Software Engineer – UI, Agent-first Design Systems
Aurora Energy Research
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Oxford • United Kingdom
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Tech Stack
About the role
- Own a token-first approach: semantic tokens that encode intent (not just values), multi-theme support, and predictable propagation into CSS variables and Tailwind mappings
- Define conventions for naming, layering (core → semantic → component), and change management so teams can adopt incrementally
- Ensure components consume tokens (not hard-coded styles) so overrides and theme changes behave reliably
- Design and build highly reusable primitives and components with accessibility, state correctness, and interaction quality as default
- Leverage headless UI foundations to ship production-ready components with crisp, maintainable APIs
- Design systems around composition-first principles: small orthogonal building blocks, clear extension points, and patterns that avoid fragmentation (controlled/uncontrolled, slots/compound components, render props where appropriate)
- Build and evolve product-oriented composites and patterns over time (tables, filters, dashboards, workflows), turning repeated needs into stable, documented patterns
- Validate patterns against real constraints: data density, empty/error/loading states, performance, and responsive behaviour
- Apply deep CSS expertise to ship refined micro-interactions, transitions, and animations that communicate hierarchy, feedback, and affordance
- Hold a high bar across variants and edge cases; improve quality without adding unnecessary complexity
- Build the workflows that keep iteration fast: prototyping playbooks, tight feedback cycles, and repeatable ways to explore solutions, variants, states, and granular interactions without creating one-off debt
- Define agent-legible representations of components/tokens/states and the guardrails needed for safe recomposition and generation
- Create feedback loops so system changes (both human and agent-made) are observable, comparable, and trustworthy (docs, examples, internal tooling, regression checks)
- Partner with product and engineering on adoption strategy, compatibility, deprecations, and migration paths
- Help define standards for contribution, review, and release discipline; shape the culture and leverage of the design function as it grows
Requirements
- Strong React/TypeScript fundamentals with proven experience building component libraries/design systems used across teams or products
- Experience applying tailwind CSS in scalable design systems using structured utility patterns, class composition and design tokens
- Skilled at headless UI composition and component API design with accessibility baked in
- High bar for visual quality and interaction design
- Familiarity with agent coding tools (e.g. Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode) and emerging AI powered workflow patterns e.g. Spec Driven Development / Plan modes, parallisation using worktrees, multi-agent orchestration, agents.md , skills etc.
- Experience with data-heavy B2B interfaces and charting/theming systems
- Internal tooling/CLI/platform experience
- Experience with Rive.app
Benefits
- A collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on transforming the global energy transition.
- A fun, informal, collaborative, and international work culture
- A competitive salary package
- Access to regular coaching and mentoring sessions, and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals
- Private Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Parental Support
- Salary-Exchange Pension
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Local Oxford Discounts
- Cycle-to-work Scheme
- Flu Jabs
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
ReactTypeScriptTailwind CSSCSScomponent librariesdesign systemsheadless UImicro-interactionsdata-heavy interfacescharting systems
Soft Skills
collaborationfeedback cyclesiterationquality assurancedesign standards