Principal designer

Principal Designer, Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA)

Position: Principal Designer

Department: Digital Services

Location: New York, NY (In person full time initially; option for hybrid, with 1-2 days remote)

Reports To: Head of Product

Digital Services at the MTA

The MTA is North America’s largest transportation network, serving millions of riders daily across New York City and its surrounding regions. This role is the first full time UX hire for the newly formed Digital Services team, which is responsible for customer-facing digital products. Our goal is to make MTA tools the first port of call for the most accurate, up to date transit information. Some of our work includes:

• TrainTime - https://www.mta.info/traintime

• Every realtime sign in the subway, including countdown clocks

• A new MTA app coming out in Spring 2025

• Radar: an internal tool to see all realtime data in one place i.e. every train with the live passenger count

The Principal Designer will lead the UX strategy for the development of our existing and new mobile apps. You will join a team of 20 engineers and product managers, focusing on improving the rider experience across buses and subways.

Responsibilities:

• UX Strategy & Leadership:

• Establish and promote a user-centered design culture within the MTA.

• Define and implement the UX strategy for the MTA’s mobile applications and other digital products.

• Lead the end-to-end UX design process, from research and ideation to prototyping and testing.

• Develop and maintain design systems and style guides to ensure consistency across digital platforms (including all signage for NYCT/LIRR/MNR).

• Partner with UXR to understand rider needs, behaviors, and pain points. Maintain a user feedback loop to continuously improve the user experience.

• Collaboration & Communication:

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment on user needs and business goals.

• Partner with Creative team (who own the MTA brand).

• Present design concepts and research findings to senior leadership and other stakeholders.

• Advocate for user-centered design principles throughout the organization.

• Process Development:

• Establish and document UX processes, and best practices.

• Implement user testing, and other quality control measures.

Qualifications:

• Experience:

• 8+ years of experience in UX design, with a focus on mobile applications.

• Proven experience leading UX for complex digital products

• Experience working in agile development environments.

• Experience with design systems.

• Skills:

• Strong leadership skills to champion user-centered design practices

• Proficiency in UX design tools, and excellent visual design skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

• Ability to work effectively with complexity, with close attention to detail

• Preferred:

• Experience in the transportation industry or related fields.

• Experience with accessibility guidelines

Benefits:

• Opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of millions of riders.

• Competitive salary and benefits package:

• Pension and 401(k) retirement savings plans

• Wellness programs, Insurance plans

• Generous vacation and leave package

• Healthcare plans with medical coverage for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents.

• Collaborative and innovative work environment.

To apply:

Please submit your resume, portfolio, and cover letter.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The MTA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.