UX/UI Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Engineer

Company: SAIC

Location: Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Software Engineering / Product Design (Operations Focus)

Date Posted: November 4, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop intuitive user interfaces for enterprise-level software, focusing on enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

• Contribute production-ready frontend code using modern frameworks like React and TypeScript, ensuring seamless integration with backend APIs.

• Collaborate closely with requirements analysts, developers, and testers to translate complex user needs and business rules into practical, user-centered designs.

• Implement and maintain reusable design patterns and components, adhering to established design systems and accessibility standards (e.g., Section 508).

• Participate actively in Agile development processes, including planning, refinement, and reviews, to ensure timely delivery of features and improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "UX/UI Engineer," its responsibilities heavily lean into the operational aspects of software development. The emphasis on translating user needs into practical designs, implementing features in an existing codebase, troubleshooting UI issues, and ensuring accessibility aligns with the core principles of operational excellence in a software development context. The role requires a blend of design thinking and robust front-end development skills, crucial for driving efficient and effective software delivery within an enterprise environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate user needs, business rules, and UI requirements into practical, actionable designs, working in tandem with requirements analysts, stakeholders, and developers.

• Create comprehensive design artifacts, including user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using Figma, and conduct detailed documentation of expected behaviors for various states (validation, loading, error, etc.).

• Develop and maintain consistent design patterns and reusable components, aligning with established design systems like Material UI (MUI), while balancing usability, technical feasibility, and project priorities with developers.

• Conduct design reviews, workflow walkthroughs, and usability evaluations, effectively communicating design decisions and incorporating feedback from stakeholders and end-users.

• Partner with the testing team to define UI acceptance test scenarios, expected results, and conduct walkthroughs to identify edge cases and ensure alignment with requirements and designs.

• Implement and troubleshoot React/TypeScript components and UI features within the existing application codebase, integrating with backend APIs and adhering to best practices in coding, testing, and code reviews.

• Design and develop accessible interfaces that meet Section 508 requirements and project accessibility standards, actively supporting accessibility evaluations and remediation efforts.

• Participate in all phases of the Agile development lifecycle, including planning, refinement, demonstrations, and reviews, with a focus on clear communication of design progress, dependencies, and delivery risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on the "engineering" aspect of UX/UI, particularly in implementing and troubleshooting code. This indicates the role is not purely design-focused but requires hands-on development proficiency. The emphasis on Section 508 compliance and accessibility testing is critical for government-contracted work, reflecting a key operational requirement for SAIC.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, OR

• Master's degree with 3+ years of relevant experience, OR

• PhD with 0 years of relevant experience. Experience:

• Proven track record in designing and implementing user interfaces for complex enterprise applications, with a strong understanding of the full software development lifecycle.

• Experience in operationalizing design principles into production code, ensuring both usability and maintainability. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma: For creating wireframes, interface designs, interactive prototypes, and facilitating developer handoff.

• React & TypeScript Expertise: Hands-on experience delivering production web application features, including components, hooks, state management, forms, and API integration.

• Web Development Fundamentals: Strong working knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive layouts, and component-based UI development.

• Enterprise Application Design: Experience designing interfaces for applications with complex workflows, forms, tables, search functionalities, or dashboards.

• Accessibility Standards: Practical experience applying accessibility requirements in design and code (e.g., semantic markup, keyboard interaction, focus management, form labeling, color contrast), including Section 508 compliance.

• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to explain design decisions to technical and non-technical audiences, manage competing priorities, and work independently within a cross-functional Agile team.

• Version Control: Working knowledge of Git, including branching strategies and collaborative code review workflows.

• Requirements & Testing Collaboration: Experience working with requirements analysts and testers to clarify behavior, define acceptance criteria, and evaluate implemented interfaces.

Preferred Skills:

• Material UI (MUI): Experience with MUI theming, reusable components, and data grids.

• GitLab Workflow: Experience with the GitLab merge request process (creating, reviewing, addressing feedback, resolving conflicts).

• Jira: Experience using Jira for documenting design decisions and acceptance criteria.

• Automated Testing: Familiarity with Jest and React Testing Library for automated UI and accessibility testing.

• Dashboard Design: Experience designing dashboards, chart interactions, and drilldowns; familiarity with Chart.js is a plus.

• Government Applications: Experience supporting government or other access-controlled enterprise applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" are heavily weighted towards practical implementation and adherence to standards, which is characteristic of operations-focused engineering roles. The "Desired Qualifications" offer clear pathways for candidates to enhance their profile, particularly in areas like specific tool proficiency (MUI, GitLab, Jira) and specialized design domains (dashboards).

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of user-centered design thinking applied to complex enterprise applications, showcasing problem-solving through design.

• Case studies detailing the process of translating user needs and business rules into wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using tools like Figma.

• Evidence of production-level frontend code contributions using React and TypeScript, highlighting component development, API integration, and adherence to coding standards.

• Projects that explicitly address and implement accessibility requirements (e.g., Section 508 compliance), with clear explanations of design and coding decisions made to achieve compliance.

• Examples showcasing the ability to maintain design consistency through reusable components and design systems, particularly if experience with Material UI (MUI) is present. Process Documentation:

• Documentation of design decision-making processes, including how feedback from stakeholders and testing teams was incorporated.

• Examples of how detailed behavior documentation (validation, states, errors, accessibility) was created for implemented features.

• Evidence of participation in Agile processes, such as sprint planning, refinement, and retrospectives, with a focus on design contributions and collaboration.

• Workflow walkthroughs or documentation demonstrating the ability to explain complex user flows and interaction designs to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-aligned UX/UI role, a portfolio must demonstrate not just design aesthetics but also the practical engineering and problem-solving skills required to implement those designs within an established framework and process. The focus should be on the how and why of design decisions and their successful implementation, particularly concerning enterprise-level constraints like accessibility and integration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on SAIC's typical compensation structure for similar roles requiring a Secret Clearance and 5-10 years of experience in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, the estimated salary range for this position is $100,000 - $140,000 annually. Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and continuing education, particularly in UX/UI and relevant technologies.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for further academic pursuits.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

• Secret Clearance Support: SAIC typically supports the maintenance and potential transfer of security clearances.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The role requires an on-site presence in Alexandria, VA, suggesting standard business hours (e.g., 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST), with potential for some flexibility depending on project needs and team coordination within the Agile framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for UX/UI Engineers with 5-10 years of experience in the Northern Virginia tech corridor, considering the requirement for a Secret Clearance, which typically commands a premium. SAIC is a large government contractor, so benefits are generally robust and competitive. The working hours are inferred from typical on-site, full-time roles in this sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Government Contracting, Defense, Space, Intelligence, Civilian Markets. SAIC is a major player in providing mission-critical IT, engineering, and professional services to government clients.

Company Size: Approximately 23,000 employees. This large size suggests structured processes, established career paths, and a significant operational footprint.

Founded: SAIC was founded in 1969. This long history indicates stability, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of the government contracting landscape.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Engineer will likely be part of a software development team supporting the Joint Engineering and Test Enterprise Portal (JETEP).

• This team will be cross-functional, including requirements analysts, developers (frontend and backend), testers, and potentially project managers or scrum masters.

• Reporting structure will likely involve a lead engineer, development manager, or program manager, with a direct line to the operations and delivery of the JETEP software. Methodology:

• Agile Development: The team operates within an Agile framework, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and continuous feedback.

• User-Centered Design: A strong focus on understanding and meeting user needs through design, followed by rigorous implementation and testing.

• DevOps Principles: Adherence to established coding, testing, and code review practices suggests a lean towards DevOps principles for efficient software delivery.

• Compliance & Security: Significant emphasis on security clearances and accessibility standards (Section 508) due to the nature of government contracts.

Company Website: http://www.saic.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: SAIC's culture is deeply rooted in serving government clients, which translates to a strong emphasis on process, compliance, security, and reliable delivery. For a UX/UI Engineer, this means the role is less about pure creative exploration and more about applying design principles within a structured, mission-driven environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor, likely mid-level to senior, given the 5+ years of experience requirement and the expectation of independent work within a team. It bridges the gap between pure design and applied engineering.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Engineer will report into a project or program management structure, likely within a larger engineering or IT services division at SAIC. Collaboration will be key with development leads and QA teams.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the operational effectiveness of the JETEP portal by ensuring it is intuitive, efficient, and accessible for its users, who are likely involved in critical engineering and testing activities. Improved UX/UI leads to reduced training times, fewer errors, and increased user productivity, all crucial operational metrics for SAIC's clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in React, TypeScript, accessibility standards, and potentially specific UI component libraries like Material UI.

• Design System Leadership: Contribute to or lead the development and maintenance of design systems and component libraries for enterprise applications.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain broader experience in requirements analysis, quality assurance, and Agile project management through close collaboration.

• Lead Roles: Potential to move into a Lead UX/UI Engineer role, mentoring junior team members, or transitioning into a UX/UI Architect or Product Owner position.

• Government Sector Domain Knowledge: Develop specialized knowledge of the defense and intelligence sectors, which can open doors to more senior roles within SAIC's specific contract vehicles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role at SAIC will likely involve deepening technical skills, expanding domain knowledge within government sectors, and demonstrating leadership in operationalizing design and development best practices. The "operations" aspect of growth here means becoming indispensable in ensuring the smooth, efficient, and compliant delivery of software solutions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role at a SAIC customer site in Alexandria, VA. This implies working within a secure government facility or a dedicated SAIC office supporting a specific contract.

Office Location(s): Alexandria, Virginia. This location provides access to a large concentration of government agencies and defense contractors.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work closely with a cross-functional Agile team. This involves frequent communication, joint problem-solving, and shared responsibility for delivery.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard enterprise software, development tools (IDE, Git clients), design software (Figma), and collaboration platforms (Jira, potentially Slack/Teams). Secure network access will be paramount.

• Team Interaction: Daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and ad-hoc discussions are typical. The role requires active participation in team ceremonies and collaborative design sessions.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, likely during core business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM EST), with potential for occasional extended hours to meet critical project deadlines or deployment schedules. Flexibility may be possible but is secondary to meeting project milestones and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at a customer site in Alexandria, VA, is a significant factor. It implies a need for security clearance and adherence to specific site protocols, which are operational considerations for any candidate. The collaborative nature is typical of Agile teams, but the "customer site" aspect might add layers of client interaction and reporting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, clearance status, and interest.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, technical skills (React, TypeScript, Figma), and understanding of Agile methodologies.

3. Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: This is a critical stage. Candidates will likely be asked to:

• Walk through specific projects from their portfolio, explaining their design process, technical implementation challenges, and the operational impact of their work.
• Potentially complete a take-home design exercise or a live coding challenge focused on React/TypeScript component development and UI implementation.
• Answer scenario-based questions related to accessibility, responsive design, and working within a cross-functional team.

1. Team/Peer Interview: Meet with potential team members (developers, testers) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to integrate into the existing team dynamics.

2. Final Interview: May involve a senior leader or program manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with SAIC's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Operational Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem solved, the design process followed, the technical implementation details (React, TypeScript), and the resulting operational benefits (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced errors, enhanced accessibility compliance).

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Include wireframes, user flows, and prototypes alongside final designs. Explain your decision-making process at each stage.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your code, component architecture, state management strategies, and API integration approaches. If possible, link to live examples or GitHub repositories (ensure they are not sensitive).

• Emphasize Accessibility: Dedicate specific examples or a section to how you've implemented accessibility standards like Section 508. Detail the methods used and the outcomes.

• Tailor to Enterprise: Focus on projects that demonstrate experience with complex workflows, large datasets, or enterprise-level applications, aligning with SAIC's work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Figma Proficiency: Be ready to create mockups or user flows on the spot, or discuss complex Figma features like component variants, auto layout, and prototyping.

• React/TypeScript Coding: Practice building common UI components, implementing state management (e.g., Context API, Redux), and integrating with mock APIs. Focus on clean, efficient, and accessible code.

• Accessibility Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle keyboard navigation, ARIA attributes, color contrast issues, and screen reader compatibility for specific UI elements.

• Agile & Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you handle conflicting requirements, prioritize tasks, give and receive feedback, and communicate design challenges within an Agile team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this in government contracting is rigorous, with a strong emphasis on both design execution and technical implementation, underpinned by security and compliance. A portfolio that clearly demonstrates these operational aspects will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (essential for wireframes, mockups, interactive prototypes, and developer handoff).

• Frontend Development: React, TypeScript (core languages/frameworks for implementation).

• Component Libraries: Material UI (MUI) (preferred for theming, reusable components, data grids).

• Version Control: Git (standard for code management, branching, and collaboration).

• Issue Tracking & Project Management: Jira (for documenting design decisions, acceptance criteria, and tracking tasks within Agile sprints).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Testing Libraries: Jest, React Testing Library (for automated UI and accessibility testing).

• Data Visualization (Potential): Chart.js (if involved in dashboard design).

CRM & Automation:

• API Integration: Understanding of RESTful APIs and how to integrate frontend components with backend services.

• CI/CD Tools (Implicit): Familiarity with tools like GitLab (for merge requests and pipeline interpretation) suggests an environment that embraces continuous integration and delivery practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is focused on modern frontend development and design tools, with a strong emphasis on practical application within an enterprise and government context. Proficiency in Figma, React, and TypeScript, alongside Git and Jira, are table stakes. Experience with MUI and testing frameworks is highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to supporting the critical missions of SAIC's government clients through reliable and effective software solutions.

• Excellence & Quality: Dedication to delivering high-quality, well-tested, and user-friendly software that meets stringent requirements.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across disciplines (design, development, testing, analysis) to achieve common goals.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of work, particularly within a secure and regulated environment.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to refine processes, enhance user experiences, and adopt best practices in design and development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active participation in Agile ceremonies and close working relationships with developers, testers, and analysts to ensure designs are technically feasible and meet functional requirements.

• Constructive Feedback Loop: Openness to providing and receiving design and code feedback, fostering an environment where iterative improvements are encouraged.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights on UX/UI best practices, accessibility standards, and new design techniques with the team.

• Problem-Solving Orientation: A proactive approach to identifying and resolving design and implementation challenges collaboratively.

📝 Enhancement Note: SAIC's culture, especially within government contracting, values reliability, adherence to process, and a strong sense of responsibility. For a UX/UI Engineer, this translates to being a dependable team player who can translate complex requirements into functional, compliant, and user-friendly software.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Ideals with Technical/Operational Constraints: Navigating the realities of existing codebases, legacy systems, and strict government requirements (like Section 508) while striving for optimal user experience.

• Complex Enterprise Workflows: Designing intuitive interfaces for intricate and potentially data-heavy applications that serve specialized user groups.

• Security & Compliance Demands: Ensuring all designs and implementations meet rigorous security protocols and accessibility standards, which can add complexity to the development process.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively gathering and managing feedback from diverse stakeholders, including technical teams, end-users, and program management, who may have competing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Techniques: Deepen knowledge in areas like interaction design for complex data, advanced prototyping, and user research methodologies.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Become an expert in React, TypeScript, and potentially related frontend technologies or state management solutions.

• Accessibility Specialization: Develop deep expertise in Section 508 and WCAG compliance, becoming a go-to resource for accessibility best practices.

• Domain Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of the defense, intelligence, and engineering sectors, understanding the specific operational needs and challenges of SAIC's clients.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers/engineers, lead design initiatives, or contribute to the evolution of SAIC's design systems and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a large government contracting environment, requiring adaptability and a problem-solving mindset. Growth opportunities align with deepening technical and domain expertise, becoming a specialist in critical areas like accessibility, and potentially moving into leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex user requirements into a practical design. What was your process, and what challenges did you face?" (Focus on your methodology, collaboration with analysts, and problem-solving).

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible, particularly for Section 508 compliance? Walk us through an example." (Highlight specific techniques, tools, and your understanding of the standard).

• "Imagine a stakeholder requests a UI change that conflicts with established design patterns or technical feasibility. How would you handle this situation?" (Showcase communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills).

• "Describe your experience with React and TypeScript. What are some common challenges you've encountered when building UI components, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on practical coding experience, state management, and API integration). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about SAIC and our work in the defense/intelligence sector?" (Research SAIC's mission, recent projects, and values).

• "How do you approach collaboration within a cross-functional Agile team?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and contribution to team goals).

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of UX/UI in government software applications?" (Connect your skills to the operational effectiveness and mission success of SAIC's clients). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio to clearly show the problem, your process (wireframes, flows, prototypes), the technical implementation (React/TypeScript code snippets, component examples), and the outcome/impact (user benefits, operational improvements, accessibility compliance).

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project. Explain why you made certain design decisions and how you implemented them technically.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific code implementations, state management strategies, and API integration details.

• Accessibility Focus: Have at least one project that prominently features accessibility considerations and compliance with standards like Section 508.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on your most relevant and impactful projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of design thinking, practical front-end engineering skills, and an understanding of the operational context of government contracting, including security and accessibility.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Engineer position at SAIC:

• Submit your application: Utilize the provided Oracle Cloud link to submit your resume and any required supporting documents.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with React, TypeScript, Figma, Agile methodologies, and accessibility standards (Section 508). Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Improved user task completion time by X%").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases your best work, emphasizing enterprise applications, user-centered design processes, technical implementation details, and accessibility features. Be ready to present specific case studies.

• Research SAIC: Understand SAIC's mission, values, and the types of projects they undertake, particularly within the defense and intelligence sectors.

• Prepare for Technical Screens: Practice discussing your experience with React, TypeScript, and Figma, and be ready to articulate your design and development process for complex applications.

⚠️ 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.