UX/UI Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: UX/UI Specialist
Company: AECOM
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Job Type: Full-time
Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design Operations
Date Posted: 2026-08-25
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid
π Role Summary
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Spearhead user research initiatives to uncover user needs, behaviors, and pain points within a major infrastructure program.
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Translate complex user insights into actionable UX/UI design recommendations and tangible deliverables like wireframes and mockups.
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Collaborate extensively with Business Analysis, Delivery, and Change Management teams to ensure digital solutions are user-centric and effective.
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Drive the creation of intuitive and efficient user experiences for digital solutions supporting critical infrastructure projects.
π Enhancement Note: This role focuses on the "operations" of UX/UI design within a large-scale infrastructure program, emphasizing the integration of user research, design principles, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure the successful delivery and adoption of digital solutions.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Lead qualitative and quantitative user research activities throughout the digital solution development lifecycle, including user interviews, usability assessments, journey mapping, and persona development.
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Design and execute user research plans to deeply understand user needs, behaviors, and pain points related to infrastructure digital tools and platforms.
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Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable UX recommendations that inform design and development decisions.
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Develop wireframes, low- to mid-fidelity UX/UI mockups, and prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows to stakeholders and development teams.
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Partner closely with project delivery teams to ensure that implemented digital solutions align with defined UX goals and user requirements.
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Collaborate with the Change Management team to develop strategies for user engagement, adoption, and training, ensuring a smooth transition to new digital solutions.
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Contribute to the overall digital strategy by advocating for user-centered design principles and best practices across the program.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to user research and design, with a strong emphasis on translating insights into actionable deliverables and working collaboratively within a complex program structure. This suggests a need for strong communication and influencing skills beyond pure design execution.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Human-Computer Interaction, Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience).
Experience: Minimum of 6 years of experience supporting digital programs and initiatives, with a demonstrated track record in UX/UI design and user research.
Required Skills:
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Proficiency in UX design principles and methodologies.
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Strong UI design skills with a keen eye for aesthetics and usability.
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Expertise in conducting various user research methods (qualitative and quantitative), including user interviews and usability testing.
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Experience in creating journey maps, personas, and wireframes to visualize user experiences.
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Hands-on experience with design and prototyping tools, particularly Figma.
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Ability to translate user research findings into actionable UX recommendations.
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Experience supporting digital solutions development within large-scale programs.
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Familiarity with business analysis processes and requirements gathering.
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Understanding of change management principles and their impact on user adoption. Preferred Skills:
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10+ years of experience supporting digital programs.
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Demonstrated experience in both UX and UI design.
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Proven experience in usability assessments and synthesizing user feedback.
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Experience developing low- to mid-fidelity UX/UI mockups.
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Familiarity with the infrastructure consulting industry or similar complex project environments.
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Experience in prototyping and interactive design.
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Understanding of project lifecycle management in digital development.
π Enhancement Note: The "demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education" for the minimum requirement suggests flexibility for candidates with extensive practical experience but perhaps not a traditional degree. The preference for 10+ years and specific tool proficiency indicates a desire for a senior-level candidate who can hit the ground running.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, with a clear emphasis on user research methodologies and outcomes.
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Include case studies detailing the problem, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), and the impact of your solutions, ideally with quantifiable results.
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Highlight projects that involved cross-functional collaboration, particularly with business analysts, developers, and change management teams.
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Showcase proficiency with design tools like Figma, including examples of wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and user flow diagrams. Process Documentation:
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Provide examples of how you have documented user research findings and translated them into design specifications or recommendations.
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Illustrate your approach to iterative design, including how you incorporate feedback from user testing and stakeholder reviews.
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Demonstrate your understanding of integrating UX/UI design processes within broader project management and agile development frameworks.
π Enhancement Note: For a UX/UI role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on process documentation and cross-functional collaboration suggests the company values a structured approach to design that integrates seamlessly into their existing project delivery pipelines.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: CAD $85,000 - $110,000 per year.
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This range is based on the provided data and reflects a typical compensation for a UX/UI Specialist with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Mississauga, Ontario, considering the industry and complexity of AECOM's projects. Benefits:
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Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
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Life & Disability Protection: Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Disability benefits.
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Time Off & Flexibility: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Leaves of Absences, and Flexible Work Options.
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Retirement & Investment: Retirement Savings Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
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Employee Well-being: Well-being resources, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Wellness initiatives.
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Additional Perks: Voluntary benefits, Service Recognition Awards, Business Travel Insurance.
Working Hours: The role is listed as Full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a blend of office-based and remote work, allowing for some flexibility in daily scheduling within standard business hours.
π Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and valuable. The benefits list is extensive, reflecting a large, established organization like AECOM. The mention of "Flexible work options" aligns with the "Hybrid" work arrangement.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: AECOM operates globally as an infrastructure consulting firm, a sector critical to societal development and economic growth. They are involved in major projects across water, environment, energy, transportation, and buildings. This context means the UX/UI Specialist will be contributing to projects with significant real-world impact and complexity.
Company Size: AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees globally. This large scale implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for specialization and impact within specific programs.
Founded: AECOM has a long history, with revenue reported for fiscal year 2025. This suggests a stable, established company with a wealth of experience and a strong market presence.
Team Structure:
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The UX/UI Specialist will be part of a major infrastructure program based in Mississauga, likely working within a dedicated digital solutions or program management team.
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The reporting structure will likely involve a UX/UI Lead or a Digital Program Manager, with close collaboration across Business Analysis, IT Delivery, and Change Management functions.
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Cross-functional collaboration is key, requiring effective communication and partnership with diverse teams to integrate user needs into the program's digital offerings. Methodology:
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The role emphasizes a data-driven approach to UX/UI, utilizing user research to inform design decisions and validate solutions.
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Workflow planning and optimization will involve creating intuitive user journeys and efficient interfaces for complex infrastructure-related tasks.
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Automation and efficiency practices are likely to be a consideration in how digital solutions are designed to streamline user tasks and program operations.
Company Website: https://www.aecom.com/
π Enhancement Note: Understanding AECOM's scale and industry is crucial. The "digital innovator" aspect mentioned in the company description suggests they are investing in technology and modernizing their approach, making this UX/UI role strategically important.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Specialist with 5-10 years of experience, indicating a mid-to-senior level contributor. The focus is on deep expertise in UX/UI research and design, with the ability to lead specific initiatives within a larger program. The "newly created role" status suggests an opportunity to shape processes and contribute significantly from the outset.
Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Specialist will likely report to a manager overseeing digital solutions or program management, with direct collaboration with Business Analysts, Developers, and Change Managers. This provides exposure to various project functions.
Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to the success and adoption of digital solutions within a major infrastructure program. By ensuring user-centric design, the UX/UI Specialist contributes to increased efficiency, better decision-making, improved user satisfaction, and ultimately, the successful delivery of AECOM's infrastructure projects.
Growth Opportunities:
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Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX/UI for complex, large-scale programs, potentially leading to specialized roles within AECOM's digital transformation initiatives.
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Skill Development: Opportunities to hone skills in advanced user research techniques, specific design tools, and cross-functional project leadership.
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Leadership Potential: With a proven track record in this new role, potential for growth into a UX/UI Lead or Manager position overseeing design strategy for other programs or business lines within AECOM.
π Enhancement Note: As a newly created role, this position offers a unique chance to influence processes and establish best practices for UX/UI within the Mississauga infrastructure program, providing significant visibility and potential for career advancement.
π Work Environment
Office Type: AECOM operates a Hybrid Work Location Model. This means the role will involve a combination of working from the AECOM office in Mississauga and working remotely.
Office Location(s): The primary office location is specified as CA - Mississauga, ON - 5090 Explorer. This is a physical office presence required for hybrid work.
Workspace Context:
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The hybrid model fosters a collaborative environment where team members can engage in in-person brainstorming and strategy sessions, balanced with the flexibility of remote work for focused design and research tasks.
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Access to standard office technology, design software (Figma), and collaboration tools will be provided, supporting efficient workflow and communication.
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Opportunities for interaction with a diverse team of professionals, including Business Analysts, Project Managers, Engineers, and Change Managers, promoting cross-disciplinary learning and problem-solving.
Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in managing work hours, provided project deadlines and collaboration needs are met.
π Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring candidates to be comfortable with both in-office collaboration and remote independent work. The specific office address provides a concrete location for hybrid arrangements.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: An HR or recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your background and interest in AECOM.
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Technical Interview: Likely a deep dive into your UX/UI expertise, focusing on research methodologies, design thinking, and problem-solving skills. Expect questions about your experience with Figma and other design tools.
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Portfolio Review: A critical stage where you will present your portfolio. Be ready to walk through 2-3 key projects, explaining your role, process, challenges, and outcomes. Focus on how you translated user needs into effective designs.
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Hiring Manager/Team Interview: This may involve behavioral questions, scenario-based questions, and discussions about how you collaborate with cross-functional teams (Business Analysis, Delivery, Change Management).
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Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader, focusing on strategic thinking, alignment with AECOM's values, and long-term potential.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your user research skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with Figma. Prioritize projects similar in scope or industry if possible.
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Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contributions, the design process you followed, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable impact of your work. Use visuals effectively.
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Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with diverse teams, incorporating their feedback and aligning your design solutions with business objectives.
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Be Ready for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, research methodologies, and tool proficiency.
Challenge Preparation:
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You may be given a design challenge or case study to complete, either as a take-home assignment or during an interview.
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Prepare to analyze a problem, outline your research approach, sketch out initial concepts, and present your proposed solution with rationale.
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Focus on demonstrating your thought process, user-centricity, and ability to articulate design decisions clearly and concisely.
π Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely the most crucial part of the interview process for this role. Candidates should prepare to present their work thoroughly, demonstrating not just design skills but also their ability to integrate into a larger program and collaborate effectively.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a preferred qualification, indicating it's the primary tool for wireframing, mockups, prototyping, and potentially design system management. Proficiency is highly expected.
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User Research Tools: While not specified, expect to use tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), user testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), and potentially analytics tools for quantitative data.
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Prototyping Tools: Figma itself offers robust prototyping capabilities. Other tools like Adobe XD or InVision might be used or integrated.
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Collaboration Tools: Likely includes Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence, or similar platforms for team communication and project management.
Analytics & Reporting:
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Experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior on digital platforms would be beneficial, especially for quantitative research.
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Tools for data visualization might be used to present research findings and performance metrics. CRM & Automation:
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While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UX/UI design impacts user journeys within CRM systems or other business applications is valuable. Familiarity with workflow automation concepts can also be advantageous.
π Enhancement Note: Figma is a key requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency with this tool and any complementary tools used for user research, usability testing, and data analysis.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Impact & Legacy: AECOM's slogan, "Work with Us. Change the World," points to a value of making a tangible, lasting impact through infrastructure projects. Operations professionals are expected to contribute to this mission.
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Collaboration & Teamwork: The emphasis on working with diverse teams (Business Analysis, Delivery, Change Management) highlights a culture that values strong interpersonal skills and collaborative problem-solving.
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Data-Driven Decision Making: The focus on user research and translating insights into recommendations underscores a commitment to evidence-based design and operational improvements.
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Efficiency & Optimization: As a large consulting firm, AECOM likely values efficiency and continuous improvement in its processes, including how digital solutions are designed and implemented.
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Innovation: AECOM's description as a "global team of... digital innovators" suggests an openness to new ideas and technologies that can improve project delivery and client outcomes.
Collaboration Style:
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Expect a highly collaborative environment where UX/UI specialists work closely with technical and business stakeholders.
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A culture of open communication and feedback exchange is likely, encouraging constructive critique to refine designs and processes.
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Knowledge sharing is probably encouraged, with opportunities to learn from experienced professionals across different disciplines and contribute to best practices.
π Enhancement Note: Candidates should align their responses with AECOM's stated values, particularly regarding impact, collaboration, and innovation. Demonstrating an understanding of how UX/UI contributes to these values will be beneficial.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Complexity of Infrastructure Projects: Designing for intricate, large-scale infrastructure programs requires a deep understanding of complex workflows and diverse user needs, which can be challenging to grasp and translate into simple interfaces.
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Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: As a new role, there might be initial challenges in aligning ambitious user experience goals with existing technical capabilities or program timelines.
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Establishing UX Processes: Being a newly created role, there's an opportunity but also a challenge in defining and embedding robust UX research and design processes within the program's existing structure.
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Stakeholder Alignment: Gaining buy-in and managing expectations from various stakeholders with different priorities can be a significant challenge in large organizations.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Industry Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of the infrastructure sector and its unique digital challenges and opportunities.
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Advanced UX/UI Skills: Develop expertise in specialized research methods and design techniques tailored for complex, enterprise-level digital solutions.
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Cross-Functional Acumen: Enhance understanding of business analysis, project delivery, and change management processes, broadening your overall project management and consulting skill set.
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Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a leadership role, guiding design strategy and mentoring junior team members as the UX function within the program matures.
π Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach challenges and leverage them as opportunities for growth and learning, aligning with AECOM's emphasis on career development.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a time you had to conduct user research for a complex system or process. What was your approach, and what were the key challenges and outcomes?" (Focus on methodology, problem-solving, and impact).
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"How do you translate user research findings into actionable design recommendations for development teams and business analysts?" (Emphasize your process for bridging research and implementation).
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"Walk us through a significant UX/UI project from your portfolio. What was the business problem, what was your role, what design decisions did you make, and what was the impact?" (Prepare a compelling narrative for 2-3 projects).
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"How do you collaborate with stakeholders who have different priorities or a less user-centric perspective?" (Demonstrate your communication, negotiation, and influencing skills). Company & Culture Questions:
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"What do you know about AECOM and our work in infrastructure consulting?" (Research recent projects, company values, and industry position).
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"How do you see UX/UI design contributing to the success of large-scale infrastructure programs?" (Connect your role to AECOM's mission and business objectives).
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"Describe your ideal work environment and how you thrive in a hybrid setting." (Align with AECOM's hybrid model and collaborative culture). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure: Use a clear narrative for each case study: Problem -> Your Role -> Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing) -> Solution -> Impact/Results.
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Visuals: Ensure your slides or digital presentation are clean, visually appealing, and effectively showcase your designs (wireframes, mockups, user flows).
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Metrics: Quantify your impact whenever possible. Did your design improve task completion time, reduce errors, increase user satisfaction scores, or contribute to adoption rates?
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Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most critical aspects of each project and be prepared for follow-up questions.
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Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your specific use of Figma and other tools in your projects.
π Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle complexity, collaborate effectively, and deliver tangible results will be key to succeeding in the interview process.
π Application Steps
To apply for this UX/UI Specialist position:
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Submit your application through the AECOM careers portal via the provided link.
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Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strong user research, Figma proficiency, and experience with complex digital solutions or large programs. Emphasize case studies that show collaboration with business analysis and delivery teams.
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Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience in UX/UI design and digital programs. Use keywords from the job description (UX design, UI design, user research, Figma, journey mapping, wireframing, etc.) and quantify your achievements with metrics where possible.
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Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, clear articulation of your process, and demonstrating the impact of your work. Prepare for behavioral and situational questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.
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Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AECOM's projects, values, and industry position. Understand how your UX/UI expertise can contribute to their mission of delivering a better world through infrastructure.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 6 years of experience in digital programs. Proficiency in UX/UI design, research methodologies, and tools like Figma is required.