Technical Product Designer (2 Job Openings)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Technical Product Designer (2 Job Openings)

Company: AARP

Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: August 04, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Designs and develops end-to-end user experiences for digital products, aligning with technical product roadmaps and user needs.

• Leverages AI-enabled design tools and prototyping to rapidly iterate and test concepts before full development engagement.

• Collaborates closely with technical product teams to translate complex requirements into intuitive and effective user interfaces and flows.

• Contributes to the evolution and maintenance of design systems, ensuring consistency, scalability, and adherence to UX standards across AARP's digital portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified under Product Design/UX/UI Design, focusing on the technical aspects of translating product strategy into tangible digital experiences. The emphasis on AI tools and enterprise platforms like AEM suggests a need for designers who can bridge the gap between conceptual design and technical implementation within a large organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Creates user-centered designs throughout the entire product lifecycle, from initial discovery and concepting through detailed interaction design and final delivery to development teams.

• Applies, maintains, and helps evolve established design systems, patterns, and guidelines to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency across all digital products.

• Develops interactive prototypes to effectively test design concepts, gather crucial user feedback, and facilitate rapid iteration cycles before significant development investment.

• Partners with technical product managers and engineers to transform technical product requirements and roadmap priorities into clear, actionable design artifacts, including user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs.

• Utilizes user insights, feedback, and performance data to inform design decisions, optimize user journeys, and continuously improve the overall digital experience and product adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-cycle design process, emphasizing the creation of actionable design artifacts and the use of data for continuous improvement. The partnership with technical product teams underscores the need for strong communication and understanding of technical constraints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in User Experience Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Product Design, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in UX/UI, product design, interaction design, or digital experience design roles.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in designing end-to-end digital experiences, encompassing user research methodologies, user flow mapping, wireframing, interactive prototyping, and high-fidelity user interface creation.

• Demonstrated experience utilizing AI-enabled design, prototyping, and application-building tools (e.g., Figma AI, Adobe Firefly, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Replit, Lovable, Bolt, v0) to accelerate the creation, testing, and refinement of digital solutions.

• Hands-on experience building or configuring web experiences within Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) or a comparable enterprise content management or digital experience platform, including content authoring, template design, component development, and workflow management.

• Strong understanding of platform capabilities and technical constraints, with the ability to accurately assess if business needs can be met by existing functionality or if new components/enhancements are required.

• Demonstrated success in developing and maintaining robust design systems, component libraries, and UX standards to ensure scalable, consistent, and high-quality user experiences.

• Solid knowledge of user-centered design principles, web accessibility standards (WCAG), usability testing methodologies, and data-informed design practices.

• Excellent collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other enterprise-level CMS or Digital Experience Platforms.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and how design integrates into sprint cycles.

• Experience with A/B testing and conversion rate optimization strategies from a design perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of traditional UX/UI skills with modern AI tools and enterprise platform experience (AEM). The requirement for understanding platform capabilities and contributing to design systems points towards a senior-level role focused on scalable and maintainable design solutions within a large organization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of end-to-end design projects that demonstrate a user-centered approach from problem definition to final solution.

• Examples of interactive prototypes created using tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or similar, highlighting complex user flows and interactions.

• Case studies detailing the application and evolution of design systems or component libraries, illustrating their impact on consistency and efficiency.

• Demonstrations of experience with enterprise platforms like Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), including examples of component design or content authoring workflows. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how user research findings were translated into design decisions and product improvements.

• Workflows or diagrams illustrating the process from initial concept to final design handoff to development teams.

• Documentation of design system components, including usage guidelines and accessibility considerations.

• Evidence of using data and user feedback to iterate and optimize existing digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are geared towards demonstrating practical application of design skills, system thinking, and experience with relevant enterprise technologies. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, decision-making rationale, and the impact of their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Technical Product Designers with 5-10 years of experience in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, the estimated salary range for this role is between $136,800 to $152,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: Comprehensive 401(k) plan with company match and a 100% company-funded pension plan for long-term financial security.

• Health & Wellness: Robust health, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.

• Life & Security: Life insurance coverage to provide peace of mind for employees and their families.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including company holidays, individual holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, caregiving leave, and parental leave.

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement program to support continuous learning and career advancement.

• Recognition Programs: Performance-based and peer-based recognition programs to acknowledge contributions and achievements.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid work environment allows for flexibility, with Mondays and Fridays designated as remote workdays, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays expected to be in-office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. AARP offers a strong benefits package, including a unique pension plan alongside a 401(k), which is a significant differentiator. The hybrid work model requires 3 days in the office.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Advocacy / Membership Organization. AARP operates within the social services and advocacy sector, focusing on empowering individuals aged 50 and older. This context often means a mission-driven culture where impact and member value are paramount.

Company Size: Large (Likely 1,000+ employees based on AARP's national presence and scope, though specific LinkedIn data is not provided). A larger organization typically implies established processes, potential for cross-functional collaboration across numerous departments, and a structured approach to product development.

Founded: 1958. With a long history, AARP has a deep understanding of its target demographic and a well-established brand reputation. This longevity suggests a stable work environment with evolving digital strategies to meet contemporary needs.

Team Structure:

• The Technical Product Designer likely sits within a Product or Technology department, possibly part of a larger UX/Design team.

• Reporting structure would typically be to a Design Manager, Director of Product Design, or Head of UX.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, Content Strategists, and potentially Marketing teams. Methodology:

• AARP likely employs a mix of agile and structured project management methodologies, given its size and mission.

• Emphasis on user-centered design, data analysis, and continuous improvement is crucial for ensuring products meet the needs of the 50+ demographic.

• Process optimization and efficiency are key, especially in translating technical roadmaps into user-friendly experiences for a broad audience.

Company Website: aarp.org

📝 Enhancement Note: AARP's non-profit status and mission-driven approach likely shape its culture, emphasizing impact and member service. The large organizational size suggests a need for designers who can navigate established processes and collaborate effectively across diverse teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Technical Product Designer, requiring significant autonomy and expertise. It's a critical role for translating complex technical strategies into user-friendly digital products, indicating a high level of responsibility and impact.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into a design or product leadership structure, likely a Design Manager or Director. This implies opportunities for mentorship from experienced leaders and exposure to strategic decision-making. Collaboration will extend across product management, engineering, and research functions.

Operations Impact: The Technical Product Designer has a direct impact on AARP's mission by ensuring that digital products and platforms are intuitive, accessible, and effective for its 100 million+ members and stakeholders. Successful designs drive user adoption, engagement, and satisfaction, directly contributing to AARP's goals of health and financial security, and personal fulfillment for the 50+ demographic.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-enabled design tools, enterprise content management systems (like AEM), or specific areas of user research and accessibility.

• Leadership: Potential to move into a Senior Technical Product Designer role, Lead Designer, or a management position overseeing a design team.

• Cross-functional Mastery: Develop advanced skills in translating highly technical product roadmaps and business requirements into user-centric designs, becoming a key liaison between technical and user experience domains.

• Strategic Contribution: Influence the evolution of AARP's digital strategy and design systems, contributing to long-term product vision and user engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within a large, mission-driven organization. The focus on technical product design, AI tools, and enterprise platforms provides a unique career path for designers looking to blend creative problem-solving with technical implementation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Washington, D.C., and operates within a hybrid work environment. This typically means a professional office setting with collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and individual workstations.

Office Location(s): While specific office details aren't provided, Washington D.C. offers a central hub with accessibility via public transportation. The hybrid model requires employees to be in the office Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is described as "In office/open office," suggesting a dynamic workspace where moderate noise levels are expected. This necessitates the ability to focus amidst potential distractions.

• Access to standard office technology, design software, and collaborative tools will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct, in-person collaboration with colleagues from design, product management, and engineering teams will be frequent on in-office days.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid model provides designated remote days (Mondays and Fridays) for focused individual work, balanced with in-office days for collaboration and team interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring adaptability to both remote and in-office settings. The open office concept implies a collaborative atmosphere where individuals need to manage focus effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes to assess alignment with core qualifications.

• Portfolio Review & Screening Call: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and technical proficiency. This stage will focus on understanding your approach to end-to-end design and experience with relevant tools.

• Technical/Design Interview: A more in-depth interview focusing on design challenges, problem-solving skills, and your understanding of technical product strategy. This may involve a design exercise or a deep dive into past projects.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, or other stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to work within a hybrid team environment.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion with leadership to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Technical Integration: Showcase projects where you translated technical requirements or constraints into successful user experiences. Emphasize your role in bridging the gap between concepts and implementation.

• Demonstrate AI Tool Usage: Clearly articulate how you've used AI-enabled design tools (Figma AI, Copilot, etc.) to enhance your workflow, accelerate prototyping, or refine designs. Provide specific examples.

• Showcase AEM/CMS Experience: If possible, include examples of your work within Adobe Experience Manager or similar platforms, detailing your contributions to components, templates, or content authoring.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your process, the solutions you designed, and the measurable impact (e.g., improved usability, increased adoption, efficiency gains).

• Accessibility & Scalability: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates a strong understanding of accessibility standards and how you've designed for scalability using design systems or component libraries.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve translating a technical product requirement into user flows, wireframes, or interactive prototypes.

• Practice articulating your design decisions concisely, explaining the rationale behind your choices and how they address user needs and technical constraints.

• Familiarize yourself with AARP's mission and its digital presence to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both design skills and technical understanding, particularly concerning AI tools and enterprise platforms. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates these capabilities and a well-articulated design process will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• AI-Enabled Design Tools: Experience with tools like Figma AI, Adobe Firefly, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Replit, Lovable, Bolt, v0 for rapid ideation and prototyping.

• Enterprise CMS/DXP: Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) is a core requirement. Proficiency in content authoring, template design, component development, and workflow management within AEM is essential.

• Collaboration Tools: Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams for project management and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to interpret user behavior data.

• Experience with A/B testing tools and methodologies to inform design iterations. CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly stated as a primary tool for this role, understanding how design impacts CRM data and user journeys within automated workflows is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and AI-powered design tools is a key differentiator. Strong experience with Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) is a non-negotiable requirement, indicating the importance of this platform for AARP's digital initiatives.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of the 50+ demographic, ensuring all designs are accessible, intuitive, and valuable.

• Mission-Driven: A passion for AARP's overarching mission to empower people 50 and older, translating this purpose into impactful digital experiences.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in working together across disciplines (design, product, engineering) to achieve shared goals and deliver cohesive solutions.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Embracing new technologies, such as AI-enabled design tools, to streamline processes and deliver effective outcomes efficiently.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing user feedback and analytics to guide design choices and continuously improve product performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively partnering with product managers and engineers to ensure designs are technically feasible and align with product roadmaps.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to constructive criticism and a proactive approach to seeking and incorporating feedback from peers and stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights, best practices, and learnings, particularly regarding new design tools and methodologies, to elevate the entire team.

📝 Enhancement Note: AARP's culture likely emphasizes a blend of social impact, professional rigor, and collaborative teamwork. Designers are expected to be both creative problem-solvers and effective communicators who can integrate seamlessly into a larger organizational structure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Constraints and User Needs: Effectively translating complex technical product roadmaps and platform limitations (like AEM) into user-friendly, accessible designs for a diverse demographic.

• Adopting New Technologies: Rapidly learning and integrating AI-enabled design tools into established workflows to maintain a competitive edge and improve efficiency.

• Scalability and Consistency: Ensuring design consistency and scalability across a wide range of digital products and platforms, managed through evolving design systems.

• Navigating a Large Organization: Working within established processes and collaborating across multiple departments in a large non-profit organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Tool Training: Deepen expertise in AI-powered design tools and enterprise platforms like AEM through workshops, certifications, and hands-on project experience.

• Accessibility Expertise: Become a go-to resource for accessibility best practices within the design team, ensuring compliance and inclusive design.

• Product Strategy Influence: Contribute more significantly to the strategic direction of AARP's digital products by leveraging design insights and technical understanding.

• Mentorship: Benefit from mentorship from senior design and product leaders within AARP, gaining insights into career progression and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges at scale, leverage cutting-edge AI design tools, and contribute to a meaningful mission, all within a structured organizational environment that supports professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex technical requirement or platform constraint into a user-friendly design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving approach, user-centricity, and ability to communicate technical limitations.)

• "How have you used AI-enabled design tools in your workflow? Provide a specific example of how these tools helped you iterate faster or achieve a better design outcome." (Be ready to demonstrate practical application, not just theoretical knowledge.)

• "Walk us through your experience with Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) or a similar enterprise content management system. How have you leveraged its capabilities for design and user experience?" (Highlight your understanding of CMS functionalities and how you've worked within such systems.)

• "How do you approach building or contributing to a design system? What are the key considerations for ensuring scalability and consistency across a large organization like AARP?" (Showcase your understanding of system design principles and their practical application.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AARP's mission, and how do you see your role as a Technical Product Designer contributing to it?" (Connect your skills and passion to AARP's purpose.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and productivity when working remotely and in the office?" (Address your adaptability and collaboration strategies.)

• "How do you incorporate user feedback and data into your design process, especially when dealing with a diverse user base like AARP's members?" (Emphasize your data-informed approach and user empathy.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the problem statement, your role, the process undertaken, the solutions designed (visuals, prototypes), and the measurable results or impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Specifically call out projects that showcase your proficiency with Figma, AI design tools, AEM, and your ability to create end-to-end user experiences.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project, explaining your thought process and the rationale behind your design decisions. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your choices.

• Technical Acumen: Be ready to discuss the technical feasibility of your designs and how you collaborated with engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong blend of design craft, technical understanding (especially AI and AEM), and the ability to collaborate effectively within a large, mission-driven organization. Quantifiable results and a clear articulation of your design process are paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the AARP careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience with AI-enabled design tools (Figma AI, Copilot, etc.), Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), and end-to-end digital product design processes. Prepare specific case studies that demonstrate your ability to translate technical requirements into user-centric solutions.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of experience in UX/UI and Product Design, explicitly mentioning proficiency in Figma, AEM, and any AI design tools utilized. Use keywords from the job description such as "user-centered design," "interactive prototypes," "design systems," and "accessibility."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare to discuss how you've leveraged AI tools and your experience with enterprise platforms. Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on clarity and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AARP's mission, its target audience, and its current digital products. Understand their commitment to empowering individuals 50+ and how technology plays a role in achieving this. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews 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.