Interactive Product Designer

Consult; College Station, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University PVFA seeks an Interactive Product Designer to contribute to the design, research, and development of interactive products and narrative systems at College Station. You will collaborate with faculty and project partners to prototype, test, and refine innovative experiences.

The role emphasizes research-driven design, hands-on programming, and cross-disciplinary teamwork in a fixed-term, campus-based setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and two years of related experience.
• Experience with programming and software development.
• Experience with C/C++, Python, or similar languages.
• Experience with hardware/software integration, embedded systems, robotics.
• Experience in a research lab.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, CS, or EE.

Responsibilities

• Designs and develops interactive products, narrative systems, and prototypes.
• Programs and integrates hardware and software components for interactive systems.
• Applies software and systems engineering principles to prototypes.
• Troubleshoots and optimizes systems for functionality and performance.
• Conducts research on technologies and testing with potential users.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, CS, or EE

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

C/C++

Python

Embedded systems

Robotics

Interactive technologies

Job description

Job Title

Interactive Product Designer

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Temporary/Casual Staff (Fixed Term)

Job Description

What We Want

The Interactive Product Designer supports the design and development of interactive products and narrative systems. This position contributes to research, prototyping, programming, and user testing in collaboration with faculty, stakeholders, and project collaborators.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.

Other Requirements and Factors: This position is contingent upon the availability of project funding.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Interactive Product Design and Development

• Designs and develops interactive products, narrative systems, and prototypes.
• Programs and integrates hardware and software components for interactive systems.
• Applies software and systems engineering principles to develop and refine prototypes.
• Troubleshoots and optimizes systems for functionality and performance.

Research and User Testing

• Conducts research on technologies, systems, and approaches relevant to project development.
• Plans and conducts testing with potential users.
• Collects and evaluates feedback from testing activities.
• Applies testing findings to improve prototypes and interactive experiences.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Meets with faculty, researchers, stakeholders, and collaborators to understand project requirements and objectives.
• Communicates technical concepts and project progress to collaborators.
• Incorporates stakeholder feedback into design and development activities.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams throughout the project.

Documentation and Project Communication

• Documents development processes, testing procedures, and project findings.
• Prepares technical documentation, testing reports, presentations, and project summaries as needed.
• Maintains organized records of project and testing activities.

Professional Development and Additional Duties

• Participates in relevant research meetings, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Keeps current with relevant technologies and development approaches.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with programming and software development.
• Experience with C/C++, Python, or similar programming languages.
• Experience with hardware/software integration, embedded systems, robotics, or interactive technologies.
• Experience with software or system testing and troubleshooting.
• Experience in a research lab.
• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of software development and computer systems.
• Ability to develop, test, and troubleshoot technical prototypes.
• Ability to conduct technical research and apply findings to project development.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, researchers, and stakeholders.

Who We Are

Texas A&M University’s College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts (PVFA) educates dancers, directors, computer graphics engineers, composers, art historians, sound technologists and more to serve our community, the nation, and the world. https://pvfa.tamu.edu/about/

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.

• Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time

• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.