UX Designer

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role:

Fermilab's Accelerator Directorate Controls Department seeks a creative and collaborative UX Designer to join the ACORN project team. You will be instrumental in shaping the user experience for the next generation of applications controlling Fermilab's world-class particle accelerator complex via the ACNET system. Working closely with end-users (operators, physicists, engineers), Human Factors experts, product managers, and software developers, you will translate user research, task analyses, and requirements into intuitive, effective, and visually appealing interfaces for complex scientific software. This role involves formulating and defining the scope and objectives for user interface design within moderately complex software projects.

* This position is not eligible for sponsorship. *

* The position is for a period of up to three (3) years, with the potential for extension considered on a yearly basis thereafter.*

What your day-to-day as a UX Designer at Fermilab will look like: 

• Designing user interfaces for new and enhanced accelerator control applications, creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.
• Interpreting and applying user research findings, task analyses, and style guidelines to application design and development.
• Collaborating closely and iteratively with developers and product managers, providing design specifications, feedback, and alternative solutions.
• Conducting usability testing sessions with target users and iterate designs based on feedback.
• Contributing to the development, maintenance, and application of a UI design system and style guide.
• Potentially contribute to front-end code (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to implement UI components.
• Desig, code, test, and document UI elements, components, and potentially maintain related libraries.
• Participate actively in design discussions, gather requirements and feedback from users, and contribute to design documentation.
• Develop UI/UX specifications for features within small to large projects.
• Communicate design concepts and rationale effectively to team members, stakeholders, and users.
• Abide by and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Required Skills and Attributes for Success:

• High school diploma with 5+ years of experience developing complex software projects.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in computer science, HCI, Graphic Design, or related field with 3+ years of experience developing complex software projects or equivalent UX design experience.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

(Required)

• Strong background and portfolio demonstrating expertise in application UI/UX design, including wireframing and rapid prototyping.
• Experience with user research methods and usability testing.
• Proficiency with modern design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar).
• Experience working collaboratively with software developers in an iterative or Agile environment.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and visual).

(Desired)

• Experience designing complex systems or data visualization interfaces.
• Knowledge of establishing or working within design systems.
• Experience with web and/or mobile application design.
• Familiarity with front-end web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, frameworks like React).
• Basic programming knowledge.
• Experience in a scientific or technical domain.
• Strong understanding of relational database concepts is beneficial.

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final. 

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

 
Benefits/Perks:

Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits 
• Onsite day care

Why Fermilab: 
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening  

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement   

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview. 

What To Expect Next:
We’ll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.