Senior Product Designer II, TASER at Axon

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer II, TASER

Company: Axon

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design (Hardware & Software Integration)

Date Posted: 2025-06-09

Experience Level: Senior (8+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote OK with proximity to US R&D Hub)

🎨 Role Summary

Lead end-to-end UX design efforts for the TASER product pillar, focusing on the intersection of physical devices and digital experiences.
Drive the design of seamless and cohesive hardware-software interactions, emphasizing user-centered design principles for public safety professionals.
Innovate data visualization approaches to provide actionable insights and improve the adoption of life-saving measures within the public safety sector.
Contribute significantly to and effectively utilize a multi-platform, multi-modal design system that encompasses screen, sound, lights, and haptics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized, requiring a blend of traditional UX/UI and hardware interaction design. The emphasis on public safety and the "Protect Life" mission is a critical differentiator. The "Senior II" designation suggests a level of leadership and complexity beyond a standard Senior role, likely involving mentorship and driving significant product initiatives.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Lead the entire design process for TASER products, from initial research and product definition through detailed design, testing, implementation, and post-launch customer feedback integration.
Develop and implement a best-in-class data visualization strategy specifically tailored for TASER usage, creating dashboards and intelligent reporting for various personas, including law enforcement and governmental policy owners.
Prioritize and lead initiatives to integrate industrial design with software UX, ensuring a seamless and intuitive end-to-end experience for users interacting with connected devices.
Collaborate with product managers and researchers to conduct field research with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, translating insights into practical and scalable design solutions through various research methods (observational, interviews, usability testing, etc.).
Produce comprehensive design artifacts such as journey maps, architecture diagrams, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, interaction diagrams, and prototypes to effectively define and communicate design solutions.
Articulate and present product and feature design proposals to internal teams and executive leadership, using strong storytelling and presentation skills to gain buy-in and support.
Work collaboratively with feature and product teams to develop broad platform and systems strategies that ensure cohesive user experiences across all Axon products.
Stay informed on design trends, customer behavior, competitive landscapes, and current technologies to inform design decisions and drive innovation.
Contribute to the definition of global design patterns, the overall design vision, and processes for all Axon products.
Serve as a design ambassador, mentor other designers, and actively champion the design culture within Axon.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a highly influential role that spans the full design lifecycle and requires strong strategic thinking. The emphasis on data visualization and hardware-software integration are key areas that differentiate this role within the product design landscape. The expectation to present to executive leadership highlights the visibility and impact of this position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in HCI, Human Factors, Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, or a related field is required. A Master's degree is considered a plus, indicating a preference for advanced theoretical knowledge and research capabilities in design disciplines.

Experience: A minimum of 8 years of product design experience is required, with at least 2 years specifically leading major product design initiatives of moderate to high complexity. Candidates must also demonstrate 4+ years of experience researching, designing, and shipping complete web applications, particularly those with enterprise or complex consumer workflows. Additionally, at least 2 years of experience in hardware interaction design is essential, showcasing expertise in designing for physical device interfaces and their integration with software.

Required Skills:

Extensive experience with user-centered design processes and methodologies applied across product definition, design, and development.
Proven ability to execute all stages of the design process, including sketches, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, rapid prototyping, and usability testing.
Strong conceptual and visual design skills, with a demonstrated ability to rapidly prototype and design solutions that effectively communicate ideas.
Experience designing for multiple form factors (web, mobile, on-device) and modalities (touch, voice, keyboard/mouse), showcasing adaptability and comprehensive design thinking.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design ideas and decisions to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
High proficiency and knowledge of the latest design tools, with the ability to quickly learn new software (current tools include Figma for product design and design systems).
Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment.
A strong portfolio showcasing both design and research work, demonstrating a proven track record of solving complex design problems and delivering impactful solutions.
Experience leading design initiatives of moderate to high complexity, indicating strategic thinking and project management capabilities within a design context.

Preferred Skills:

Experience in data visualization design, particularly for complex datasets and reporting dashboards.
Familiarity with industrial design principles and their integration with software user experience.
Experience with multi-modal design systems, including sound, lights, and haptics.
Prior experience designing for public safety, law enforcement, or other highly regulated or mission-critical industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of extensive product design experience (8+ years), leadership in complex initiatives (2+ years), significant web application design experience (4+ years), and dedicated hardware interaction design experience (2+ years) clearly positions this as a senior-level role requiring deep expertise in multiple design domains. The preference for a Master's degree and specific experience in data visualization and hardware interaction reinforces the specialized nature of this position within a connected device ecosystem.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Include detailed case studies that clearly outline your user-centered design process from initial research and problem definition through ideation, prototyping, testing, and implementation.
Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to design for complex workflows, particularly those involving the integration of hardware and software experiences.
Highlight examples of your work in data visualization and dashboard design, illustrating your approach to making complex data understandable and actionable for diverse user groups.
Present examples of your conceptual and visual design skills across multiple form factors (web, mobile, on-device interfaces).

Process Documentation:

Provide comprehensive documentation of your research and discovery phase, including methodologies used (interviews, observations, usability testing) and how insights were translated into design requirements.
Detail your ideation and iteration methods, showing sketches, wireframes, low-fidelity prototypes, and how you explored different design solutions.
Explain your approach to validation and testing, including usability testing plans, feedback synthesis, and how user feedback influenced design refinements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer II role focused on hardware-software integration in public safety, the portfolio should heavily emphasize complex system design, data visualization for critical applications, and a robust, well-documented user-centered design process. Case studies that demonstrate the ability to navigate the unique constraints and requirements of designing for first responders will be particularly impactful.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The starting base pay for this role is between USD 143,250 in the lowest geographic market and USD 229,200 in the highest geographic market. This range is based on Axon's total compensation philosophy, which includes base pay, bonus, and stock awards. The actual base pay within this range is determined by factors such as the candidate's experience level, specific skills, work experience, business needs, and geographic market. This range aligns with senior-level product design roles in major US tech hubs, particularly those requiring specialized experience in complex domains like hardware-software integration.

Benefits:

Competitive salary and a 401k retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
Discretionary paid time off, offering flexibility for personal time and work-life balance.
Paid parental leave for all employees, supporting families and new parents.
Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans to support employee health and well-being.
Access to Fitness Programs to encourage physical health and activity.
Support for Emotional & Mental Wellness, recognizing the importance of mental health in a demanding role.
Learning & Development programs to support continuous skill enhancement and career growth in design and related fields.
Snacks provided in office locations for convenience and to foster a positive work environment.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. Given the hybrid work arrangement and focus on project-based design work, some flexibility in daily scheduling may be available, but core collaboration hours will be important for team synergy, especially with cross-functional partners and during in-person collaboration sessions at R&D hubs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and transparent, covering various geographic markets. The benefits package is comprehensive and standard for a large tech company, with specific mentions of health, wellness, and professional development which are valuable for design professionals. The hybrid work model offers flexibility while still encouraging in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for complex product design, especially involving hardware.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Public Safety Technology. Axon operates at the intersection of hardware, software, and data, providing critical tools for law enforcement and public safety. This industry context means design decisions have a direct impact on the safety of both first responders and the public, requiring a high degree of responsibility, ethical consideration, and user empathy.

Company Size: Axon has between 1,001 and 5,000 employees globally. This size indicates a well-established organization with structured teams and processes, but still potentially agile enough for designers to have significant impact and influence across product areas.

Founded: Founded in 1993, Axon (originally TASER International) has a long history in public safety technology. This history suggests a deep understanding of the market and customer needs, providing a stable foundation for innovation while likely also presenting opportunities to modernize existing systems and introduce new design paradigms.

Team Structure:

The role reports to the Director of Product Design for Connected Devices, indicating a clear reporting line within the design organization focused on integrated hardware and software experiences.
The Connected Devices and TASER teams are described as intersecting physical and digital experiences, suggesting a multidisciplinary environment where designers work closely with hardware engineers, software engineers, and product managers.
The team emphasizes shared responsibilities and a collaborative approach to building products.

Methodology:

The team utilizes a user-centered design process rooted in sound design and research practices.
Field research with law enforcement officers is a critical component of the design process, emphasizing direct customer understanding and empathy.
The team values pragmatic solutions that balance speed with long-term vision ("Aim Far").

Company Website: http://www.axon.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Axon's mission-driven focus on "Protect Life" and its position in the public safety technology sector are defining characteristics that heavily influence the design culture. Designers here are not just creating interfaces; they are designing tools that have real-world safety implications. The blend of UX, industrial, and interaction design skills within the team is a direct result of the integrated hardware/software product line. The emphasis on field research highlights a strong commitment to understanding the unique and demanding context in which their products are used.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer II role, indicating a significant level of experience, autonomy, and responsibility. The "II" designation suggests a potential tiering within the senior level, possibly signifying leadership over larger initiatives, more complex problem spaces, or mentorship responsibilities compared to a Senior Product Designer I.

Reporting Structure: Reporting directly to the Director of Product Design, Connected Devices, positions this role with visibility to design leadership and involvement in strategic design discussions for a key product area (TASER and Connected Devices).

Design Impact: Design at Axon, particularly within the TASER product pillar, has a high potential for impact. The stated moonshot goal to reduce gun-related deaths connects the design work directly to life-saving outcomes and significant societal change. Designers influence both the functionality and usability of critical tools used by first responders, impacting their effectiveness and safety.

Growth Opportunities:

Opportunities to lead increasingly complex and impactful design initiatives across the integrated hardware and software ecosystem.
Potential for growth into design leadership roles, such as Design Lead or Manager, within the Connected Devices or broader Axon design organization.
Development of specialized expertise in designing for mission-critical environments, data visualization in public safety contexts, and integrated hardware/software experiences.
Mentorship opportunities to guide and develop less experienced designers within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior II level suggests a clear career path toward higher levels of individual contribution or potential design leadership. The mission-critical nature of Axon's products provides a unique opportunity for designers to have a tangible, life-saving impact, which can be a significant motivator and growth driver. The focus on integrated hardware/software design also offers a specialized career path within the broader product design field.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: While the role offers remote work flexibility, proximity to one of the US R&D Hubs (Seattle, Scottsdale, Atlanta, or Boston) is preferred for in-person collaboration. This indicates a hybrid work environment that values both the flexibility of remote work and the benefits of physical presence for team synergy and specific collaborative activities, likely involving hardware or complex problem-solving sessions.

Office Location(s): The preferred locations are Seattle, WA; Scottsdale, AZ; Atlanta, GA; or Boston, MA. These are major metropolitan areas, likely offering access to a diverse talent pool and potentially providing dedicated design studio space or lab environments for hardware interaction testing and prototyping.

Design Workspace Context:

The hybrid model suggests a balance between individual focus in a remote setting and dedicated collaborative spaces in the R&D hubs.
In-person collaboration is encouraged when helpful, likely for activities like brainstorming, whiteboarding complex systems, or working directly with physical prototypes.
Access to tools and technology for both remote and in-office work is implied, supporting seamless transitions between environments.

Work Schedule: The schedule is likely standard full-time, but the remote-friendly nature suggests some flexibility in daily timing, provided core collaboration hours are maintained to align with cross-functional teams and the preferred R&D hub location timezone.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a significant aspect of the work environment, balancing autonomy with the need for in-person collaboration inherent in designing for integrated hardware and software. The requirement to be near an R&D hub underscores the importance of physical interaction for certain aspects of the design process, particularly those related to hardware prototyping and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and product teams focused on physical products.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening call (likely with a recruiter) to assess basic qualifications and interest, focusing on experience with product design, particularly in complex domains or integrated systems.
Portfolio review and discussion (likely with a design manager or senior designer) to deep dive into selected case studies, focusing on process, problem-solving, and impact, especially demonstrating experience with hardware-software integration and data visualization.
Design challenge or whiteboarding session to evaluate real-time problem-solving skills, design thinking process, and ability to articulate design rationale under pressure, potentially involving scenarios related to public safety or integrated devices.
Interviews with cross-functional partners (Product Management, Engineering) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to work effectively across disciplines.
Cultural fit interviews (potentially with team members or leadership) to evaluate alignment with Axon's mission, values, and team culture, including the emphasis on empathy for first responders and a pragmatic, collaborative approach.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Structure case studies to clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (including research, ideation, testing), key decisions, and the impact of your design solution, particularly for complex systems and hardware-software interactions.
For projects involving data visualization, clearly explain the user needs, the data sources, your design approach to presenting complex information, and how the visualizations provide actionable insights.
If applicable, include work that demonstrates your experience designing for physical products or interfaces, detailing how you considered the interaction between the user, the device, and the software.
Be prepared to discuss the trade-offs and constraints you faced in your projects, particularly those related to designing for mission-critical or highly regulated environments.

Challenge Preparation:

Review common design challenge formats (e.g., product improvement, new feature design) and practice structuring your approach within a limited timeframe.
Be prepared to articulate your design process step-by-step, explaining your assumptions, research approach (even if hypothetical), ideation methods, and rationale for key design decisions.
Practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently, potentially using sketching or digital whiteboarding tools.
Consider how you would approach designing for a public safety context, thinking about user needs, environmental factors, and the critical nature of the tools.

ATS Keywords: Product Design, UX Design, UI Design, Interaction Design, Hardware Interaction Design, Data Visualization, User Research, Usability Testing, Prototyping, Wireframing, High-Fidelity Mockups, Design Systems, Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, User-Centered Design, Design Thinking, Agile Development, Cross-functional Collaboration, Stakeholder Management, Storytelling, Presentation Skills, Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Connected Devices, Integrated Systems, Enterprise Software, Web Applications, Mobile Design, On-Device Design, Multimodal Design, Journey Mapping, Architecture Diagrams, Usability Metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will likely heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio for evidence of experience with complex systems, hardware-software integration, data visualization, and a robust design process. The design challenge will assess practical problem-solving skills in a simulated environment, potentially related to Axon's domain. Preparing specific examples that demonstrate experience in these areas will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Figma: Used for product design work and housing the design system, indicating a strong preference for candidates proficient in collaborative interface design and prototyping tools.
Other latest design tools: The team is open to evaluating new tools, suggesting a need for adaptability and a broad understanding of the design tool landscape. Proficiency in tools like Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), and potentially other prototyping tools (e.g., ProtoPie, Principle) could be beneficial depending on project needs.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Collaboration tools: Implied need for tools that support cross-functional communication and collaboration with product managers, engineers, and researchers, likely including platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar.
Handoff tools: Tools or processes for clearly communicating design specifications to engineering teams, potentially integrated within Figma or using dedicated handoff platforms like Zeplin or InVision Inspect.
Documentation tools: Tools for maintaining design system documentation, style guides, and component libraries, likely integrated with or linked from Figma.

Research & Testing:

Research tools: Tools to support various research methods, including user interviews (e.g., video conferencing tools), observational studies, and potentially survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).
Testing tools: Platforms for conducting usability testing (remote or in-person), A/B testing, and collecting user feedback, potentially including tools like UserTesting.com or similar platforms.
Analytics tools: Tools for accessing and interpreting product usage data and design performance metrics, which could include platforms like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or internal data dashboards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the primary design tool, making proficiency essential. The emphasis on "latest design tools" and the willingness to evaluate new ones suggest a team that is current with industry standards and open to adopting tools that improve their workflow. The need for collaboration and handoff tools is standard for product design roles, but the specific context of hardware-software integration might require familiarity with tools or processes that facilitate communication between design and hardware engineering teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

User-Centered Design: Deep understanding of customers (first responders and the public) through field research is paramount, driving design decisions based on real-world needs and experiences.
Pragmatic Solutions: Balancing speed and efficiency with a long-term vision ("Aim Far") is valued, indicating a culture that prioritizes delivering impactful solutions while also planning for scalability and future innovation.
Collaboration and Shared Responsibility: The team fosters a friendly, open, and introspective culture that encourages speaking one's mind and emphasizes shared ownership of product outcomes.
Impact and Mission-Driven: Design work is directly tied to Axon's mission to "Protect Life," creating a strong sense of purpose and the potential for design to have a significant positive impact on society.
Continuous Improvement: The team is introspective, suggesting a culture of reflection and continuous learning from both successes and challenges.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with product managers, engineers, and researchers is essential throughout the entire design process.
Open Communication and Feedback: A culture that encourages open communication and providing constructive feedback among team members is fostered.
Shared Problem-Solving: Teams work together to identify and solve complex problems, emphasizing collective intelligence and shared ownership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The design culture at Axon is heavily influenced by its mission and the critical nature of its products. A designer who thrives here will be deeply empathetic to the needs of public safety professionals, comfortable with balancing speed and long-term vision, highly collaborative, and driven by the potential to make a real-world impact. The emphasis on field research and direct customer interaction is a key aspect of their user-centered approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Designing for a highly demanding and often high-stress environment where user errors can have severe consequences, requiring meticulous attention to usability and reliability.
Integrating complex hardware interactions with intuitive software experiences across multiple devices and platforms, presenting unique technical and interaction design challenges.
Designing data visualizations that are clear, actionable, and trustworthy for users with varying levels of technical expertise and under potentially high-pressure situations.
Navigating the regulatory landscape and ethical considerations inherent in designing technology for law enforcement and public safety.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Gaining deep expertise in designing for mission-critical, integrated hardware/software systems within the public safety domain.
Developing advanced skills in data visualization for complex and sensitive information.
Opportunities to conduct extensive field research and gain firsthand understanding of user needs in challenging environments.
Mentorship from experienced design leaders and the opportunity to mentor junior designers.
Access to Learning & Development programs provided by Axon to enhance design skills, leadership capabilities, and industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are significant and directly tied to the unique context of public safety technology. Designing for users in critical situations with complex integrated systems requires a high level of skill and responsibility. However, these challenges also present significant growth opportunities in specialized areas like mission-critical UX, hardware-software integration, and data visualization for high-stakes applications.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Be prepared to walk through your end-to-end design process for a complex project, particularly one involving hardware-software integration or data visualization, explaining your rationale at each stage and highlighting how you incorporated user feedback and addressed technical constraints.
Discuss how you approach user research in challenging or sensitive environments, and how you translate qualitative and quantitative research findings into actionable design insights.
Explain your approach to designing for multiple form factors and modalities, and how you ensure a cohesive user experience across different devices and interaction methods.

Company Culture Questions:

Research Axon's mission and values, particularly "Protect Life," and be prepared to discuss how your personal values and design philosophy align with the company's goals and the impact of designing for public safety.
Demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Research) and how you navigate differing perspectives to achieve shared goals.
Discuss your experience with receiving and providing design critiques and feedback in a collaborative team environment.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 2-3 case studies that best showcase your experience with complex systems, hardware-software integration, and/or data visualization, tailoring your presentation to highlight aspects most relevant to the Senior Product Designer II role at Axon.
For each case study, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your specific role and contributions, the design process you followed (including research, ideation, testing, and iteration), the final solution, and the impact of your design.
Be prepared to discuss the trade-offs and challenges you encountered during the design process and how you addressed them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and resilience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating expertise in complex system design, hardware-software integration, and data visualization, specifically within the context of mission-critical applications if possible. Candidates should also be prepared to articulate their alignment with Axon's mission and values, showcasing their empathy for public safety professionals and their ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, impactful environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link.
Customize your design portfolio to highlight case studies that are most relevant to the requirements of this role, particularly those demonstrating experience with complex systems, hardware-software integration, data visualization, and designing for demanding user environments.
Optimize your resume by incorporating relevant design-specific keywords and clearly detailing your experience in product design, UX, interaction design, hardware interaction, and leadership of design initiatives.
Prepare for the interview process by practicing articulating your design process, preparing your portfolio presentation, and researching Axon's products, mission, and target users (public safety professionals).
Consider practicing a design challenge, focusing on structuring your approach, time management, and clearly communicating your design rationale, potentially incorporating elements relevant to the public safety domain.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Senior Product Designer II, TASER