Unity & UX/UI Developer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Unity & UX/UI Developer

Company: The Aerospace Corporation

Location: El Segundo, CA, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Software Engineering / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop cutting-edge, responsive, and accessible front-end interfaces for complex space systems, focusing on exceptional user experience.

• Create and implement intuitive experiences within game engine applications, advanced visualization software, and immersive technologies (AR/VR).

• Collaborate closely with product experience designers, engineers, scientists, and stakeholders to translate customer needs into cohesive, innovative design solutions.

• Foster a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and user empathy within the Engineering Applications Department (EAD).

• Leverage advanced information system technologies, including cloud computing, containerization, microservices, and real-time operating systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges the gap between software development and user experience design, specifically within the high-stakes aerospace and defense sector. The emphasis on "complex space systems" and "critical decision-making" indicates a need for robust, reliable, and highly intuitive interfaces. The "100% onsite work" requirement is crucial for roles involving sensitive government projects and security clearances.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement user interfaces and interactive experiences using Unity and other visualization frameworks.

• Build responsive, accessible, and high-performance front-end applications with meticulous attention to detail.

• Develop and implement intuitive user experiences for game engine applications, advanced visualization software, and immersive technologies (AR/VR).

• Partner with cross-functional teams including developers, engineers, scientists, and stakeholders to align vision and deliver cohesive solutions.

• Translate complex engineering data into intuitive and actionable interfaces for critical decision-making processes.

• Contribute to the development of sophisticated web and desktop applications that enhance user understanding of space systems.

• Foster a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and user empathy within the team.

• Participate in user research, usability testing, and rapid prototyping to validate design decisions.

• Present complex technical concepts and design solutions to diverse audiences, including engineers and executives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical development skills (Unity, programming languages) and UX/UI design principles (user research, usability testing, prototyping). The focus on "complex space systems" and "critical decision-making" implies a need for a deep understanding of user needs in high-pressure environments and the ability to manage intricate data visualization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, or a related STEM discipline is required.

• A Master's or Ph.D. in HCI, Computer Science, Design, or Human Factors is considered a significant advantage. Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional development experience in Unity or other game engines (post-bachelor's degree completion).

• Proven experience translating customer needs and complex data into intuitive design solutions.

• Demonstrated ability in user research, usability testing, rapid prototyping, and accessibility standards.

• Experience presenting complex concepts effectively to diverse audiences, from technical teams to executive leadership.

• Experience in the aerospace, defense, or government sectors is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• Unity Development: Expertise in building complex solutions for complete digital environments using the Unity game engine.

• Programming Languages: Proficiency in Python, C#, C++, or JavaScript.

• Development Workflows: Understanding of RESTful APIs, version control systems (Git), and modern development methodologies.

• UX/UI Principles: Demonstrated ability in user research, usability testing, rapid prototyping, and accessibility best practices.

• Communication: Proven ability to present complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Preferred Skills:

• Extensive experience with game engines (Unity, Unreal Engine), 3D visualization environments, and AR/VR technologies.

• Experience with WebGL, Three.js, D3.js, Qt, OpenGL, shader programming, or real-time rendering.

• Proficiency in motion design tools such as After Effects, Cinema4D, or similar.

• Proficiency with 3D modeling tools like Blender, Maya, 3DS Max, or equivalent.

• Deep understanding of graphics principles, 3D math, and rendering pipelines.

• Experience building and maintaining large-scale design systems.

• Publications, presentations, or patents in UX/UI or human-computer interaction.

• Current DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Requirements" clearly define the foundational skills and experience expected. The "How You Can Stand Out" section provides a roadmap for candidates to differentiate themselves, emphasizing advanced technical skills, domain experience, and a strong portfolio of work in related fields. The explicit mention of security clearance requirements is critical for candidates in this sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of two (2) significant projects developed using Unity or other game engines, demonstrating complex environment construction and interactive functionalities.

• Include case studies detailing the user research, prototyping, and usability testing phases, highlighting how user feedback informed design iterations.

• Provide examples of interactive visualizations or data-driven interfaces, emphasizing clarity and ease of understanding for complex datasets.

• Demonstrate experience with accessibility standards and how they were integrated into the design and development process.

• Highlight projects that involved collaboration with engineers or subject matter experts, showcasing your ability to translate technical requirements into user-friendly solutions. Process Documentation:

• Detail the workflow used for translating initial project requirements into functional Unity applications or UX/UI designs.

• Document the iterative design process, including how user feedback and testing results were incorporated to refine the user experience.

• Illustrate the development lifecycle, from initial concept and prototyping through to implementation and testing, emphasizing version control (Git) practices.

• Showcase experience with API integration or data visualization techniques, explaining how data was managed and presented to the end-user.

• Provide examples of how accessibility best practices were integrated into the development pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showing finished products and delve into the process of creation, especially user-centered design and technical development within Unity. Demonstrating an understanding of complex data and its visual representation is key for aerospace applications.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $86,600.00 - $129,800.00 Annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Generous paid time off, including holidays, sick time, and vacation days.

• Standard and alternate work schedules, with potential for telework options where applicable (though this role is 100% on-site).

• 401(k) Plan: Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, with immediate eligibility and vesting.

• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care expenses.

• Variable pay program recognizing exceptional contributions and performance.

• Relocation assistance may be provided to support candidates moving to the El Segundo area.

• Robust professional growth and development programs, including ongoing training and workshops.

• Education assistance programs to support continued learning and skill enhancement.

• An inclusive and collaborative work environment that values teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-level developer with specialized skills in Unity and UX/UI, especially in the Southern California tech market. The 401(k) match is particularly strong and a significant differentiator. The mention of "telework options" in benefits, contrasted with the "100% onsite" requirement for the role, should be noted by candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, Defense, Government Contracting, Research & Development. The Aerospace Corporation operates as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), providing objective technical expertise and objective analysis to the nation's space programs.

Company Size: The Aerospace Corporation is a large organization, employing over 5,000 individuals. This size implies a stable work environment with established processes, ample resources, and diverse career opportunities.

Founded: The company was founded in 1960. Its long history signifies stability, deep expertise, and a sustained commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The Engineering Applications Department (EAD) is a specialized unit within The Aerospace Corporation.

• The team likely comprises a mix of software engineers, UX/UI designers, data scientists, and systems architects focused on visualization and application development.

• Reporting structures are likely hierarchical, with clear lines of management, but cross-functional collaboration is essential for project success.

• Collaboration extends across various divisions and customer groups, including civil, commercial, and national security space programs. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making and objective analysis, reflecting its FFRDC status.

• Application of cutting-edge information system technologies, including cloud computing, containerization, microservices, and advanced visualization frameworks.

• Integration of expertise in software architecture, AI, and cybersecurity to deliver high-performance, secure systems.

• Focus on user-centered design principles, user research, and iterative development to ensure intuitive and effective interfaces.

Company Website: https://www.aerospace.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The FFRDC nature of The Aerospace Corporation is a critical differentiator. It implies a mission-driven culture focused on objective analysis and problem-solving for national interests, rather than profit-driven product development. This environment often attracts individuals seeking impactful work and technical challenges. The company size suggests a structured environment with clear career paths and robust support systems.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level developer (2-5 years of experience) with a specialization in Unity and UX/UI design. It's an individual contributor role focused on execution and technical expertise.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a manager within the Engineering Applications Department (EAD). The team structure suggests close collaboration with designers and other engineers, potentially including senior technical leads or architects who provide guidance and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the effectiveness of critical decision-making for national security, civil, and commercial space programs. By transforming complex engineering data into intuitive interfaces, this developer enables faster, more informed decisions, directly contributing to mission success and operational efficiency in high-stakes environments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in Unity, 3D graphics, AR/VR development, and advanced visualization techniques. Pursue advanced certifications or training in these areas.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Expand knowledge in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and software architecture through internal projects and training programs. Develop stronger UX research and design capabilities.

• Leadership Potential: Progress towards senior developer roles, technical lead positions, or opportunities in UX/UI design leadership. Potential to mentor junior team members and guide project design directions.

• Domain Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in the application of visualization and interactive technologies to aerospace and defense challenges.

• Security Clearance Advancement: Progress to higher levels of security clearance, opening doors to more sensitive and impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is clearly defined, moving from a specialized developer to a potential technical leader or UX/UI expert within a niche, high-impact industry. The emphasis on security clearance also presents a unique growth dimension.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The Aerospace Corporation operates in a professional, corporate office setting. Given the nature of the work and security requirements, the environment is likely structured, secure, and focused.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is El Segundo, California. This area is a hub for aerospace and defense industries, offering potential for networking and industry engagement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While the role requires focused individual work, collaboration with designers, engineers, and stakeholders is integral. Expect team meetings, design reviews, and joint problem-solving sessions.

• Tools and Technology: Access to high-performance workstations, relevant software licenses (Unity, modeling tools, design software), and secure network infrastructure will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse team of experts in engineering, design, and scientific fields, fostering a rich learning and collaborative atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the company offers flexible work schedules as part of its benefits, which may allow for some adjustment around core hours, subject to team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "100% onsite" requirement is a critical aspect of the work environment, especially for roles involving security clearances and sensitive project data. This suggests a need for candidates comfortable with a traditional office setup and dedicated to on-site collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth technical interviews focusing on Unity development, C#/Python/C++/JavaScript proficiency, game engine concepts, and 3D math. Candidates may be asked to solve coding challenges or discuss their approach to specific development problems.

• UX/UI Design Interview: This interview will focus on your design process, user research methodologies, prototyping skills, and ability to translate complex requirements into user-friendly interfaces. Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy and approach to accessibility.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will walk through your portfolio. Be ready to explain your role in each project, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved. Focus on process, not just final products.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions designed to assess your problem-solving skills, teamwork, communication, and how you handle difficult situations. Expect questions related to the company's leadership competencies.

• Security Clearance Discussion: For this role, a discussion about your eligibility and willingness to obtain/maintain a security clearance will be a significant part of the process.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase projects relevant to Unity development and UX/UI design for complex systems.

• Process Over Product: For each project, detail the problem statement, your specific contributions, the design and development process, tools used, challenges encountered, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical implementation details of your Unity projects, including scripting, asset integration, performance optimization, and any use of advanced graphics features.

• UX Rationale: Clearly articulate the user-centered design decisions made, supported by research, testing, and iteration. Explain why certain design choices were made.

• Accessibility Focus: Highlight how you've incorporated accessibility principles into your designs and development.

• Conciseness: Keep presentations focused and impactful. Aim to cover key aspects of 3-5 strong projects thoroughly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Unity/Coding Challenges: Practice coding problems in C#, Python, or JavaScript. Familiarize yourself with common Unity API usage and problem-solving patterns.

• Design Challenges: Be prepared for hypothetical design problems related to visualizing complex data or creating interfaces for technical users. Practice rapid prototyping and articulating design rationale under time constraints.

• Presentation Skills: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and technical/design concepts clearly and concisely. Practice explaining complex topics to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that details process and impact is critical for operations and development roles, especially in a field like aerospace. Candidates should be prepared to defend their technical and design choices with data and rationale.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unity Engine: The core platform for building interactive applications, visualizations, and immersive experiences. Proficiency in Unity editor, scripting (C#), asset pipeline, and performance optimization is essential.

• 3D Modeling Software: Proficiency in tools like Blender, Maya, or 3DS Max may be required for asset creation and manipulation.

• Motion Design Tools: Experience with After Effects, Cinema4D, or similar for creating animations and visual effects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as a primary focus for this role, understanding how to instrument applications for performance monitoring and user interaction tracking within Unity would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this development role, but understanding how developed applications might integrate with larger enterprise systems or data pipelines could be a plus. Version Control:

• Git: Essential for collaborative development, tracking changes, and managing code repositories.

Programming Languages & Frameworks:

• C#: Primary language for Unity scripting.

• Python, C++, JavaScript: Required for broader development tasks, API interactions, or potentially web-based interfaces.

• RESTful APIs: Understanding how to interact with backend services.

• WebGL, Three.js, D3.js: Relevant for web-based visualizations or interactive elements.

• Qt, OpenGL, Shader Programming: Advanced graphics technologies that would set a candidate apart.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily geared towards game development engines and 3D graphics, reflecting the company's need for advanced visualization tools for complex aerospace data. The inclusion of standard development tools like Git and languages like Python/C++ indicates a need for well-rounded software engineers.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Innovation: A strong drive to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge solutions that meet rigorous technical standards.

• User Empathy: A deep commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the end-users, particularly those operating in critical environments.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture that emphasizes working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Learning: Encouragement to stay abreast of the latest technologies and methodologies in software development and UX/UI design.

• Integrity & Objectivity: Upholding the highest ethical standards and providing unbiased technical expertise, consistent with its FFRDC mission.

• Mission Focus: A dedication to supporting national security, civil, and commercial space programs through technological innovation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close partnership between developers, designers, engineers, and stakeholders is a hallmark of this team.

• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to development and design, with emphasis on documentation, testing, and iterative refinement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of open communication and sharing of insights, best practices, and lessons learned within the team and department.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture where constructive feedback is valued and utilized for continuous improvement of both individual work and team processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at The Aerospace Corporation, as an FFRDC, is likely more mission-focused and technically rigorous than a typical commercial software company. Values like integrity, objectivity, and a commitment to national interest are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: The primary challenge is translating highly complex aerospace engineering data and concepts into intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that support critical decision-making.

• Security & Compliance: Working within strict government security protocols and compliance requirements, including obtaining and maintaining security clearances.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in game engines, AR/VR, and visualization technologies to ensure solutions remain state-of-the-art.

• Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the varied requirements and expectations of different customer groups (defense, civil, commercial) and technical versus executive audiences.

• On-Site Requirement: For candidates accustomed to remote work, adapting to a 100% on-site environment in El Segundo.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Unity & Graphics Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced Unity features, rendering pipelines, shader programming, and optimization techniques.

• AR/VR Development: Hands-on experience with cutting-edge immersive technologies for aerospace applications.

• Data Visualization Techniques: Learning and applying advanced methods for visualizing complex datasets, potentially including 3D math and graphics principles.

• Domain Expertise Development: Gaining in-depth knowledge of space systems, aerospace engineering, and national security challenges.

• Professional Certifications: Support for pursuing relevant certifications in software development, UX/UI, or project management.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced senior engineers and designers for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the demanding nature of the aerospace industry and the FFRDC mission. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals looking to specialize in a high-impact, technically advanced field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate highly complex technical data into a simple, intuitive user interface. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, user-centricity, and impact).

• "How do you approach usability testing and incorporating user feedback into your development cycle, especially when dealing with expert users?" (Highlight research, iteration, and handling critical feedback).

• "Discuss a challenging project where you had to collaborate with engineers or subject matter experts to define requirements. How did you ensure alignment and manage differing perspectives?" (Showcase communication, collaboration, and problem-solving).

• "How do you ensure accessibility standards are met in your Unity or UX/UI designs, and why is this important for the types of systems we build?" (Demonstrate understanding of standards and their critical application). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for The Aerospace Corporation, specifically in its role as an FFRDC?" (Research the FFRDC mission, its impact, and align your interests).

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous learning and user empathy within a development team?" (Provide examples of proactive learning and user advocacy).

• "Describe your experience working in a highly structured or secure environment. How do you adapt to strict protocols?" (Emphasize professionalism, attention to detail, and adherence to guidelines). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: For each project, tell a compelling story: the problem, your role, the solution (technical and design), the challenges, and the results.

• Visuals are Key: Use high-quality screenshots, videos, or interactive demos of your Unity projects. For UX/UI, show wireframes, prototypes, and final designs.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., improved task completion time, reduced error rates, positive user feedback scores).

• Technical Deep Dive: Be prepared to explain the technical architecture of your Unity projects, your coding approach, and any optimizations you implemented.

• UX Rationale: Clearly articulate the user research and design thinking behind your interfaces. Explain why you made certain choices.

• Tailor to Aerospace: If possible, frame your experience in terms of its relevance to aerospace or defense applications (e.g., complex data visualization, critical decision support).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just technical skill but also the ability to apply those skills within the unique context of aerospace and defense, emphasizing rigor, user-centricity, and mission impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Unity & UX/UI Developer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on The Aerospace Corporation's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your Unity development skills, UX/UI design process, and experience with complex data visualization or interactive applications. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your contributions and the outcomes achieved.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "Unity," "UX/UI," "C#," "Python," "3D visualization," "user research," and "accessibility." Quantify your achievements with specific examples and metrics wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical solutions, and problem-solving approaches. Be ready to walk through your portfolio in detail and answer behavioral questions related to collaboration, leadership competencies, and working in a secure environment.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Aerospace Corporation, its mission as an FFRDC, its role in national space programs, and its company culture. Understand the implications of working on government contracts and the importance of security clearances.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Aerospace Corporation hiring organization before making application decisions.