UX Engineer

Ministry Brands
Full-timeGalway, Ireland

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Engineer

Company: Ministry Brands

Location: Galway, Ireland

Job Type: Full time

Category: UX Engineering / Front-End Development

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • Drive the end-to-end design and implementation of user-facing features for a global SaaS platform, blending UX design principles with production-ready code.

  • Collaborate closely with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Software Engineers within an Agile framework to deliver intuitive and high-performance user experiences.

  • Establish and maintain design system standards, build reusable UI component libraries, and ensure a consistent, modern user interface across the product portfolio.

  • Leverage AI-powered development and design tools to enhance productivity, accelerate iteration cycles, and optimize workflows.

  • Champion best practices in accessibility, usability, and inclusive design to create engaging and equitable digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as a "UX Engineer" and an "Individual Contributor" with a focus on being "hands-on" and sitting "at the intersection of user experience design and front-end engineering." This indicates a dual role requiring both strong design sensibility and robust coding skills, specifically within a SaaS environment. The emphasis on AI-powered tools and the Galway R&D hub's focus on AI suggests a forward-thinking approach to product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and develop intuitive, user-centered experiences for both web and mobile applications, translating complex user needs into elegant and functional solutions.

  • Create comprehensive UX deliverables including user journeys, wireframes, interactive prototypes, mock-ups, and high-fidelity UI designs, utilizing Figma or similar tools.

  • Build, maintain, and evolve reusable front-end components using modern JavaScript frameworks, primarily React and TypeScript, adhering to established design system standards.

  • Partner effectively with engineering teams to ensure accurate and consistent implementation of designs, acting as a bridge between design and development.

  • Conduct user research, usability testing, and analyze customer feedback to gather insights for continuous improvement of the user experience and product features.

  • Champion and enforce accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design practices throughout the design and development process.

  • Actively participate in Agile ceremonies (sprint planning, daily stand-ups, retrospectives) and contribute to all phases of the software development lifecycle.

  • Stay abreast of the latest UX trends, emerging technologies, and front-end development best practices, applying them to enhance product offerings.

  • Utilize AI-assisted design and development tools to boost efficiency, explore design variations rapidly, and accelerate time-to-market for new features.

  • Contribute to the maintenance and growth of the company's design system and component library, ensuring consistency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of design (user journeys, wireframes, prototypes) and engineering (building reusable components, partnering with engineers, using React/TypeScript). The explicit mention of "AI-powered development tools" and "AI-native transformation" indicates a significant focus on integrating AI into the workflow. The emphasis on "design system standards" and "component library" points to a need for structured, scalable UI development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Digital Design, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 3+ years of experience in UX Engineering, Front-End Development, Product Design, or a closely related role, with a proven track record of delivering user-centered digital products.

Required Skills:

  • Strong understanding of UX principles, interaction design, information architecture, and visual design.

  • Proficiency in creating wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and high-fidelity designs using Figma or comparable design tools.

  • Robust front-end development experience with React and modern JavaScript/TypeScript.

  • Solid grasp of responsive design principles and modern UI frameworks.

  • Experience working with and contributing to component-based design systems.

  • Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design practices.

  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional Agile teams.

  • Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing both UX design and front-end implementation work. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working on Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) products.

  • Experience with React Native or mobile-first design approaches.

  • Familiarity with design systems such as Material Design or custom enterprise design systems.

  • Experience with Azure DevOps, Git, and CI/CD workflows.

  • Practical experience leveraging AI tools (e.g., Claude Design, Copilot, Figma AI) to enhance design and development processes.

  • Understanding of design tokens, advanced accessibility testing, and front-end performance optimization techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The minimum experience is clearly stated as "3+ years." The preferred qualifications suggest a desire for candidates who can hit the ground running with SaaS products and have experience with modern development workflows (DevOps, Git, CI/CD) and AI tools, which aligns with the company's stated R&D focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A curated portfolio demonstrating a strong blend of UX design thinking and practical front-end implementation skills.

  • Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the technical implementation challenges, and the resulting user experience improvements.

  • Examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mock-ups.

  • Code samples or links to live projects showcasing your proficiency in React and modern JavaScript/TypeScript.

  • Demonstrations of how you've contributed to or maintained design systems and reusable component libraries.

  • Evidence of applying accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles in your work. Process Documentation:

  • Showcase your ability to document user journeys and interaction flows clearly.

  • Provide examples of how you've translated design specifications into functional code, illustrating your understanding of the development lifecycle.

  • Demonstrate experience with Agile methodologies, including participation in sprint planning, iteration, and feedback loops.

  • Highlight how you've incorporated user research and usability testing feedback into iterative design and development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is explicit and crucial. The emphasis is on demonstrating both design and engineering capabilities, with specific mention of case studies, code samples, and design system contributions. This indicates that candidates will be evaluated on their ability to bridge the gap between design and code.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on market research for a UX Engineer with 3+ years of experience in Ireland, particularly in a tech hub like Galway, the estimated annual salary range is between €55,000 and €75,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific skill set, depth of experience, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

  • Hybrid working model, offering flexibility between remote work and office presence in Galway.

  • 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays, providing ample time for rest and personal pursuits.

  • 100% employer-paid private health insurance, extending coverage to dependents for comprehensive family well-being.

  • Dental coverage, contributing to overall health and wellness.

  • Employer-matched pension scheme, supporting long-term financial planning.

  • Income protection and life assurance, offering security for you and your family.

  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and ongoing wellbeing initiatives to support mental and physical health.

  • Career development opportunities through mentorship programs, professional training, and relevant certification support.

  • subsidized gym membership in Galway, promoting an active lifestyle.

  • Annual volunteer day, encouraging community engagement and social responsibility.

  • A positive and collaborative company culture.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on the role, experience level, and location (Galway, Ireland). Standard industry benchmarks for UX Engineers in Ireland with 3+ years of experience were considered. The benefits package is comprehensive and detailed in the job description, highlighting significant employer investment in employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Ministry Brands operates within the Software & Technology sector, specifically focusing on SaaS operational management systems, payments platforms, digital engagement tools, and background screening solutions for purpose-driven organizations. They are a significant player serving over 95,000 customers and have been a trusted partner for over four decades.

Company Size: Ministry Brands is a large organization, indicated by the "95,000 customers" and its status as a "leading provider." The presence of a dedicated R&D hub in Galway suggests a substantial engineering and product development footprint.

Founded: The company has a long history, serving customers for "more than four decades," implying a stable and experienced organization with a deep understanding of its market.

Team Structure:

  • The UX Engineer will be a core member of an Agile team within the Product and Engineering organization, specifically at the Galway R&D center, which serves as the global AI R&D hub.

  • This team will likely comprise Product Managers, UX Designers, Software Engineers, and potentially AI specialists, working collaboratively on product development.

  • The role is an Individual Contributor, meaning the focus is on execution and technical contribution rather than direct people management. Methodology:

  • The company employs an Agile development methodology, with iterative sprints for feature delivery.

  • There's a strong emphasis on user-centered design, data-driven improvements (user research, feedback analysis), and leveraging modern technologies, including AI.

  • The development of a design system and reusable component libraries suggests a focus on scalability, consistency, and efficient product development.

Company Website: Ministry Brands Website

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission-driven focus ("purpose-driven organizations") and long history suggest a stable yet innovative environment. The Galway R&D hub being a "global AI R&D hub" is a critical differentiator, signaling that AI integration is not just a trend but a core strategic initiative, which will heavily influence the team's work and culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level as a UX Engineer. It requires significant independent contribution and technical expertise (3+ years of experience) but is an Individual Contributor role, not yet a management track position. The opportunity lies in deepening expertise in UX/front-end engineering, design systems, and AI-assisted development.

Reporting Structure: The UX Engineer will report into a Product Management or Engineering leadership role within the Galway R&D team. They will work closely with Product Managers and Software Engineers on a daily basis within their Agile team.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the user experience of Ministry Brands' SaaS platform. By translating user needs into intuitive designs and implementing them with high-quality code, the UX Engineer will contribute to customer satisfaction, adoption rates, and the overall success of the product portfolio. Their work on design systems and reusable components will also drive efficiency and consistency across all products, impacting the company's ability to scale and innovate rapidly.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in React, TypeScript, advanced front-end performance optimization, and complex component library development.

  • AI Integration: Become proficient in leveraging AI tools for design and development, potentially leading initiatives in AI-driven product features or workflows.

  • Design System Leadership: Grow into a lead role for the design system, influencing its architecture, adoption, and evolution across the organization.

  • Cross-functional Influence: Develop stronger skills in stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration, potentially influencing product strategy and roadmap decisions.

  • Senior/Lead UX Engineer: Progress to a senior or lead individual contributor role, mentoring junior engineers and taking on more complex technical challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are focused on technical advancement and specialization, particularly in the cutting-edge area of AI-assisted development. The role offers a clear path for an individual contributor to become a subject matter expert and a valuable asset within the company's technology organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Galway, Ireland, with a hybrid working model. This suggests a modern office environment that supports both focused individual work and collaborative team activities.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Galway, Ireland. This is the hub for Ministry Brands' global AI R&D efforts, implying a dynamic and technologically advanced workspace.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and Agile team structure encourage regular interaction with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Software Engineers, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

  • Technology Focus: As the global AI R&D hub, the workspace will likely be equipped with modern development tools, high-performance computing resources, and access to cutting-edge software, including AI-powered tools.

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and team-building activities will be available when working from the Galway office.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM), but the hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in managing workdays between home and the office. The Agile sprints will dictate the pace and focus of work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "hybrid" nature of the role is key. Candidates should expect to spend some days in the Galway office for collaboration and team integration, with flexibility for remote work on other days. The Galway office being an "AI R&D hub" suggests a forward-thinking and technologically advanced work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, likely followed by a brief introductory call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

  2. Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: You will be asked to present your portfolio, showcasing your UX design and front-end implementation work. This will likely be followed by a technical interview focusing on your skills in React, JavaScript, UX principles, and your approach to problem-solving. Expect questions on design systems and accessibility.

  3. Team/Hiring Manager Interview: This interview will focus on your collaborative skills, experience with Agile methodologies, and how you align with the team's culture and Ministry Brands' values. You may discuss specific projects or scenarios related to the role's responsibilities.

  4. Final Interview (Potentially): A final discussion with a senior leader or department head to confirm fit and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Showcase the Blend: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates both your UX design capabilities (wireframes, user flows, prototypes) and your front-end engineering skills (code samples, live demos, component examples).

  • Tell a Story: For each project, articulate the problem, your process (design and technical), the challenges you overcame, and the impact of your solution. Use specific metrics if possible.

  • Highlight AI Use: If you have experience with AI design/development tools, clearly showcase how you've leveraged them to achieve better outcomes or increased efficiency.

  • Focus on Reusability: Emphasize contributions to design systems, component libraries, and reusable code patterns.

  • Accessibility First: Point out specific instances where you implemented accessibility best practices and explain your approach.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design & Code Challenge: Be prepared for a take-home assignment or a live coding session that tests your ability to design a UI element and implement it in React, adhering to given constraints (e.g., accessibility, responsiveness).

  • System Design Questions: Expect questions on how you would approach building or extending a component library, or how you would integrate a new feature into an existing SaaS product's UI.

  • Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples for questions about collaboration, problem-solving, handling feedback, and working in an Agile environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process strongly emphasizes the dual nature of the role. Candidates must be ready to present a portfolio that balances design artifacts with demonstrable coding ability. The AI focus means being prepared to discuss how you've used or would use AI tools in your workflow.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Design: Figma (preferred), Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

  • Front-end Development: React, JavaScript, TypeScript.

  • Version Control: Git.

  • Project Management/DevOps: Azure DevOps (preferred), Jira, or similar.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not explicitly mentioned for this role, experience with analytics tools for user behavior tracking (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) would be beneficial for understanding user interactions and informing design decisions. CRM & Automation:

  • Experience with CRM systems is not directly listed as a requirement but understanding how front-end interfaces interact with backend systems and data is crucial for SaaS product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, React, JavaScript, TypeScript, Git, and Azure DevOps highlights the core technical stack. Candidates should be proficient in these tools. The emphasis on AI tools like Claude Design, Copilot, and Figma AI in the preferred qualifications is significant and suggests these will be increasingly important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and serving user needs through intuitive and effective design.

  • Collaboration: Working effectively within cross-functional Agile teams, valuing open communication and shared problem-solving.

  • Innovation & Efficiency: Embracing new technologies (especially AI) and methodologies to improve productivity, accelerate development, and deliver cutting-edge solutions.

  • Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, well-engineered, and accessible user experiences.

  • Continuous Improvement: A mindset of learning, adapting, and refining processes and products based on feedback and new insights.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration between design, product, and engineering to ensure alignment and efficient execution.

  • Agile Workflow: Active participation in Agile ceremonies, with a focus on iterative development, feedback loops, and adaptability.

  • Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, new techniques (especially related to AI), and learnings across the team and potentially the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description of its Galway hub as an "AI R&D hub" strongly suggests that innovation and the adoption of new technologies, particularly AI, are core values. The emphasis on user-centered design and Agile methodologies points to a structured yet adaptable work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Design and Development: Effectively managing the dual responsibilities of creating aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly designs while also implementing them with robust, scalable code.

  • Integrating AI Tools: Mastering the use of new AI-assisted design and development tools and integrating them seamlessly into existing workflows without compromising quality or user experience.

  • Maintaining Design System Consistency: Ensuring the design system and component library remain up-to-date, scalable, and consistently applied across a growing product portfolio.

  • Cross-functional Communication: Navigating communication and alignment across different departments (Product, Engineering, Design) and stakeholder groups to ensure shared understanding and buy-in.

  • Rapid Iteration: Adapting to fast-paced Agile sprints and delivering high-quality features under tight deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI Specialization: Gaining deep expertise in AI-assisted design and development tools, potentially becoming a go-to resource for the team and company.

  • Advanced Front-end Techniques: Enhancing skills in performance optimization, complex state management, and building highly scalable UI architectures.

  • Design System Architecture: Contributing to or leading the architecture and strategic direction of the company's design system.

  • Product Strategy Input: Influencing product roadmaps and feature prioritization through user insights and technical feasibility assessments.

  • Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior engineers and designers, solidifying leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges and growth opportunities revolve around the integration of AI into the UX/engineering workflow and the expansion of the company's SaaS product suite. Candidates who are proactive in learning and adapting to new technologies will thrive.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a project where you had to balance user experience goals with technical constraints. How did you approach it?" (Focus on demonstrating problem-solving and compromise.)

  • "How do you ensure accessibility standards are met throughout the design and development process? Can you provide an example?" (Showcase your understanding of WCAG and practical application.)

  • "Walk me through your process for designing a new feature, from initial concept to production code. How do you incorporate user feedback?" (Highlight your end-to-end workflow and iterative approach.)

  • "How have you leveraged AI tools in your design or development workflow? What was the impact?" (Prepare specific examples of using tools like Copilot or Figma AI.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Ministry Brands and our mission to serve purpose-driven organizations?" (Research the company's mission and values.)

  • "How do you approach collaboration within an Agile team, especially when working with Product Managers and Software Engineers?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication.)

  • "What are your thoughts on the importance of design systems and reusable components in a SaaS environment?" (Connect your understanding to scalability and efficiency.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio by project. For each, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution (design and code), and the outcome/impact.

  • Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals for design work and code snippets or live demos for engineering. Explain your design decisions and technical choices.

  • Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced error rates, increased user satisfaction scores).

  • Highlight AI Integration: If you've used AI tools, dedicate a section or specific examples to showcase this.

  • Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions that probe the details of your process, design rationale, and technical implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus heavily on demonstrating the synergy between design and engineering skills, a deep understanding of user-centered principles, and practical experience with modern development tools and methodologies, especially AI.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Engineer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided Workday portal link.

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your 3+ years of experience in UX Engineering, specifically showcasing projects involving React, JavaScript/TypeScript, Figma, and design systems. Emphasize any experience with SaaS products or AI-assisted tools.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines achievements using action verbs and quantifiable results. Integrate keywords from the job description such as "UX Engineering," "React," "Figma," "Agile," "Accessibility," and "Design Systems."

  • Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process and technical implementation for each project. Prepare to discuss your experience with AI tools and your approach to accessibility.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Ministry Brands' mission, products, and recent news, particularly regarding their AI initiatives and the role of their Galway R&D hub. Understand how your skills align with their objectives.

⚠️ 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 have at least 3 years of experience in UX engineering or front-end development with strong proficiency in React, JavaScript, and design tools like Figma. A solid understanding of UX principles, accessibility standards, and experience working within Agile environments is essential.