User Interface Designer III

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Interface Designer III

Company: JPL/NASA

Location: Pasadena, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Human-Centered Design / User Experience Design

Date Posted: September 10, 2026

Experience Level: 4-6 years (depending on degree)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, develop, and refine user interfaces and workflows for critical NASA mission operations and scientific data analysis applications.

• Conduct comprehensive UX research, including user needs discovery, use case identification, and validation of design solutions.

• Collaborate with diverse engineering and science teams to integrate human-centered design principles into Web, AR, and VR applications.

• Drive adoption of new technologies and processes through effective change management, training, and internal communication strategies.

• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for innovative data science and AI tools supporting space exploration missions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within JPL's Data Science and AI Section, specifically the Human-Centered Design Group, indicating a focus on translating complex scientific and operational needs into intuitive, user-friendly digital experiences. The emphasis on "wicked problems" and the integration of AI/data science suggests a need for designers who can tackle highly complex, ill-defined challenges.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead requirements discovery, refinement, and validation processes for new software features and system enhancements.

• Identify and communicate novel use cases for emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR within mission operations and scientific research contexts.

• Design intuitive interactions and user interfaces for web-based, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) applications.

• Develop and optimize human workflows and operational procedures to enhance efficiency and user experience.

• Provide direct support, onboarding, and continuous improvement guidance to new and existing users of JPL's advanced tools.

• Demonstrate product capabilities to diverse teams, fostering adoption and driving continuous improvement based on user feedback.

• Execute information architecture, service design, and operations testing to ensure seamless integration and usability.

• Educate partners on the appropriate and ethical application of AI and data science within their specific domains.

• Develop and implement change management plans to facilitate the seamless adoption of new operating methods by expert users.

• Design and deliver clear, effective training programs and content tailored to specialized audiences.

• Create and distribute internal communications materials that explain complex technical concepts to various stakeholder groups.

• Independently define the core problem to be solved for specific missions or projects, ensuring alignment with operational objectives.

• Design and execute research studies, ranging from short-term investigations to long-term analyses, to address key user questions.

• Develop comprehensive research materials, including interview scripts and low-fidelity prototypes, to guide user studies.

• Conduct user research on existing tools, workflows, behaviors, and feature requirements, collaborating with colleagues as needed.

• Identify unmet user needs and translate them into actionable development opportunities for the design and engineering teams.

• Assist in prioritizing development efforts and defining the product roadmap based on user research and strategic goals.

• Synthesize and present research findings, design concepts, and recommendations clearly and concisely to the project team and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on both user interface design (UI) and user experience design (UX), encompassing the full design lifecycle from discovery and research to implementation and adoption. The inclusion of AI ethics, AR/VR, and change management indicates a forward-looking role requiring a broad and adaptable skillset.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Master's degree in a similar discipline is preferred.

• PhD in a similar discipline may be considered. Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of related work experience with a Bachelor's degree.

• Minimum of 4 years of related work experience with a Master's degree.

• Minimum of 2 years of related work experience with a PhD. Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in UX research methodologies, with specific experience in research for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications.

• Deep understanding of Web, AR, and VR design best practices and principles.

• Foundational knowledge of AI ethical implications, common uses, underlying technologies, and potential applications.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct research studies, organize and moderate individual and group research sessions effectively.

• Strong grasp of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques for research insights.

• Proficient in storyboarding, wireframing, mockup creation, and prototyping tools for design visualization.

• Familiarity with Agile Scrum practices and development philosophies.

• Experience with front-end development skills for prototyping and production purposes.

• Excellent organizational, communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and collaboration skills.

• Ability to define and solve complex problems using established design methodologies. Preferred Skills:

• Experience creating AI-driven science interpretation applications, agents, or related technologies.

• Proven experience in designing and implementing effective training programs or content, with a strong understanding of didactic methodologies.

• A robust portfolio showcasing a strong human-centered approach to design, heavily grounded in research findings.

• Ability to communicate complex information in clear, simple, and visually compelling ways.

• Experience with change management planning and processes to support user adoption of new technologies.

• Knowledge of information architecture and service design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are tiered based on educational attainment, suggesting that advanced degrees can substitute for a portion of the required professional experience. The emphasis on a portfolio that demonstrates research-backed, human-centered design is critical for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, demonstrating a strong human-centered design approach grounded in thorough research.

• Showcase case studies that detail the problem definition, research methodology (quantitative and qualitative), user insights, and design solutions.

• Include examples of wireframes, mockups, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs for web, AR, and VR applications.

• Present evidence of user testing and validation, detailing how feedback influenced design iterations and improvements.

• Highlight projects where you identified unmet user needs and translated them into actionable product development opportunities.

• Demonstrate experience in designing for complex systems, such as those used in mission operations or scientific data interpretation.

• Include examples of how you have educated stakeholders on the appropriate uses of AI and data science. Process Documentation:

• Documented experience in designing and implementing clear training programs and content, showcasing an understanding of didactic methodologies.

• Evidence of developing and executing change management plans to facilitate user adoption of new operating procedures.

• Examples of internal communications products designed to explain complex technical concepts to specialized audiences.

• Showcase experience in information architecture, service design, and operations testing protocols.

• Demonstrate the ability to define and refine requirements through collaborative processes with diverse teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are heavily weighted towards demonstrating a research-driven, human-centered design process. Applicants must be prepared to articulate their methodology, decision-making rationale, and the impact of their designs, particularly in complex, mission-critical environments.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated hiring range for this position in Pasadena, California, is $140,088 - $177,736 annually.

• This range is based on the full-time equivalent (FTE) annual salary.

• Actual compensation offered will consider factors such as the candidate's job-related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Wellbeing programs designed to support employee health and work-life balance.

• Robust retirement plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

• Commuting assistance through rideshare programs.

• Childcare support services.

• Flexible work schedule options.

• Parental leave benefits.

• Other unique perks and benefits are available, contributing to a positive work-life balance. Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexible schedule options are available, supporting work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior-level User Interface Designer role in a high-cost-of-living area like Pasadena, especially within a prestigious organization like JPL/NASA. The comprehensive benefits package further enhances the overall compensation, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, Research & Development, Space Exploration, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence.

Company Size: JPL is a large organization, employing thousands of individuals, which allows for diverse career paths and extensive resources.

Founded: Jet Propulsion Laboratory was founded in 1936, with a long and distinguished history of scientific discovery and technological innovation for NASA.

Team Structure:

• The Human-Centered Design Group is part of the Data Science and AI Section, which is within a larger section structure at JPL.

• This group likely consists of UX designers, researchers, and potentially UI developers, working collaboratively.

• Reporting structure likely involves a lead designer or manager within the Human-Centered Design Group, who reports up through the Data Science and AI Section leadership.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close partnerships with mission operations engineers, scientists, software developers, and project managers across various NASA missions. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, leveraging both quantitative and qualitative research to inform design choices.

• A strong emphasis on human-centered design principles ensures that user needs and mission objectives are at the forefront of all development efforts.

• Agile Scrum methodologies are practiced, promoting iterative development, flexibility, and continuous improvement.

• Focus on designing for complex, mission-critical systems requires rigorous testing, validation, and attention to detail.

• Integration of AI and data science technologies into user experiences is a key area of focus, requiring designers to understand and communicate these complex concepts.

Company Website: https://www.jpl.jobs

📝 Enhancement Note: JPL's culture is deeply rooted in scientific inquiry, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of space exploration. The environment fosters collaboration among highly specialized professionals, encouraging the pursuit of ambitious goals ("Dare Mighty Things"). The integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI, AR, and VR into user experience design reflects JPL's commitment to advancing scientific and operational capabilities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This User Interface Designer III role represents a senior-level position within the design discipline at JPL. It signifies a level of expertise where individuals are expected to lead design initiatives, mentor junior colleagues, and independently manage complex design challenges. The scope includes not only UI design but also deep involvement in UX research, process design, and strategic adoption of new technologies.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a leader within the Human-Centered Design Group, which is part of the Data Science and AI Section. This structure implies a direct line to design leadership and opportunities for interaction with AI and data science specialists, as well as engineers and scientists on various mission projects.

Operations Impact: The work directly impacts the success of NASA's space exploration missions. By designing intuitive and efficient interfaces and workflows, this role enables mission operations engineers to command spacecraft accurately and scientists to analyze critical data effectively. Improved user experience leads to reduced errors, increased efficiency, faster decision-making, and ultimately, more successful mission outcomes. The integration of AI/data science tools has the potential to revolutionize scientific discovery and operational capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as AR/VR design for space operations, AI-driven data interpretation interfaces, or advanced UX research techniques for complex systems.

• Leadership: Advance into roles such as Lead User Experience Designer, Design Manager, or Principal Designer, taking on greater responsibility for team direction and project strategy.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to cutting-edge AI and data science research, contributing to the unique intersection of design and advanced technology development.

• Mentorship: Mentor junior designers and researchers, sharing knowledge and best practices in human-centered design and operations.

• Project Variety: Work on diverse NASA missions, from planetary exploration to Earth science, providing a broad range of design challenges and learning experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within a highly specialized and impactful field. The opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies for space exploration provides a unique career trajectory that combines technical design skills with scientific application and potential leadership development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: JPL operates with a campus-like environment, fostering a collaborative and innovative atmosphere. While the role is primarily on-site, the culture encourages interaction and knowledge sharing.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Pasadena, California. JPL's campus is situated in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, offering a unique and inspiring setting. Specific team locations within the campus would be department-dependent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration, with opportunities for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and informal discussions with colleagues from diverse scientific and engineering backgrounds.

• Tools and Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design tools, software, and hardware, including capabilities for AR/VR development and testing, will be available to support the design process.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the Human-Centered Design Group, Data Science and AI Section, and project teams is integral to the role, promoting a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, with the availability of flexible scheduling options to support work-life balance. This flexibility can be beneficial for deep-focus design work or accommodating specific project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment at JPL is characterized by its unique setting and a culture that prioritizes collaboration and innovation. The physical workspace and available resources are designed to support the development of advanced technologies for space exploration, making it an ideal environment for designers passionate about impactful work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials, including resume and portfolio, to assess qualifications against the job requirements.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: A dedicated session, likely with design leads or senior team members, to thoroughly review the candidate's portfolio. Expect detailed questions about design process, research methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of past projects.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Interviews designed to assess collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, communication style, and how candidates handle specific workplace scenarios. Questions may focus on past experiences with complex projects, stakeholder management, and adapting to challenges.

• Team/Cultural Fit: Opportunities to meet with potential team members and understand the team dynamics and JPL's overall culture. This stage assesses how well the candidate aligns with the organization's values and collaborative style.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, possibly with senior leadership, to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm alignment with the role's strategic objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your human-centered design process, research capabilities, and experience with complex problems or relevant technologies (AI, AR/VR).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the research methods used, key insights derived, design decisions made, the solutions developed, and the measurable impact or outcomes. Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows) to support your narrative.

• Highlight Research: Emphasize how research informed your design decisions. Detail your methodologies (user interviews, usability testing, surveys, etc.) and how you synthesized findings.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Showcase how you tackled "wicked problems" or complex operational challenges. Explain your thought process and how you navigated ambiguity.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, provide metrics or evidence of the positive impact your designs had on users, operations, or business objectives.

• Tailor to JPL: Consider projects that align with JPL's mission (space exploration, scientific data analysis, complex systems) or demonstrate experience with relevant technologies (AI, AR/VR).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a potential design exercise or case study. This could involve analyzing a problem statement, proposing research methods, sketching initial concepts, or outlining a design strategy within a given timeframe.

• AI/Data Science Context: Familiarize yourself with common AI and data science applications in research and operations, and consider how user experience can enhance their utility and ethical application.

• Communication: Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, especially when explaining complex technical or operational concepts to diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at JPL is likely rigorous, emphasizing not only design skills but also research methodology, problem-solving acumen, and the ability to integrate complex technologies into user-centric solutions. A well-prepared and targeted portfolio is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP, or similar for wireframing, mockups, and interactive prototyping.

• Research Tools: Experience with tools for user surveys, interviews, usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), and data analysis software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, Python for qualitative/quantitative analysis).

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams for project management, documentation, and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) and potentially specialized tools for AR/VR analytics.

• Ability to interpret data from research studies and user feedback to inform design iterations.

• Skills in creating dashboards or reports to communicate UX findings and recommendations. CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this UI/UX role, understanding how user interfaces interact with underlying systems (like mission control software or data repositories) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with Agile development workflows and how design integrates into the software development lifecycle. Emerging Technologies:

• Specific tools and SDKs for AR/VR development (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine, ARKit, ARCore) may be relevant for prototyping or understanding technical constraints.

• Tools or platforms for working with AI models and understanding their output for integration into user interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements are not detailed, proficiency in standard UX/UI design and research tools is expected. The role's context suggests a need for adaptability and willingness to learn new tools, particularly those related to AR/VR development and AI integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Innovation: A commitment to pushing boundaries, seeking novel solutions, and achieving the highest standards in scientific discovery and technological development.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support among diverse specialists to achieve common goals.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards in research, data handling, and project execution, with a clear sense of responsibility for outcomes.

• Curiosity & Discovery: Fostering a culture of continuous learning, asking profound questions, and pursuing answers that expand human knowledge and capabilities.

• Mission Focus: Dedication to the overarching goals of NASA's space exploration missions, ensuring that all work contributes to advancing scientific understanding and technological prowess.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design is deeply integrated with engineering, science, and operations teams. Expect active participation in team meetings, design reviews, and collaborative problem-solving sessions with individuals from varied disciplines.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Discussions are often grounded in data and research findings, encouraging evidence-based decision-making and constructive feedback.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing expertise, best practices, and lessons learned across teams and projects, often through presentations, documentation, and informal exchanges.

• Iterative Improvement: A willingness to iterate on designs based on feedback and testing, embracing a continuous improvement mindset within project lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: JPL's culture values individuals who are not only technically skilled but also passionate about NASA's mission, possess strong collaborative abilities, and are driven by a desire for discovery and innovation. The emphasis on integrity and accountability is critical given the nature of the work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Problems: Tackling "wicked problems" in space exploration and scientific research requires navigating significant ambiguity, technical constraints, and diverse stakeholder needs.

• Integrating Cutting-Edge Tech: Designing intuitive user experiences for novel technologies like AI, AR, and VR, especially for expert users in critical operations, presents unique design and usability hurdles.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the requirements and expectations of various stakeholders, including scientists, engineers, mission planners, and management, necessitates strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Adoption of New Tools: Driving the adoption of new interfaces and workflows among experienced professionals can be challenging, requiring effective change management and training strategies.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in AI, AR/VR, and data science, and translating these into effective user experiences, demands continuous learning and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on advanced UX research, AR/VR design, AI ethics, and specific domain knowledge relevant to space missions.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading UX, design, and technology conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship programs, both as a mentee and a mentor, to foster skill development and career growth.

• Cross-Functional Projects: Engaging in diverse projects across different NASA missions and scientific disciplines provides broad exposure and diverse learning experiences.

• Internal Workshops & Seminars: Regular opportunities to learn from internal experts in fields like data science, AI, and engineering, fostering interdisciplinary understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are significant but also offer immense opportunities for professional growth. By overcoming complex design problems and mastering new technologies, designers at JPL can develop highly sought-after expertise at the forefront of innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to define the 'real problem' for a user or stakeholder. How did you ensure you were solving the right issue?" (Focus on your discovery and validation process.)

• "How would you approach designing an interface for scientists analyzing complex remote sensing data, considering AI-driven interpretation tools?" (Prepare to discuss research methods, information architecture, and potential AI integration.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to manage conflicting requirements from different stakeholder groups. How did you prioritize and reach a consensus?" (Highlight your collaboration, negotiation, and prioritization skills.)

• "How do you educate partners or users on the appropriate uses and limitations of AI or complex technologies?" (Prepare examples of training or communication strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about JPL's mission and the prospect of designing for space exploration?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with NASA's goals.)

• "How do you approach fostering adoption of new tools or processes among experienced users who may be resistant to change?" (Discuss your change management and onboarding strategies.)

• "Describe your experience working within an Agile Scrum environment. How do you integrate design into the development lifecycle?" (Emphasize collaboration with developers and iterative processes.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the context, your specific role, the problem, your research methodology, key insights, design solutions, and the impact.

• Visuals are Key: Use high-quality visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows, research artifacts) to illustrate your points. Ensure they are easy to understand.

• Focus on Process, Not Just Polish: Be prepared to discuss why you made certain design decisions, linking them back to research findings and user needs.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved task completion time, reduced errors, increased user satisfaction).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect questions that probe into specific details of your projects, your problem-solving approach, and your technical skills.

• Engage Your Audience: Present with enthusiasm and clarity. Be prepared to answer questions and engage in a discussion about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a robust, research-driven design process, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. Tailoring examples to JPL's mission and the role's specific focus on AI, AR/VR, and operational efficiency will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Interface Designer III position:

• Submit your application through the official JPL Careers portal at https://www.jpl.jobs.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate and finalize your design portfolio to highlight 3-5 of your most relevant projects. Ensure each project clearly demonstrates your human-centered design process, research methodologies, problem-solving skills, and impact, with a focus on complex systems or emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords and experiences directly related to User Interface Design, User Experience Research, Human-Centered Design, AR/VR design, AI applications, and Agile methodologies, aligning with the job description's requirements.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on articulating your design rationale, research insights, and the measurable outcomes of your work. Prepare for behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and adapting to complex challenges.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research JPL's mission, current projects, and its unique culture. Understand their commitment to innovation, space exploration, and the application of advanced technologies like AI and data science.

⚠️ 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.