Principal Design Engineer - AI Prototyping

We are looking for a Principal Design Engineer – AI Prototyping to drive UX strategy and innovation across consumer-facing products and internal research tools. In this role, you will bridge the gap between design, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. While this is a Principal-level role requiring high-level strategic vision and cross-functional leadership, it is a hands-on, Individual Contributor position. You will build working AI-driven prototypes, establish design systems, and directly shape how elite research turns into world-class digital and physical athlete experiences. Key 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 network. Key Qualifications 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. 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. 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. 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.