UI Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Engineer

Company: KBR

Location: Beavercreek, Ohio, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Technology / Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the user experience (UX) design and front-end development for the GEMSTONE platform, a critical cloud-native system supporting national security initiatives.

• Drive the design vision for complex workflows including modeling and simulation, digital engineering, AI/ML, data management, and collaboration.

• Translate mission needs and user pain points into intuitive, modern, and visually compelling software experiences.

• Collaborate closely with software engineers, product leads, and government stakeholders to ensure accurate and efficient implementation of designs.

• Develop and maintain a consistent design language, component library, and design system to ensure scalability and accessibility across the platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly cross-functional, requiring a blend of deep UX design expertise and practical front-end development skills within a government contracting environment. The emphasis on national security and advanced technology platforms suggests a need for meticulous attention to detail, adherence to strict standards, and the ability to handle complex, sensitive information.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the end-to-end user experience design for the GEMSTONE platform, encompassing all applications and backend services.

• Conduct thorough stakeholder interviews, workflow analyses, and user research to deeply understand mission requirements and identify user pain points.

• Develop comprehensive user journeys, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and detailed interaction designs for new platform features.

• Establish, document, and maintain a unified GEMSTONE design language, a reusable component library, and a robust design system.

• Architect and design intuitive workflows specifically for modeling & simulation, digital engineering, AI/ML capabilities, data management processes, and platform administration tasks.

• Execute and analyze usability studies, translating qualitative and quantitative findings into actionable design improvements and iterations.

• Foster a close, collaborative relationship with software engineering teams, ensuring designs are implemented with fidelity, efficiency, and adherence to technical constraints.

• Develop and maintain sophisticated user interfaces using React and TypeScript for core GEMSTONE functionalities.

• Design and implement clear dashboards, analytical views, and administrative interfaces that directly support operational decision-making and platform oversight.

• Champion and enforce accessibility standards, including Section 508 and WCAG, as well as responsive design principles across all platform form factors.

• Mentor junior developers and designers, providing guidance on UX best practices, visual design principles, and effective front-end implementation strategies.

• Actively participate in Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, design reviews, architecture discussions, product demonstrations, and direct user engagements.

• Create and maintain essential design documentation, including style guides, UX narratives, and user-facing guidance materials.

• Partner with product leadership to strategically prioritize user needs, enhance overall product quality, and align design efforts with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level role that not only executes design and development tasks but also leads design strategy, mentoring, and documentation. The focus on specific domains like modeling & simulation and digital engineering indicates a need for domain understanding or the ability to quickly acquire it.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human Computer Interaction, UX Design, Graphic Design, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a closely related technical field.

Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in UI/UX design, product design, or front-end development, with a proven track record of leading UX efforts for complex web-based software platforms.

Required Skills:

• Eligibility to obtain a DoD Secret security clearance is mandatory.

• A strong, demonstrable portfolio showcasing user-centered design principles, detailed wireframes, compelling mockups, interactive prototypes, and successful shipped products.

• Proficiency in leading UX efforts for complex, enterprise-level web-based software platforms.

• Extensive experience with design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Balsamiq, Marvel, Axure, or Adobe Creative Suite, for collaboration, prototyping, developer handoff, and design system management.

• Proven ability to create, implement, and manage design systems, component libraries, and comprehensive visual design standards.

• Experience in conducting user research, performing usability testing, and effectively translating user feedback into actionable design iterations.

• Hands-on experience developing web applications using React and TypeScript.

• Deep understanding of accessibility requirements, including Section 508 and WCAG standards.

• Experience designing responsive applications that adapt seamlessly across desktop and various mobile form factors.

• Familiarity with REST APIs and modern web application architectural patterns.

• Proficiency in using Git-based source control systems for collaborative development.

• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience serving as the lead designer for a large enterprise, SaaS platform, or significant government application.

• Experience designing complex workflows for users in engineering, analytics, digital engineering, AI/ML, or modeling & simulation domains.

• Familiarity with modern front-end development stacks including React, TypeScript, ShadCN, Radix UI, Tailwind CSS, and Material UI.

• Demonstrated skill in simplifying complex user interfaces and designing effective dashboards, operational views, and data visualization interfaces.

• Knowledge of authentication workflows, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), and identity management systems.

• Experience working within Agile software development methodologies and environments.

• Familiarity with Kubernetes-hosted applications and cloud-native platform architectures.

• Experience supporting DoD, Intelligence Community, defense, engineering, or advanced research programs.

• Proven ability to simplify highly technical and complex workflows into intuitive, user-friendly experiences.

• A genuine interest in contributing to and shaping the long-term user experience vision for a next-generation digital engineering and modeling & simulation platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a DoD Secret clearance is a critical gatekeeper. The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" with specific examples of complex platforms and design systems indicates that candidates will be heavily evaluated on their past work and ability to translate abstract requirements into concrete, user-friendly interfaces.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 3-5 significant projects that demonstrate end-to-end UI/UX design and front-end development contributions, ideally within complex or enterprise-level applications.

• Include detailed case studies for 1-2 projects, highlighting the problem statement, your design process, user research methodologies, wireframes, prototypes, final UI, and measurable outcomes or impact.

• Demonstrate expertise in creating and maintaining design systems, component libraries, and style guides, with examples of how these were used to ensure consistency and scalability.

• Provide evidence of front-end development work, ideally using React and TypeScript, showcasing code quality, responsiveness, and accessibility implementation.

• Include examples of user research, usability testing findings, and how feedback was incorporated into design iterations. Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to user research, including methods for stakeholder interviews, workflow analysis, and user testing.

• Illustrate your process for translating complex requirements into intuitive user journeys, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Detail your experience in building and managing design systems, including component definition, documentation, and developer handoff procedures.

• Explain your methodology for ensuring accessibility (Section 508, WCAG) and responsive design implementation throughout the development lifecycle.

• Provide examples of how you collaborate with engineering teams, including your process for design reviews and ensuring accurate implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just visual aesthetics and demonstrate a deep understanding of user-centered design principles, a structured design process, and the ability to translate complex technical requirements into functional, intuitive interfaces. The inclusion of React and TypeScript in the portfolio is critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UI Engineers with 5-10 years of experience in the Beavercreek, Ohio area, and considering the specialized nature of government contracting and security clearance requirements, the estimated salary range is $110,000 - $150,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive 401k plan with company match, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their families.

• Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance for added security.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for pre-tax healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Disability insurance to provide income protection.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) for work-life balance and personal needs.

• Flexible work schedule options to accommodate personal commitments where possible within on-site requirements.

• Professional training and development opportunities to foster career advancement and skill enhancement.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. While a flexible work schedule may be available, the on-site nature of the role and the critical mission objectives suggest a need for consistent availability and collaboration during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from similar roles in the Beavercreek, Ohio region, factoring in the experience level and the specialized skills required (React, TypeScript, UI/UX, government contracting). Benefits are comprehensive, typical for a large defense contractor like KBR, emphasizing employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government Contracting / Aerospace & Defense / Technology Solutions. KBR operates within sectors critical to national security, providing advanced engineering and technology solutions to government clients, particularly in defense and intelligence. This industry demands high standards of security, reliability, and innovation.

Company Size: KBR is a large, publicly traded company with thousands of employees globally, indicating a stable corporate structure, extensive resources, and established processes.

Founded: KBR has a long history, tracing its origins back to the early 20th century, suggesting a deep legacy of engineering excellence and a strong foundation in complex project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The National Security Solutions team is described as providing high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions, implying a specialized group focused on mission-critical work.

• The GEMSTONE platform team specifically includes software engineers, DevSecOps architects, product leads, mission experts, defense specialists, and now a dedicated UI Engineer. This indicates a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary team structure.

• The role reports to a product owner and works closely with software engineers and platform architects, suggesting a matrixed or agile team structure where direct collaboration is key. Methodology:

• The team embraces Agile methodologies for rapid iteration and seamless integration.

• Secure development practices are paramount, aligning with government contracting requirements.

• The team utilizes state-of-the-art CI/CD pipelines, containerization, Kubernetes, Terraform, and Zarf, indicating a strong DevSecOps and cloud-native focus.

• The GEMSTONE platform is designed for modeling and simulation, digital engineering, AI/ML workflows, data management, and collaboration, pointing towards a data-driven and computationally intensive environment.

Company Website: https://careers.kbr.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: KBR's heritage in engineering and its current focus on national security solutions shape a culture that values precision, reliability, and innovation. The team environment is collaborative and mission-driven, typical of defense contractors working on cutting-edge technologies for government clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior UI Engineer/Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It involves leading UX efforts, mentoring junior staff, and contributing significantly to platform strategy, rather than entry-level execution. The scope includes complex design and development for a mission-critical platform.

Reporting Structure: The UI Engineer will work closely with product leads and software engineers, reporting to a product owner. This structure facilitates direct collaboration and rapid decision-making, common in Agile development environments.

Operations Impact: The work directly supports the Department of the Air Force and broader Department of Defense, advancing defense technology by creating new paradigms for compute power access, modeling and simulation tools, and data sharing. The UI/UX design will directly influence the usability and effectiveness of systems critical to national security.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for specialized domains like modeling & simulation, digital engineering, and AI/ML, becoming a subject matter expert in user experience for these areas.

• Design System Leadership: Take on greater responsibility for the evolution and management of the GEMSTONE design system, potentially leading to a Design System Lead or Principal UX role.

• Front-End Advancement: Grow into more complex front-end development challenges, potentially exploring full-stack capabilities or specializing in performance optimization and advanced UI frameworks.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Progress into roles that manage larger design teams or lead UX strategy across multiple projects within KBR's National Security Solutions division.

• Government Sector Expertise: Develop deeper understanding and influence within the defense and intelligence community, leading to roles with greater strategic impact and client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized and high-impact sector. The combination of design and development skills, coupled with the domain focus, provides a strong foundation for advancing into leadership positions within KBR's government-focused technology divisions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. Given the nature of government contracting and the need for secure collaboration, this likely means a dedicated office space within a KBR facility or a client site.

Office Location(s): Beavercreek, Ohio. This location suggests proximity to potential defense and Air Force installations or research centers in the region, which is common for companies supporting such sectors.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The description emphasizes working "shoulder-to-shoulder" with various technical and mission experts, suggesting an open or semi-open office layout designed to foster frequent interaction and team cohesion.

• Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with standard office technology, plus the necessary hardware and software for advanced UI/UX design and front-end development, likely including high-performance workstations and access to specialized design and development tools.

• Team Interaction: Expect regular team meetings, stand-ups, design critiques, and collaborative sessions, facilitated by the physical proximity and the Agile methodology.

Work Schedule: While the core requirement is on-site, standard business hours (e.g., 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) are anticipated, with potential for some flexibility. Given the mission-critical nature of the work, consistent presence and availability during core hours will be essential for effective collaboration and team synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key aspect of this role, likely driven by security protocols and the need for close, in-person collaboration with diverse teams, including government stakeholders. Beavercreek, Ohio, is a strategic location for defense industry work in the Midwest.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review your resume and portfolio for basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's technical and security requirements.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect one or more interviews focused on your UI/UX design process, front-end development skills (especially React/TypeScript), and experience with design systems and accessibility. This may involve whiteboard coding, design challenges, or in-depth portfolio walkthroughs.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you'll walk through your portfolio, explaining your design decisions, process, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss specific projects in detail.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing your collaboration skills, problem-solving approach, ability to work in an Agile environment, and how you handle challenges, especially within a government contracting context.

• Security Clearance Discussion: Confirmation of your ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance will be a significant part of the later stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio with a clear introduction, followed by detailed case studies for 2-3 key projects. For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, development), the solutions, and the outcomes.

• Highlight Process, Not Just Pixels: Emphasize your thought process, user research methods, and how you iterated based on feedback. Show wireframes, user flows, and prototypes alongside final designs.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: For front-end aspects, clearly state the technologies used (React, TypeScript) and provide links to live demos or code repositories if possible (ensure no proprietary information is revealed).

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs (e.g., "improved task completion time by X%", "reduced user errors by Y%", "increased user satisfaction scores by Z%").

• Tailor to KBR: Research KBR and the GEMSTONE platform. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their mission, industry, and technology stack.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You might be given a small design problem or asked to critique an existing interface. Focus on user-centered thinking, problem decomposition, and clear articulation of your rationale.

• Coding Challenge: Expect questions or exercises related to React component development, state management, or TypeScript usage.

• System Design/Architecture: Be ready to discuss how your UI designs integrate with backend services (REST APIs) and fit within a cloud-native, Kubernetes-hosted environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize both design and development capabilities, with a strong emphasis on the candidate's portfolio and ability to articulate their process. Security clearance is a non-negotiable requirement, so candidates must be upfront about their eligibility.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly preferred), Sketch, Balsamiq, Marvel, Axure, Adobe Creative Suite. Proficiency in at least one, with Figma being a strong asset, is essential for creating wireframes, mockups, interactive prototypes, and managing design systems.

• Front-End Development: React, TypeScript. These are core requirements for building user interfaces.

• Source Control: Git. Essential for collaborative development and version management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, experience with tools for tracking user engagement, A/B testing, and performance metrics within front-end applications would be beneficial. This could include tools integrated with React or general analytics platforms. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this role's primary functions, but understanding how front-end applications integrate with backend systems and APIs is crucial. Additional Technologies (Desired):

• UI Component Libraries: ShadCN, Radix UI, Material UI. Familiarity with these can accelerate development and ensure consistent UI patterns.

• CSS Frameworks: Tailwind CSS. Useful for rapid UI styling.

• DevOps/Cloud Native: Kubernetes, Terraform, Zarf. Understanding the deployment and operational environment is advantageous.

• API Interaction: Familiarity with REST APIs is required for integrating front-end with backend services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is modern and robust, focusing on industry-standard tools for design and development. A candidate's familiarity with the full stack, from design tools to front-end frameworks and CI/CD, will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to national security and supporting the Department of the Air Force and DoD. This translates to a dedication to quality, reliability, and timely delivery.

• Innovation: A drive to push boundaries with open-source development, DevSecOps, and cutting-edge technologies like Kubernetes and AI/ML.

• Collaboration: An emphasis on working "shoulder-to-shoulder" within a multidisciplinary team, fostering open communication and shared problem-solving.

• Clarity & Precision: A requirement for clear communication, meticulous documentation, and precise execution in all aspects of development and design, fitting for high-stakes projects.

• Security & Compliance: Adherence to secure development practices and government regulations is non-negotiable.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: The team works in an Agile framework, prioritizing iterative development, frequent feedback loops, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with software engineers, DevSecOps architects, product leads, and mission experts, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate between different technical and domain languages.

• Open Communication: The culture fosters open communication, encouraging iterative refinement and deep collaboration to achieve strategic and impactful outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is a blend of high-tech innovation and the rigorous discipline required for government contracting. Team members are expected to be proactive, collaborative, and deeply committed to the mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Mission Requirements: Translating highly technical and often abstract national security mission needs into intuitive and effective user experiences.

• Security Clearance: Obtaining and maintaining a DoD Secret security clearance is a critical prerequisite and ongoing requirement.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying current with rapidly advancing technologies in UI/UX, front-end development, AI/ML, and cloud-native platforms.

• Balancing Design & Development: Effectively managing both the creative/strategic aspects of UX design and the technical demands of front-end development within project timelines.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder needs, including government officials, mission experts, and engineering teams, to achieve consensus on design solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of modeling and simulation, digital engineering, AI/ML, and defense technology applications.

• Advanced Technologies: Deepening expertise in React, TypeScript, design systems, and cloud-native technologies like Kubernetes.

• Leadership Skills: Developing mentorship capabilities and potentially leading design initiatives or teams.

• Industry Exposure: Working on projects that have significant impact on national security, providing unique career experiences and insights into the defense technology sector.

• Professional Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications relevant to UX, front-end development, or government contracting environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to apply cutting-edge design and development skills to mission-critical national security projects, offering both significant challenges and substantial professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "Describe your approach to user-centered design for complex technical platforms. How do you balance user needs with technical constraints and business objectives?" (Prepare to discuss your process, research methods, and how you prioritize.)

• Collaboration & Communication: "How do you collaborate with software engineers and product managers to ensure your designs are implemented effectively? Can you provide an example of a time you had to negotiate design decisions?" (Focus on communication strategies, feedback loops, and conflict resolution.)

• Problem Solving: "Walk us through a challenging UI/UX problem you solved. What was the problem, your process, the solution, and the outcome?" (Use the STAR method and be ready to detail your thought process and rationale.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working for KBR and specifically on the GEMSTONE platform? How does your interest align with our mission in national security?" (Research KBR's mission, values, and the GEMSTONE platform's purpose.)

• Team Dynamics: "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid design/development role?" (Highlight your experience working with diverse teams and your approach to knowledge sharing.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your UI/UX designs and front-end implementations?" (Discuss metrics, user feedback, and how you demonstrate ROI.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation like a story for each project: problem, your role/challenge, process, solution, and impact/results.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals and clear annotations. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the front-end implementation details, including your use of React, TypeScript, and any specific component libraries.

• Interactive Elements: If possible, demonstrate interactive prototypes or key UI components live.

• Conciseness: Respect time limits. Focus on the most impactful projects and articulate your contributions clearly and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the full design and development lifecycle, the ability to work within a disciplined, mission-oriented environment, and a clear articulation of your process and impact through your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the KBR careers portal using the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience with React, TypeScript, UI/UX design for complex platforms, design systems, and accessibility standards. Prepare detailed case studies for 2-3 relevant projects.

• Resume Optimization: Emphasize achievements using quantifiable results and keywords relevant to UI engineering, UX design, React, TypeScript, and any government or defense-related experience.

• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design process, and answering behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and working in a secure, mission-driven environment.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research KBR, its mission in national security, and the GEMSTONE platform's objectives to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. The requirement for a DoD Secret security clearance is critical and must be met by the candidate. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.