UX Engineer - Hardware & Systems (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Engineer - Hardware & Systems (m/f/d)

Company: EOS

Location: Krailling, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX Engineering / Product Development Operations

Date Posted: September 8, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (up to 50% remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user experience (UX) and usability requirements definition, prioritization, and delivery for industrial 3D printing hardware and systems.

• Integrate user-focused research, ergonomics, accessibility, and regulatory compliance throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept to series production.

• Lead customer research initiatives, including site visits, interviews, usability testing, and customer panels, to translate insights into actionable requirements and design solutions.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, software) to ensure UX solutions are robust, compliant, manufacturable, and aligned with business outcomes.

• Contribute to the establishment of a unified UX design language and consistent working methods across EOS products to ensure a coherent and high-quality user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within EOS's Strategic Design Team, indicating a focus on proactive, forward-thinking UX integration rather than reactive problem-solving. The emphasis on "hardware and systems" suggests a deep dive into the physical and operational aspects of industrial 3D printing, requiring a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and industrial environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define, prioritize, and deliver UX and usability requirements for complex industrial 3D printing systems, peripherals, and associated workflows, leveraging user-centered research methodologies.

• Ensure ergonomic design, accessibility standards, and relevant regulatory requirements are embedded from the initial concept phase through to series production.

• Actively participate in scope definition, trade-off analysis, and launch decisions, providing critical input where usability or customer value is impacted.

• Track and communicate UX progress, potential risks, and key insights through regular reviews, providing clear UX input for stage-gate and development decision-making processes.

• Lead and support customer research activities (e.g., site visits, interviews, usability testing, customer panels) to gather insights and translate them into concrete requirements, design directions, and validated concepts.

• Analyze the influence of UX decisions on customer value, value propositions, and overall business outcomes, and co-design manufacturable solutions that address critical usability gaps in hardware and workflows.

• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure UX solutions are robust, compliant, manufacturable, and ready for production.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of shared standards, tools, methods, and UX/Industrial Design governance frameworks within EOS.

• Help establish a unified UX design language and consistent ways of working across machines, peripherals, environments, and training touchpoints to ensure a coherent and integrated user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full lifecycle involvement in product development, from strategic concept to production readiness. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on research, and cross-functional collaboration, typical of advanced UX engineering roles in industrial product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Human Factors, Ergonomics, or a closely related technical or design field. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience working on physical products or complex industrial systems, with a strong preference for experience within regulated environments.

• Demonstrated experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional engineering teams (mechanical, electrical, software) within established product development processes.

• Proven ability to translate abstract user needs and research insights into concrete, manufacturable design solutions. Required Skills:

• Strong understanding and practical application of usability engineering principles and human-centered design methodologies for hardware and industrial systems.

• Expertise in conducting and leveraging user research activities, including site visits, user interviews, usability testing, and customer panels.

• Proficiency in defining and documenting UX/usability requirements, ensuring alignment with product specifications and business objectives.

• Deep awareness of ergonomics, accessibility standards, and the implications of norms, standards, and regulations on machine design and operation.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to confidently engage with senior technical and strategic leaders.

• Fluency in both German and English, both written and spoken. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with industrial 3D printing technology and its operational workflows.

• Familiarity with stage-gate product development processes and their UX integration points.

• Ability to work both strategically on high-level design direction and hands-on in detailed design execution.

• Curiosity and understanding of the business impact and market fit for industrial products.

• Experience contributing to design governance frameworks and establishing design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both German and English proficiency, coupled with a degree in engineering or design and significant experience in regulated industrial environments, points to a role that demands both technical depth and strong communication within an international, engineering-centric organization. The "5+ years" experience level suggests this is not an entry-level position, requiring a candidate who can operate with a degree of autonomy and strategic influence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing the end-to-end UX design process for complex hardware or industrial systems.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the initial problem statement, user research methodologies employed, design iterations, engineering collaboration, and final implemented solution.

• Demonstrate how user needs were translated into actionable requirements and how these requirements guided the engineering and manufacturing processes.

• Include examples of how regulatory compliance, ergonomics, and accessibility were integrated into the design and development phases.

• Quantify the impact of UX improvements where possible (e.g., reduced training time, increased operational efficiency, improved safety metrics, enhanced customer satisfaction). Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of documented UX requirements, user journey maps, or workflow analyses relevant to industrial equipment or complex systems.

• Illustrate your approach to collaborating with engineering teams on design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for usability (DFU).

• Showcase any personal frameworks or methodologies used for user research, requirement definition, and UX validation within product development lifecycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on hardware and systems, a portfolio demonstrating a tangible impact on physical products and operational workflows will be crucial. Candidates should highlight their ability to bridge the gap between user needs and engineering realities, showcasing practical application of UX principles in a complex product development context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for UX Engineers with 5-10 years of experience in Germany, particularly in the Munich metropolitan area (Krailling), the estimated annual gross salary range is €70,000 - €95,000. This range accounts for the specialized nature of hardware UX, industrial systems, regulatory compliance, and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working time models, 30 days of annual vacation, and the possibility of personal timeouts.

• Commuting & Mobility: Travel allowance for public transport, job bike options, on-site parking, and charging facilities for electric vehicles.

• Family Support: Childcare allowance.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health offerings, including a subsidized Wellhub membership (access to gyms, classes, online training).

• On-site Amenities: Company restaurant.

• Professional Development: Targeted further education opportunities available through the Learning Management System (LMS).

• Employee Perks: Access to Corporate Benefits for employees.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, likely based on a 40-hour work week. The flexible working time models offer a degree of autonomy in structuring daily work, accommodating the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data for UX Engineers and Industrial Designers in the German market, adjusted for the specific location (Krailling, near Munich) and the advanced nature of the role involving hardware and systems. Benefits are comprehensive, reflecting a strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life integration, typical of established German tech companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing. EOS is a global leader in this advanced manufacturing sector, focusing on sustainable and responsible production solutions.

Company Size: EOS is a significant player in its industry, employing over 1000 individuals globally. This size suggests a well-established structure with opportunities for specialization, but also a collaborative environment where individual contributions are visible.

Founded: Over 30 years ago, EOS has a long history and deep expertise in industrial 3D printing, indicating a stable company with a strong foundation in innovation and technological development.

Team Structure:

• The UX Engineer will be part of the Strategic Design Team, suggesting a focus on high-level product strategy and user experience vision.

• This team likely collaborates closely with Product Management, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Software), and potentially Marketing/Sales to ensure user needs are met throughout the product lifecycle.

• Reporting structure is likely within a design or product development hierarchy, with opportunities to influence cross-functional teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on user research, data analysis, and translating insights into actionable design decisions.

• User-Centric Development: Commitment to understanding customer needs and integrating them into product design and workflow optimization.

• Agile/Stage-Gate Integration: Working within structured product development processes that balance iterative design with phase-gate reviews for robust product launches.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working with diverse engineering disciplines to achieve manufacturable and user-friendly solutions.

Company Website: https://www.eos.info/

📝 Enhancement Note: EOS's positioning as a market leader in a cutting-edge field like industrial 3D printing implies a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and a forward-looking approach. The company's stated vision of "accelerating the world’s transition to Responsible Manufacturing" highlights a commitment to sustainability and impactful technology.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Mid-Senior level position (5-10 years of experience). It requires a professional who can operate with a significant degree of autonomy, lead user research initiatives, and influence product development decisions. The scope includes defining requirements, collaborating with engineering, and contributing to design governance.

Reporting Structure: The UX Engineer will report into the Strategic Design Team, likely under a Head of Design or Director of Product Development. They will work closely with various engineering leads and product managers, fostering a collaborative, matrixed environment common in complex product development organizations.

Operations Impact: The UX Engineer's impact is critical to the success of EOS's hardware and systems. By ensuring intuitive, efficient, and safe user experiences, this role directly influences customer adoption, operational efficiency for EOS clients, product reliability, and ultimately, customer satisfaction and market competitiveness. This role bridges the gap between user needs and the technical realization of industrial machinery, directly impacting the perceived value and usability of EOS's advanced manufacturing solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for industrial hardware, specific manufacturing processes, or advanced human-factors engineering.

• Leadership: Progress into a Senior UX Engineer role, leading larger projects or mentoring junior team members. Potential to move into UX/Design Management roles within the Strategic Design Team.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to gain broader exposure to product management, hardware engineering, or software development processes within EOS.

• Industry Expertise: Develop a unique niche in the rapidly evolving field of industrial 3D printing UX, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to refine and standardize UX processes, tools, and design governance within EOS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized and high-demand field. The emphasis on strategy and cross-functional collaboration suggests opportunities for developing leadership and influencing skills beyond pure technical execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Krailling, Germany, with a hybrid working arrangement allowing up to 50% remote work. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support both focused individual work and collaborative team activities.

Office Location(s): Krailling, Bavaria, Germany. This location offers a balance of professional infrastructure and quality of life, with proximity to Munich.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes meeting rooms, project spaces, and informal areas conducive to brainstorming and cross-functional team discussions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary hardware, software, and potentially prototyping tools to support UX design and research activities.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with engineering, product, and design colleagues, fostering strong working relationships and efficient problem-solving. The hybrid model allows for flexibility while maintaining essential in-person collaboration.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is expected, with flexible working time models offering adaptability. The hybrid nature requires individuals to manage their time effectively, balancing remote work with scheduled in-office days for key meetings, workshops, and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, indicating a trust in employees to manage their work effectively while ensuring essential in-person collaboration for complex hardware development. This environment is suited for professionals who can thrive with both independent work and team-based problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio for suitability against core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with Jette Dietrich (or relevant hiring manager) to assess experience, cultural fit, and initial understanding of the role.

• Technical/Team Interview: In-depth discussion with UX team members and/or engineering stakeholders. This will likely involve a review of your portfolio, focusing on case studies, problem-solving approaches, and collaboration examples. Expect to discuss your methodologies for user research, requirement definition, and working with engineering.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to prepare and present a specific case study from your portfolio or a hypothetical problem related to EOS's products. This assesses your ability to articulate your process, justify decisions, and communicate complex ideas clearly.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Design, VP of Engineering) to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and final fit within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your experience with hardware, industrial systems, and complex product development processes.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, your process, the challenges faced, the solutions developed, and the measurable outcomes. Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, photos of prototypes, user flow diagrams) to illustrate your work.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with engineering, product management, and other stakeholders. Provide specific examples of how you translated technical constraints into user-centered solutions and vice-versa.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics that demonstrate the value of your UX contributions (e.g., reduction in user errors, improved task completion times, positive feedback from user testing).

• Address EOS Context: Tailor your presentation to show an understanding of EOS's industry (industrial 3D printing) and the specific challenges of designing for complex hardware and systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research EOS, its products (industrial 3D printers), and the additive manufacturing industry. Familiarize yourself with common user workflows and challenges in this field.

• Prepare for System-Level Thinking: Be ready to discuss how UX principles apply to entire systems, not just individual interfaces. Consider the user's entire journey, from setup and operation to maintenance and safety.

• Practice Articulation: Develop clear, concise explanations of your UX process and decision-making rationale. Be prepared to answer "why" behind your design choices. Practice presenting complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with hardware/systems case studies and the potential for a presentation indicates that practical, demonstrable experience is highly valued. Candidates should be prepared to deep-dive into their past projects and articulate their strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design Software: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), Axure RP (for prototyping complex interactions).

• Prototyping Tools: InVision, ProtoPie, or native capabilities within design software.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote usability tests, surveys, and interviews (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Lookback).

• Project Management & Collaboration: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello for tracking tasks, managing workflows, and documenting findings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: While not directly for UX design, understanding how to interpret data from product usage analytics (if available) or customer feedback platforms is beneficial.

• Reporting Tools: Tools for creating presentations and reports on user research findings and UX recommendations (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM systems can be beneficial for understanding customer data and business context, though not a primary tool for this role.

• Documentation: Tools for documenting design specifications, user personas, journey maps, and design system components (e.g., Confluence, specialized design documentation platforms).

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role implies proficiency in industry-standard UX/UI design and prototyping software. The ability to integrate UX insights into engineering workflows (likely managed via tools like Jira/Confluence) is also key. A strong understanding of how to gather and synthesize user data is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to push the boundaries of industrial 3D printing technology and deliver best-in-class solutions.

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs, ensuring products provide tangible value and solve real-world problems.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of cross-functional collaboration, where diverse perspectives lead to stronger outcomes.

• Responsibility & Sustainability: A focus on "Responsible Manufacturing," implying ethical practices, environmental consciousness, and long-term impact.

• Quality & Precision: A dedication to high standards in both product development and execution, fitting for an industrial engineering environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Engineering Partnership: Close, iterative collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, involving regular feedback loops and joint problem-solving.

• Strategic Alignment: Working with product management and strategic design leadership to ensure UX efforts are aligned with business goals and market opportunities.

• User Advocacy: Acting as a strong advocate for the user, translating their needs into clear requirements that influence product direction.

• Open Communication: An environment that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing across disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: EOS's stated values of "Responsible Manufacturing," equity, inclusion, empathy, respect, and fairness suggest a culture that balances high performance with a strong ethical and human-centered approach. The emphasis on collaboration with engineering is central to success in this hardware-focused UX role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Hardware & Software UX: Integrating user experience considerations seamlessly across both physical hardware interfaces and digital control systems in complex industrial machinery.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Navigating the trade-offs between ideal user experience and the realities of engineering, manufacturing, cost, and regulatory compliance in industrial products.

• Global User Base: Designing for a diverse international customer base with varying technical proficiencies, cultural backgrounds, and operational environments.

• Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in 3D printing technology and user interface paradigms to ensure EOS products remain cutting-edge and intuitive.

• Establishing Design Standards: Contributing to and upholding a unified UX design language and governance across a wide range of complex products.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Additive Manufacturing: Gaining specialized knowledge in industrial 3D printing technology, applications, and user workflows.

• Advanced UX Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and implement advanced user research techniques, usability testing protocols, and UX strategy frameworks for hardware.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining a deeper understanding of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering principles as they relate to product design.

• Industry Events & Training: Potential to attend relevant industry conferences, workshops, and training programs to stay abreast of UX and manufacturing trends.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and designers within EOS, and potentially mentor junior members as the role progresses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexity and strategic importance of the role. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing deep expertise in a niche, high-growth industry and advancing within a specialized UX engineering discipline.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex user needs into actionable requirements for engineering teams working on physical products. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodology, collaboration, and tangible results.)

• "How do you approach ensuring regulatory compliance and safety standards are integrated into hardware UX design from concept through production?" (Highlight your understanding of standards and your proactive approach.)

• "Discuss your experience in leading customer research for industrial products. What methods have you found most effective, and how do you translate raw insights into design improvements?" (Prepare specific examples of research projects and their impact.)

• "How would you establish a unified UX design language across diverse hardware and software touchpoints within a company like EOS?" (Focus on your strategic thinking, governance experience, and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about EOS and the industrial 3D printing industry?" (Show genuine interest and research into the company's mission and technology.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to EOS's vision of 'Responsible Manufacturing'?" (Connect your UX expertise to broader company values.)

• "Describe your ideal team collaboration style, particularly when working with engineering disciplines." (Emphasize your ability to partner effectively and constructively.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or differing opinions on design decisions from stakeholders?" (Demonstrate your ability to navigate feedback professionally.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. If exact numbers aren't available, describe the qualitative improvements clearly.

• Showcase Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you worked with engineering, product managers, and other teams.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, research methods, and problem-solving approaches.

• Enthusiasm for EOS: Express excitement about the potential to apply your skills to EOS's innovative products and contribute to the future of manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle for physical goods, excellent collaboration skills with engineering, and a strategic, user-centric approach to problem-solving within an industrial context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the EOS online application system using the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects involving complex hardware, industrial systems, or regulated product development. Clearly articulate your role, process, and the impact of your UX contributions.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume prominently features keywords such as "UX Engineering," "Industrial Design," "Human Factors," "Ergonomics," "Usability Engineering," "Hardware Design," "Product Development," and "Regulatory Compliance." Quantify achievements and responsibilities where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your UX process, design rationale, and collaborative experiences. Prepare specific examples for common behavioral and technical interview questions, focusing on your portfolio case studies.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research EOS, its products, its mission ("Responsible Manufacturing"), and its position in the industrial 3D printing market. Understand the company culture and values to demonstrate alignment.

⚠️ 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.