Software Engineer (UI)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Software Engineer (UI)

Company: SkyLink

Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Software Engineering / Frontend Development

Date Posted: 2026-07-29

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development and enhancement of SkyLink's cutting-edge AI-powered corporate travel management platform, focusing on the user interface and web experience. This role is crucial for bridging the gap between conversational AI interactions in Slack/Teams and rich, intuitive web-based functionalities.

• Drive the creation of seamless user journeys for travelers, from initial trip initiation in chat to complex booking and management tasks within the web application, ensuring a cohesive and efficient user experience.

• Architect, develop, and maintain robust frontend components and systems using React and TypeScript, adhering to high engineering standards for performance, reliability, accessibility, and testability.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and backend engineers to translate complex backend workflows and data models into simple, user-friendly interfaces, actively contributing to product and design strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Software Engineer (UI)", the responsibilities clearly indicate a "Full-Stack Engineer" with a strong emphasis on frontend development. The role requires understanding and potentially contributing to APIs, data models, and backend workflows, suggesting a need for a holistic view of the application.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and iterate on SkyLink’s primary web-based traveler experience, encompassing flight and hotel search, comparison tools, booking workflows, trip management, and self-service rebooking/cancellation features.

• Develop and implement sophisticated mechanisms for seamless handoffs between SkyLink's AI-driven chat interfaces (Slack/Microsoft Teams) and its more comprehensive web application, ensuring continuity of user context and functionality.

• Construct intuitive dashboards and operational tools tailored for corporate travel administrators and travel management companies (TMCs), enabling efficient oversight and management of travel programs.

• Design and develop reusable, modular frontend components optimized for complex travel-related content, including detailed itineraries, fare rules, policy compliance indicators, approval workflows, traveler profiles, and booking logic.

• Collaborate with product and design teams to challenge and refine requirements, proposing innovative and simpler solutions that enhance scalability and maintainability of the frontend architecture.

• Deeply understand SkyLink’s backend orchestration, API specifications, and data models to design frontend systems that accurately and efficiently represent intricate travel business logic and workflows.

• Design, implement, and maintain necessary APIs and relational database models to support the evolution of new user-facing features and backend integrations.

• Champion frontend excellence by continuously improving performance, reliability, accessibility (WCAG standards), observability, and testing coverage across the web platform.

• Contribute significantly to defining the overall architecture and establishing robust engineering standards for SkyLink’s web platform, including best practices for testing, documentation, code reviews, and system design.

• Engage directly with customers and internal stakeholders to gather insights into user behavior and product interaction patterns, informing iterative development and feature prioritization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "You Will" section provides a detailed breakdown of responsibilities that aligns with a senior or lead frontend engineer role. The emphasis on "defining the architecture and engineering standards" suggests a significant level of technical leadership and influence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for roles requiring 5+ years of experience.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional software engineering experience, with a substantial portion dedicated to building and shipping complex, user-friendly frontend applications.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience (5+ years) in software engineering, with a strong focus on frontend development.

• Deep expertise in building complex frontend applications using <strong>React</strong> and <strong>TypeScript</strong>, including state management (e.g., Redux, Zustand, Context API) and component lifecycle management.

• Proven track record of developing polished, responsive, and highly performant user experiences that handle nuanced and complex workflows effectively.

• Proficiency in working across the full stack, from UI components and application state management to understanding and interacting with backend APIs and relational data models.

• Ability to comprehend complex orchestration logic and translate intricate backend workflows into simple, intuitive, and user-friendly interfaces.

• Strong problem-solving skills, with the capacity to think critically about product requirements and design implications beyond simply implementing mockups.

• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify opportunities for workflow simplification, reduction of engineering effort, and enhancement of system maintainability.

• Solid understanding of software design principles, security best practices, comprehensive testing methodologies (unit, integration, e2e), and relational database fundamentals.

• Commitment to maintaining and adhering to high engineering standards across all aspects of development, including testing, documentation, code review processes, and architectural integrity.

• Experience or eagerness to leverage modern AI coding tools and development harnesses to accelerate production system development.

• A "scrappy" mindset, focused on shipping value and prioritizing progress over perfection. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Python, Django, Celery, Redis, or PostgreSQL is highly beneficial given the backend tech stack.

• Familiarity with cloud platforms, particularly AWS and containerization with Docker.

• Experience in the travel industry or with travel booking systems.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and implementation.

• Experience with building and maintaining robust observability and monitoring solutions for web applications.

• Exposure to API design and database modeling from a frontend perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly states "5+ years of software engineering experience, with significant experience building complex frontend applications in React and TypeScript." It also emphasizes comfort working "across the stack," making full-stack capabilities a strong differentiator, even if the primary focus is UI.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate successful projects showcasing the development of complex, user-friendly frontend applications, preferably using React and TypeScript.

• Provide examples of responsive and performant user interfaces that handle intricate workflows, illustrating problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Include case studies or project descriptions that highlight your ability to work across the stack, integrating frontend components with backend APIs and data models.

• Showcase projects where you've contributed to or defined engineering standards, including aspects like testing, documentation, or code review processes. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of contributions to designing and implementing reusable frontend components for complex data structures or workflows.

• Examples of how you've translated backend logic or complex data into intuitive user experiences.

• Documentation or descriptions of how you've improved frontend performance, reliability, accessibility, or observability in past projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "ownership and autonomy" and "setting engineering standards," a portfolio that showcases not just implementation skills but also design thinking, architectural contributions, and a proactive approach to process improvement will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The provided salary range for this role is $120,000 - $150,000 USD per year. This range is competitive for a Software Engineer (UI/Full-Stack) with 5+ years of experience in a major tech hub like New York City, especially within a high-growth, venture-backed startup environment.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Healthcare coverage.

• A new laptop of your choice to equip your workstation.

• Paid lunch and dinner when working in the office after 7 PM, supporting work-life balance and team collaboration.

• 401(k) Plan for retirement savings.

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), reflecting trust and flexibility.

• Hybrid work arrangement in New York City.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid policy suggests flexibility in scheduling, with an expectation of 4 days per week in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided ($120,000 - $150,000 USD). The benefits package is comprehensive, featuring standard offerings alongside perks like a laptop of choice and generous meal allowances for in-office work, which is common for early-stage companies aiming to attract top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel Technology, specifically focusing on AI-powered corporate travel management solutions. SkyLink is now part of the Amadeus family, indicating a strong position within the global travel ecosystem.

Company Size: As a startup backed by prominent investors and now part of Amadeus, SkyLink is likely in a growth phase, potentially ranging from 50-200 employees, fostering a dynamic and agile work environment. The exact size isn't specified but the context implies a scaling organization.

Founded: Founded by individuals with significant experience and backed by notable VCs and Fortune 50 executives, SkyLink has a strong foundation and strategic backing. The specific founding year is not provided, but its current stage suggests it's a relatively young but rapidly advancing company.

Team Structure:

• The engineering team is likely structured around functional areas or product lines, with this role focusing on the core web platform. Expect a lean, collaborative team where individual contributions have a significant impact.

• Reporting is likely to an Engineering Manager or Lead, with close collaboration with Product Management and Design.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, with engineers working closely with product, design, and potentially AI/ML teams to integrate intelligent features into user-facing applications. Methodology:

• A data-driven approach is implied, with a focus on user feedback, performance metrics, and A/B testing to inform product and engineering decisions.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed, emphasizing iterative development, rapid prototyping, and continuous improvement.

• A strong emphasis on engineering excellence, including robust testing, code reviews, and documentation, is highlighted.

Company Website: http://tryskylink.com

📝 Enhancement Note: SkyLink's positioning as an AI travel agent within Slack/Teams, now part of Amadeus, suggests a company focused on innovation, leveraging AI to disrupt traditional corporate travel booking. The culture is likely fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and focused on delivering impactful solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Senior to Senior Software Engineer, focusing on leading frontend development. It offers significant scope for technical leadership, architectural input, and direct impact on product strategy. For operations professionals, this translates to a role where technical execution directly influences GTM efficiency and customer experience.

Reporting Structure: The engineer will likely report to an Engineering Manager or Director of Engineering. They will work closely with Product Managers and Designers, forming a core product development triad.

Operations Impact: While this is a technical role, the "UI" focus means direct impact on user adoption, customer satisfaction, and the efficiency of travel booking processes for corporate clients and travelers. A well-designed UI can significantly reduce support costs, increase booking compliance, and improve the overall traveler experience, directly contributing to the company's value proposition and revenue generation indirectly.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Leadership: Opportunity to grow into a Tech Lead or Principal Engineer role, owning significant architectural components or leading specific feature development streams.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in React, TypeScript, and potentially frontend performance optimization, accessibility, and advanced state management patterns.

• Full-Stack Expansion: Further develop backend skills by contributing more to API design, database modeling, and system architecture, moving towards a true full-stack mastery.

• Product Influence: Grow influence over product direction through strong technical and design contributions, working closely with leadership.

• Startup Growth: As SkyLink scales, opportunities for leadership and mentorship within a growing engineering team will emerge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes "ownership and autonomy" and a desire to "accelerate professional and personal growth," indicating a strong focus on individual development and career advancement within a dynamic startup environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: SkyLink maintains an office space in New York City, emphasizing in-person collaboration. They invest in amenities like meal expensing to facilitate teamwork, indicating a commitment to a positive office experience.

Office Location(s): Brooklyn, New York, United States.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is designed to foster collaboration, with expectations for employees to be present in the office 4 days per week. This setup encourages spontaneous problem-solving and team synergy.

• Access to modern development tools and a tech stack that includes React, TypeScript, Python, and cloud infrastructure (AWS) will be available.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues across product, design, and engineering teams are inherent in the hybrid model.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring 4 days per week in the office. This provides a structured yet flexible schedule, balancing collaborative in-office work with personal flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "SkyLink Hybrid Work Policy" clearly outlines the expectation of being in the office 4 days per week, while also noting flexibility for individual circumstances, suggesting a balanced approach to hybrid work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Introduction Zoom Chat with a Cofounder: An informal initial call to assess mutual fit, discuss past projects, and gauge coding ability and system design thinking. This stage focuses on ownership, autonomy, and understanding career aspirations.

• Two Technical Interviews: These interviews will dive deep into system design and backend programming skills. Expect challenges related to creating complex backends, scaling real-world systems, and critical thinking.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be expected to present their work, detailing technical and product decisions, demonstrating ownership and autonomy. The emphasis will be on how past projects showcase the skills required for this role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Full-Stack Contributions: Even though the role is UI-focused, showcase projects where you've interacted with APIs, designed data models, or understood backend logic. This demonstrates your ability to bridge the gap.

• Focus on Impact and Decisions: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contributions, the technical/product decisions you made (and why), and the resulting impact (e.g., performance improvements, user engagement, efficiency gains).

• Demonstrate React/TypeScript Expertise: Be prepared to discuss architectural patterns, state management strategies, and best practices you've employed in your React/TypeScript projects.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Select projects that demonstrate your ability to tackle complex challenges, simplify workflows, and improve maintainability.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss code structure, testing strategies, and architectural choices in detail during the technical interviews.

Challenge Preparation:

• System Design: Practice designing scalable systems, considering aspects like API design, data storage, caching, and fault tolerance. For this role, focus on designing user-facing systems that interact with complex backend logic.

• Coding Challenges: Brush up on data structures, algorithms, and idiomatic React/TypeScript coding. Be prepared to write clean, efficient, and well-tested code.

• Product Thinking: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing features, considering user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is clearly laid out, emphasizing a blend of cultural fit, technical depth in system design and backend programming, and the ability to articulate past decisions and impact. The portfolio review is a critical component.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Frontend: <strong>React</strong>, <strong>TypeScript</strong>. This is the core of the role, requiring deep expertise in building modern, scalable web applications.

• Backend: Python, Django, Celery, Redis, PostgreSQL. While not the primary focus, understanding these technologies is crucial for full-stack comprehension and collaboration.

• Infrastructure: AWS, Docker. Familiarity with cloud deployment and containerization is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• The role involves building dashboards and operational tools, suggesting the need for experience with data visualization libraries within React or dedicated dashboarding tools.

• Performance and reliability improvements will require tools for monitoring and debugging frontend applications. CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, understanding how frontend interfaces integrate with backend systems and potentially CRM functionalities is beneficial.

• Experience with CI/CD pipelines for frontend development is implied.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tech stack is clearly defined, with a strong emphasis on React and TypeScript for the frontend. Familiarity with the backend stack (Python/Django) is a significant advantage for a full-stack role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership & Autonomy: A core value, encouraging engineers to take full responsibility for their work and drive initiatives independently.

• Progress Over Perfection: A pragmatic approach that prioritizes shipping value and iterating quickly, while still maintaining high engineering standards.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working closely with product, design, and other engineers, especially highlighted by the hybrid work policy.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Implied through the focus on performance, reliability, and building tools for administrators, suggesting a culture that values metrics and evidence.

• Innovation & AI Focus: As an AI product company, a culture that embraces new technologies and finding intelligent solutions is paramount.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with Product Managers and Designers to shape features and user experiences.

• Code Review Culture: A commitment to high engineering standards implies a robust code review process for knowledge sharing and quality assurance.

• Iterative Development: The "scrappy, ship, progress over perfection" ethos suggests a collaborative style focused on rapid iteration and feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "ownership and autonomy," "scrappy," and "progress over perfection" points to a culture common in fast-growing startups, valuing initiative, self-direction, and rapid execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Chat and Web: Seamlessly integrating conversational AI experiences with rich web interfaces presents a unique technical and UX challenge.

• Complex Travel Workflows: Representing and managing intricate travel booking rules, policies, and itineraries accurately in a user-friendly manner.

• Scaling a Platform: As SkyLink grows, maintaining performance, reliability, and code quality across a rapidly evolving web platform will be critical.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The "progress over perfection" mantra requires careful management to ensure technical debt doesn't accumulate excessively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Integration: Gain hands-on experience integrating AI-driven features into user-facing applications.

• Travel Tech Domain: Deepen knowledge of the travel industry's complexities and business logic.

• Architectural Impact: Contribute to defining and evolving the architecture of a significant product.

• Full-Stack Proficiency: Opportunity to expand skills in Python, Django, and backend systems.

• Startup Environment: Experience the fast-paced growth and development typical of a venture-backed startup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities to tackle complex integration challenges and contribute to the architectural direction of a growing AI product, aligning with ambitious career growth goals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex frontend system you've built. What were your key technical and product decisions, and what would you do differently now?" (Focus on ownership, autonomy, and critical thinking).

• "How would you design the frontend experience for seamless handoffs between a Slack bot and a web application for booking travel?" (Assess ability to translate backend logic and complex workflows into simple UI).

• "Imagine you need to build a dashboard for corporate travel administrators. What key features would you prioritize, and how would you ensure it's intuitive and efficient?" (Tests product thinking, UI design for business users, and understanding of operational needs). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in early-stage companies and specifically SkyLink?" (Assess alignment with startup culture and motivation).

• "How do you approach setting and maintaining high engineering standards in a fast-paced environment?" (Evaluate commitment to quality, testing, documentation, and code review).

• "Describe a time you had to balance shipping quickly with maintaining code quality. How did you make that decision?" (Probe understanding of "progress over perfection" and pragmatic problem-solving). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your specific role, the technical challenges, your design/architectural decisions, and quantifiable results.

• Showcase Full-Stack Understanding: Highlight how your frontend work integrated with backend systems, APIs, or data models.

• Demonstrate React/TypeScript Mastery: Be ready to discuss specific patterns, optimizations, and challenges overcome using these technologies.

• Emphasize Problem-Solving: Select projects that highlight your ability to simplify complex workflows and improve user experience.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to walk through code snippets, discuss architectural choices, and explain testing strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not just technical skill but also a candidate's mindset, problem-solving approach, and alignment with the company's values of ownership, autonomy, and pragmatic execution.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Software Engineer (UI) position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience with React, TypeScript, and any full-stack development. Quantify achievements related to performance improvements, user experience enhancements, or system efficiencies.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your ability to build complex, user-friendly frontend applications, especially those involving intricate data or workflows. Be ready to discuss your technical and product decisions in detail.

• Practice interview questions: Review the potential interview questions covering system design, coding, and behavioral aspects. Prepare specific examples from your experience that showcase ownership, autonomy, and problem-solving skills.

• Research SkyLink: Understand their AI-powered travel agent concept, their target market (enterprises), and their position within the travel industry (now part of Amadeus). This will help you articulate your interest and ask informed 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.