Senior UI Designer / Web Developer

Job Details

Purpose

Applied Research Laboratories’ (ARL : UT) Strategic Communications Office (SCO) is seeking a Senior UI Designer / Web Developer to shape and elevate the look, feel, and usability of ARL’s web presence. This senior-level role is ideal for an experienced designer / developer with an eye for visual design, front-end expertise and the ability to lead and mentor others.

Responsibilities

Design Leadership & User Experience

Lead the visual design, user experience, and front-end standards for ARL’s web properties.

Translate feedback, user needs, and organizational goals into thoughtful design solutions.

Establish and maintain consistent branding, layout, and interaction patterns across platforms.

Keep ARL’s sites visually modern, intuitive, and engaging.

Guide and review design work produced by web staff to ensure quality and consistency.

Web Development

Maintain ARL’s portfolio of internal and public-facing websites.

Implement and oversee front-end development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Review code, provide technical guidance, and ensure best practices across the team.

Oversee and prioritize web requests through ServiceNow, ensuring timely, high-quality delivery.

Stay current with emerging web technologies and practices while adhering to ARL’s security and information assurance standards.

Accessibility & Standards

Lead compliance efforts for accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508).

Establish accessibility best practices and documentation for the web team.

Recommend training opportunities and provide guidance to staff on accessibility and inclusive design.

Leadership & Collaboration

Supervise two web developers (one full-time, one part-time), providing technical direction, feedback, and professional development support.

Communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments to deliver web solutions that meet organizational needs.

Contribute to and support SCO department-wide initiatives alongside designers, communications specialists, and archivists.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree.

Three or more years of experience across a combination of the following : web development, UI design, and UX design.

Proven experience leading web design or development projects from concept through implementation, with a portfolio demonstrating UI / UX design and front-end implementation.

Experience providing technical guidance, mentorship, or informal supervision.

Demonstrated proficiency in front-end coding (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).

Experience using GitLab (or other version control systems).

Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508).

Ability to independently lead complex work while communicating effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

US Citizen is required. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supervising or formally managing web developers or designers.

Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe XD.

Experience using ticketing / support platforms (ServiceNow or equivalent).

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes :

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
• Retirement contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid holidays

Salary Range

$75,000-$85,000+ / negotiable depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

Standard office conditions

Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

Use of manual dexterity

Some weekend, evening and holiday work

Possible interstate / intrastate travel

Exposure to all weather conditions

Exposure to electrical / mechanical hazards.

Required Materials

Resume / CV

3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Letter of interest

Unofficial college transcript

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers :   You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers :   As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

Employment Eligibility :

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion / transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility :

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks :

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.