accommodating the demands of both data analysis and collaborative design sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and emphasis on agile working suggest a modern, results-oriented work environment. The opportunity to interact directly with end-users (air traffic controllers) provides a unique and engaging aspect to the workspace context for a UX designer.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Screening: Submit resume and a mandatory cover letter and portfolio. Applications will be screened based on these submissions.

• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where the hiring team will assess your portfolio for relevance, quality, and demonstration of UX skills in complex environments.

• Initial Interview: Likely a screening interview with HR or a hiring manager to assess general fit, experience, and understanding of the role.

• Technical/Skills Interview: In-depth discussion about your UX process, research methodologies, design decisions, and problem-solving approach. This may involve a case study or presentation of your work.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues, including the Head of UX, Human Factors team members, and potentially project stakeholders or end-users, to assess collaboration style and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: May involve a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience in complex, technical, or safety-critical domains. Highlight your process from research to final design.

• Showcase Impact: Clearly articulate the problem you solved, your role, the solutions you designed, and the measurable outcomes or benefits achieved (e.g., increased efficiency, reduced errors, improved user satisfaction).

• Detail Your Process: Walk through your UX methodology for each project, explaining your research techniques, ideation methods, prototyping tools, and testing strategies.

• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams, managed stakeholder expectations, and incorporated feedback.

• Address NATS Context: If possible, tailor your presentation to reflect an understanding of NATS's mission and the unique challenges of air traffic control.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare a Case Study Presentation: Be ready to present one or two key projects from your portfolio in detail. Structure this as a narrative: problem, your approach, solution, and results.

• Anticipate UX Strategy Questions: Prepare to discuss how you would approach developing UX for a new ATC system, or how you would improve an existing one. Think about user research, iteration, and measuring success.

• Practice Explaining Technical Concepts: Be ready to explain complex design decisions and research findings clearly and concisely, adapting your communication for different audiences.

• Research NATS: Understand their mission, values, and the critical nature of their work. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest.

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about the team, projects, challenges, and the UX strategy at NATS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory portfolio submission is a significant filter. Candidates must prepare a portfolio that is not only visually appealing but also deeply illustrative of their problem-solving capabilities and process within demanding contexts. The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing on practical application and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Design: Figma is explicitly mentioned as a tool for detailed prototypes. Proficiency in other industry-standard tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, or InVision may also be relevant.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback), and potentially eye-tracking or biometric analysis tools for safety-critical environments.

• Wireframing Tools: Tools for creating low-fidelity representations of user interfaces, such as Balsamiq, Axure, or even advanced features within Figma.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret quantitative research data and potentially use analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or custom internal dashboards) to understand user behavior and measure UX impact.

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in creating clear, concise reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly mentioned, experience with CRM systems (like Salesforce) or project management tools (like Jira, Asana, Trello) can be beneficial for understanding how UX integrates with broader project workflows and development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a key requirement for prototyping. Candidates should also be prepared to discuss their experience with a range of user research and usability testing tools, as well as their ability to leverage data analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value, underpinning all design and operational decisions. UX must contribute to enhancing safety and minimizing risks.

• Precision & Accuracy: Reflecting the critical nature of air traffic control, there's an expectation of meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of work, from research to final design.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively within cross-functional teams to achieve shared objectives.

• User-Centered Approach: A commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users, particularly air traffic controllers and other operational staff.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly seek ways to enhance processes, tools, and outcomes, contributing to the development of a high-performance organization.

• Innovation: While safety is paramount, there's also a value placed on advancing aviation through thoughtful and effective design solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with diverse specialists (engineering, ATC, human factors, business analysis), requiring strong communication and the ability to bridge different technical and operational perspectives.

• Process Review & Feedback: An environment that likely encourages open feedback and continuous refinement of processes, including UX methodologies.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing best practices, research insights, and design knowledge across teams to foster collective learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values are heavily influenced by the safety-critical nature of NATS's operations. Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these values, particularly safety, precision, and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complex, Safety-Critical Systems: The primary challenge is creating intuitive and effective user experiences for systems where errors can have severe consequences. This requires rigorous research, design, and validation.

• Balancing User Needs with Operational Constraints: Synthesizing the needs of air traffic controllers with strict regulatory requirements, technical limitations, and business objectives.

• Influencing Stakeholders in a Technical Environment: Effectively communicating the value of UX and driving adoption of design recommendations among engineers, ATC experts, and senior management who may have different priorities.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in aviation technology and UX tools, and integrating them appropriately into NATS's systems.

• Managing Diverse Project Demands: Juggling multiple projects with varying priorities and timelines within a dynamic operational environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Training: Access to training focused on UX in safety-critical systems, advanced research methodologies, or specific design domains relevant to aviation.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant UX, Human Factors, or aviation industry events and pursue professional certifications.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior UX professionals or Human Factors experts within NATS.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to develop leadership skills through project management and team collaboration, paving the way for future leadership roles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining deep insights into the intricacies of air traffic control operations and aviation technology through close collaboration with subject matter experts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly linked to the high-stakes nature of the industry. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach risk mitigation in design and how they handle complex stakeholder environments. Growth opportunities are strong for those who excel in these challenging areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach understanding the needs of air traffic controllers for a new system, given the safety-critical nature of their work?" (Prepare to discuss user research methodologies, stakeholder interviews, and observation techniques.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders who were resistant to UX recommendations. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, data-driven arguments, and building consensus.)

• "How do you prioritize design solutions when faced with multiple equally valid user needs and technical constraints?" (Discuss prioritization frameworks, trade-off analysis, and user value assessment.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about applying UX principles within the aviation and air traffic control industry?" (Show research into NATS and genuine enthusiasm for the domain.)

• "How do you ensure inclusivity and accessibility are integrated into your design process, especially in a high-stakes environment?" (Connect to NATS's commitment to diversity and safety.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Begin with an overview of NATS and the role, then dive into 1-2 detailed case studies. For each case study: Problem -> Your Role & Process -> Solution -> Impact/Results.

• Focus on Process & Rationale: Don't just show pretty screens. Explain why you made certain design decisions, backed by research and user insights.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "improved user satisfaction scores by Y%").

• Highlight Collaboration: Briefly mention how you worked with engineers, PMs, and stakeholders.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Interviewers might ask detailed questions about specific aspects of your portfolio projects. Be prepared to elaborate on any part of your process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating a robust UX process, the ability to handle complexity and safety considerations, strong stakeholder management skills, and a clear understanding of how UX drives tangible business value. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided application link on the NATS careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights experience in UX research, UI design, prototyping, and any relevant work in technical, complex, or safety-critical environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your interest in NATS, your relevant experience, and why you are a strong fit for this specific role. Address your understanding of the unique challenges in aviation UX.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that showcases your best work, emphasizing your process, problem-solving skills, and tangible outcomes. Ensure it directly addresses the requirements of this role and is easily accessible.

• Research NATS: Familiarize yourself with NATS's mission, values, and the critical role they play in aviation. Understand their commitment to safety and innovation.

• Practice Your Presentation: Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your UX methodology in detail during interviews. Prepare answers to common UX strategy and behavioral questions.

⚠️ 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.