Principal Design Engineer – AI Prototyping [AQ-20752]

About the role

Join a pioneering organization at the forefront of innovation, dedicated to shaping world-class digital and physical experiences that empower individuals and push the boundaries of performance. Our client, a leader in their field, is seeking visionary talent to drive the future of user experience through cutting-edge AI and design. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a profound impact on how elite research translates into intuitive, impactful products that reach a global audience. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary individual to step into a pivotal role, bridging the critical intersection of design, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. This is a hands-on, Individual Contributor position where you won’t just strategize; you’ll build, innovate, and directly influence how groundbreaking research translates into intuitive, impactful experiences. You will be instrumental in driving UX strategy and innovation across both consumer-facing products and essential internal research tools, shaping the future of digital and physical interactions.

Responsibilities

• UX Strategy: Lead the end-to-end UX strategy for multiple consumer-facing digital experiences and internal research tools, elevating design innovation across the ecosystem.
• AI Integration & Prototyping: Develop and implement AI-driven design solutions to streamline research workflows, enhance data integration, and transform complex data into intuitive interfaces.
• Rapid Iteration & Technical Execution: 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.
• Frameworks & UX Roadmaps: Define long-term UX roadmaps and establish standardized design frameworks, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all tools and platforms.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Guide cross-functional teams of researchers, data scientists, engineers, and product leaders to translate user-centered design into impactful, business-aligned product solutions.
• Mentorship & Design Culture: 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 networks.

Requirements

• Experience: 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.
• AI & Data Experience: Demonstrated experience integrating AI/ML capabilities, APIs, or data-driven workflows into product design and user interfaces.
• Strategic & Systems Thinking: Proven ability to define UX roadmaps, construct design systems, and bring architectural clarity to complex tool ecosystems.
• Leadership Mindset: Comfortable operating as a senior, hands-on Individual Contributor with the presence and influence to align cross-functional stakeholders, mentor peers, and lead workshops.
• Domain Passion: Passion for sports science, athletic performance, hardware/software integration, or emerging technology in research environments.
• Bonus Points Technical & Coding Skills: 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.

Benefits

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