At a Glance
- Tasks: Support user research, create wireframes, and design intuitive digital experiences.
- Company: Join Arup, a leader in innovative design and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible benefits, and a global profit share scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on digital products that improve user experiences.
- Qualifications: Passion for UX/UI design and experience with Figma or similar tools.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Joining Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. Arup's Digital Technology group is home to the Design Driven Collaboration (DDC) team, a creative and user-focused group dedicated to improving how people interact with digital products, services and information. Bringing together UX researchers, designers and technical writers, we champion evidence-based design and clear communication to ensure our products are useful, usable and accessible. We work across Arup's global portfolio of digital solutions, helping teams transform complex processes into intuitive experiences that deliver value for colleagues and clients alike.
The Junior UI Designer supports the design and improvement of digital products and services by contributing to user research, user interface design, prototyping and visual communication activities. Working alongside designers, developers, product managers and subject matter experts, the role helps create user-centred solutions that meet user needs and business objectives.
At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective – in which we encourage individuality to thrive. Our strength comes from how we respect, share and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas. You will have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, to our members and to the clients and communities we serve.
As a Junior UI Designer within the Design Driven Collaboration (DDC) team, you will help shape the digital experiences used by engineers, consultants and technical specialists across Arup. Working alongside experienced UX researchers, designers, technical writers and software developers, you will contribute to user-centred digital products by supporting research activities, creating wireframes and prototypes, designing interfaces and producing visual assets that help make complex systems easier to use.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their design career who is passionate about user experience, visual design and problem solving, and who is keen to develop their skills within a supportive multidisciplinary team.
You’ll work with experienced practitioners across UX research, interface design, graphic design and content design, gaining exposure to a wide range of digital products, technologies and engineering disciplines.
The Role Offers Opportunities To Develop Skills In:
- User‑centred design
- User research and usability testing
- Interface and interaction design
- Design systems and accessibility
- Prototyping and visual communication
- Agile product development and multidisciplinary collaboration
You’ll also have access to Arup's learning resources, mentoring opportunities and global communities of practice to support your continued professional growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support user research activities including usability testing, workshops and interviews.
- Create wireframes, mock‑ups and interactive prototypes using Figma and related design tools.
- Produce user interface designs and visual assets for digital products and services.
- Apply established design systems, patterns and brand guidelines.
- Collaborate with designers, developers, product managers and subject matter experts.
- Contribute to improving digital products by identifying opportunities to enhance usability and user experience.
A Typical Day:
No two days are the same. You might begin your day by joining a project stand‑up with developers and product teams before working on wireframes or interface concepts for a new feature. Later, you could help prepare materials for a usability session, analyse research findings, update design system components or create visual assets for a digital product. Throughout the day, you’ll collaborate with colleagues from across Arup while developing your skills and contributing to digital products that make complex workflows easier and more enjoyable to use.
Is this role right for you?
- You have a qualification, relevant experience or a portfolio demonstrating your interest in UX, UI or digital design.
- You enjoy solving problems and designing intuitive digital experiences.
- You have experience using Figma or similar design and prototyping tools.
- You are curious about how people work and how technology can improve their experience.
- You enjoy collaborating with others and be keen to learn and develop your skills.
What we offer you:
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts. We care about you and want you to perform at your best, which is why we offer one of the most competitive benefits packages in our sector.
As a member organisation, everyone shares in our success through a global profit share scheme (payments dependent on the firm’s financial performance). We also provide private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance and income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Different people, shared values:
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence. Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all.
Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross‑cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at Careers - Your Life at Arup.
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Junior Designer employer: Arup
Arup is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture in Leeds that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in security advisory services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Designer
✨Join Design Communities
Getting involved in UX-UI design communities can really give you a leg up. Platforms like Dribbble or Behance are fantastic for sharing your portfolio and connecting with other designers. Plus, they often host challenges and collaborations that can help you gain visibility.
✨Attend Local Design Events
Keep an eye out for UX-UI meetups, workshops, and design conferences in your area. Networking in these settings can lead to fantastic opportunities and even kick off friendships that open doors to job offers. Being face-to-face often leaves a lasting impression!
✨Show Off Your Projects
For an entry-level role like this, having a portfolio is crucial. Focus on showcasing your best work and make it easy to navigate. Include case studies that highlight your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you implemented user feedback.
✨Apply Directly
When you find roles you’re interested in, especially at companies like Arup, don’t hold back! Use their website to submit your application. Tailor your cover letter specifically to the role, mentioning how your design philosophy aligns with their values.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Skills:For a role in UX/UI design, it's super important to have a portfolio that really shines. Include your best work, even if it's from university projects or personal experiments. We want to see your design process from concept to final product, so don't forget to document that!
Tailor Your CV for Design:When crafting your CV, focus on design-related skills such as wireframing, prototyping, and user research. Highlight any relevant software proficiency, like Adobe XD or Figma, and don’t shy away from mentioning collaborative projects or internships that show your ability to work in a team.
Express Your Passion for Design:In your cover letter, let your excitement for UX/UI design shine through! Share why you're passionate about creating user-friendly experiences and any specific design philosophies you follow. This is your chance to connect your personal interests to our mission at Arup.
Keep It Simple and Visual:As a designer, your application should reflect your design principles. Make sure your CV and portfolio are visually appealing and easy to navigate. A clean layout with clear headings and sections shows that you understand the importance of good design even in your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arup
✨Showcase Your Design Process
When you're chatting with Arup, make sure to discuss your design process. Walk them through a project in your portfolio, explaining how you tackled user research, wireframing, and prototyping. This shows that you not only have the skills but also understand the importance of a user-centered approach.
✨Be Ready for Design Challenges
Expect to face some design challenges during the interview, perhaps a live design task or a case study discussion. Brush up on tools like Sketch or Figma, and be prepared to think on your feet. Show off your problem-solving skills by articulating your design choices as you go.
✨Highlight Your Eagerness to Learn
As an entry-level candidate, your potential matters more than your experience. Let them know you're excited to grow in the UX/UI field. Talk about any online courses you've taken, design meet-ups you've attended, or any side projects where you’ve tried to innovate and learn new skills.
✨Be Personable and Collaborative
UX/UI design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about collaboration. During the interview with Arup, don’t hesitate to share examples of how you've worked in teams or sought feedback on your ideas. This shows that you’re not only a creative thinker but also someone who values input from others.
