UX/UI Designer

Thales
Full-timeMontreal, Canada

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Thales

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is pivotal in designing human-centered solutions that integrate cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) into complex and critical systems for Thales.

  • The UX/UI Designer will lead the end-to-end design process, translating intricate technical, organizational, scientific, and business challenges into clear, high-value requirements and intuitive user experiences.

  • The position requires a strong understanding of user research methodologies, interaction design principles, and the unique considerations of designing for AI-driven applications, ensuring ethical and user-centric outcomes.

  • This is a hybrid role, offering a blend of on-site collaboration in Montreal, QC, and remote work flexibility, supporting a dynamic and innovative work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided description is for a UX/UI Designer role, not directly in Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM. However, the skills and responsibilities described, such as clarifying complex problems, defining product visions, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, are highly transferable to operations roles that require strategic thinking, process optimization, and cross-functional alignment. The emphasis on AI integration and complex systems also suggests a need for data-driven decision-making and a structured approach to problem-solving, which are core to operations functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Translate complex technical, organizational, scientific, and business challenges into clear, value-driven requirements and design specifications.

  • Plan and execute comprehensive UX/UI design strategies, defining approaches, deliverables, and design tactics in close collaboration with project teams.

  • Conduct in-depth user research, including interviews, observations, usability testing, and data analysis, to identify genuine user needs, pain points, and opportunities for innovation.

  • Define user-centric product visions, effectively balancing business objectives, technological constraints, and user expectations to guide product development.

  • Design intuitive and high-quality user experiences and interfaces through wireframes, prototypes, and mockups, ensuring consistency, feasibility, and seamless integration with development efforts.

  • Plan and facilitate design workshops, including co-creation and visioning sessions, tailored to project needs and organizational goals.

  • Support project teams in developing a strong understanding of design principles to collaboratively create solutions that meet user and client needs.

  • Foster strong relationships with stakeholders through clear, structured, and influential communication, both internally and with external clients.

  • Contribute to product prioritization by championing user value to inform strategic decisions and development roadmaps.

  • Actively participate in Agile ceremonies (grooming, sprint planning, daily stand-ups, reviews, retrospectives) to ensure design integration within the development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities are UX/UI focused, the aspects of "clarifying complex problems," "defining product visions," "leading user research to identify needs," and "collaborating with multidisciplinary teams" are highly relevant to operations roles. Operations professionals often need to dissect complex business processes, align stakeholders on strategic objectives, gather requirements from various departments, and facilitate cross-functional projects. The emphasis on "value-driven requirements" and "championing user value" can be translated to "driving business value" and "optimizing processes for efficiency and impact" in an operations context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) in UX/UI Design, Interaction Design, Ergonomics/Human Factors, or a closely related field. Experience:

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in UX/UI design, interaction design, or ergonomics.

  • Proven experience with complex systems and projects, particularly those involving critical systems for professional users. Required Skills:

  • Excellent command of UX/UI methodologies and facilitation techniques.

  • Proficiency in designing for complex systems and critical environments.

  • Demonstrated ability to conduct user research (interviews, observations, testing, data analysis).

  • Skilled in creating wireframes, prototypes, and mockups.

  • Strong collaboration and teamwork capabilities.

  • Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

  • Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

  • High adaptability and comfort in innovation-driven environments.

  • Proficiency in both spoken and written French and English. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in designing products or experiences that integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI).

  • Experience utilizing AI within the UX/UI design process (e.g., research analysis, interface design).

  • Experience in design for military, aeronautics, and/or aerospace projects.

  • Experience in Customer Experience (CX) and Service Design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, the transferable skills are "clarifying complex problems," "defining visions," "user research" (which can be analogous to stakeholder needs analysis), "prototyping" (process mapping/modeling), "facilitation," "Agile methodology," "data analysis," "problem-solving," "critical thinking," "stakeholder management," and "communication." The preferred skills in AI integration and complex systems design are also highly relevant for advanced operations roles dealing with sophisticated business processes or technology implementations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A mandatory portfolio showcasing at least 5 recent UX/UI projects, ideally related to Thales's domains (aerospace, defense, security, transportation, AI).

  • Detailed case studies illustrating your design process, clearly defining your role and contributions to each project.

  • Inclusion of key artifacts produced, such as user research findings, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes.

  • Demonstration of tangible results or outcomes achieved through your design work, highlighting impact. Process Documentation:

  • Evidence of structured approach to UX/UI design, including planning, research, ideation, and iteration phases.

  • Examples of how you translate complex requirements into actionable design solutions.

  • Demonstration of collaboration with engineering, product management, and other stakeholders throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, the portfolio should focus on process optimization, system implementation, and business impact. This would involve showcasing case studies on improving operational efficiency, implementing new CRM or ERP systems, streamlining workflows, developing reporting dashboards, or driving revenue growth through operational improvements. The emphasis should be on quantifiable results, problem-solving methodologies, and stakeholder management in the context of business operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Based on the location (Montreal, QC, Canada), the extensive experience required (10+ years), and the specialized nature of the role (UX/UI Design with AI focus), the estimated salary range for a Senior UX/UI Designer in Montreal would typically fall between CAD $120,000 to $170,000 annually. This range can vary based on specific qualifications, the complexity of projects, and the candidate's negotiation. Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Health & Wellness:

    • Company-paid Extended Health insurance
    • Dental insurance
    • Health Spending Account (HSA)
    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and a dedicated Well-Being program
  • Financial Security:

    • Company-paid Life insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
    • Short-term disability insurance
    • Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP, DCPP, TFSA) with company contributions and matching for DCPP (no vesting period).
  • Work-Life Balance:

    • Company-paid holidays
    • Generous paid vacation days
    • Paid sick leave
  • Additional Perks:

    • Travel insurance

    • Voluntary Life, AD&D, Critical Illness, Long-Term Disability options

    • Employee Discounts on home and auto insurance Working Hours:

  • Standard full-time employment, typically around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement allowing for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on current market data for senior-level UX/UI Designers in Montreal, Canada, considering the 10+ years of experience requirement. The benefits package listed is extensive and aligns with typical offerings for large, established technology firms like Thales, providing strong support for employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace, Defense, Security, Transportation, Space, and Artificial Intelligence. Thales is a global leader in these sectors, known for its innovation and commitment to complex, high-stakes projects.

Company Size: Thales is a large, multinational corporation, employing over 80,000 people worldwide. This scale offers opportunities for global collaboration and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: Thales was founded in 1930. Its long history indicates stability, deep expertise, and a well-established presence in its core markets.

Team Structure:

  • The UX/UI Designer will be part of multidisciplinary teams, likely including engineers, AI scientists, product managers, and project managers.

  • The role involves collaboration within project-specific teams and potentially with a dedicated design or innovation group within Thales's AI center (cortAIx).

  • Cross-functional collaboration is emphasized, with the designer acting as a bridge between technical teams, product strategy, and user needs. Methodology:

  • The role operates within an Agile framework, requiring active participation in sprints and ceremonies.

  • A strong emphasis is placed on structured design methodologies, including user research, experience mapping, and iterative design.

  • The company fosters an open, collaborative, and innovative approach, particularly evident in its AI research and technology center (cortAIx).

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Thales's position as a global leader in critical sectors implies a culture that values precision, reliability, and innovation. The establishment of the cortAIx center highlights a strategic investment in AI, suggesting a forward-thinking environment. For operations candidates, this context means working within a structured, highly regulated industry that demands robust processes, data integrity, and a strategic approach to operational efficiency and GTM alignment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior or lead level within the UX/UI design discipline, requiring significant experience and the ability to operate autonomously and lead design initiatives. For operations professionals, this level often corresponds to Senior Operations Analyst, Operations Manager, or a specialized role focusing on process improvement or system optimization.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Designer reports to a project lead or a design manager within the AI center or a relevant business unit. In an operations context, this would typically mean reporting to an Operations Manager, Director of Operations, or a Revenue Operations/Sales Operations Lead.

Operations Impact: While this role is in design, its impact on operations can be significant. By creating intuitive interfaces for complex AI systems, the designer directly influences the efficiency, adoption, and effectiveness of operational tools and processes used by Thales's customers and internal teams. For operations roles, the impact is more direct, focusing on optimizing revenue generation, sales cycles, marketing effectiveness, and overall business performance through strategic initiatives and process improvements.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership in Design: Potential to lead design efforts on major AI projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the evolution of Thales's design systems and AI design principles.

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in Human-AI Interaction, AI Ethics in Design, or specialized domains like aerospace or defense UX.

  • Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into product management, project management, or even strategic roles within the AI innovation space.

  • For Operations: Growth could involve progressing to Senior Operations roles, managing operational teams, specializing in areas like Sales Operations strategy, Revenue Operations management, or GTM planning and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career progression outlined for a UX/UI Designer emphasizes leadership, specialization, and cross-functional movement. Operations candidates should draw parallels, focusing on how their roles contribute to strategic business objectives and how they can leverage their operational expertise for growth into management, strategic planning, or specialized operational leadership positions within Thales's key industries.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a blend of on-site work at the Montreal - Square Victoria location and remote work. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Montreal, Quebec, Canada (specifically, Square Victoria, located in the heart of Montreal's innovation community, Little Italy). This location is a hub for AI research and innovation.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is likely to be collaborative, fostering interaction with multidisciplinary teams, AI researchers, and product developers.

  • Access to relevant design tools, software, and potentially advanced visualization or testing equipment for AI applications would be expected.

  • Opportunities for informal and formal knowledge sharing, brainstorming, and co-creation sessions with colleagues.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule of approximately 40 hours per week is expected, with the hybrid model providing flexibility in how and where these hours are performed, balanced with on-site collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role is a key aspect. For operations professionals, this implies a need for strong self-management, effective remote communication tools, and the ability to transition seamlessly between independent work and collaborative on-site sessions. The Montreal location, being an AI hub, suggests an environment rich in technological advancements and innovation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and mandatory portfolio. Candidates must ensure their portfolio is comprehensive and aligns with the role's requirements.

  • Eligibility Questionnaire: Successful candidates will complete a questionnaire related to security programs and required clearances (Canadian security clearance, NATO Secret clearance eligibility).

  • Portfolio Upload: The portfolio must be uploaded as part of this stage.

  • Interviews: Likely a series of interviews, potentially including:

    • A technical interview focusing on UX/UI skills, design process, and AI design experience.
    • A behavioral interview assessing collaboration, problem-solving, and cultural fit.
    • A portfolio review session where candidates present case studies and discuss their design decisions and impact.
    • Interviews with project stakeholders and potential team members.
  • Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit, technical proficiency, and potential for contribution to Thales's AI initiatives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to handle complex problems, integrate AI concepts, and achieve measurable results.

  • Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific role, the challenges faced, the solutions you designed, and the outcomes achieved. Use visuals effectively.

  • Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved user satisfaction, increased efficiency, reduced errors).

  • Highlight AI Experience: If you have experience with AI integration or AI-assisted design, make this prominent. Explain your approach to designing for AI and its unique considerations (e.g., transparency, explainability, ethical implications).

  • Showcase Process: Clearly outline your methodology, from initial research and ideation to prototyping and testing. Demonstrate your ability to adapt your process to project needs.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for potential design challenges or case studies during the interview process, which may involve analyzing a complex problem and proposing design solutions.

  • Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely.

  • Research Thales's current AI initiatives, products, and the industry sectors they serve to better tailor your responses and demonstrate interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles applying to Thales, the portfolio should highlight process optimization, system implementation, and measurable business impact. Case studies should detail the problem, your analytical approach, the operational changes implemented, the tools used (CRM, ERP, analytics platforms), and quantifiable results (e.g., efficiency gains, cost reductions, revenue increases, improved accuracy). Emphasize data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

  • User Research Tools: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Lookback).

  • Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams for team communication and project management, especially within an Agile context.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not directly a UX/UI tool, understanding how to interpret user analytics data (e.g., from tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to inform design decisions is valuable.

  • Experience with data visualization tools for presenting research findings or user behavior patterns. CRM & Automation:

  • While not a direct requirement for UX/UI, an understanding of how design integrates with business systems like CRMs (e.g., Salesforce) or automation platforms can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, the technology stack is critical. Highlight proficiency in CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot), ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), marketing automation platforms (Marketo, Pardot), data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI), project management software (Asana, Monday.com), and potentially BI tools or data warehousing solutions. Specific expertise in Excel (advanced functions, VBA) and SQL for data analysis is often essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Excellence and Precision: In industries like aerospace and defense, there's a strong emphasis on accuracy, reliability, and high-quality output. This translates to a demand for meticulous process execution and rigorous quality control.

  • Innovation and Adaptation: While operating in established sectors, Thales is at the forefront of AI and technology, requiring a culture that embraces innovation, continuous learning, and adaptability to new challenges and technologies.

  • Collaboration and Teamwork: The multidisciplinary nature of projects necessitates strong collaboration, open communication, and mutual respect for diverse expertise.

  • Integrity and Responsibility: Given the critical nature of Thales's products and services, a strong ethical compass, integrity, and a sense of responsibility are paramount.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration across engineering, product management, AI research, and potentially client-facing teams.

  • Design Thinking Integration: Encouraging a mindset where design principles and user-centricity are considered by all team members, not just designers.

  • Feedback and Iteration: A culture that embraces constructive feedback and iterative development to refine solutions.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing insights, best practices, and learnings within the team and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles at Thales, emphasize how your approach aligns with these values. Highlight your ability to ensure process precision, drive operational efficiency through innovation, collaborate effectively with diverse teams (sales, marketing, finance, engineering), and maintain high ethical standards in data handling and process execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Designing for Complexity: Creating intuitive interfaces for highly complex AI systems and critical applications that serve expert users.

  • Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating diverse requirements from engineering, product management, business, and end-users to arrive at optimal solutions.

  • Ethical AI Design: Ensuring that AI-driven designs are responsible, transparent, unbiased, and aligned with ethical principles.

  • Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in AI and design tools to maintain a leading edge.

  • Security Clearance: The requirement for security clearances and eligibility for NATO Secret clearance can be a significant hurdle for some candidates.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI Design Specialization: Opportunities to become an expert in Human-AI Interaction, AI ethics, and the application of AI in design.

  • Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insights into aerospace, defense, and other critical sectors where Thales operates.

  • Advanced Tooling: Exposure to cutting-edge design software and potentially AI tools that can enhance the design process.

  • Leadership Development: Pathways to lead design initiatives, mentor junior team members, and influence product strategy.

  • For Operations: Opportunities to gain expertise in specific industries (defense, aerospace), learn advanced operational methodologies, and potentially move into strategic GTM planning or revenue operations leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, common challenges include integrating disparate systems, optimizing cross-functional workflows, managing large datasets, ensuring data integrity, and driving adoption of new operational processes or tools. Growth opportunities lie in developing strategic operational planning skills, mastering advanced analytics, leading operational transformation projects, and specializing in high-impact areas like revenue operations strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a complex problem you faced in a previous role and how you approached solving it using your UX/UI design process." (Prepare a detailed case study focusing on problem deconstruction, research, solution ideation, and outcome.)

  • "How do you ensure your designs are user-centered while also meeting business objectives and technical constraints?" (Focus on your methodology for balancing these competing demands and demonstrating value.)

  • "Walk us through a project where you designed for Artificial Intelligence. What were the unique challenges and considerations?" (Highlight your understanding of AI's specific design implications, ethics, and user interaction patterns.)

  • "How do you collaborate with engineers and product managers to ensure the successful implementation of your designs?" (Emphasize communication strategies, iterative feedback loops, and understanding technical feasibility.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Thales and our work in AI, aerospace, defense, or transportation?" (Research Thales's mission, recent projects, and values. Connect your interests to their strategic goals.)

  • "How do you handle constructive criticism or differing opinions from team members or stakeholders?" (Showcase your collaborative spirit, ability to incorporate feedback, and focus on finding the best solution.)

  • "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach based on new information or project changes." (Demonstrate flexibility, problem-solving skills, and resilience.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Organize your presentation logically. Start with an overview of the project and your role, dive into the problem and your research, detail your design process and key artifacts, explain your AI-specific considerations, and conclude with the results and key learnings.

  • Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user journey maps) to illustrate your points effectively.

  • Storytelling: Frame your case studies as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills and impact.

  • Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure you cover the most important aspects efficiently.

  • Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges, and the quantifiable impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, prepare to discuss your experience with process mapping, system implementation, data analysis, and driving business outcomes. Be ready to present case studies that demonstrate your ability to optimize workflows, improve efficiency, manage projects, and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve measurable business objectives. Focus on quantifiable results and strategic alignment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position at Thales:

  • Submit your application through the official Thales careers portal via the provided URL.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is meticulously curated, featuring at least 5 recent UX/UI projects that highlight your expertise in complex systems and ideally touch upon AI integration or Thales's core industries. Prepare detailed case studies that showcase your problem-solving process, your specific contributions, and the measurable impact of your designs.

  • Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of experience in UX/UI design and ergonomics, your proficiency in relevant tools and methodologies, and any experience with AI design, complex systems, or the specified industries. Highlight your bilingualism in French and English.

  • Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Thales, its AI initiatives (cortAIx), and its key markets. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, articulate your design philosophy, and answer behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability. Be ready to discuss your eligibility for security clearances.

  • Company Research: Understand Thales's mission, values, and the strategic importance of design and AI within the organization. Prepare thoughtful questions to demonstrate your engagement and interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding security clearances and specific project details, should be verified directly with the hiring organization. The requirement for security clearance is critical and should be carefully considered by all applicants.

Application Requirements

Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in UX/UI design, interaction design, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in UX/UI design or ergonomics is required, along with excellent proficiency in both French and English.