UX Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer II

Company: Komatsu (Modular Mining Systems)

Location: Tucson, AZ, US

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX/Product Design

Date Posted: June 12, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-level (3+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

• Shape the future of mining technology by designing intuitive and efficient user experiences for cutting-edge mine management solutions.
• Support the entire UX design process, from deep user environment understanding and research to designing and testing innovative solutions.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, development teams, and senior designers to translate design concepts into robust user interfaces.
• Contribute to the evolution and application of the design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across products.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, conduct, and analyze various user research activities, including competitive analysis, workshops, interviews, ethnography, contextual inquiry, and expert reviews, to deeply understand user behavior and stakeholder requirements in the mining domain.
• Execute design activities such as task analysis, journey mapping, persona creation, workflow design, wireframing, storyboarding, mockup creation, prototyping, and detailed design specification documentation.
• Effectively utilize design tools and software (like Figma) to clearly communicate design intent and specifications to cross-functional teams and project stakeholders.
• Independently manage and lead small-to-medium sized UX design projects from initial discovery and concepting through to final implementation support.
• Design and conduct concept evaluations and usability testing sessions with actual or representative end-users, analyzing feedback and prioritizing insights to inform design iterations.
• Coordinate closely with product managers and development teams to ensure seamless translation of validated design concepts into production-ready user interfaces, navigating technical and scheduling constraints effectively.
• Actively collaborate with senior designers, contributing to design reviews and potentially providing mentorship and guidance to junior designers on the team.
• Apply best practices and principles of UI/UX design, including considerations for psychology, usability, learnability, controllability, localization, and internationalization, within the context of mining technology applications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or a similar relevant field. A strong portfolio demonstrating practical design application is crucial, often outweighing the specific degree if relevant experience and skills are proven.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of dedicated experience as a UX Designer, Product Designer, or Interaction Designer is required. Experience should include a track record of successfully applying user-centered design methodologies and delivering tangible design outcomes, as evidenced by a robust portfolio.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in planning, conducting, and analyzing various qualitative and quantitative user research methods (e.g., interviews, ethnography, competitive analysis) to identify user pain points and gather requirements.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Figma or other similar tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe XD), for creating wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and design specifications.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, executing, and analyzing concept evaluations and usability testing sessions with target users, iterating on designs based on feedback.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and research findings clearly to diverse audiences (technical, business, and users).
• Strong desire for continuous learning and professional development, coupled with an openness to receiving and acting upon constructive feedback.
• Effective time management and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, and drive projects independently or as part of a team.

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to take initiative and proactively complete tasks and projects without constant direct supervision.
• Experience contributing to or working with established design systems, including understanding component libraries and documentation.
• Experience with motion design and animation principles as they apply to user interface design for enhancing usability and engagement.
• Knowledge of Human Factors principles and their practical application in designing for complex or specialized environments.
• Understanding of Agile development methodologies and experience collaborating within Agile teams.
• Experience designing for high-risk or safety-critical environments, understanding the unique constraints and requirements.
• Fluency in two or more languages, which could be beneficial for international collaboration and research.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Include 3-5 detailed case studies that showcase your end-to-end design process, from initial research and problem definition through ideation, prototyping, testing, and final design solutions.
• Clearly articulate the specific user problems you were solving, your role in the project, the methodologies used, key design decisions made, and the impact of your design solutions.
• Present high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes that effectively communicate the final visual design and user flow.
• If applicable, include examples of your technical execution, such as contributions to design systems or collaboration on design handoff to engineering.

Process Documentation:

• For each case study, thoroughly document your research and discovery phase, including insights derived from user interviews, competitive analysis, or contextual inquiry.
• Showcase your ideation and iteration methods, such as sketching, wireframing, user flows, and how you explored different design possibilities.
• Detail your validation and testing approaches, including usability testing methodologies, key findings, and how feedback informed subsequent design iterations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on regional data for Tucson, AZ, a UX Designer II with 3+ years of experience in a specialized industry like mining technology can typically expect a salary range between $80,000 and $110,000 annually. This estimate is based on publicly available salary data for similar roles in the region, factoring in the specialized nature of the industry and the responsibilities listed for a mid-level designer. Actual compensation may vary based on specific experience, skills, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health and Benefit Packages: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage, likely with options for individuals and families.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education and professional development, beneficial for designers looking to specialize or expand their skill sets.
• RRSP Contributions with Company Match: A retirement savings plan with employer contributions, providing long-term financial security.
• Flexible Scheduling Options: Opportunities for some flexibility in working hours, which can be valuable for managing work-life balance.
• Excellent Vacation Policy: Generous paid time off, allowing for rest, rejuvenation, and pursuit of personal interests.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules may offer some flexibility as mentioned in the benefits. Travel, both domestic and international, is required for internal and external meetings.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Mining Technology. Modular Mining Systems, a Komatsu subsidiary, is a global leader in mine management technology, focusing on developing solutions that drive efficiency, safety, and sustainability in mining operations worldwide. This industry context implies designing for complex, robust systems used in demanding environments.

Company Size: Komatsu is a large global organization (10,001+ employees). Modular Mining Systems operates as a specialized division, likely with a smaller, more focused team. Being part of a large parent company provides stability and resources, while the subsidiary structure allows for specialization.

Founded: Komatsu was founded in 1921. Modular Mining Systems has its own history within the mining technology sector, contributing to Komatsu's overall legacy in heavy equipment and technology.

Team Structure:

• The UX team is part of Komatsu's broader design function within the Mining Technology Solutions division.
• The team likely includes designers at various levels (Junior, II, Senior), with potential for collaboration and mentorship.
• Designers collaborate cross-functionally with product managers, engineers, and potentially subject matter experts from the mining industry.

Methodology:

• The team emphasizes a human-centered design approach, diving deep into the user environment to understand needs.
• Design activities mentioned include user research, task analysis, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing, indicating a process that covers discovery, definition, development, and delivery phases.
• An understanding of Agile development methodologies is preferred, suggesting the design team likely integrates with engineering sprints.

Company Website: https://komatsu.jobs/job/Tucson-UX-Designer-II-AZ-85706/1291215700/

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This is a UX Designer II role, typically representing a mid-level position. Individuals at this level are expected to have a solid foundation in UX principles and practices, capable of managing projects with increasing autonomy. They contribute significantly to design strategy and execution.

Reporting Structure: The role involves collaborating with senior designers, suggesting reporting lines may lead to a Senior UX Designer, Design Lead, or Design Manager within the Modular Mining Systems division. This structure indicates opportunities for mentorship and guidance from more experienced designers.

Design Impact: Designers at Komatsu's Modular Mining Solutions have a direct impact on the usability, efficiency, and safety of critical systems used in global mining operations. Their work directly influences how users interact with complex technology in potentially challenging environments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior UX Designer or Design Lead roles, taking on more complex projects, leading initiatives, and potentially managing junior designers.
• Specialization in areas like Human Factors for high-risk environments, specific mining technologies, or advanced interaction design patterns for industrial applications.
• Opportunities for professional development through tuition reimbursement, potentially pursuing certifications or advanced degrees in relevant fields like HCI or industrial design.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: The role is listed as on-site in Tucson, AZ. This suggests working from a dedicated office or studio environment, likely within the Modular Mining Systems facility.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Tucson, AZ. Modular Mining Systems has a global presence, and some domestic and international travel is required for meetings, indicating interaction with colleagues or clients in other locations.

Design Workspace Context:

• The on-site environment likely provides dedicated workspaces, access to necessary hardware and software, and opportunities for in-person collaboration with design team members and cross-functional colleagues.
• Collaboration spaces might include meeting rooms equipped for presentations, whiteboarding areas for brainstorming, and potentially labs for testing or prototyping with relevant hardware.
• Working on-site facilitates direct interaction with the product and engineering teams, crucial for iterative design and handoff in a complex product environment.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule, typically Monday to Friday. Some flexibility in daily hours may be available, but the on-site nature requires physical presence during core working hours. The requirement for travel means occasional deviations from the standard schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial screening call with HR to assess basic qualifications and fit.
• Portfolio review session(s) with design team members, where you will walk through selected case studies, explaining your process, rationale, and impact.
• Technical interview focusing on your design skills, methodologies, and problem-solving approach, potentially including a design challenge or whiteboard exercise.
• Interviews with cross-functional stakeholders such as product managers or engineers to assess collaboration style and communication effectiveness.
• Cultural fit interview(s) focusing on teamwork, learning agility, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select case studies that best demonstrate your experience with user research, complex system design, and designing for potentially challenging user environments, aligning with the mining technology context.
• Structure your case studies clearly, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or a similar framework to tell a compelling story of your design process and impact.
• Highlight your visual presentation skills through clear layouts, annotated mockups, and functional prototypes. Be prepared to explain your design decisions and rationale in detail.
• If possible, tailor your portfolio presentation to address the specific challenges and opportunities in the mining technology sector, showing an understanding of the industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is part of the process, clarify the format and expectations beforehand (e.g., take-home exercise, on-site whiteboard challenge).
• Practice articulating your design process under pressure, explaining your assumptions, constraints considered, and alternative solutions explored.
• Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, user-centered approach, and ability to translate requirements into practical, usable designs.

ATS Keywords:
Design Skills: User Experience (UX) Design, Product Design, Interaction Design, User-Centered Design, Human-Centered Design, User Research, Usability Testing, Concept Evaluation, Wireframing, Prototyping, Mockups, Storyboarding, Task Analysis, Journey Maps, Personas, Workflow Design, Design Specifications, Design Systems, UI Best Practices, Information Architecture, Visual Design Principles, Design Thinking, Problem Solving, Design Rationale.
Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Prototyping Tools, User Research Tools, Analytics Tools.
Methodologies: Agile Development, Contextual Inquiry, Ethnography, Competitive Analysis, Expert Reviews, Usability Testing, A/B Testing (potentially), Design Critique.
Soft Skills: Communication, Presentation Skills, Storytelling, Collaboration, Teamwork, Mentorship, Time Management, Project Management, Taking Initiative, Open to Feedback, Learning Agility, Empathy.
Industry Terms (Mining Technology Context): Mine Management Systems, Industrial Design, High-Risk Environments, Safety-Critical Systems, Operational Efficiency, Sustainability, Localization, Internationalization.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma: Expected proficiency in Figma or similar industry-standard design software for creating wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes. This tool is likely used for collaborative design and maintaining the design system.
• Other similar tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe XD): Experience with these tools is also valued, demonstrating adaptability and broad design software knowledge.
• Prototyping Tools: Experience creating interactive prototypes to test user flows and interactions.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Collaboration Tools: Tools for team communication and collaboration, likely integrated with design workflows.
• Handoff Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, tools for design handoff to developers (like Zeplin, InVision Inspect, or features within Figma/Sketch) are likely used to ensure accurate implementation of designs.
• Documentation Tools: Tools for maintaining design system documentation and style guides.

Research & Testing:

• User Research Tools: Tools used for conducting interviews, surveys, or managing qualitative data.
• Usability Testing Platforms: Software or platforms for setting up and recording usability testing sessions.
• Analytics Tools (Preferred): Understanding of analytics tools to measure design performance and identify areas for improvement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Human-Centered Design: A core value is creating "an exemplary user experience that meets the exact needs of the customer, without fuss or bother," emphasizing deep user understanding and practical usability.
• Innovation: The company is focused on driving efficiency and sustainability through "cutting-edge Modular brand solutions," implying a culture that values creative problem-solving and pushing technological boundaries.
• Collaboration: The role description highlights working "side by side with some of the biggest innovators," "collaborate with business partners," and "coordinate with product managers and development teams," indicating a collaborative and team-oriented environment.
• Continuous Improvement & Learning: A "strong desire to learn new skills" and being "open to receiving feedback" are listed as required skills, suggesting a culture of growth and development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with product management and development teams throughout the design process, from initial concept to implementation.
• Design Team Collaboration: Collaboration with senior designers for guidance and potentially mentoring junior designers suggests a supportive team structure.
• Stakeholder Communication: The ability to clearly communicate design intent and rationale to diverse stakeholders is crucial, indicating a need for strong interpersonal and presentation skills.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Designing for a Specialized Industry: Adapting standard UX principles and practices to the unique and potentially complex requirements of the mining technology sector, including designing for robust industrial applications and potentially challenging user environments.
• Integrating Design into Existing Workflows: Contributing to "further establish a human-centered design culture" may involve navigating existing processes and advocating for design's role and value within the organization.
• Balancing User Needs with Technical & Business Constraints: Working closely with product managers and developers requires effectively balancing ideal user solutions with real-world technical limitations, project timelines, and business objectives.
• Designing for Global Users: Considering localization and internationalization requirements for products used in mining operations worldwide.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization in Industrial UX/Human Factors: Developing expertise in designing for specific industrial contexts, potentially including safety-critical systems and human-machine interaction in demanding environments.
• Advancing Design Leadership Skills: Opportunities to lead small-to-medium projects independently and potentially mentor junior designers provide valuable experience for career progression.
• Exposure to Advanced Technologies: Working in mining technology may expose designers to cutting-edge solutions in areas like automation, data analytics, and remote operation, offering unique learning experiences.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to user research in detail. How would you identify the needs of users in a mining environment? Provide examples from your portfolio where research significantly impacted your design decisions.
• Explain your process for translating research findings into design concepts. How do you move from understanding user problems to creating wireframes, prototypes, and final designs?
• Describe your experience with usability testing. How do you plan, conduct, and analyze usability tests? How do you prioritize feedback and iterate on designs?

Company Culture Questions:

• Research Komatsu and Modular Mining Systems' values and recent projects. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in designing for the mining technology industry and what unique challenges or opportunities you see.
• Discuss your collaboration style. How do you work effectively with product managers, engineers, and potentially non-design stakeholders? Provide examples of successful cross-functional collaboration.
• Be ready to discuss your experience with receiving and giving feedback. How do you handle constructive criticism, and how do you provide feedback to others in a helpful way?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus your portfolio presentation on case studies that demonstrate your ability to tackle complex problems, conduct thorough research, and design practical, usable solutions.
• Clearly articulate the user problems you addressed and the impact of your design solutions on users or the business. Quantify impact where possible.
• Practice presenting your case studies concisely and engagingly, highlighting your thought process, key decisions, and collaboration efforts. Be prepared for in-depth questions about any aspect of your process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link.
• Carefully review the job description and tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant UX design experience, particularly any experience with industrial applications, complex systems, or user research in challenging environments.
• Prepare your design portfolio, ensuring it includes detailed case studies that showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Select projects that demonstrate adaptability and depth of understanding.
• Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on articulating your design rationale, research insights, and collaboration experiences. Be ready to discuss your role and contributions in detail.
• Research Komatsu and Modular Mining Systems to understand their business, products, and the mining industry context. This will help you tailor your application and responses during interviews.