UI / UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI / UX Designer

Company: York Space Systems

Location: Austin, TX; Greenwood Village, CO; Laurel, MD

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Software Development / Design (GTM Operations adjacent)

Date Posted: 2026-06-19

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design of a critical web-based application used for monitoring and controlling spacecraft constellations.

• The position emphasizes translating complex operator requirements into intuitive and efficient user interfaces.

• It's an early-career opportunity designed for rapid growth within a technically demanding aerospace environment.

• Collaboration with experienced engineers, product managers, and mission operators is a core aspect of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily design-focused, its application in a GTM (Go-To-Market) context is significant. The software's effectiveness directly impacts mission operations, which are a crucial part of the GTM strategy for space services. A strong UX can lead to better customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and potentially new service offerings. Therefore, understanding the operational impact and user needs is paramount, aligning it with GTM operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate customer and operator requirements into clean, intuitive, and user-centered designs.

• Develop wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes that adhere to and enhance an existing design system.

• Actively participate in agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives, to ensure design alignment with development sprints.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, software developers, and mission operators to gather feedback, refine designs, and ensure seamless implementation.

• Maintain and organize design files, meticulously documenting design decisions and rationale for future reference and team knowledge sharing.

• Identify and address user friction points within the application to optimize the operator experience.

• Contribute to the evolution of the design system by creating reusable components and ensuring consistency across the application.

• Adapt designs for various user needs, including consideration for dark mode and colorblind accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are standard for an early-career UI/UX Designer. For this specific role in an aerospace context, emphasis should be placed on the complexity of the data being presented and the critical nature of the operations. The designs must not only be intuitive but also highly reliable and efficient, as errors could have significant consequences. The "Other duties as assigned" clause suggests a dynamic environment where the designer may be involved in various aspects of the product development lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not explicitly stated, but a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for such roles. Academic projects and a strong portfolio can sometimes substitute for formal degrees.

Experience: 1-2 years of UI/UX design experience, which can include internships, academic projects, and personal projects.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma, including advanced features like components, auto-layout, and design system management.

• Experience creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Ability to define user flows and identify user pain points.

• Strong understanding of design system principles and application.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly.

• Strong interpersonal skills, essential for effective collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Proactive approach to seeking information and clarification for ambiguous requirements.

• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

• A demonstrable passion for continuous learning and professional development. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing applications that exclusively use dark mode.

• Experience designing for colorblind accessibility.

• Familiarity with frontend development concepts (e.g., component-based architecture, responsive layout) to facilitate better collaboration with developers.

• Prior experience in the aerospace industry or with complex operational software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma proficiency, design systems, and the ability to translate complex requirements into intuitive designs are key indicators for this role. The requirement for a security clearance is a critical factor for candidates and should be clearly understood. The "0-2 years" experience level suggests a mentorship-driven approach, where the candidate will receive significant guidance from senior team members.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A design portfolio showcasing UI/UX work, including wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Projects should demonstrate the candidate's problem-solving approach, user-centered design process, and ability to translate requirements into functional designs.

• Evidence of work within or contribution to a design system is highly desirable.

• Projects demonstrating an understanding of user flows and friction point identification are crucial.

• For early-career candidates, academic projects, personal projects, or internship contributions are acceptable and should highlight learning and growth. Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a deliverable for the candidate, the role implies an understanding of documenting design decisions and contributing to design system documentation.

• Familiarity with agile methodologies means understanding iterative design processes and documentation within sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an early-career role, the portfolio is the primary tool to assess a candidate's potential. It should clearly articulate the design thinking behind each project, rather than just presenting polished visuals. The company is looking for a structured approach to design, even if the experience is limited.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $90,000 per year.

Explanation for Estimate: This range is based on the provided salary data and general industry benchmarks for UI/UX Designers with 0-2 years of experience in locations like Austin, TX; Greenwood Village, CO; and Laurel, MD. The higher end of the range may reflect specific skills, the demanding nature of the aerospace industry, and the potential need for a security clearance.

Benefits:

• Medical insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Paid time off (PTO)

• 401k retirement plan

Working Hours: The job description implies a standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement requiring 4 days in the office. This structure suggests a balance between focused work time and collaborative in-office engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is quite broad, suggesting flexibility based on the candidate's qualifications, specific experience, and the location within the listed regions, which can have varying cost-of-living differences. The hybrid model with a significant in-office component indicates a preference for in-person collaboration and team integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, Spacecraft Manufacturing, and Mission Operations. York Space Systems is focused on revolutionizing spacecraft affordability and reliability to enable next-generation space missions.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, York Space Systems is described as an "innovative aerospace company" that is "expanding its team across the board," suggesting a growing, dynamic organization, likely ranging from 50-500 employees.

Founded: Founded to address a market need for more affordable and reliable spacecraft solutions, indicating a mission-driven and forward-thinking company culture.

Team Structure:

• The UI/UX Designer will be part of a product development team, likely working closely with software engineers, product managers, and potentially other designers.

• Collaboration with mission operators is also a key aspect, suggesting a direct feedback loop from end-users.

• The role is described as "early-career" with mentorship, implying a supportive structure with senior team members and leadership. Methodology:

• The team operates using agile methodologies, requiring participation in standard agile ceremonies.

• Design work will be integrated with development sprints, emphasizing iterative design and rapid feedback.

• Emphasis is placed on translating operator requirements into functional designs, highlighting a user-centric and problem-solving approach.

Company Website: https://www.yorkspacesystems.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "radically improving spacecraft affordability and reliability" and "transforming next-generation space mission operations" suggests a culture that values innovation, efficiency, and high performance. For a designer, this means creating solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and reliable in critical operational environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to junior UI/UX Designer position (0-2 years experience). It's positioned as a foundational role for individuals eager to develop their skills rapidly in a technically challenging field. The responsibilities are focused on execution and learning, with clear mentorship provided.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Lead Designer, Design Manager, or Product Management lead. They will work collaboratively with a cross-functional team of engineers and product managers, and receive guidance from senior team members.

Operations Impact: The UI/UX Designer's work directly impacts the usability and efficiency of the software used by mission operators. Effective designs can lead to:

• Reduced operator error rates.

• Faster mission response times.

• Improved operational efficiency, lowering overall mission costs.

• Enhanced operator satisfaction and reduced training time.

• Potentially informing future product development and service offerings by understanding user needs and pain points. Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in Figma, design systems, and advanced UI/UX techniques, potentially exploring areas like interaction design, visual design, and user research.

• Domain Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of spacecraft operations and the aerospace industry, which can open doors to specialized design roles in high-tech sectors.

• Leadership Potential: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and influence product strategy.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working with engineers and product managers in an agile, high-stakes environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "early-career" nature of this role is a significant growth catalyst. The company explicitly mentions mentorship and support for development, suggesting a strong investment in junior talent. The requirement for a security clearance also points towards roles with greater responsibility and impact over time.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement, requiring 4 days per week in the office. This indicates a company culture that values in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and face-to-face interaction, while still offering some flexibility.

Office Location(s): The role is available in Austin, TX; Greenwood Village, CO; and Laurel, MD. These locations suggest established operational hubs for the company.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on collaboration suggest an office space designed to foster teamwork, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and areas for brainstorming.

• Tools and Technology: Designers will have access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, likely supported by robust IT infrastructure necessary for aerospace operations.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with software developers, product managers, and mission operators is expected, providing diverse perspectives and learning opportunities.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours/week) is implied, with the hybrid model dictating in-office days. This schedule allows for focused design work and integration into the team's agile development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid requirement is a key factor for candidates to consider. It suggests a preference for a more traditional office culture where in-person interaction is highly valued for innovation and team building, especially in a complex industry like aerospace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design capabilities.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing design choices, process, and problem-solving skills. This may include specific questions about Figma proficiency and design system application.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with product managers, developers, and potentially mission operators to assess collaboration, communication, and understanding of user needs.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of eagerness to learn, adaptability, and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Security Clearance: Candidates will need to meet the requirements for obtaining a security clearance, which may involve background checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Clearly articulate your design thinking, research, wireframing, prototyping, and iteration steps for each project. Explain why you made certain design decisions.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma's advanced features, such as components, auto-layout, and design system workflows. If possible, provide examples of design systems you've worked with or contributed to.

• Demonstrate User-Centricity: For each project, explain how you understood user needs and translated them into your designs. If you have examples of user flow mapping or friction point identification, highlight them.

• Address Constraints: If you worked with specific technical or business constraints, explain how you navigated them. For this role, mention any experience with dark mode or accessibility considerations.

• Tailor to the Role: If possible, include a project that demonstrates your ability to design for complex data visualization or operational dashboards, even if it's from an academic or personal project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a potential design exercise or case study, either take-home or live, that may involve redesigning a feature, solving a specific UX problem, or creating a quick prototype based on given requirements.

• Technical Questions: Expect questions about Figma, design systems, and potentially basic frontend development concepts.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare to answer questions about teamwork, problem-solving, handling ambiguity, and your motivation for joining York Space Systems and the aerospace industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and the specific mention of Figma, design systems, and user flows indicate what the hiring team will focus on. The early-career nature means they are looking for potential and a strong foundation, rather than extensive experience. The security clearance requirement is a significant hurdle and should be addressed proactively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is a mandatory requirement and the primary tool for UI/UX design. Candidates should be proficient in its advanced features, including components, auto-layout, and design system workflows.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities are expected, but familiarity with other prototyping tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for designers, understanding how user data and analytics inform design decisions is valuable. Familiarity with how design impacts key metrics (e.g., task completion time, error rates) would be an asset. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core role, but understanding how the software integrates into a broader operational workflow might be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Figma proficiency is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their skills within this tool. The mention of "contribute to an existing design system" implies that the company has a well-established design system, and the designer will need to work within its framework.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: The company's founding mission and growth suggest a culture that embraces new ideas and pushes boundaries in the aerospace sector.

• Reliability & Precision: In spacecraft operations, these are paramount. Designs must be accurate, dependable, and minimize risk.

• Collaboration: The hybrid work model and cross-functional team structure highlight the importance of working effectively with others.

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on translating operator requirements and addressing their needs is evident.

• Continuous Improvement: The emphasis on learning and growth indicates a culture that values professional development and iterative refinement.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile and Iterative: Designs will be developed and refined within agile sprint cycles, requiring close collaboration with developers and product managers.

• Mentorship-Driven: Senior team members will provide guidance, feedback, and support, fostering a learning environment.

• Cross-Functional: Designers will work with diverse teams, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate technical and operational needs into design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission-driven nature in a highly technical field means that the culture likely values dedication, problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence. Designers are expected to be proactive contributors who can integrate seamlessly into a fast-paced, technically rigorous environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Domain: Designing for spacecraft monitoring and control involves complex data visualization and critical operational workflows, which can be challenging for early-career designers.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Integrating sophisticated functionalities while maintaining an intuitive user experience requires careful design trade-offs.

• Working within an Existing Design System: Adapting to and contributing to a pre-established design system requires understanding its structure and guidelines.

• Security Clearance Requirements: Navigating the process of obtaining and maintaining a security clearance can be a significant undertaking.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from experienced designers and engineers to accelerate learning and skill development.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving aerospace and satellite technology sector.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas such as advanced UI patterns, accessibility design, or user research methodologies.

• Contribution to a Growing Company: Being part of a company that is scaling rapidly offers exposure to various aspects of product development and business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working in a cutting-edge, high-stakes industry. The growth opportunities are substantial, especially for an early-career professional, due to the company's focus on development and mentorship.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex problem you solved through design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving methodology, user research, and iterative design.)

• "How do you approach translating technical or operator requirements into user interface designs?" (Highlight your understanding of user needs, information architecture, and intuitive design principles.)

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to work within or contribute to a design system." (Be ready to discuss components, constraints, and consistency.)

• "How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially if you disagree with it?" (Demonstrate your ability to collaborate, receive constructive criticism, and make informed design decisions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in UI/UX design for the aerospace industry, specifically for spacecraft operations?" (Show genuine interest and research into York Space Systems and their mission.)

• "Describe your experience with Figma and how you leverage its features for design systems and collaboration." (Be specific about your proficiency and workflows.)

• "How do you approach designing for accessibility, such as dark mode or colorblindness?" (Highlight any relevant experience or understanding.)

• "What are your expectations for mentorship and professional growth in your next role?" (Align your growth aspirations with the company's stated focus on development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, present a narrative: the problem, your role, your process, the solutions, and the impact/learnings.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) effectively. If you have interactive prototypes, be prepared to demonstrate them.

• Focus on Process: Explain your design decisions, the trade-offs you made, and how you incorporated feedback. For early-career roles, this is more important than the final polished output.

• Highlight Figma Skills: Be ready to discuss specific Figma features you used and how they aided your workflow or design system implementation.

• Address Ambiguity: Be prepared to discuss how you handle unclear requirements, as mentioned in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily weigh the portfolio and the candidate's approach to design problems. Given the early-career nature, the emphasis will be on potential, learning ability, and foundational skills, particularly in Figma and design thinking. The ability to articulate their process and collaborate effectively will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI/UX Designer position:

• Click the "Apply" link at the top of the job posting on the Dayforce portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your design portfolio is up-to-date and highlights projects that demonstrate your UI/UX skills, Figma proficiency, and understanding of user-centered design processes. Tailor any project descriptions to emphasize relevant aspects like design systems or complex data representation if applicable.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your 1-2 years of relevant experience, including internships and academic projects. Use keywords from the job description such as "UI/UX Design," "Figma," "Wireframing," "Prototyping," and "Design Systems." Clearly state your ability and willingness to obtain a security clearance.

• Prepare for Interview: Practice articulating your design process for portfolio projects. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, design systems, and how you approach ambiguous requirements. Research York Space Systems and their mission in the aerospace industry.

• Company Research: Understand York Space Systems' focus on spacecraft affordability, reliability, and mission operations. This context will be valuable in interviews, especially when discussing how design contributes to operational efficiency.

⚠️ 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.