Staff UI UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff UI UX Designer

Company: Archer

Location: San Jose, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UI/UX Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-08T15:11:54

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Staff/Senior Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of intuitive digital interfaces and internal desktop tools critical for Archer's advanced aviation manufacturing and assembly operations.

• Drive the end-to-end product design process, from conceptualization and user research to high-fidelity prototyping and seamless implementation support.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers, product managers, and manufacturing stakeholders, to translate complex requirements into user-centric, scalable solutions.

• Contribute to and uphold Archer's design system to ensure consistency and efficiency across product features and platforms.

• Champion human-centered design principles, leveraging qualitative and quantitative data to inform design decisions and deliver exceptional user experiences within a fast-paced, iterative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Staff UI/UX Designer, indicating a senior level of expertise and responsibility. The focus on internal-facing tools for manufacturing and assembly suggests a need for practical, workflow-oriented design solutions rather than purely customer-facing interfaces. The mention of specific enterprise systems like Siemens Opcenter, SAP, and Mendix implies a requirement to design within existing system constraints and workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Design Leadership: Lead the design of complex digital interfaces and internal desktop tools that directly support and enhance Archer's aircraft manufacturing and assembly processes.

• User-Centric Solution Development: Translate intricate business requirements, technical constraints, and user needs into intuitive user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity design specifications.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage actively with engineers, product managers, manufacturing floor operators, and other key stakeholders through regular design reviews (at least weekly) to gather feedback, manage expectations, and ensure alignment on design direction.

• Design System Contribution: Work within and contribute to Archer's established design system to maintain visual and functional consistency across all digital products and features, enabling faster iteration and implementation cycles.

• Implementation Support & Validation: Partner with front-end developers to ensure accurate and high-quality implementation of designs, proactively addressing technical limitations and edge cases. Conduct user research and define usability testing targets to validate design concepts and iterate based on feedback.

• Process Optimization: Design interfaces that aim to reduce confusion, increase engagement, and deliver delightful, efficient experiences for internal users, particularly those on the manufacturing assembly line.

• Industry Insight Integration: Stay abreast of manufacturing industry trends, user needs within enterprise SaaS and AI-driven environments, and existing enterprise system constraints (e.g., Siemens Opcenter, SAP, Mendix) to inform and justify design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on practical application and integration within existing enterprise systems. The need to design for "shop floor operators for data inputs and execution of tasks" suggests a focus on usability in high-pressure, functional environments. The requirement to be "at least a sprint ahead of front-end engineers" emphasizes proactive planning and efficient handoffs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, or a related field is required.

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in a senior or staff-level Digital Product Designer or UI/UX Designer role.

• Demonstrated success in designing SaaS products and complex technical interfaces, preferably for enterprise customers.

Required Skills:

• UI Design & Prototyping: Expertise in creating polished, high-fidelity user interfaces, wireframes, and interactive prototypes using tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Claude Code, or Claude Design.

• UX Design Principles: Strong understanding of user-centered design methodologies, interaction design, information architecture, and user research techniques.

• Design Systems: Experience working with and contributing to design systems to ensure consistency and scalability of design solutions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Exceptional ability to partner with product managers, engineers, and diverse stakeholders to gather requirements, present design concepts, and drive consensus.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to simplify complex functionalities and technical requirements into intuitive, user-friendly designs with meticulous attention to detail.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly and persuasively to both technical and non-technical audiences, embracing feedback with a collaborative mindset.

Preferred Skills:

• Enterprise Systems Familiarity: Experience designing for or integrating with enterprise systems such as Siemens Opcenter, SAP, or Mendix.

• Manufacturing Industry Exposure: Understanding of manufacturing processes, workflows, and the unique user needs within this sector.

• AI/Data-Driven Environments: Experience designing products within AI or data-intensive contexts.

• Usability Testing: Proficiency in conducting and interpreting usability tests to validate design decisions.

• Mentorship: Experience or aptitude for mentoring junior designers and fostering a collaborative team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" level designation implies a need for strategic thinking beyond just execution, including contributing to design strategy and potentially mentoring. The mention of specific enterprise systems suggests that candidates with experience in regulated or complex industrial environments will have a distinct advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing result-driven case studies that demonstrate a deep understanding of the digital product design process.

• Evidence of designing complex, enterprise-grade SaaS products with a clear focus on user experience and business impact.

• Examples of designing internal-facing tools or systems that improved efficiency, reduced errors, or streamlined workflows.

• High-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes demonstrating proficiency in design tools (e.g., Figma) and an ability to translate complex requirements into intuitive interfaces.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design processes, including user journey mapping, workflow diagrams, and detailed design specifications for engineering handoff.

• Showcase an understanding of how to integrate design processes with agile development methodologies, ensuring designs are "sprint-ahead" and support rapid iteration.

• Provide examples of how user research and usability testing findings were documented and used to inform design iterations and improvements.

• Ability to articulate how design decisions align with broader product strategy and business objectives, supported by data and user insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "result-driven case studies" and "measurable outcomes" in the portfolio is critical for a Staff-level role, indicating a need to prove impact beyond just aesthetic design. The requirement to design within existing system constraints (like Siemens Opcenter) means portfolios should ideally show how designers adapt to and work with established platforms.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Base Pay Range: $170,000 - $215,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Financial Security: Competitive salary, potential for performance-based bonuses, and possibly stock options (common in aerospace startups).

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company matching.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off (PTO), holidays, and potential for flexible work arrangements within the on-site context.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and attendance at industry conferences.

• Unique Perks: Involvement in a groundbreaking industry (Advanced Air Mobility), potentially including exposure to cutting-edge aerospace technology.

Working Hours:

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

• The role requires being on-site in San Jose, California, with expectations of collaboration and proactive engagement with engineering and product teams, suggesting a need for consistent presence during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the San Jose, California area, which has a high cost of living and a competitive tech market. Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for a company of Archer's profile and industry, aiming to attract and retain top talent in a specialized field.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) / Advanced Aviation Technology. Archer is at the forefront of developing all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, positioning itself as a leader in a rapidly emerging and innovative sector.

Company Size: Archer is a growing company, likely falling within the mid-to-large size range for a tech startup in the aerospace sector (hundreds of employees, judging by typical growth trajectories for companies in this space). This size offers a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact but also requires efficient processes and clear communication.

Founded: Archer was founded in 2018. This relatively young age means the company is likely in a phase of rapid scaling, product development, and market establishment, fostering an environment of innovation, agility, and problem-solving.

Team Structure:

• Product Development Focus: The role is embedded within the Product Development team, working closely with Product Managers and Engineering.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect tight integration with manufacturing operations, business systems, and potentially hardware engineering teams.

• Design Studio: The role is part of Archer's Design Studio, suggesting a dedicated group of design professionals focused on various aspects of the product experience, from physical to digital.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a Design Lead, Head of Product Design, or a Director overseeing Product Development.

Methodology:

• Agile & Iterative: The emphasis on being "a sprint ahead" and conducting "weekly design reviews" points to an agile, iterative design and development process.

• Data-Driven Design: Strong reliance on qualitative and quantitative data, user research, and usability testing to inform design decisions.

• Human-Centric Approach: Prioritizing user needs and delivering delightful, intuitive experiences, even for internal tools.

• Systems Thinking: Designing within the constraints of existing enterprise systems and contributing to a cohesive design system.

Company Website: https://archer.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Archer's mission in sustainable air mobility is a significant cultural driver. The company's early stage (founded 2018) implies a fast-paced, innovative culture focused on overcoming significant technical and operational challenges. The "Design Studio" structure suggests a centralized approach to design excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Staff-level position, signifying a senior individual contributor role. It requires not only exceptional design skills but also the ability to influence product strategy, mentor others, and operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic thinking. This level often involves tackling the most complex design challenges.

Reporting Structure: The Staff UI/UX Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director, working within a broader Product Development or Engineering organization. Collaboration will extend across multiple departments, including Business Systems, Manufacturing, and potentially Software Engineering.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is direct and significant. By designing intuitive and efficient tools for manufacturing and assembly, the Staff UI/UX Designer will directly contribute to:

• Production Efficiency: Streamlining assembly line tasks, reducing errors, and improving throughput.

• Product Quality: Ensuring accurate data input and execution of instructions leads to higher quality aircraft.

• Cost Reduction: Minimizing rework, scrap, and downtime through better user interfaces.

• Scalability: Creating systems that can support Archer's growth and increasing production volumes.

• Employee Experience: Improving the daily work experience for manufacturing and operations personnel.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Design: Potential to grow into a Lead Designer or Design Manager role as the team expands.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in enterprise SaaS design, manufacturing technology interfaces, or contribute to the evolution of Archer's core design system.

• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in shaping the product roadmap and design strategy for internal tools and business systems.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design critiques, and establish best practices within the Design Studio.

• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized expert in designing for the burgeoning Advanced Air Mobility sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: A "Staff" title typically implies a trajectory towards principal-level individual contribution or management. The role's focus on internal tools for a complex manufacturing process offers unique growth opportunities in a specialized, high-impact industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in San Jose, California. The company is focused on building physical aircraft, so the work environment will likely blend typical tech office settings with proximity to or integration with manufacturing and engineering facilities.

Office Location(s): San Jose, California, United States. This location is within a major technology hub, offering access to talent and resources. Specific details about office amenities and accessibility would need to be confirmed directly.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Expect a work environment that encourages collaboration, with opportunities for in-person meetings, design reviews, and whiteboarding sessions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Suite, etc.), high-performance workstations, and potentially specialized hardware for prototyping and testing.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Frequent interaction with engineers, product managers, and operations personnel, fostering a dynamic and integrated workflow. Proximity to manufacturing floors may be a factor.

• Fast-Paced Culture: The environment is described as "fast-paced, iterative and dynamic," requiring adaptability and a proactive approach.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected.

• While the role is on-site, the emphasis on meeting development deadlines and supporting engineers might necessitate flexibility during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this role, given the need for close collaboration with manufacturing and engineering teams. This environment is designed to accelerate innovation and problem-solving through direct interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screen: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Candidates will typically present their portfolio, focusing on 1-2 key case studies. This may be followed by a design exercise or a more in-depth discussion of design challenges related to Archer's specific context (e.g., designing a workflow for a manufacturing task).

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially manufacturing stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills, understanding of technical constraints, and ability to translate requirements.

• Staff-Level Discussion: A final interview with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Design, VP of Product) to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit for a Staff-level individual contributor role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem you solved, your specific contributions, the design process, and the measurable results (e.g., efficiency gains, error reduction, user satisfaction improvements). Use data whenever possible.

• Showcase Enterprise SaaS & Complexity: Highlight projects involving complex technical interfaces, SaaS platforms, or enterprise systems. Demonstrate your ability to handle intricate workflows and technical requirements.

• Design System Examples: If possible, show how you've worked with or contributed to design systems, emphasizing consistency and scalability.

• Process & Rationale: Be prepared to walk through your design process step-by-step, explaining the rationale behind your decisions and how you incorporated user feedback and technical constraints.

• Zero Ego: Demonstrate an open, collaborative attitude towards feedback, as emphasized in the job description.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Manufacturing/Assembly Scenarios: Think about common tasks, data entry needs, and workflow challenges in a manufacturing or assembly environment. Consider how digital tools can support these.

• Understand System Constraints: Be ready to discuss how you would design within the limitations of established enterprise systems like SAP or Siemens Opcenter.

• Prioritization & MVP: Prepare to discuss how you would define an Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for a new feature or tool and how you would iterate beyond it.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Practice articulating technical design concepts to non-technical stakeholders and vice versa.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "zero-ego" and "immediate consideration" of feedback is a strong indicator of the collaborative culture. Candidates should prepare to discuss not just what they designed, but why, and how they collaborated to achieve it.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (primary), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), potentially Sketch.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities, potentially InVision or similar for more advanced interactions.

• Collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Enterprise Systems (Contextual):

• MES/ERP: Siemens Opcenter, SAP (specifically modules related to manufacturing execution or enterprise resource planning).

• Low-Code/No-Code Platforms: Mendix (understanding how these platforms can be leveraged for internal tools).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is critical given its industry prevalence. Experience with or an understanding of systems like Siemens Opcenter and SAP is highly advantageous, as the role involves designing interfaces that interact with or complement these established enterprise platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to Archer's mission of advancing sustainable air mobility, fostering a culture where challenging the status quo and finding novel solutions is encouraged.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across disciplines (design, engineering, manufacturing) to achieve common goals, with a "zero-ego" approach to feedback and problem-solving.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to high standards in design, engineering, and manufacturing to ensure the safety and success of their aircraft.

• Agility & Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative environment where priorities can shift and new challenges arise frequently.

• Impact & Ownership: A culture that empowers individuals to take ownership of their work and see the direct impact of their contributions on the company's mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Integrated: Designers are expected to be deeply integrated with engineering and product teams, engaging in frequent communication and collaborative problem-solving.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that values constructive feedback, with regular design reviews and an openness to iterating based on input from various stakeholders.

• Transparent Communication: Open sharing of work-in-progress and design rationale to foster understanding and alignment across teams.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Strong emphasis on building partnerships with non-design functions (e.g., manufacturing operations) to ensure designs are practical, effective, and widely adopted.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply tied to its ambitious mission in aerospace. The emphasis on collaboration and a "zero-ego" approach suggests a mature team environment that prioritizes collective success and open communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complex Workflows: Translating intricate manufacturing and assembly processes into simple, intuitive digital interfaces requires deep understanding and creative problem-solving.

• Integrating with Legacy/Enterprise Systems: Designing user experiences that complement or integrate with established, often rigid, enterprise systems (like SAP, Siemens Opcenter) presents significant technical and design constraints.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Feasibility: Ensuring designs are not only user-friendly but also technically achievable and efficient to implement, especially within a fast-paced development cycle.

• Rapid Iteration & Evolving Requirements: Adapting quickly to changing project needs, feedback, and technical advancements in a startup environment.

• Scaling Design Systems: Contributing to and maintaining a design system that supports a growing product suite and diverse user needs within the company.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Aerospace Tech: Gaining specialized knowledge of the aerospace industry, Advanced Air Mobility, and eVTOL aircraft development.

• Enterprise System Design Expertise: Developing advanced skills in designing for complex, regulated, or industrial enterprise software environments.

• Advanced UI/UX Techniques: Opportunities to explore cutting-edge design methodologies, tools, and best practices in a forward-thinking company.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to grow into leadership roles, mentor junior designers, and influence design strategy at a senior level.

• Industry Exposure: Participating in industry events and gaining insights into the broader landscape of aviation technology and manufacturing innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are specific to the intersection of advanced technology, complex manufacturing, and enterprise software design. Growth opportunities are tied to developing expertise in these niche areas and advancing within a high-impact industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a complex internal tool for a technical audience. What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on process, user research, and outcome.)

• "How would you approach designing an interface for shop floor operators to input data or execute assembly tasks, considering potential constraints of existing systems like SAP?" (Demonstrate understanding of user context, system integration, and simplification.)

• "Explain your process for collaborating with engineers to ensure design feasibility and accurate implementation. How do you handle technical limitations that conflict with your initial design vision?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Archer's mission in Advanced Air Mobility, and how do you see design contributing to it?" (Connect your passion for design with the company's vision.)

• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback, especially when it might challenge your initial design ideas? Describe a situation where you had to adapt your design based on feedback." (Emphasize your "zero-ego" and collaborative approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Relevant Case Studies: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience with complex interfaces, SaaS products, enterprise systems, and demonstrable impact. Prioritize projects that align with

Archer's context (manufacturing, internal tools).

• Structure Your Narratives: For each case study, clearly outline:

  • The Problem: What was the user or business challenge?
  • Your Role & Process: What was your specific contribution, and what steps did you take (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing)?
  • The Solution: Present your final designs, highlighting key features and UX decisions.
  • The Impact: Quantify the results achieved (e.g., % increase in efficiency, % reduction in errors, user satisfaction scores).

• Highlight System Integration: If applicable, show how your designs worked within or improved upon existing enterprise systems.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, user research methods, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the "Staff" level expectations: strategic thinking, complex problem-solving, cross-functional influence, and a results-oriented mindset. The specific mention of enterprise systems and manufacturing needs to be addressed in portfolio selections and practice responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff UI/UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through Archer's careers portal via the provided Greenhouse link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of experience in senior/staff-level design roles, emphasizing SaaS, complex technical interfaces, and enterprise system design. Use keywords from the job description such as "UI Design," "UX Design," "Product Design," "Figma," "Prototyping," "User Research," "Enterprise Systems," and "Manufacturing." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 impactful case studies that align with the role's requirements. Focus on projects demonstrating your ability to solve complex problems, work with enterprise systems, and deliver measurable results. Ensure clear articulation of your process and impact, especially for internal tools or B2B SaaS.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on your strategic approach, problem-solving skills, collaborative process, and the quantifiable outcomes of your designs. Be ready to discuss your experience with design systems and user research methodologies.

• Research Archer: Familiarize yourself with Archer's mission, their eVTOL aircraft, and their position in the Advanced Air Mobility industry. Understand their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Consider how your design expertise can directly contribute to their success in manufacturing and operations.

⚠️ 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.