Principal Design Engineer - AI Prototyping

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.

What You'll Do

• 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.

What You'll Bring

• 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.

About Aquent

Aquent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.