Staff UX/UI Application Developer (Hybrid - Glastonbury CT)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff UX/UI Application Developer

Company: Tsunami Tsolutions

Location: Glastonbury, CT / Remote (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Application Development / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (Glastonbury, CT or Remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in designing and enhancing customer-facing applications for Tsunami Tsolutions' military and aerospace programs, focusing on user-centered design and practical application development.

• The Staff UX/UI Application Developer will translate complex user and stakeholder needs into intuitive, functional, and visually consistent interface solutions.

• Success hinges on strong collaboration across product, development, quality, training, and customer teams, requiring the ability to learn intricate products and workflows.

• The position demands meticulous documentation of specifications to ensure effective development, testing, and ongoing maintenance of enterprise solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Staff UX/UI Application Developer," the description emphasizes design and documentation over direct coding. This suggests a strong focus on the front-end user experience, interaction design, and the bridge between user needs and technical implementation, rather than deep back-end or full-stack development. The "developer" aspect likely refers to the ability to translate designs into functional specifications and collaborate closely with development teams, or potentially light front-end implementation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough research into user needs, business workflows, and system architecture to drive informed application design decisions.

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

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

• Plan, execute, and analyze usability testing sessions, incorporating user feedback to iteratively refine designs.

• Foster effective partnerships and communication with product owners, application developers, subject matter experts, customers, and other stakeholders to ensure design alignment with business and technical requirements.

• Create detailed functional specifications and design documentation to support application development, quality assurance, training, and ongoing maintenance efforts.

• Acquire and document in-depth knowledge of the company's products, including their history, associated 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 applicable ORCA processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hybrid role that bridges design and development. The emphasis on "functional specifications and design documentation" suggests a need for candidates who can articulate technical requirements derived from user needs, acting as a key liaison between design and engineering. The mention of "Tsunami's Product Development Workflow and applicable ORCA processes" implies a need for candidates familiar with structured development methodologies and potentially compliance-driven environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, or a related field is often preferred for roles at this level, demonstrating a foundational understanding of software development principles and design theory.

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 proven track record of delivering user-centered solutions.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in creating wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and detailed functional design documentation.

• Proficient understanding of usability testing methodologies and the ability to integrate user feedback for design iteration.

• Familiarity with Jira for task management and a solid grasp of Agile software development practices.

• Experience supporting software testing, technical documentation, or end-user training initiatives.

• Exceptional written, verbal, organizational, and customer-facing communication skills.

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

• Strong aptitude for effective collaboration within cross-functional teams and managing multiple priorities with meticulous attention to detail.

• Must be a U.S. Person or otherwise authorized to access U.S. ITAR-controlled data.

• Willingness and ability to successfully complete a background investigation and drug screening. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience supporting clients or projects within the aerospace, defense, aviation, or other highly regulated industries.

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

• Experience in developing or maintaining reusable interface standards, style guides, or comprehensive design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" designation implies a level of seniority, suggesting candidates should possess a strong portfolio showcasing complex projects, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of UX/UI principles and their application in a professional software development context. The ITAR requirement is critical and must be met by all applicants.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of projects demonstrating expertise in UX/UI design, from initial concept through to final implementation specifications.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, mockups, and interactive prototypes, clearly articulating the design rationale behind each.

• Present case studies that highlight your process for understanding user needs, conducting usability testing, and iterating on designs based on feedback.

• Demonstrate your ability to create clear and comprehensive functional specifications and design documentation that effectively guide development teams.

• If applicable, include examples of contributions to design systems, style guides, or reusable interface components. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of documenting complex workflows and translating them into user-friendly interface designs.

• Examples of your process for collaborating with development and QA teams, ensuring seamless handover of design specifications.

• Documentation showcasing how you have contributed to or followed established product development workflows and quality processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Staff" level role, the portfolio should not just show finished products but also the candidate's thought process, problem-solving approach, and ability to articulate design decisions. The emphasis on "functional specifications" means the portfolio should ideally include examples of this type of documentation, demonstrating how designs are translated into actionable requirements for developers.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Staff UX/UI Application Developer with 5-10 years of experience in the Glastonbury, CT area, a competitive salary range would typically fall between $100,000 and $140,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for specialized technical roles requiring both design and development collaboration skills in a hybrid or remote capacity, adjusted for the Connecticut cost of living and the specialized nature of the aerospace/defense sector.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

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

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

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and certifications relevant to UX/UI design and application development.

• Potential for hybrid work arrangements offering flexibility between remote and in-office work.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Employee assistance program (EAP).

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility is expected to accommodate customer and project commitments, which may occasionally require adjusted hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in the specified region and experience level. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the company's compensation structure. The ITAR restriction may also influence compensation due to the specialized security clearance requirements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Tsunami Tsolutions operates within the Technology sector, specifically focusing on enterprise solutions for the highly regulated aerospace & defense industry, including airlines, MROs, and aerospace manufacturers. This industry demands rigorous quality, compliance, and security standards.

Company Size: Tsunami Tsolutions is likely a small to medium-sized business (SMB), given the context of specialized solutions and the need for close-knit, collaborative teams. This size often fosters a culture of direct impact, agility, and close collaboration across departments.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but its specialization in enterprise solutions for regulated industries suggests a company with established expertise and a focus on long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Application Developer will likely be part of a product development or engineering team, working closely with Product Managers, Software Engineers, QA Analysts, and potentially Customer Success or Training specialists.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Product Development Manager, Engineering Lead, or a Director overseeing application development.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of this role, requiring constant interaction with diverse teams to gather requirements, present designs, and support development and testing efforts. Methodology:

• Operations within Tsunami Tsolutions are guided by structured product development workflows, likely incorporating Agile methodologies.

• A strong emphasis is placed on user-centered design principles, ensuring that applications meet not only technical specifications but also user needs and business objectives.

• Compliance with industry regulations (e.g., ITAR) and internal processes (e.g., ORCA) is paramount, influencing design, development, and quality assurance practices.

Company Website: https://tsunami-tsolutions.breezy.hr

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on aerospace and defense, coupled with the ITAR requirement, implies a culture that values precision, security, compliance, and meticulous attention to detail. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate an understanding of these critical aspects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a "Staff" level, indicating a senior individual contributor role. It requires a deep understanding of UX/UI principles and application development processes, with the ability to work independently, mentor junior team members, and influence design direction. The scope involves significant ownership of application interfaces for critical industry programs.

Reporting Structure: The Staff UX/UI Application Developer will likely report to a manager or lead within the product development or engineering department. This individual will collaborate extensively with product management, development teams, and potentially external stakeholders or clients.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is direct and significant. By creating intuitive and functional user interfaces for complex enterprise applications in aerospace and defense, this developer directly contributes to:

• Enhanced operational efficiency for clients.

• Improved user adoption and reduced training overhead.

• Increased data accuracy and reduced errors in critical systems.

• Compliance with stringent industry regulations.

• Overall product quality and customer satisfaction. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX/UI for highly regulated industries or expand into specific areas like design systems or front-end development.

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead UX/UI Designer role, managing design projects or mentoring a team of designers.

• Product Strategy: Move into product management or a product owner role, leveraging design and user understanding to shape product roadmaps.

• Technical Acumen: Develop advanced front-end development skills or gain expertise in specific technologies relevant to the aerospace/defense sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" designation suggests that candidates are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of driving initiatives, rather than solely executing tasks. Growth opportunities will likely involve taking on more complex projects, leading design efforts, or expanding into adjacent roles within product development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role offers a hybrid work environment, allowing for a blend of remote work and in-office presence in Glastonbury, CT. This setup aims to provide flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration and team building.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Glastonbury, Connecticut. The hybrid nature means that regular attendance at this office may be required, depending on business and project needs.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, with opportunities to engage with cross-functional teams.

• Access to necessary design and development tools and technologies will be provided.

• The environment is expected to be professional and focused, given the nature of the industry and the importance of precision in design and development.

• The hybrid model allows for personalized work settings, whether in a dedicated home office or a shared office space.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected. However, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, customer needs, or participate in critical team meetings, especially given the global nature of the aerospace and defense industries and potential for international clients or partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should clarify expectations regarding the balance between remote and in-office work. The "hybrid" nature can vary significantly between companies; understanding the expected number of days in the office and the purpose of those days (e.g., team meetings, design workshops, client interactions) will be crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience, with a particular focus on UX/UI design, application development collaboration, and adherence to ITAR requirements.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve discussions about your design process, problem-solving approach, experience with wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: You might be given a design problem or asked to present a detailed case study from your portfolio that demonstrates your ability to translate user needs into functional design specifications for complex applications.

• Cross-functional Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members (developers, product managers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A discussion with leadership to finalize the assessment of your fit for the "Staff" role, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, research methodologies, and iterative design process for each project.

• Showcase ITAR Relevance: If possible, highlight projects that demonstrate your understanding of working with sensitive data or in regulated environments.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Explain how you partnered with developers, product managers, and stakeholders, and how you translated feedback into design outcomes.

• Highlight Documentation: Include examples of functional specifications, user flow diagrams, or design documentation that effectively communicated your designs to development teams.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved user task completion, reduced error rates, positive feedback from usability tests).

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare to discuss your approach to designing for complex workflows and technical constraints.

• Be ready to articulate the trade-offs you consider when balancing user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility.

• Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely, focusing on problem, solution, and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on bridging design and development, interviewers will likely probe your ability to communicate technical requirements clearly to developers and understand their constraints. The ITAR requirement means you may be asked about your understanding of security protocols and handling sensitive information.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP (candidates should be proficient in at least one primary tool).

• Wireframing: Balsamiq, Miro, or integrated features within primary design tools.

• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Hotjar, or similar platforms for gathering user feedback.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this design role, familiarity with analytics tools like Google Analytics or platform-specific dashboards can be beneficial for understanding user behavior post-launch. CRM & Automation:

• Project Management: Jira (explicitly mentioned), Confluence (for documentation).

• Version Control: Familiarity with concepts might be useful if involved in front-end code reviews or asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard UX/UI design and prototyping tools is essential. Jira's explicit mention means candidates should be comfortable working within this ecosystem for task tracking and workflow management. Understanding how designs integrate with development tools and processes is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value placed on understanding and designing for the end-user's needs and experience.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively across diverse teams to achieve common goals.

• Precision & Quality: A commitment to high standards, especially critical in the aerospace and defense sector, ensuring accuracy and reliability in all outputs.

• Continuous Improvement: An ongoing drive to enhance processes, tools, and product quality through feedback and innovation.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding ethical standards and adhering strictly to regulatory requirements like ITAR.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a transparent and communicative collaboration style, utilizing tools like Jira and Confluence for project tracking and knowledge sharing.

• Expect regular cross-functional meetings, design reviews, and feedback sessions to ensure alignment and alignment on product development.

• A proactive approach to communication and problem-solving is valued, especially when bridging the gap between design and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody these values in their daily work, particularly how they ensure user needs are met while adhering to strict industry compliance and quality standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Designing intuitive interfaces within the complex technical architectures and strict regulatory requirements of the aerospace/defense sector.

• Onboarding to Complex Products: Rapidly learning intricate product functionalities and workflows to design effective user experiences.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and buy-in for design decisions across diverse teams (engineering, product, QA, customers).

• Maintaining Design Consistency: Developing and adhering to design systems or standards across multiple applications and features.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge of the aerospace, defense, and aviation industries, enhancing your ability to design for specialized user groups.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge UX/UI patterns and methodologies.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Potential to deepen front-end development skills or explore areas like accessibility standards and performance optimization.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced product and engineering leaders within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to thrive in a complex, regulated environment. Growth opportunities are tied to both deepening specialized skills and expanding into broader product development roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing stakeholder requirements with user needs. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for negotiation and prioritization).

• "Walk us through a complex application you designed. What were the key user flows, technical challenges, and how did you document your design for developers?" (Prepare a specific case study from your portfolio).

• "How do you ensure your designs are not only user-friendly but also technically feasible and compliant with industry standards like ITAR?" (Focus on your understanding of constraints and collaboration). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Tsunami Tsolutions and our focus on the aerospace & defense sector?" (Research the company's offerings and industry).

• "How do you approach collaboration with software developers and QA teams to ensure a smooth handoff of design specifications?" (Highlight your communication and documentation strategies).

• "Given the ITAR requirements, how would you approach designing applications that handle sensitive data?" (Showcase your awareness of security and compliance). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Problem, Your Role, Process (Research, Design, Iteration), Solution (Showcase key screens/flows), and Impact/Outcome.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives, highlighting the challenges you overcame and the value you delivered.

• Visuals: Use high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes where possible. Clearly label wireframes and user flows.

• Documentation Focus: Explicitly show examples of functional specifications or design documentation you've created.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most relevant projects within a given timeframe (e.g., 15-20 minutes per project).

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your experience with ITAR compliance in the context of design and application development. This is a critical requirement for the role and will likely be a significant part of the interview discussion.

📌 Application Steps

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

• Submit your application through the provided Breezy HR link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature UX/UI design projects that demonstrate wireframing, prototyping, user flow creation, and functional specification documentation. Select 2-3 complex projects that best showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with development teams.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in application design, UX/UI principles, Agile methodologies, Jira, and any experience within regulated industries like aerospace or defense. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to articulate your design process, walk through your portfolio case studies, and discuss your understanding of ITAR compliance and its implications for design. Practice explaining how you translate user needs into actionable development requirements.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Tsunami Tsolutions, their focus on enterprise solutions for aerospace and defense, and their commitment to compliance and quality. Understand the hybrid work model and its implications.

⚠️ 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.