Principal Design Engineer – AI Prototyping [AQ-20023]

About the role

We are looking for a Principal Design Engineer – AI Prototyping to drive UX strategy and innovation across consumer-facing products and internal research tools. In this role, you will bridge the gap between design, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. While this is a Principal-level role requiring high-level strategic vision and cross-functional leadership, it is a hands-on, Individual Contributor position. You will build working AI-driven prototypes, establish design systems, and directly shape how elite research turns into world-class digital and physical athlete experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end UX strategy for multiple consumer-facing digital experiences and internal research tools, elevating design innovation across the ecosystem.
• Develop and implement AI-driven design solutions to streamline research workflows, enhance data integration, and transform complex data into intuitive interfaces.
• Lead rapid prototyping initiatives, building both low- and high-fidelity code-based prototypes to validate design concepts, speed up iteration cycles, and raise product quality.
• Define long-term UX roadmaps and establish standardized design frameworks, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all tools and platforms.
• Guide cross-functional teams of researchers, data scientists, engineers, and product leaders to translate user-centered design into impactful, business-aligned product solutions.
• Mentor and onboard designers, facilitate workshops on design thinking and AI-assisted design, and champion a culture of design excellence across internal and external partner network.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in UX/UI design, product design, or design engineering, with a strong track record of shipping complex consumer and internal digital products.
• Strong hands-on coding capabilities (e.g., JavaScript/TypeScript, React, Python, HTML/CSS, or web graphics frameworks) to build functional, interactive, and data-driven prototypes are a very nice-to-have.
• Demonstrated experience integrating AI/ML capabilities, APIs, or data-driven workflows into product design and user interfaces.
• Proven ability to define UX roadmaps, construct design systems, and bring architectural clarity to complex tool ecosystems.
• Comfortable operating as a senior, hands-on Individual Contributor with the presence and influence to align cross-functional stakeholders, mentor peers, and lead workshops.
• Passion for sports science, athletic performance, hardware/software integration, or emerging technology in research environments.

Aquent offers the following benefits to eligible talent:

• Subsidized health, vision, and dental plans
• Paid sick leave
• Retirement plans with a match
• Free online training through Aquent Gymnasium