Data Design Engineer

Summary

Join Murmuration, a nonprofit organization, as a Data Design Engineer and play a key role in advancing our mission by designing and developing impactful data visualizations and user interfaces for our research tool, Explorer. You will translate complex datasets into intuitive visualizations, contribute to Explorer's frontend development, and serve as a data visualization expert for special projects. This role bridges data, design, and user experience, creating tools that present information clearly and tell compelling stories. The position requires 4+ years of experience in data visualization and frontend development, proficiency in React and Redux, and experience with data visualization libraries. You will collaborate with various teams and stakeholders to ensure user needs are met. Murmuration offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement benefits, flexible PTO, parental leave, and more.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in data visualization and frontend development, ideally within a product-focused environment
• Proficiency in React and Redux or similar frameworks, and a strong understanding of component-based architecture and state management
• Experience with data visualization libraries and frameworks (e.g., Visx or D3.js) for building complex, interactive visualizations
• Experience translating complex datasets into intuitive, engaging visual stories that drive user insight and action
• Strong understanding of design principles, including visual hierarchy, color theory, typography, and user experience, applied to both interfaces and data visualizations
• Familiarity with data querying and transformation (e.g., SQL, Python, or R) to support visualization needs
• Knowledge of accessibility best practices and a commitment to creating inclusive, user-friendly experiences
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail, especially when optimizing frontend performance and rendering large datasets
• Proven track record of collaborating within small, agile teams—comfortable wearing multiple hats and contributing across disciplines
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain technical and design concepts to non-technical stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain dynamic, user-friendly data visualizations and interfaces within Explorer to help community organizations translate complex civic data into clear, actionable insights
• Contribute to the broader frontend development of Explorer and other data products, ensuring a seamless, intuitive, and accessible user experience
• Collaborate closely with research engineers, data scientists, product managers, designers, and community partners to understand user needs and translate them into effective visual and interactive solutions
• Prototype and iterate on data visualization and UI concepts, exploring new ways to present data and insights that resonate with diverse audiences
• Design, implement, and maintain scalable, reusable data visualization and UI components ensuring efficient integration with Murmuration’s product ecosystem
• Support special projects including publishing insights, designing presentation materials, and contributing to external-facing reports and products to help communicate complex information to a broader audience
• Ensure all data visualizations and interfaces adhere to best practices for accessibility, usability, and design consistency
• Optimize frontend performance, ensuring smooth integration of real-time and static datasets into visualizations and interfaces
• Stay current on the latest trends and technologies in data visualization, frontend development, and civic tech to continuously improve Murmuration’s tools and workflows

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in civic tech, advocacy, or nonprofit sectors
• Familiarity with GIS mapping and spatial data visualization tools
• Knowledge of civic or political data ecosystems and related data sources
• Background in data journalism, public policy, or storytelling through data
• Experience with user-centered design methodologies and usability testing
• Familiarity with data analytics and statistical methods to inform visualization choices
• Exposure to building data-driven applications in small, mission-driven, agile teams
• Understanding of performance optimization techniques for large-scale, interactive data visualizations

Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental insurance with 100% of premiums covered for you and qualifying family members
• Retirement benefits with a 5% employer match
• A flexible unlimited PTO plan
• Generous paid parental leave
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• A company laptop
• A flexible remote work environment
• A home office setup stipend for all new employees
• Monthly reimbursement for remote work expenses
• A yearly professional development fund
• Mental health and wellness benefits through Calm and Better Help
• Yearly in-person staff retreats