Sr. UX Designer (Hybrid in COS)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Designer

Company: Rocket Communications

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Full Time Employment

Category: User Experience (UX) Design

Date Posted: May 06, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end user experience design for mission-critical applications and complex systems, particularly in the space capabilities and cutting-edge technology sectors.

• Translate intricate user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective design solutions, focusing on problem identification and solution design.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, to deliver comprehensive design specifications that ensure seamless implementation and user adoption.

• Leverage a strong analytical and creative mindset to tackle complex challenges within enterprise domains, ensuring a balance between user needs and technical feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr. UX Designer," the responsibilities and required experience suggest a role that bridges UX/UI design with product development strategy within a highly specialized and secure environment. The focus on "mission-critical applications" and "space capabilities" implies a need for rigorous, user-centered design processes that prioritize reliability, security, and usability for advanced users.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and prototyping of user interfaces and user experiences for complex enterprise applications, with a focus on space capabilities and advanced technologies.

• Conduct user research, analysis, and testing to deeply understand user needs, behaviors, and pain points within mission-critical contexts.

• Develop detailed wireframes, user flows, mockups, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and solutions.

• Create and maintain comprehensive design specifications, style guides, and design system components to ensure consistency and facilitate developer implementation.

• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to gather feedback, iterate on designs, and ensure alignment with project goals and technical constraints.

• Advocate for user-centered design principles throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring that usability and user satisfaction are paramount.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies within the team, sharing best practices and insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a senior-level contribution to the design of highly technical and sensitive systems. This involves not only creative design but also a deep understanding of complex problem-solving, rigorous documentation, and effective cross-functional communication to ensure the successful development and deployment of mission-critical software.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically preferred for senior-level UX roles, though equivalent practical experience can often substitute.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, with a significant portion dedicated to enterprise-level applications or complex domain design.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design principles and methodologies.

• Extensive experience designing complex applications within enterprise or highly technical domains.

• Strong proficiency in user research techniques, including interviews, usability testing, and persona development.

• Demonstrated ability to create wireframes, user flows, mockups, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard design tools.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and specifications clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• A robust portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, demonstrating problem-solving skills and design process.

• Active TS/SCI Clearance is a mandatory requirement for this role.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the aerospace, defense, or government contracting industries.

• Familiarity with design systems and their implementation in enterprise environments.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with engineers.

• Experience working in Agile/Scrum development environments.

• Familiarity with data visualization techniques for complex datasets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an active TS/SCI clearance is a critical qualification that significantly narrows the candidate pool and necessitates specific security vetting. The emphasis on "complex app design" and "enterprise domains" suggests a need for designers who can handle intricate information architecture and user flows, rather than solely consumer-facing applications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex UX/UI design projects that highlight your problem-solving approach and design process.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and contributions, the methodologies used (e.g., user research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing), and the final design solutions.

• Include case studies that demonstrate your ability to translate complex requirements into intuitive user interfaces for enterprise or mission-critical systems.

• Quantify the impact of your designs where possible, using metrics related to user efficiency, task completion rates, or user satisfaction.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to design documentation, including wireframes, user flows, journey maps, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Provide examples of design specifications or style guides that effectively communicate design intent to development teams.

• Be ready to discuss your experience with design systems and how you contribute to or leverage them for consistency and efficiency.

• Show an understanding of how design processes integrate with broader product development workflows, such as Agile methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX role, especially one involving mission-critical systems, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond visual aesthetics to demonstrate strategic thinking, rigorous process, and a deep understanding of how design impacts usability, efficiency, and overall system success. The ability to document and communicate this process is as important as the final design output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $145,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Access to a Dedicated Health Advocate for personalized assistance.

• Employer-Sponsored and Voluntary Supplemental Benefits options.

• 401k Retirement Savings Plan with a Company Match.

• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

• Flexible Time Off (PTO) policy.

• Paid Holidays.

• Paid Parental Leave.

• Annual Professional Development Funds for continuous learning.

• Commuter Benefits program.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Employee Discounts on various services and products.

• An annual revenue bonus, contingent upon the company's financial success.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in balancing on-site and remote workdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a competitive benchmark for a Sr. UX Designer in the Colorado Springs area with the specified experience level and the critical requirement of an active TS/SCI clearance. The compensation structure includes a base salary, potential annual bonus, and a robust benefits package, common for roles in government contracting that require specialized security clearances.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Rocket Communications operates within the enterprise UX Design sector, specializing in complex, mission-critical applications. Their focus on "space capabilities and cutting-edge technologies" places them within a highly specialized niche, likely serving government agencies or defense contractors.

Company Size: Described as a "small company dispersed across the U.S.," Rocket Communications likely offers a close-knit team environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful. This size often fosters agility and direct communication channels.

Founded: While the founding date is not provided, the company's specialization and dispersed team structure suggest a mature organization with established processes, particularly concerning security and government contracts.

Team Structure:

• The UX team is likely small and integrated within project teams, working closely with engineers and product managers.

• Reporting structures are expected to be relatively flat, with senior designers taking lead roles on projects and reporting to a design lead or program manager.

Methodology:

• Design processes are expected to be user-centric, analytical, and rigorous, reflecting the demanding nature of mission-critical applications.

• Emphasis on identifying core problems and delivering practical, implementable solutions.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, ensuring efficient design cycles and clear communication with development teams.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely important to streamline repetitive design tasks and documentation.

Company Website: https://rocketcom.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's niche in designing for space and complex government systems suggests a culture that values precision, security, and a deep understanding of user needs in high-stakes environments. The "small, dispersed" nature implies a need for self-starters who can work independently while remaining connected to the team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level within the UX Design discipline. It demands significant autonomy, the ability to lead design initiatives for complex projects, and a strong capacity to mentor junior designers if applicable. The scope includes strategic input on product direction and user experience vision.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. UX Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Program Manager, or a Director of Engineering/Product. They will collaborate closely with software engineers, product managers, and potentially clients or government liaisons.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial. By designing intuitive and effective user interfaces for mission-critical systems, the Sr. UX Designer directly influences the operational efficiency, decision-making capabilities, and success of users in high-stakes environments, such as space operations or national security. Their work can directly contribute to mission success and technological advancement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for aerospace, defense, or specific government sectors, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Leadership: Progress into a Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or Principal Designer role, overseeing larger projects or teams.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to expand into related areas like product strategy, user research management, or UX consulting.

• Professional Development: Access to annual funds for training, conferences, and certifications to stay current with UX trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Sr. UX Designer in this specialized field often involves deepening technical expertise and moving into leadership or strategic roles. The unique domain of space and government technology offers distinct opportunities for growth that are less common in general tech industries.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, meaning a blend of remote work and on-site presence in Colorado Springs, CO. The on-site component is crucial due to the sensitive nature of the work and potential client requirements.

Office Location(s): Colorado Springs, Colorado. This location is known for its significant presence in the aerospace and defense industries, aligning well with Rocket Communications' focus.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model supports flexibility, allowing for focused individual work remotely and collaborative sessions or team meetings in the office.

• The company emphasizes a "fun, friendly, and supportive" team environment, suggesting a culture that values collaboration and mutual support despite being dispersed.

• Access to necessary design tools and technologies is expected, though specific software details would be confirmed during the interview process.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues and stakeholders will be integral to the on-site hybrid component.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected, with the flexibility inherent in a hybrid arrangement. Specific on-site days and hours may be coordinated with the team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature, coupled with the TS/SCI clearance requirement, implies that the on-site work will be in a secure facility. This environment is likely to be professional and focused, with an emphasis on collaboration and adherence to security protocols.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call to assess basic qualifications, including experience, clearance status, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Deep Dive: A presentation of your portfolio, where you will walk through 2-3 key projects. Expect detailed questions about your design process, problem-solving approach, decision-making rationale, and the impact of your work.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may include a design exercise or a discussion about how you would approach a hypothetical complex design challenge relevant to mission-critical systems.

• Cultural Fit & Team Interview: Discussions with team members and potentially hiring managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Rocket Communications' values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm final details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies. For each, define the problem, your role, process, solutions, and outcomes.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your methodology, research, iteration, and how you overcame challenges. This is critical for a senior role.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of your designs (e.g., improved task completion time, reduced error rates).

• Tailor to Rocket: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with complex systems, enterprise applications, or a strong analytical approach.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you collaborate with technical teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate design challenges that involve complex data visualization, intricate workflows, or user interactions within a high-stakes environment.

• Practice articulating your design strategy and solutions clearly and concisely, focusing on user needs, technical feasibility, and business objectives.

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach user research and validation in a secure or restricted environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate a strategic, user-centered design process applied to complex problem domains. The TS/SCI clearance is a non-negotiable prerequisite, so ensure it's active and current.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar is expected for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• User Research Tools: Familiarity with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, SurveyMonkey).

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Jira for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a UX tool, understanding how to interpret user analytics (e.g., from tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or custom dashboards) to inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UX design function, but understanding how CRM or other enterprise systems function can provide context for designing integrated user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Sr. UX Designer is expected to be proficient in a modern design stack. The emphasis on "complex applications" and "enterprise domains" suggests that experience with tools capable of handling intricate information architecture and detailed design specifications is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users, especially in critical operational contexts.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying and solving complex user and system challenges.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Precision: A dedication to high-quality design and meticulous execution, essential for mission-critical systems.

• Integrity & Security: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and respecting the sensitive nature of the work.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be highly collaborative, working closely with engineers, product managers, and potentially government clients.

• Emphasis on clear, concise communication and the ability to advocate for design decisions backed by user research and rationale.

• A constructive feedback loop is likely encouraged, with designers open to input and iteration.

• Knowledge sharing is important in a dispersed team, with designers expected to contribute to a shared understanding of best practices and project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on mission-critical systems and government contracts implies a culture that prioritizes reliability, security, and rigorous processes. While fostering a supportive environment, there will be a strong emphasis on delivering results that meet high standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Domain: Designing for highly technical and specialized fields like space capabilities can be challenging due to the steep learning curve and unique user needs.

• Security Constraints: Working with classified information and adhering to strict security protocols requires careful consideration in the design process.

• Hybrid Work Management: Effectively collaborating and maintaining team cohesion while dispersed requires strong communication and organizational skills.

• Translating Technical Requirements: Bridging the gap between complex technical capabilities and intuitive user interfaces requires significant analytical and communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Training: Access to funds for courses or certifications focused on UX for defense, aerospace, or government sectors.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend relevant UX or industry-specific conferences to stay abreast of trends and network.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior designers or leaders within the company, fostering career progression.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working on projects that push the boundaries of technology in space and defense provides unique learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to the specialized nature of Rocket Communications' work. The growth opportunities are significant for individuals seeking to build a career in a high-impact, technically demanding field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Walk me through a complex enterprise application you designed. What were the core challenges, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, process, and impact.)

• "How do you balance user needs with technical constraints and security requirements in your designs?" (Assess your understanding of trade-offs in critical systems.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for space capabilities and mission-critical systems?" (Gauge your passion and understanding of the domain.)

• "How do you approach collaboration in a hybrid or remote team environment?" (Assess your teamwork and communication adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in complex enterprise design and problem-solving. Prioritize projects with clear impact.

• Narrative: Craft a compelling story for each project, highlighting the "why" (the problem), the "how" (your process and solutions), and the "what" (the results).

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals, but ensure they support your narrative rather than overwhelming it.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to be clear, impactful, and within the allotted timeframe.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges encountered, and how you would apply your experience to Rocket's specific projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, with a strong emphasis on how you handle complexity, critical requirements, and collaboration within a secure environment. Your portfolio is your primary tool to demonstrate this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official application link provided on the job posting.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of UX/UI design experience, specifically mentioning "enterprise applications," "complex domains," and any relevant industry experience. Ensure your active TS/SCI clearance is clearly stated.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that demonstrate your ability to solve complex design problems for enterprise or mission-critical systems. Prepare to discuss your process, rationale, and impact in detail.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, your contributions to past projects, and your understanding of user-centered design within demanding environments. Be ready to discuss how you handle collaboration and communication in a hybrid setting.

• Research Rocket Communications: Understand their mission, the types of systems they design for, and their focus on space capabilities to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.