Product Designer Jobs in California

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Information Systems and Cyber Division (ISCD) staff couple the latest in information system technologies, such as elastic compute clouds, containerization, microservices, real-time operating systems, and visualization frameworks, with expertise in cyber security, software architecture, software engineering, data science, Artificial Intelligence, process improvement, and software development to deliver responsive, resilient, high-performance software intensive systems to our Intelligence Community, DoD, and civilian customers.

As a Product Experience Designer, you'll blend interaction design, user research, and product strategy to solve hard problems for mission-critical systems. You will work closely with engineers, product managers, and stakeholders to define product concepts, conduct user research, create high-fidelity prototypes, and guide development teams through execution.

This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA , which requires 100% onsite work .

What You'll Be Doing

Interaction and Visual Design

• Lead end-to-end design work from early product concepts through final visual execution

• Define high-level workflows and micro-interactions for complex, data-dense interfaces

• Create wireframes, mockups, and clickable prototypes using modern design tools

• Execute effective visual designs including color studies, typography, and component systems

• Unify the visual and interaction direction across web, mobile, XR, and emerging platforms

• Conduct design reviews and create production-ready assets for development teams

User Research and Testing

• Engage directly with customers and end users to understand their workflows, pain points, and needs

• Conduct user interviews, contextual inquiry, and field visits to customer sites

• Design and execute usability tests with both scripted and exploratory methodologies

• Balance qualitative research methods with quantitative product metrics and usage data

• Dig deep into what features truly solve problems, moving beyond surface-level feature requests

• Validate design concepts early and often with stakeholders and users

Product Strategy and Collaboration

• Draft design documents and product specifications that bridge user needs and technical feasibility

• Partner closely with product managers and engineers to prototype and build out products

• Guide development teams through the execution process with clear design rationale and documentation

• Present complex concepts to diverse audiences, from engineers to executives

• Make independent decisions while knowing when to seek input and collaboration

• Foster a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and user empathy

Technical Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with engineers on implementation, understanding frontend technologies and constraints

• Build responsive, accessible, high-performance interfaces with exceptional attention to detail

• Work within technical constraints of real-time systems, cloud architectures, and advanced visualization frameworks

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Industrial Design, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within 12 months)

• Strong portfolio demonstrating interaction design, visual design, and user research capabilities

• Demonstrated ability in user research methodologies, usability testing, and rapid prototyping

• Expert proficiency with modern design and prototyping tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.)

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills with the ability to build great relationships with engineers, PMs, and other stakeholders

• High empathy and dedication to the user, striving to understand and empower them

• An iterative design process—you validate ideas early, seek and respond to feedback thoughtfully, and adapt quickly

• Excitement for solving hard, complex problems in technically sophisticated and data-dense environments

• Proven ability to convey and debate design rationale with diverse stakeholders

• Willingness to learn and make decisions independently, with the ability to ask questions when needed

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master's in HCI, Computer Science, Design, Human Factors, or related field

• You have a Certificate in Design Innovation or similar

• Experience designing for aerospace, defense, intelligence, or government sectors

• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, C#—enough to collaborate effectively with engineers and understand what's possible with frontend technologies

• Experience designing for AR/VR/XR, or other immersive technologies

• Experience with advanced visualization technologies (WebGL, Three.js, D3.js, Unity, Unreal Engine)

• Experience building and maintaining large-scale design systems

• Expertise in accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508) and inclusive design practices

• Background in motion design or animation for UI/UX

• Experience designing for mission-critical, high-stakes, or safety-critical systems

• Publications, presentations, or patents in UX/UI or human-computer interaction

• Deep expertise in a specialized area (e.g., data visualization, spatial computing, design systems, user research)

• Experience shipping code or working in frontend development roles

• Current DoD Secret or TS/SCI clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .