User Experience und User Interface Designer (w/m/d) User Experience und User Interface Designer (w/m/d)
π Job Overview
Job Title: User Experience und User Interface Designer (w/m/d)
Company: HENSOLDT
Location: Ulm, Germany
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Design / User Experience
Date Posted: April 14, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
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Drive the end-to-end design process for user interfaces and user experiences across multiple applications, ensuring adherence to established standards and norms.
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Develop and meticulously maintain comprehensive style guides, from initial concept through to final approval, ensuring brand consistency and usability.
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Create and utilize mockups, wireframes, and interactive prototypes to rigorously validate user experience and gather feedback for iterative design improvements.
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Collaborate closely with product owners and stakeholders to conceptualize, discuss, and evaluate innovative user interaction concepts.
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Translate approved design concepts into functional and aesthetically pleasing user interfaces, ensuring seamless implementation.
π Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on UI/UX design within the defense technology sector, emphasizing the integration of user experience principles into complex software solutions for electronic warfare ground support. The emphasis on "anwendungsΓΌbergreifend" (cross-application) suggests a need for a holistic approach to design systems and consistency across a suite of tools.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Design, develop, and continuously refine cross-application UI/UX designs, adhering to common standards and norms throughout the entire product development lifecycle.
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Create and maintain detailed style guides, ensuring they are comprehensive and ready for final acceptance.
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Produce mockups, prototypes, and simulations to validate user experience and gather insights for design iterations.
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Lead the design, discussion, and evaluation of new operating concepts in close coordination with product managers and relevant stakeholders.
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Implement developed operating concepts and the resulting user interfaces, ensuring a high level of quality and usability.
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Select, integrate, and advance methods and tools to optimize the design and development workflow.
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Strategically develop and shape display and operating concepts for applications, ensuring alignment with the company's corporate design guidelines.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-cycle design role, encompassing everything from initial concept and user research (implied through validation) to final implementation and maintenance of design systems. The "strategic development and shaping" of concepts indicates a proactive role in defining the user experience direction.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Interaction Design, User Interface Design, Media and Communication Design, User Experience Design, or a comparable field.
Experience: Several years of practical experience in creating UI/UX designs, mockups, wireframes, and interactive prototypes for desktop and web applications.
Required Skills:
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UI Design
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UX Design
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Prototyping
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Wireframing
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Mockup Creation
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Styleguide Development
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Interaction Design
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User Experience Validation
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Corporate Design Alignment
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Strong Communication Skills
Preferred Skills:
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Frontend Programming (e.g., React)
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Experience with specific UI/UX tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD)
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Experience within the defense or aerospace industry
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Understanding of usability testing methodologies
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Knowledge of accessibility standards
π Enhancement Note: While React experience is listed as desirable, the core requirement is strong UI/UX design fundamentals and practical experience. The emphasis on German language proficiency is a critical requirement for this role based in Germany.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Showcase a range of UI/UX design projects for desktop and web applications, demonstrating the full design lifecycle from concept to implementation.
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Include examples of wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes, clearly explaining the problem statement, design process, and user-centric solutions.
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Present style guides or design system components that illustrate your ability to ensure consistency and maintainability across applications.
Process Documentation:
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Describe your approach to user research and validation, including how you gather feedback and iterate on designs.
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Detail your methodology for developing and maintaining style guides or design systems.
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Explain how you ensure designs align with corporate branding and technical constraints.
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Illustrate your process for translating design concepts into actionable specifications for frontend developers.
π Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it directly demonstrates the candidate's ability to execute the core responsibilities. The emphasis should be on showcasing practical application of design principles and successful collaboration.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The estimated salary range for a User Experience and User Interface Designer (w/m/d) with 2-5 years of experience in Ulm, Germany, is approximately β¬45,000 - β¬65,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Germany, considering the mid-level experience requirement and the specialized nature of the defense technology sector. Factors such as specific skills, interview performance, and precise responsibilities can influence the final offer.
Benefits:
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Comprehensive health insurance and social security contributions.
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Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
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Participation in innovative and impactful defense technology projects.
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Collaborative and dynamic work environment within a leading technology company.
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Potential for career advancement within HENSOLDT's global operations.
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Company-sponsored pension scheme.
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Flexible working time models (within the scope of on-site requirements).
Working Hours: The standard working hours for this full-time position are approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility in scheduling as per company policy.
π Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimate based on common German compensation for this role and experience level. Specific benefits and exact working hours would need to be confirmed with HENSOLDT.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Defense Technology and Aerospace. HENSOLDT is a leading technology supplier for the armed forces and public security. Their solutions are critical for national and international security, involving advanced electronics, optronics, and cybersecurity. This context implies a culture of precision, reliability, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on quality and security.
Company Size: HENSOLDT is a large enterprise, typically employing thousands of individuals globally. This size suggests structured HR processes, established career paths, and opportunities for diverse professional development within a global framework.
Founded: HENSOLDT has a long history, with roots tracing back to the 19th century, though its modern form has evolved through various mergers and acquisitions. This legacy indicates a stable and established company with deep expertise in its field.
Team Structure:
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The role is within the "Electronic Warfare Ground Support Solutions" division, suggesting a specialized team focused on software development and support for electronic warfare systems.
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The team likely comprises software engineers, system architects, project managers, and QA specialists, with the UI/UX Designer playing a crucial role in ensuring the usability of complex software tools.
Methodology:
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The team's work involves the conception, implementation, integration, and acceptance of software solutions, indicating a structured development lifecycle.
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Emphasis is placed on innovation and developing new systems, suggesting an agile or iterative approach to problem-solving and product enhancement.
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The need for UI/UX designs that adhere to standards and corporate design implies a focus on consistency, maintainability, and a structured approach to design.
Company Website: www.hensoldt.net
π Enhancement Note: Understanding HENSOLDT's position in the defense sector is key. It suggests a focus on robust, secure, and high-performance solutions, where user interface design plays a critical role in enabling operators to effectively manage complex systems.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Designer (2-5 years of experience), indicating a need for independent work on defined tasks and contributions to larger projects. The responsibilities suggest an individual contributor role with potential for increased influence on design strategy and system-wide consistency.
Reporting Structure: The UI/UX Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, a Project Manager, or a Head of Software Development within the Electronic Warfare Ground Support Solutions division. Collaboration will extend to product owners and development teams.
Operations Impact: The UI/UX Designer's impact is critical for the usability and effectiveness of Electronic Warfare Ground Support Solutions. Well-designed interfaces enable operators to program and verify complex EW systems more efficiently and accurately, directly contributing to mission success and operational readiness. Poor design can lead to errors, reduced efficiency, and increased training overhead.
Growth Opportunities:
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Specialization: Deepen expertise in UI/UX design for complex technical software, potentially specializing in areas like data visualization, human-computer interaction for critical systems, or accessibility for defense applications.
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System Design Leadership: Grow into a lead designer role, responsible for defining and managing design systems across multiple projects or product lines within HENSOLDT.
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Cross-functional Expertise: Develop a broader understanding of the Electronic Warfare domain, enhancing the ability to create more contextually relevant and impactful designs.
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Mentorship: Mentor junior designers as the team grows, sharing best practices and guiding their development.
π Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is tied to both design craft and domain understanding. The ability to translate complex technical requirements into intuitive user experiences will be key to career advancement.
π Work Environment
Office Type: This role is based on-site in Ulm, Germany, indicating a traditional office environment. HENSOLDT's facilities are likely modern and equipped to support engineering and design teams.
Office Location(s): Ulm, Baden-WΓΌrttemberg, Germany. Ulm is a city with a strong industrial and technological base, offering a good quality of life and infrastructure.
Workspace Context:
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The workspace will likely be a collaborative office setting, fostering interaction with design peers, developers, and product managers.
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Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially specialized development environments will be provided.
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The environment is expected to be professional and focused, given the critical nature of the defense industry.
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Opportunities for team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional workshops will be integral to the daily workflow.
Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the possibility of flexible working hours within the on-site framework. This allows for balancing professional responsibilities with personal life while ensuring team collaboration and project continuity.
π Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration, team synergy, and direct engagement with project teams, which is common in complex engineering environments.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the role and required skills.
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Technical Interview: Discussion of your design process, experience with UI/UX tools, and understanding of interaction design principles. This may include a review of specific projects from your portfolio.
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Design Challenge/Case Study: You might be asked to complete a design exercise or present a detailed case study from your portfolio, focusing on how you solved a specific user problem, your design decisions, and the outcomes.
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Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Behavioral questions assessing your teamwork, communication skills, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit within HENSOLDT. Questions about your experience with corporate design and collaboration will be key.
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Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss your strategic vision and long-term potential.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent the required skills (UI/UX for desktop/web, style guides, prototyping).
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Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, your rationale for key decisions, and the impact or outcome. Use visuals effectively.
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Highlight Process: Emphasize your problem-solving approach, how you incorporated user feedback, and how you collaborated with stakeholders.
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Demonstrate Versatility: Include examples of both UI design (visuals, layout) and UX design (user flows, interaction concepts, validation). Show your ability to create and adhere to style guides.
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Tailor to HENSOLDT: If possible, subtly reference how your skills align with the needs of a defense technology company, such as focus on clarity, precision, and robustness.
Challenge Preparation:
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Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with HENSOLDT's products and the general domain of Electronic Warfare. Think about the types of users and their critical tasks.
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Focus on Principles: Prepare to articulate your design process based on established UX/UI principles.
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Practice Presentation: Be ready to present your portfolio and any case studies clearly and concisely, focusing on your thought process and decision-making.
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Anticipate Questions: Prepare answers for common questions about your strengths, weaknesses, experience with specific tools, and how you handle design challenges or feedback.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be thorough, focusing heavily on practical design skills and the ability to integrate into a professional engineering environment. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for making a strong impression.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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UI/UX Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.
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Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools that allow for interactive simulations and user flow visualization.
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Style Guide/Design System Tools: Familiarity with creating and managing design systems or style guides, potentially using tools like Zeplin, Storybook, or internal HENSOLDT platforms.
Analytics & Reporting:
CRM & Automation:
Development Integration:
- Frontend Frameworks: Experience or at least strong familiarity with frontend development concepts and languages, particularly React, as mentioned in the preferred skills, is highly advantageous for effective collaboration with developers and for understanding technical constraints.
π Enhancement Note: The core requirement is proficiency in design and prototyping tools. Familiarity with React is a significant plus, indicating a desire for designers who can bridge the gap between design and development more effectively.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Precision and Reliability: Given the defense industry context, a strong emphasis on accuracy, meticulous detail, and delivering dependable solutions is paramount.
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Innovation: While rooted in established technologies, HENSOLDT values innovation and the development of cutting-edge solutions to meet evolving security challenges.
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Collaboration and Teamwork: Success in complex projects requires seamless cooperation across diverse teams (engineering, product management, design), fostering a supportive and communicative environment.
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Quality and Excellence: A commitment to high standards in all aspects of work, from design to implementation, ensuring the highest quality of products.
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Integrity and Responsibility: Operating with strong ethical principles and a sense of responsibility for the critical nature of their technology.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-functional Integration: The UI/UX Designer will work closely with software engineers, product owners, and potentially subject matter experts in electronic warfare. This requires clear communication and a willingness to understand different perspectives.
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Iterative Design Process: Expect a collaborative feedback loop where designs are presented, reviewed, and iterated upon based on input from various stakeholders.
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Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing best practices, design insights, and lessons learned to collectively improve product quality and team effectiveness.
π Enhancement Note: The culture is likely professional, driven, and focused on delivering critical solutions. Expect a structured yet collaborative approach where technical expertise and attention to detail are highly valued.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Translating Complex Technical Requirements: The primary challenge will be to translate intricate electronic warfare system functionalities into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. This requires deep understanding and effective communication with technical experts.
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Balancing Usability with Security/Performance: In defense applications, usability must be balanced with stringent security requirements and the need for high performance, which can sometimes create design constraints.
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Adhering to Standards and Corporate Design: Consistently applying established standards and corporate design guidelines across a range of applications while still innovating can be a delicate balance.
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Keeping Pace with Evolving Technology: The defense sector is dynamic; staying updated with both UI/UX trends and advancements in electronic warfare technology is crucial.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Domain Expertise: Opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge of electronic warfare systems and their operational context, enhancing design relevance.
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Design System Development: Lead or contribute significantly to the evolution of HENSOLDT's design system, establishing best practices for future projects.
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Advanced UI/UX Techniques: Training and application of cutting-edge UI/UX methodologies, including advanced prototyping, user research, and accessibility best practices.
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Cross-disciplinary Exposure: Learning about software architecture, frontend development, and system integration to foster better collaboration and more informed design decisions.
π Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for growth by tackling complex technical challenges and contributing to high-impact defense solutions. The learning curve involves both design craft and domain-specific knowledge.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe your process for designing a user interface for a complex technical system. How do you ensure usability and efficiency?" (Focus on your structured approach, user-centricity, and iterative methods.)
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"How do you balance adhering to corporate design guidelines with creating innovative and user-friendly interfaces?" (Discuss your understanding of brand consistency and your methods for creative problem-solving within constraints.)
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you about working for HENSOLDT and in the defense technology sector?" (Research HENSOLDT's mission, values, and current projects. Connect your passion for design to impactful technology.)
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"How do you approach collaboration with engineers and product managers who may have different priorities?" (Emphasize your communication skills, empathy, and ability to find common ground to achieve project goals.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Prioritize Relevance: Select projects that best showcase UI/UX for desktop/web applications, style guide creation, and prototyping.
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Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role, your design process (ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, iteration), key decisions, and the results achieved.
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Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you worked with stakeholders, developers, or product owners.
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Showcase Technical Understanding: If you have frontend experience (like React), mention how it informed your design decisions or facilitated collaboration.
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Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, tools used, and how you handled specific challenges.
π Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily scrutinize your practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and your capacity to integrate into a professional, technical environment. A well-rehearsed portfolio presentation is key.
π Application Steps
To apply for this User Experience and User Interface Designer position:
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Submit your application through the HENSOLDT careers portal, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
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Tailor your CV: Highlight experience in UI/UX design, prototyping, styleguide development, and any relevant technical skills like React. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Improved user task completion time by X%").
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Curate your Portfolio: Select your strongest 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your UI/UX design capabilities for desktop/web applications. Ensure it includes wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and examples of style guides or design systems.
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Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and collaborative experience. Be ready to articulate your rationale for design decisions.
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Research HENSOLDT: Understand the company's mission, products, and values, particularly within the defense technology sector, and consider how your design philosophy aligns with their goals.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Requires a degree in Interaction Design, UI/UX, Media, or Communication Design with several years of practical experience in creating designs for desktop and web applications. Proficiency in German is required, and experience with frontend programming like React is desirable.