UX & Digital Product Specialist - IoT (f/m/d)

Airbus
Full-timeβ€’Toulouse, France

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: UX & Digital Product Specialist - IoT (f/m/d)

Company: Airbus Operations GmbH

Location: Hamburg - Finkenwerder, Germany

Job Type: Full time

Category: Digital Product Management & UX Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-07

Experience Level: Professional (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Drive digital transformation initiatives by defining and evangelizing UX vision and strategy for IoT, Mixed Reality, and Connected Aircraft Platforms.

  • Lead business development efforts, identifying and qualifying new opportunities and defining go-to-market strategies across Airbus Commercial Aircraft divisions.

  • Manage and mentor a team of UX/UI designers, ensuring alignment with user-centered design principles and efficient workload distribution.

  • Oversee project management activities, including budget planning, risk management, and stakeholder reporting, to ensure successful product delivery and continuous process improvement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the "Aircraft Immersive & Connected platforms Product Service Line (PSL)" and focuses on leveraging IoT and digital technologies to optimize industrial operations. The emphasis on "digital transformation," "user-centered design," and "business development" indicates a strategic, operations-aligned function that bridges product development with market deployment. The role requires a strong understanding of both technical product lifecycle management and the commercial aspects of bringing digital solutions to market within a large enterprise.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute comprehensive UX vision and strategy across the Digital, Immersive, and IoT (DII) portfolio, ensuring alignment with user needs and business objectives.

  • Spearhead business development activities, including market research, opportunity identification, qualification, and the creation of robust go-to-market strategies for new digital products and services.

  • Translate complex business requirements into intuitive and user-friendly design solutions that meet customer expectations and enhance operational efficiency.

  • Lead, mentor, and coordinate a team of UX/UI designers, overseeing workload allocation, conducting design reviews, and fostering professional development.

  • Establish and optimize demand management and use-case assessment processes to effectively promote and integrate DII products and services across Airbus.

  • Manage key project management functions such as budget planning, risk assessment, customer engagement, and comprehensive stakeholder reporting.

  • Champion continuous process improvement initiatives and foster a culture of change through collaborative, best-practice methodologies, promoting efficiency and innovation.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product leadership, business acumen, and team management. The mention of "demand management and use-case assessment processes" and "continuous improvement of processes" points directly to operations-focused activities. The role is expected to not only design and develop but also to strategically position and operationalize digital products within the Airbus ecosystem, requiring strong process orientation and strategic planning skills.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience: A solid track record in User Experience (UX) with demonstrated experience in leading or coordinating UX/UI design or digital product teams. Proven experience in business development, including prospecting, funnel management, and customer-centric strategies.

Required Skills:

  • User Experience (UX) Strategy: Ability to define and evangelize UX vision, aligning user needs with business goals.

  • Digital Product Management: Experience in managing digital products, from ideation through to go-to-market.

  • Business Development & Go-to-Market Strategy: Skills in identifying opportunities, developing market entry strategies, and managing sales funnels.

  • Team Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and coordinate design teams, fostering professional growth.

  • Project Management: Experience in planning, executing, and overseeing projects, including budget management and risk assessment.

  • Stakeholder Management & Communication: Excellent skills in engaging with stakeholders at various levels, reporting progress, and negotiating effectively.

  • Process Optimization: Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement in processes and workflows.

  • English Proficiency: High proficiency in written and spoken English.

Preferred Skills:

  • UX/UI Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge and practical application of UX/UI design principles and methodologies.

  • IoT & Connected Platforms: Familiarity with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and connected aircraft platforms.

  • JIRA Proficiency: Experience utilizing JIRA for project tracking, workflow management, and collaboration.

  • French Language Skills: Proficiency in French is considered a strong asset.

  • Airbus LBIP Project Lifecycle: Knowledge of Airbus's internal project lifecycle management processes.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Master's degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or a related field" and "solid track record in User Experience (UX)" combined with "business development" and "project management" skills positions this as a hybrid role. It requires not just design thinking but also strategic commercialization and operational execution capabilities, typical of senior product roles in large technology-driven organizations. The "Airbus LBIP project lifecycle" is a specific internal process that candidates with aerospace or large enterprise project experience might possess.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • UX Strategy & Vision: Showcase examples of defining and articulating UX strategies for digital products, demonstrating alignment with business goals and user needs.

  • Business Development Case Studies: Present instances where you identified new business opportunities, developed go-to-market plans, and achieved commercial success.

  • Product Lifecycle Management: Illustrate your involvement in managing digital products through their entire lifecycle, from conception to deployment and optimization.

  • Team Leadership & Collaboration: Provide evidence of leading design teams, managing workloads, and fostering collaborative environments, ideally with examples of mentoring junior designers.

  • Process Improvement Initiatives: Document specific projects where you identified inefficiencies and implemented process improvements to enhance operational workflows or product delivery.

Process Documentation:

  • Demand Management & Use-Case Assessment: Demonstrate experience in creating frameworks or processes for evaluating and prioritizing new product demands and use cases.

  • Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase examples of designing and optimizing workflows for digital product development, design reviews, or go-to-market execution.

  • Stakeholder Reporting & Communication: Include examples of reporting structures and communication plans for keeping stakeholders informed about project progress, risks, and outcomes.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio should not just showcase design work but also strategic thinking, business impact, and process management. Candidates are expected to demonstrate how they translate strategic vision into actionable plans and how they manage both people and processes to achieve tangible results within a complex organizational structure like Airbus.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for similar professional roles in Hamburg, Germany, with 5-10 years of experience in UX/Digital Product Management and Business Development, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between €70,000 and €95,000 annually. This range accounts for the specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, and the prestige of working for a major aerospace company like Airbus.

Benefits:

  • Attractive salary and special payments.

  • 30 days paid vacation and additional days off for special occasions, providing ample rest and work-life balance.

  • Excellent upskilling opportunities and significant international, group-wide development prospects, supporting continuous professional growth.

  • Special benefits including an employer-funded pension plan, employee stock options, discounted car leasing, special insurance conditions, and a transportation subsidy, enhancing overall financial well-being.

  • On-site facilities such as a kindergarten, medical officer for health services, and convenient canteen and cafeteria options, supporting employee well-being and daily convenience.

  • Compatibility of family and work through job sharing, part-time models, flexible working hours, and individual timeout options, promoting a sustainable work-life integration.

  • Working in a diverse environment with over 140 nationalities, fostering an inclusive and globally-minded workplace.

Working Hours: Standard full-time employment, likely around 40 hours per week, with provisions for flexible working hours to support work-life balance and individual needs where possible.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on the provided experience level (Professional, 5-10 years), location (Hamburg, Germany), and the nature of the role (specialized digital product management with leadership and business development). The benefits listed are directly extracted from the job description and are typical for large, established multinational corporations, offering comprehensive support beyond base compensation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace and Aviation. Airbus is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and servicing aerospace products, with a significant focus on digital transformation to enhance its operations and offerings.

Company Size: Airbus is a multinational corporation with a vast global presence, employing tens of thousands of individuals across numerous countries. This large scale implies a structured environment with opportunities for diverse career paths and cross-functional collaboration.

Founded: 1970. With a long history, Airbus has established a strong reputation for innovation and reliability in the aerospace sector, continually adapting to technological advancements and market demands.

Team Structure:

  • The role is part of the "Aircraft Immersive & Connected platforms Product Service Line (PSL)." This suggests a dedicated team focused on developing and deploying advanced digital solutions for aircraft.

  • The team is international, with members based in Toulouse (France), Hamburg (Germany), and Bengaluru (India), indicating a need for strong cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.

  • The specific team structure within the PSL likely involves product managers, UX designers, developers, and business analysts, with this role acting as a key leader for UX and digital product strategy. Methodology:

  • User-Centered Design: A core methodology is emphasized, ensuring that user needs and expectations are at the forefront of product development.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated for this role, the broader context of "unlocking the full potential of data" and "digital transformation" implies a strong reliance on data analytics to inform strategy and product development.

  • Agile & Collaborative Development: The mention of "collaborative, best-practice methodologies" and an "international team" suggests an agile or hybrid approach to project management, fostering teamwork and iterative development.

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

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Airbus as a leader in aerospace undergoing significant digital transformation. The "Aircraft Immersive & Connected platforms PSL" indicates a strategic focus on future technologies like IoT and Mixed Reality. The international team structure is a critical factor for collaboration and requires strong communication skills. The emphasis on user-centered design and data aligns with modern product development practices.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Professional" and is likely mid-to-senior level, requiring 5-10 years of experience. It involves leadership responsibilities for a specific product line's UX and digital strategy, including team management and business development. This level is crucial for bridging strategic vision with operational execution.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the leadership of the "Aircraft Immersive & Connected platforms Product Service Line (PSL)." The team managed by this specialist is comprised of UX/UI designers. Collaboration will be extensive with other departments within Airbus Commercial Aircraft, divisions, and subsidiaries, as well as potentially external partners.

Operations Impact: The specialist is expected to drive business development and lead UX strategy for platforms like IoT and Connected Aircraft. The impact is significant: optimizing industrial operations, delivering innovative products, and contributing to Airbus's overall digital transformation and competitive edge in the aerospace market through enhanced product offerings and operational efficiencies.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into higher leadership positions within the PSL or other digital product lines, managing larger teams and broader portfolios.

  • Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in cutting-edge areas like IoT, Mixed Reality, and Connected Aircraft technologies within a leading aerospace company.

  • Cross-Functional Mobility: Prospects to move into strategic roles in business development, product strategy, or program management across different Airbus divisions.

  • Continuous Learning: Access to Airbus's extensive "upskilling opportunities and great international, group wide development prospects" supports ongoing skill enhancement and career diversification.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, innovative organization. The combination of leadership, strategic product management, and business development provides a strong foundation for future growth, either in specialized product areas or broader management roles. The emphasis on continuous learning is a key enabler for long-term career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Airbus's largest production site for civil aircraft in Hamburg - Finkenwerder. This implies a large, complex, and well-established industrial and corporate campus environment. The site's location on the Elbe riverfront offers unique commuting options like ferry access.

Office Location(s): Primarily Hamburg - Finkenwerder, Germany. The job description also mentions an international team based across Toulouse and Bengaluru, suggesting potential for virtual collaboration or occasional travel.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The international team structure and emphasis on collaborative methodologies suggest a dynamic workspace where cross-cultural teamwork is encouraged.

  • Innovation Hub: Working on cutting-edge digital products like IoT and Mixed Reality platforms indicates an environment that fosters innovation and forward-thinking solutions.

  • Integrated Facilities: The presence of on-site facilities like a kindergarten, medical services, canteen, and cafeteria contributes to a supportive and convenient working environment designed to enhance employee well-being and productivity.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time employment is indicated, with the added benefit of "flexible working hours" and "compatibility of family & work" options such as job sharing and part-time models. This offers a degree of autonomy and work-life integration, which can be beneficial for deep analytical work or managing personal commitments.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The work environment at Airbus Hamburg is described as a blend of a large industrial campus with modern corporate amenities and a forward-looking focus on digital innovation. The flexibility in working hours, coupled with on-site support facilities, aims to create a productive and employee-centric atmosphere.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of your CV, motivation letter, salary expectations, and potential start date. Emphasis will be placed on matching your experience with the core requirements.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your background, leadership experience, understanding of UX strategy, business development acumen, and project management capabilities. Be prepared to articulate your approach to managing teams and driving product initiatives.

  • Team/Panel Interview: May involve meeting with potential team members or cross-functional stakeholders. This assesses your collaborative style, communication skills, and cultural fit within the international team and Airbus environment.

  • Case Study/Presentation: A common step for roles like this. You may be asked to present a portfolio piece or a hypothetical scenario related to UX strategy, business development for a digital product, or process improvement. Prepare to discuss your thought process, methodology, and anticipated outcomes.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level executive, focusing on strategic vision, long-term career aspirations, and overall fit with Airbus's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Showcase Strategic Impact: Beyond design aesthetics, highlight how your UX strategies and digital product initiatives led to tangible business outcomes, process improvements, or enhanced user adoption.

  • Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects. For instance, improvements in user satisfaction scores, efficiency gains, or revenue growth attributed to your work.

  • Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of how you've led teams, mentored designers, or influenced cross-functional stakeholders. Your portfolio should reflect your ability to manage and inspire.

  • Process & Methodology Focus: Detail your approach to demand management, use-case assessment, and process optimization. Explain the frameworks you've used and their impact.

  • Tailor to Airbus: Research Airbus's current digital initiatives and challenges. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your skills and experience directly address their needs in IoT, Connected Aircraft, and digital transformation.

Challenge Preparation:

  • UX Strategy for Aerospace: Be ready to discuss how UX principles can be applied to complex industrial environments like aerospace, focusing on safety, efficiency, and user adoption.

  • IoT Product Commercialization: Prepare to outline a strategy for bringing an IoT product to market within a large enterprise, considering stakeholders, integration challenges, and value proposition.

  • Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about leading diverse, international teams, resolving design conflicts, and fostering a collaborative environment.

  • Process Improvement Case Study: Be prepared to walk through a past project where you improved a process, detailing the problem, your solution, and the measurable results.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The application process at a company like Airbus is likely rigorous, emphasizing both technical expertise and strategic/operational capabilities. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates impact, leadership, and process orientation will be crucial for success. Preparing for case studies related to the aerospace industry and digital product commercialization is highly recommended.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • UX/UI Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.

  • Project Management & Collaboration Tools: Experience with tools like JIRA (explicitly mentioned as a plus), Asana, Trello, or similar for task management, workflow tracking, and team coordination.

  • Business Development & CRM Tools: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) for managing customer relationships, sales funnels, and prospecting activities.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Web/Product Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar to track user behavior, product performance, and gather insights for optimization.

  • Data Visualization Tools: Ability to use tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar to create dashboards and reports for stakeholders, communicating key performance indicators (KPIs) and insights effectively.

CRM & Automation:

  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): As mentioned, proficiency in CRM systems is valuable for understanding customer needs and managing business development efforts.

  • Workflow Automation: While not explicitly stated, an understanding of workflow automation principles and tools could be beneficial for optimizing internal processes and product delivery pipelines.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects a blend of design, project management, and business operations tools. Proficiency in JIRA is noted as a significant plus, indicating its importance within Airbus's project management framework. A strong understanding of analytics and reporting tools is essential for demonstrating the impact of UX and digital products.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A fundamental value, ensuring that all digital products and UX strategies are designed with the end-user (internal or external) at the core.

  • Innovation & Digital Transformation: A strong drive to embrace new technologies (IoT, Mixed Reality) and push the boundaries of digital solutions to modernize operations.

  • Collaboration & Inclusivity: Working effectively in a diverse, international team, valuing different perspectives and fostering an environment where every voice is heard.

  • Excellence & Continuous Improvement: A commitment to high standards in product development, process efficiency, and ongoing learning to achieve optimal results.

  • Integrity & Responsibility: Adhering to ethical standards and acting with integrity, crucial for maintaining Airbus's reputation and sustainable growth.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with various departments across Airbus Commercial Aircraft, divisions, and subsidiaries to define strategies and integrate products.

  • International Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues in Toulouse and Bengaluru necessitates strong remote collaboration skills, clear communication, and cultural sensitivity.

  • Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on processes and methodologies to drive continuous improvement and efficiency gains.

  • Knowledge Sharing: An environment that promotes sharing best practices, insights, and learnings across teams to elevate the collective expertise in digital product development and UX.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The team culture at Airbus, particularly within innovative divisions like the PSL, likely emphasizes a blend of aerospace industry rigor with modern tech company values. Collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to user satisfaction are key drivers, supported by a diverse and international workforce.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Navigating a Large Corporate Structure: Adapting to and influencing processes within a vast, established organization like Airbus can be challenging, requiring strong stakeholder management and change advocacy skills.

  • Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Introducing cutting-edge technologies like IoT and Mixed Reality in an industrial context requires balancing visionary goals with practical implementation constraints, safety standards, and existing infrastructure.

  • International Team Coordination: Effectively leading and coordinating an international team across different time zones and cultures demands exceptional communication, empathy, and project management skills.

  • Defining and Measuring ROI for UX/IoT: Articulating and quantifying the return on investment for UX initiatives and IoT deployments in an industrial setting can be complex, requiring robust data analysis and clear value proposition development.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in IoT, Mixed Reality, and connected aircraft technologies through internal or external training programs.

  • Leadership Development Programs: Access to Airbus's extensive development prospects for enhancing leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.

  • Cross-Industry Exposure: Potential to gain insights into various facets of the aerospace industry and its digital evolution, broadening your understanding of the business landscape.

  • Mentorship and Networking: Engaging with experienced professionals within Airbus offers valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for career advancement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a leading aerospace company. The challenges are inherent to large-scale digital transformation projects, offering valuable learning experiences in strategy, leadership, and operational execution.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "How would you define and evangelize a UX vision for a new IoT platform within an established aerospace company like Airbus?" (Focus on aligning user needs with business goals, stakeholder buy-in, and communication strategies.)

  • "Describe your approach to business development for digital products in a B2B industrial context. What steps would you take to identify and qualify new opportunities for our Connected Aircraft platforms?" (Emphasize market research, value proposition development, and go-to-market planning.)

  • "Walk us through a time you led a team of designers or product specialists. How did you manage workload, foster collaboration, and ensure the delivery of high-quality outcomes?" (Prepare a specific example demonstrating leadership, mentoring, and project execution.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What do you know about Airbus's digital transformation initiatives, and how does your experience in UX and IoT align with these goals?" (Research Airbus's digital strategy, recent projects, and relevant technologies.)

  • "How would you contribute to fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture within an international team spread across different regions?" (Discuss your experience with cross-cultural communication, remote collaboration tools, and conflict resolution.)

  • "How do you measure the success and ROI of UX design and digital product initiatives, particularly in an industrial setting?" (Be ready to discuss KPIs, user feedback mechanisms, and quantitative/qualitative impact assessment methods.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key achievements, focusing on problem, solution, and measurable results. Use a narrative approach to tell the story of each project.

  • Highlight Process & Strategy: Clearly articulate your thought process, the methodologies you employed (e.g., user research, design thinking, agile), and the strategic rationale behind your decisions.

  • Showcase Leadership & Collaboration: Include examples where you led teams, influenced stakeholders, or collaborated effectively across departments.

  • Quantify Outcomes: Present data and metrics that demonstrate the positive impact of your work on user experience, operational efficiency, or business objectives.

  • Tailor to Airbus: Explicitly link your past projects and skills to the requirements of the UX & Digital Product Specialist role at Airbus, emphasizing relevance to IoT, Connected Aircraft, and aerospace operations.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a strategic mindset, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of both UX principles and business development within a large, complex industry. Case studies and portfolio presentations should clearly link your experience to Airbus's specific needs and challenges in digital transformation.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided application link on the Airbus careers portal.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in UX strategy, digital product management, business development, and team leadership. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your solution, your role, the methodologies used, and the measurable impact. Tailor your presentation to highlight relevance to IoT and aerospace.

  • Optimize Your Resume: Clearly articulate your experience with UX/UI design, digital product lifecycle management, business development, and project management. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX," "IoT," "Digital Transformation," "Go-to-market strategy," and "Project Management." Quantify achievements whenever possible.

  • Prepare Your Motivation Statement: Clearly articulate why you are interested in this specific role at Airbus, how your skills align with the requirements, and what you hope to achieve. Address your salary expectations and potential start date as requested.

  • Research Airbus: Familiarize yourself with Airbus's current digital initiatives, its position in the aerospace market, and its commitment to innovation. Understand the company's values and culture to better articulate your fit.

⚠️ 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

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in a technical field and possess significant experience in UX/UI design and digital product leadership. Strong business development skills and proficiency in project management within an international context are required.