Blog.

Learn what UX engineers do, the UX engineer job description, core skills, how they differ from UX designers & software engineers, and when to hire one.

After nine years of designer recruiting experience and providing UX/UI design services, Cieden’s team mastered all its kinks. This guide is a structured and polished outcome of our trials and errors along the way. You’ll find answers to the most practical questions on how to hire a UX/UI designer.

See when you need a UX Designer, Product Designer, or AI UX Designer, and use a lifecycle-first framework to hire with confidence.

Most leaders pick between in-house, freelancers, or agencies based on sticker price. In 2026, that shortcut is costing them more than they think.

We reviewed dozens of U.S. UX teams so you don’t have to. These are the ones that stood out for actual results.