Product Designer

Defense Unicorns

17h•Remote

About The Position

Defense Unicorns is seeking a Product Designer for UDS Fleet Management, with a specific focus on our remote deployment tools, designed for disconnected field operations. You'll shape mobile and tablet experiences for operators managing Kubernetes infrastructure in high-stakes environments — from submarines to forward operating bases to tactical vehicles. This role requires expertise in designing mission-critical interfaces that work seamlessly across device types and form factors, serving users ranging from non-technical mission operators to field technicians.

Requirements

Portfolio requirement: Must demonstrate proven experience designing mobile and tablet versions of enterprise software with clear examples of: Web-to-tablet responsive design with specific UX/UI decisions clearly articulated, Complex workflows adapted for smaller screens while maintaining functionality, Adaptive layouts that work across different device sizes and orientations, Information architecture optimized for mobile contexts
3-5 years of product design experience with at least 1-2 years designing enterprise mobile/tablet applications
Strong domain knowledge of both Android (Material Design) and iOS (HIG) design patterns — demonstrated understanding of platform conventions and when to diverge
Solid proficiency across system design, UX/interaction design, and visual design
Proficiency in Figma — component libraries, auto-layout, variables, responsive design techniques, and developer handoff
Understanding of accessibility fundamentals (WCAG 2.1 AA minimum) with specific attention to mobile contexts: contrast for outdoor viewing, touch target sizing, one-handed operation
Ability to explore different solutions, identify trade-offs, and articulate a strong rationale for design decisions
Experience facilitating design critiques, user testing sessions, and stakeholder reviews
Proven experience designing mobile and tablet versions of enterprise software — you've solved the challenges of translating complex workflows to smaller screens
Experience with adaptive layouts across phones, tablets, and foldables
Understanding of responsive design principles and breakpoint strategies
Knowledge of mobile-specific interaction patterns: swipe gestures, pull-to-refresh, bottom sheets, floating action buttons
Experience designing for offline-first or disconnected scenarios
Familiarity with Tailwind CSS utility-first approach and constraints — enough to have informed conversations with engineers about feasibility and implementation
Understanding of progressive web apps (PWAs) or hybrid mobile development approaches
Basic understanding of Kubernetes concepts or willingness to learn (containers, clusters, pods, deployments)
Understanding of how operators interact with infrastructure management tools in field environments
Excellent visual and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate design decisions to both technical and non-technical audiences
Proven ability to work autonomously, know when to ask for help, and actively resolve dependencies
Strong facilitation skills for design workshops, user research sessions, and alignment meetings
Comfort working in ambiguous problem spaces and turning vague requirements into concrete designs
Experience working fully remote with distributed teams across time zones

Nice To Haves

Deep experience with iOS (HIG) and Android (Material Design) conventions, including when and why to diverge from platform standards
Ability to design meaningful animations and transitions that enhance usability for task-focused users
Prior experience with operator interfaces, command-and-control systems, field tools, or mission-critical software
Experience building or contributing to multi-platform design systems that span web, iOS, and Android
Prior work conducting research with pilots, operators, field workers, technicians, or other expert user groups
Previous experience designing for government, military, or highly regulated industries (helpful but not required — the right mindset to learning is what matters most)
Understanding of DoD classification levels, disconnected operations, or air-gapped environments
Experience designing for rugged devices or harsh environmental conditions
Strong understanding of one-handed mobile UI patterns and ergonomic considerations
Experience with dark mode design and high-contrast themes for outdoor visibility
Experience leveraging AI tools for accelerating UX processes without sacrificing quality
Knowledge of device management systems (MDM/EMM) or enterprise mobility management

Responsibilities

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to conceptualize and execute high-fidelity prototypes for mobile and tablet interfaces, translating concepts into user-friendly designs that align with our brand and business objectives.
Conduct comprehensive UX research and testing methodologies to gather user feedback, identify pain points, and iterate on UI design solutions for optimal user satisfaction on mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Help define early product concepts, flesh out the high-level workflow and micro-interactions of a feature, and execute on an effective visual design for mobile and tablet applications.
Cultivate empathy for end-users across product teams & stakeholders by creating and maintaining user personas for mission operators.
Collaborate with developers to design and build data-centered tools with intuitive mobile and tablet interfaces that improve operator and user experience.
Create, collaborate, and iterate on user flows, user personas, user roles, user journeys, and other UXI design artifacts.
Plan iterative UI design improvements that improve the mission user experience.
Document UI solutions and contribute to the team's shared component library.
Work closely with other product teams and designers to ensure seamless cross-product integration with all other UDS platform tools.
Develop a deep understanding of disconnected operations, classification boundaries, and DoD operational constraints.