Defense Unicorns provides airgap-native software delivery infrastructure that lets U.S. military systems receive secure, rapid updates in disconnected environments.
<h1><strong>Role Description: </strong></h1> <p>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.</p> <h1><strong>Responsibilities: </strong></h1> <p>The listed responsibilities are not exhaustive and additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the evolving needs of the organization. We are seeking a dynamic individual who is able to adapt and take on new responsibilities as they arise.</p> <ul> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>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.</li> <li>Cultivate empathy for end-users across product teams & stakeholders by creating and maintaining user personas for mission operators..</li> <li>Collaborate with developers to design and build data-centered tools with intuitive mobile and tablet interfaces that improve operator and user experience.</li> <li>Create, collaborate, and iterate on user flows, user personas, user roles, user journeys, and other UXI design artifacts.</li> <li>Plan iterative UI design improvements that improve the mission user experience</li> <li>Document UI solutions and contribute to the team's shared component library.</li> <li>Work closely with other product teams and designers to ensure seamless cross-product integration with all other UDS platform tools..</li> <li>Develop a deep understanding of disconnected operations, classification boundaries, and DoD operational constraints.</li> </ul> <h1><strong>Required Experience and Qualifications: </strong></h1> <ul> <li><strong>Portfolio requirement:</strong> Must demonstrate proven experience designing mobile and tablet versions of enterprise software with clear examples of:</li> <ul> <li>Web-to-tablet responsive design with specific UX/UI decisions clearly articulated</li> <li>Complex workflows adapted for smaller screens while maintaining functionality</li> <li>Adaptive layouts that work across different device sizes and orientations</li> <li>Information architecture optimized for mobile contexts</li> </ul> </ul> <h1><strong>Core Design Capabilities: </strong></h1> <ul> <li>3-5 years of product design experience with at least 1-2 years designing enterprise mobile/tablet applications</li> <li><strong>Strong domain knowledge of both Android (Material Design) and iOS (HIG) design patterns</strong> — demonstrated understanding of platform conventions and when to diverge</li> <li>Solid proficiency across system design, UX/interaction design, and visual design</li> <li>Proficiency in Figma — component libraries, auto-layout, variables, responsive design techniques, and developer handoff</li> <li>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</li> <li>Ability to explore different solutions, identify trade-offs, and articulate a strong rationale for design decisions</li> <li>Experience facilitating design critiques, user testing sessions, and stakeholder reviews</li> </ul> <h1><strong>Mobile & Responsive Design Expertise: </strong></h1> <ul> <li><strong>Proven experience designing mobile and tablet versions of enterprise software</strong> — you've solved the challenges of translating complex workflows to smaller screens</li> <li>Experience with adaptive layouts across phones, tablets, and foldables</li> <li>Understanding of responsive design principles and breakpoint strategies</li> <li>Knowledge of mobile-specific interaction patterns: swipe gestures, pull-to-refresh, bottom sheets, floating action buttons</li> <li>Experience designing for offline-first or disconnected scenarios</li> </ul> <h1><strong>Technical & Domain Knowledge: </strong></h1> <ul> <li>Familiarity with Tailwind CSS utility-first approach and constraints — enough to have informed conversations with engineers about feasibility and implementation</li> <li>Understanding of progressive web apps (PWAs) or hybrid mobile development approaches</li> <li>Basic understanding of Kubernetes concepts or willingness to learn (containers, clusters, pods, deployments)</li> <li>Understanding of how operators interact with infrastructure management tools in field environments</li> </ul> <h1><strong>Work Style & Communication:</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Excellent visual and verbal communication skills with the ability to articulate design decisions to both technical and non-technical audiences</li> <li>Proven ability to work autonomously, know when to ask for help, and actively resolve dependencies</li> <li>Strong facilitation skills for design workshops, user research sessions, and alignment meetings</li> <li>Comfort working in ambiguous problem spaces and turning vague requirements into concrete designs</li> <li>Experience working fully remote with distributed teams across time zones</li> </ul> <h1><strong>Preferred Qualifications:</strong></h1> <ul> <li>Deep experience with iOS (HIG) and Android (Mat