Staff UX/UI Application Developer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff UX/UI Application Developer

Company: Tsunami Tsolutions

Location: Glastonbury, Connecticut, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Software Development / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote possibility with occasional onsite work)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the intersection of User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), and application development within the highly regulated aerospace & defense sector.

• Responsibilities include conceptualizing, designing, and documenting intuitive and visually consistent customer-facing applications.

• Key activities involve user research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and collaborating closely with product, development, and customer teams to translate complex requirements into functional designs.

• Success hinges on the ability to understand intricate product workflows and technical specifications, and to effectively communicate design solutions through detailed documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Staff UX/UI Application Developer," the core responsibilities and required qualifications lean heavily into UX/UI design and documentation, with a strong emphasis on translating technical and user needs into design specifications. The "Application Developer" aspect seems to refer to the understanding and application of development principles in the design process, rather than hands-on coding. This role is critical for ensuring user adoption and product usability in a complex industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough user research and analyze business workflows and system architecture to inform design decisions for customer-facing applications.

• Develop comprehensive user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes for new features and existing application enhancements.

• Design intuitive, visually engaging, and consistent application layouts, navigation systems, and interactive elements.

• Plan, execute, and analyze usability testing sessions, iterating on designs based on user feedback and observed behaviors.

• Foster effective communication and collaboration with product owners, application developers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and external customers to ensure design alignment with business objectives and technical constraints.

• Create detailed functional specifications and design documentation that guide application development, quality assurance testing, user training, and ongoing product maintenance.

• Acquire and document in-depth knowledge of the company's products, including their history, operational processes, training requirements, and functional specifications.

• Actively participate in quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance design and development practices, and championing adherence to Tsunami's Product Development Workflow and relevant ORCA processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong documentation and specification component, crucial for regulated industries like aerospace and defense. This suggests that the ability to create clear, unambiguous design specifications is as important as the design creation itself. The mention of ORCA processes implies a need for understanding or adapting to specific industry compliance or development standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, application design, front-end application development, or a closely related discipline, with a strong portfolio demonstrating design expertise. Required Skills:

• Proven experience in creating detailed wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and mockups.

• Proficiency in designing intuitive user interfaces and navigation systems for complex applications.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Experience conducting usability testing, gathering feedback, and translating insights into design refinements.

• Familiarity with Jira for issue tracking and Agile software development methodologies.

• Ability to develop clear and comprehensive functional specifications and design documentation.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including technical teams and customers.

• Demonstrated ability to learn and master complex products, technical processes, and intricate customer workflows quickly.

• Strong organizational skills with a meticulous attention to detail, essential for managing multiple priorities and complex documentation.

• Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3)) or otherwise authorized to access U.S. ITAR-controlled data. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience supporting software product development within the aerospace, defense, aviation, or other highly regulated industries.

• Experience working collaboratively with cross-functional software product teams and engaging directly with external customer stakeholders.

• Experience in developing and maintaining reusable interface standards, style guides, or design systems to ensure product consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" designation and the 5-10 year experience range suggest this role requires a significant level of autonomy and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced team members, even if not explicitly stated as a management role. The emphasis on U.S. Person status and ITAR control highlights the critical nature of compliance and security in this position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex UX/UI design projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and problem-solving.

• For each project, provide clear examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final mockups, detailing the design process from conception to completion.

• Include examples of functional specifications or design documentation created to guide development teams.

• Highlight projects where usability testing was conducted, showing how user feedback influenced design iterations and outcomes.

• Demonstrate experience in creating visually consistent and intuitive interfaces, particularly for complex or data-intensive applications. Process Documentation:

• Present examples of how you have documented complex product workflows or system architectures to inform design decisions.

• Showcase your ability to create detailed specifications that bridge the gap between user needs, business requirements, and technical implementation.

• Include documentation that demonstrates your understanding of the software development lifecycle, particularly within an Agile framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the regulated industry and the "Staff" level, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic design but also the rigorous process behind it, including thorough documentation and user-centric validation. The ability to translate complex technical requirements into user-friendly interfaces is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Staff UX/UI Application Developer with 5-10 years of experience in the Glastonbury, CT area, the estimated salary range is $110,000 - $150,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specialized nature of UX/UI design in regulated industries and the requirement for U.S. Person status. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.

• Potential for flexible work arrangements, including remote work options.

• Life and disability insurance coverage. Working Hours:

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

• Flexibility is required to meet customer and project commitments, which may occasionally involve working outside standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on national averages for similar roles and adjusted for the Connecticut cost of living and the specialized nature of the defense/aerospace industry. Benefits are standard for a full-time role in this sector and experience level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Solutions for Aerospace & Defense

Company Size: Tsunami Tsolutions is likely a small to medium-sized business (SMB) given the context of Breezy HR usage and the specific niche they serve. This size often fosters a close-knit team environment where individual contributions are highly visible.

Founded: Information not provided, but the company's focus on enterprise solutions for regulated industries suggests a mature operational structure.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Application Developer will likely be part of a product development team, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Software Developers, Quality Assurance Engineers, and potentially Technical Writers or Trainers.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Director or Manager of Software Development, Product Management, or Engineering.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving frequent interaction with business stakeholders, subject matter experts (SMEs), and direct interaction with customers. Methodology:

• The company operates within the aerospace & defense sector, implying a strong emphasis on process, compliance, and documentation.

• Expect adherence to structured product development workflows, potentially incorporating elements of Agile methodologies, but with rigorous gates for design approval and testing.

• Data analysis and user feedback are critical for informing design decisions, especially in the context of user research and usability testing.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key to ensuring efficient development and delivery of solutions.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely applied to development, testing, and documentation processes where feasible.

Company Website: https://tsunamitsolutions.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's specialization in aerospace and defense, coupled with the U.S. Person and ITAR requirements, indicates a culture that prioritizes security, compliance, and meticulous execution. The "Staff" level implies a need for individuals who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and contribute to process refinement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Staff" level position, typically indicating an experienced individual contributor role. It suggests a high degree of technical expertise, problem-solving capability, and the ability to work independently. Staff roles often involve mentoring junior team members, leading design initiatives, and influencing technical direction within their domain.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a manager or director within the software development or product organization. This individual will be responsible for guiding the UX/UI strategy and ensuring design quality across projects.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Application Developer plays a crucial role in the success of Tsunami Tsolutions' products by ensuring they are not only functional but also intuitive and user-friendly for clients in critical industries. This directly impacts customer adoption, operational efficiency for clients, and the overall perception and competitiveness of the company's solutions. High-quality UX/UI can reduce training costs for clients and minimize errors, thus contributing to client satisfaction and retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in UX/UI design principles, gain experience with specialized tools, and develop a strong understanding of the aerospace & defense industry's unique design challenges.

• Leadership Potential: As a Staff level role, there's potential to grow into a Lead UX/UI Designer, Technical Lead for design systems, or a management role overseeing design teams, depending on individual career aspirations and performance.

• Industry Specialization: Develop deep domain expertise in aviation, defense, and highly regulated markets, becoming a valuable asset for companies in these sectors.

• Cross-functional Mastery: Gain comprehensive experience working across product management, engineering, QA, and customer success functions, broadening overall GTM understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" designation is key here. It signifies a senior individual contributor role, not an entry-level or junior position. Growth opportunities will likely focus on increasing influence, scope of responsibility, and potentially leadership within the design discipline, rather than a traditional hierarchical promotion path into management unless desired.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as potentially based in Glastonbury, CT, or performed remotely. This suggests a hybrid work model where employees may work from a physical office, remotely, or a combination of both, depending on business needs and project requirements.

Office Location(s):

• Glastonbury, Connecticut, United States. Occasional onsite work or deployment to customer or test locations may be required, indicating potential travel. Workspace Context:

• For remote work, employees are expected to maintain a productive home office environment.

• In-office work is likely to foster collaboration, with shared workspaces designed to facilitate interaction between design, development, and product teams.

• Access to necessary design software, tools, and potentially specialized hardware for testing or customer demonstrations will be provided.

• The environment will likely encourage open communication and feedback loops between team members to ensure design solutions meet stringent requirements. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time schedule (typically 40 hours/week).

• Flexibility is a key aspect, with the ability to adjust hours as needed to support project deadlines, customer commitments, or collaborative sessions across different time zones if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with potential travel, requires a candidate who is adaptable and self-motivated, capable of working effectively both independently and collaboratively in various settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on experience alignment and the U.S. Person/ITAR requirements.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design processes, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of their work. This stage will assess UX/UI skills, technical understanding, and communication abilities.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into experience, behavioral questions, and assessment of cultural fit and alignment with Tsunami Tsolutions' values.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with potential peers and stakeholders (e.g., developers, product managers) to evaluate collaboration skills, technical acumen, and ability to integrate into the team.

• Final Interview/Offer: May involve senior leadership for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, with a clear introduction to each project, outlining the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the outcomes.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) extensively. For digital prototypes, provide links or interactive demos.

• Detail Your Process: Explain why you made certain design decisions, referencing user research, heuristics, or stakeholder input. Emphasize problem-solving.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved task completion rates, reduced errors, positive user feedback).

• Tailor to Tsunami: Highlight projects that involved complex systems, regulated environments, or B2B applications if possible, demonstrating an understanding of their industry.

• Document Your Documentation: If you have examples of functional specifications or design documentation, include them to showcase your ability to translate designs into actionable development guides.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges or case studies, either as a take-home assignment or a live exercise. These will likely focus on a hypothetical problem relevant to Tsunami's domain.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale concisely.

• Focus on demonstrating how you would approach understanding requirements, researching users (even hypothetically), ideating solutions, and documenting them.

• Be ready to discuss how you would handle conflicting requirements or feedback from different stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on detailed specifications and working in a regulated industry means interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can provide not just creative design solutions, but also robust, well-documented, and defensible design strategies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (or similar industry-standard tools for wireframing, mockups, and interactive prototyping).

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira (explicitly mentioned), Confluence (likely for documentation), Asana, Trello (or similar for task management).

• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Hotjar, Maze, or internal tools for conducting usability studies and gathering feedback.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary developer role, understanding how to interpret analytics related to user behavior (e.g., from tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel if integrated into applications) would be beneficial for informing design decisions.

• Proficiency in presenting data-driven insights to support design recommendations. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Dynamics 365) might be helpful if the applications interact with customer data, though not a core requirement.

• Understanding of workflow automation principles can aid in designing efficient user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Jira and Agile practices, combined with the need for wireframing, prototyping, and functional specifications, points towards a standard modern UX/UI toolkit. Proficiency with Figma or Sketch is highly probable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Reliability: Given the aerospace/defense sector, there's a strong emphasis on accuracy, attention to detail, and delivering dependable solutions.

• Collaboration & Communication: The need to work across diverse teams (product, development, QA, customers) highlights the value placed on effective communication and teamwork.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and meeting user needs, ensuring applications are intuitive and effective for their intended audience.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to enhance processes, products, and skills, fostering a culture of learning and adaptation.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adherence to strict industry regulations, security protocols, and ethical standards is paramount.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where cross-functional teams work closely together.

• Design reviews will be common, involving constructive feedback from peers and stakeholders.

• A proactive approach to communication, seeking alignment early and often, will be valued.

• Knowledge sharing, perhaps through internal documentation, design critiques, or brown-bag sessions, is likely encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be professional, results-oriented, and focused on quality and compliance, reflecting the demands of the aerospace and defense industries.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Domain: Designing for aerospace & defense involves understanding highly complex workflows, stringent regulatory requirements, and specialized user needs, which can be a steep learning curve.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating user desires into practical designs that are feasible within the existing technical architecture and budget.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (product, engineering, customers) are aligned on design decisions, especially when requirements may conflict.

• Maintaining Design Consistency: As applications grow, ensuring a cohesive and consistent user experience across all modules and features can be challenging.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with UX/UI best practices and design tools while working within potentially legacy or highly specialized development environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge of aerospace, defense, and aviation industries, becoming a subject matter expert in UX/UI for these sectors.

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to master advanced prototyping techniques, explore design systems, and potentially delve into areas like accessibility design.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to refining Tsunami's product development and design workflows, potentially leading initiatives in these areas.

• Mentorship: As a Staff level employee, there's an opportunity to mentor junior designers or developers, honing leadership and communication skills.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with innovative solutions that are critical to national security and global aviation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges stem from the specialized nature of the industry and the need for rigorous process adherence. Growth opportunities are significant for those who can navigate these complexities and demonstrate leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem-Solving: "Describe a complex UX/UI challenge you faced in a previous role. How did you approach it, what was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare to detail your steps, research, iterations, and results.)

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle disagreements with product managers or developers regarding design decisions?" (Focus on communication, compromise, and data-driven argumentation.)

• Documentation & Specification: "Walk me through an example of functional specifications or design documentation you've created for an application feature." (Be ready to show how you translate visual designs into actionable instructions for developers.)

• Industry Relevance: "What interests you about designing for the aerospace and defense industry?" (Show you've researched Tsunami and understand the unique demands of their clients.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Tsunami Tsolutions and our role in the aerospace & defense sector?" (Demonstrate you've done your homework on their website and market.)

• "How do you see your UX/UI skills contributing to our company's mission and product goals?" (Connect your experience to their business objectives.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate with developers and product owners." (Highlight your teamwork and communication style.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The "STAR" Method for Projects: For each project, frame it using Situation, Task, Action, Result.

• Focus on Rationale: Clearly articulate why you made design choices, linking them to user needs, business goals, or technical constraints.

• Highlight Documentation: Explicitly point out examples of wireframes, user flows, and especially functional specifications or design documentation within your portfolio.

• Showcase Iteration: Demonstrate how user feedback and testing led to design improvements.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Interviewers may ask detailed questions about specific elements of your designs or process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize your ability to create detailed, well-documented designs that meet the stringent requirements of a regulated industry. Your portfolio presentation should reflect this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff UX/UI Application Developer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Breezy HR link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating complex application design, detailed functional specifications, and user-centric problem-solving. Tailor your presentation to highlight experience relevant to B2B or regulated industries if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your years of experience, proficiency with key design tools (Figma, Sketch, Jira), and specific achievements in UX/UI design, prototyping, and documentation. Emphasize your U.S. Person status.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process using the STAR method, prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, and research Tsunami Tsolutions' products and market position. Be ready to explain your approach to documentation and collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly review the Tsunami Tsolutions website to understand their mission, values, and the specific industries they serve. This will help you 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.