Principal UX Architect

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal UX Architect Company: UnitedHealth Group Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India; Hyderabad, Telangana, India; Gurgaon, Haryana, India; Bangalore, Karnataka, India Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) Date Posted: September 30, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid (Implied by multiple office locations, with potential for remote flexibility)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the user experience strategy for modern SaaS solutions within Optum Insight, focusing on visual, tactile, and emotional aspects of product design.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including researchers, developers, and product managers, to deliver best-in-class, interoperable SaaS solutions using human-centered design methodologies.
• Create detailed functional prototypes, static mockups, and textual specifications to clearly articulate intended user-observable behavior for final products.
• Champion user-centered design principles, including research and accessibility, ensuring products meet diverse user needs and regulatory requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Principal UX Architect," indicating a senior leadership and strategic contribution expectation. The emphasis on "modern SaaS solutions," "AI/ML," and "emerging technologies" suggests a forward-looking product design team focused on innovation within the healthcare technology space. The hybrid work arrangement is inferred from the multiple listed office locations, suggesting flexibility while maintaining a physical presence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop functional prototypes, static mockups, and detailed textual specifications that clearly define the intended user-observable behavior of final SaaS products.
• Collaborate closely with UX Leads, Product Managers, and Development Managers to identify, plan, prioritize, and execute project design activities, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technical feasibility.
• Actively participate in user research initiatives and concept testing sessions to gather critical insights that inform and validate design decisions.
• Perform comprehensive design duties across multiple projects, ensuring adherence to UX best practices, technical constraints, and overarching business goals.
• Advocate for and integrate user-centered design principles, robust research methodologies, and accessibility standards into all phases of the design lifecycle.
• Leverage, contribute to, and help maintain existing enterprise design pattern libraries and interface guidelines to ensure consistency and efficiency across product offerings.
• Provide constructive critique on in-progress design work, evaluating the priority, effectiveness, and user impact of proposed solutions.
• Ensure all work adheres to UnitedHealth Group's employment contract, company policies, and directives, demonstrating adaptability to evolving business needs and work environment changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution (prototypes, mockups) and strategic contribution (design strategy, user advocacy, critique). The emphasis on "enterprise design language" and "pattern libraries" points to a need for consistency and scalability in design across Optum Insight's SaaS portfolio.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Information Architecture, Communications, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) design, with a strong focus on creating detailed wireframes and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate complex design concepts.
• Proven track record of at least 10 years in applying mature user-centered design and research practices, demonstrating a deep understanding and bias towards simplicity, elegance, and minimalism in design solutions.
• 10+ years of hands-on experience participating in user research activities and concept testing with diverse user groups to validate design hypotheses and gather actionable feedback.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in creating functional prototypes, static mockups, and detailed textual specifications for complex SaaS applications.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with Product Managers, UX Leads, and Development Managers to drive design initiatives from conception to implementation.
• Strong understanding of human-centered design principles and methodologies, with a proven ability to integrate user research and concept testing into the design process.
• Proficiency in advocating for user accessibility and ensuring designs meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards and best practices.
• Experience in leveraging and contributing to established design pattern libraries and interface guidelines to maintain design consistency and efficiency across projects.
• Ability to critically evaluate and critique design work, assessing the priority and effectiveness of solutions within a team setting.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with enterprise software, B2B applications, or large employee-facing systems, particularly within the medical, healthcare, or financial services sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of UX-related analytics, metrics, and measurement techniques to inform design iterations and demonstrate impact.
• Deep understanding and practical application of Figma, generative design tools, Large Language Models (LLMs), and computational design methodologies.
• Active involvement and contribution to the broader UX community through associations, meet-ups, clubs, or conference participation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (10+ years) for core UX design skills, coupled with the "Principal" title, indicates a need for seasoned professionals who can mentor others and influence strategic design direction. The preference for experience in healthcare/financial domains and emerging technologies like AI/ML points to the specific industry context and technological focus of this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of relevant user experience project deliverables, demonstrating a strong command of design principles and execution.
• Specific examples of projects involving AI/ML and emerging technologies, highlighting your ability to design for innovative and complex systems.
• Demonstrations of successful user research integration, concept testing outcomes, and how these insights influenced design decisions and product improvements.
• Evidence of creating functional prototypes, static mockups, and detailed textual specifications that clearly articulate user-observable behavior and interaction design.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have contributed to or utilized enterprise design language and pattern libraries to ensure consistency and scalability of UX across multiple products.
• Documentation or examples of your approach to user-centered design processes, including how you gather requirements, conduct research, and iterate on designs based on user feedback.
• Evidence of your ability to critique design work and provide constructive feedback that drives improvements in usability, effectiveness, and user satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Principal-level role, the portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase polished final designs but also the process, research, and strategic thinking behind them. Emphasis on AI/ML and emerging tech is a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The typical salary range for a Principal UX Architect in India, particularly in major tech hubs like Noida, Hyderabad, Gurgaon, and Bangalore, with 10+ years of experience, can vary significantly based on specific skills, company performance, and negotiation. Based on industry benchmarks and cost of living in these regions for senior tech roles, a competitive annual salary range would likely fall between ₹25,00,000 to ₹45,00,000 INR. This estimate considers the Principal level, extensive experience, and the specialized nature of UX design within a large enterprise like UnitedHealth Group.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, reflecting UnitedHealth Group's core business.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and national holidays, promoting work-life balance.
• Retirement savings plans (e.g., provident fund contributions) and potential for stock options or bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development, including access to training programs, conferences, and certifications relevant to UX design and emerging technologies.
• Employee assistance programs (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services.
• Potential for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid or remote options, to support diverse employee needs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours, with potential for flexibility.
• Working hours will align with the business needs of the team and product development cycles, often requiring collaboration across different time zones for global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary has been estimated based on typical compensation for Principal UX Architects in India's major tech cities with 10+ years of experience. UnitedHealth Group, being a healthcare giant, is expected to offer robust benefits, especially health-related ones.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Technology and Services. UnitedHealth Group operates at the intersection of health insurance, healthcare delivery, and technology, with Optum focusing on health services, technology, and data analytics. Company Size: UnitedHealth Group is a Fortune 100 company, employing over 400,000 people globally, making it one of the largest employers in the healthcare sector. This scale implies established processes but also opportunities for impact within specialized teams. Founded: UnitedHealth Group was founded in 1977, with Optum being established later as a distinct business segment. Its long history indicates stability and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team at Optum Insight operates as a specialized unit within product development, likely comprising UX Leads, UX Architects (like this role), UX Researchers, and UI Designers.
• This team collaborates closely with Product Management, Engineering, and potentially Data Science/Applied Insights teams to translate business requirements and user needs into functional and engaging SaaS solutions.
• The reporting structure for a Principal UX Architect would likely be to a Director or VP of Product Design or a senior Product leader, with direct collaboration across various project teams.

Methodology:

• Human-centered design methodologies are a cornerstone, emphasizing user research, empathy, and iterative design.
• A mature and user-validated Enterprise Design Language is utilized, promoting consistency, usability, and scalability across Optum's modern SaaS offerings.
• Collaboration with an "Applied Insights & Research" team suggests a data-driven approach to design, leveraging insights from user data and research to inform strategic decisions.
• Focus on AI/ML and emerging technologies implies an experimental and innovative approach to problem-solving and product development.

Company Website: https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/, https://www.optum.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and size suggest a culture that values impact, innovation, and employee well-being, particularly within its healthcare-focused operations. The "Caring. Connecting. Growing together." tagline emphasizes collaboration and personal development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal UX Architect is a senior-level individual contributor role. It signifies a high degree of expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead design initiatives independently and mentor junior team members. The role is expected to influence design strategy and standards across multiple products or a significant product area. Reporting Structure: This role likely reports to a Director or Senior Manager of Product Design or UX. They will work cross-functionally with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and Researchers, and may also lead or mentor junior UX designers on specific projects. Operations Impact: The UX Architect's impact is direct on the usability, adoption, and effectiveness of Optum Insight's SaaS solutions. By ensuring intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly interfaces, they contribute to improved user productivity, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the successful adoption and revenue generation of these technology products within the healthcare ecosystem. Their work directly supports the broader mission of advancing health optimization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Path: Potential to move into UX Lead, Design Manager, or Director roles, managing larger teams and broader design portfolios.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like AI/ML design, computational design, or advanced user research methodologies, becoming a recognized subject matter expert.
• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into senior product management, program management, or strategic design roles within Optum or other parts of UnitedHealth Group.
• Continuous Learning: Access to internal training, external conferences, and certifications to stay at the forefront of UX design, emerging technologies, and the healthcare industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: A "Principal" role suggests a path beyond individual contribution, either into management or into a deep technical/strategic expert track. The healthcare domain offers unique challenges and growth opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: UnitedHealth Group operates large corporate campuses and office spaces. Given the hybrid nature and multiple locations, the work environment will likely be a modern office setting with collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and individual workstations. Office Location(s): Noida (Uttar Pradesh), Hyderabad (Telangana), Gurgaon (Haryana), and Bangalore (Karnataka), India. These are major technology and business hubs, offering access to talent and infrastructure. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic, collaborative workspace where cross-functional teams regularly interact. Open office layouts, huddle rooms, and dedicated project spaces are common.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, generative design tools), collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack), and potentially robust hardware for design work.
• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for interaction with UX researchers, product managers, developers, and other designers, fostering a culture of shared learning and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility often provided.
• Given the global nature of UnitedHealth Group, occasional work outside standard hours may be required to align with other teams in different time zones, particularly for critical project milestones or urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The presence of multiple office locations suggests a flexible hybrid model. Candidates should be prepared for both remote collaboration and in-office presence as needed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on experience alignment and key skills.
• Portfolio Presentation (Round 1): You will likely be asked to present a selection of your best work, focusing on 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your UX design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your role, the challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes.
• Technical/Skills Assessment (Round 2): This could involve a design exercise (e.g., a small case study, critique of an existing interface, or a problem-solving prompt) either live or as a take-home assignment.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews (Rounds 3+): Interviews with potential peers (other designers, researchers) and cross-functional partners (Product Managers, Engineering Leads) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership (Director/VP) to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall fit for the Principal role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience with complex SaaS applications, human-centered design, AI/ML, and emerging technologies. Highlight projects demonstrating simplicity, elegance, and minimalism.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and responsibilities, the design process (research, ideation, iteration, testing), your specific contributions, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your designs. This could include improvements in user satisfaction, task completion rates, efficiency gains, or adoption metrics.
• Showcase Process: Do not just show final screens. Include wireframes, user flows, research findings, and prototypes to illustrate your thinking and decision-making process.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the requirements, particularly those involving enterprise software, B2B applications, or complex data-driven systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: If a design exercise is given, focus on understanding the prompt thoroughly. Prioritize user needs and business goals. Document your assumptions and thought process clearly.
• Case Study Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely and persuasively. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design choices and their rationale.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate your experience with collaboration, problem-solving, handling conflict, and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title implies a rigorous interview process that will heavily scrutinize strategic thinking, leadership potential, and depth of experience, not just execution skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (explicitly mentioned), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Prototyping Tools: Figma, InVision, Axure RP, or similar for creating interactive prototypes.
• Generative Design Tools: Proficiency with AI-assisted design tools and computational design methodologies will be highly valued.
• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom for team communication and virtual meetings.
• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for tracking design tasks and project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with UX analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and measure design effectiveness.
• Understanding of A/B testing principles and how to interpret results to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX impacts CRM systems or B2B platforms that might integrate with CRMs is beneficial. Knowledge of how user data flows and impacts system design is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out, making it a mandatory skill. The mention of generative design tools and LLMs indicates a focus on cutting-edge design technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep-seated commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users, ensuring products are intuitive, effective, and valuable.
• Innovation: Encouragement to explore and leverage emerging technologies like AI/ML to create next-generation solutions that push the boundaries of healthcare technology.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.
• Excellence & Quality: A drive for high-quality design, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering elegant, minimalist, and effective user experiences.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research insights and analytics to inform design choices and measure impact, ensuring designs are effective and aligned with business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with product managers to define requirements, engineers to ensure technical feasibility, and researchers to validate designs.
• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages open, honest, and constructive critique of design work to foster continuous improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share best practices, learnings, and insights through design critiques, team meetings, and internal documentation.
• Agile Methodologies: Likely adherence to agile or iterative development processes, requiring flexibility and adaptability in design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and the "Growing together" tagline suggest a culture that fosters professional development, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complex Domains: Navigating the intricacies of healthcare data, regulations, and diverse user needs (patients, providers, administrators) presents a significant design challenge.
• Balancing Innovation with Enterprise Standards: Integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI/ML while adhering to established enterprise design languages and corporate guidelines requires strategic thinking and careful execution.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and alignment from various stakeholders (product, engineering, business) on design decisions, especially for complex SaaS solutions.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying current with advancements in UX design tools, AI/ML, and computational design methodologies requires continuous learning and adaptation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like AI/ML design, ethical AI, computational design, and advanced user research methods.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the healthcare technology sector, its unique challenges, and its impact on user lives.
• Leadership Development: Mentorship and training programs focused on developing leadership skills, strategic thinking, and influencing capabilities for senior roles.
• Community Engagement: Encouragement to participate in industry conferences, workshops, and UX communities to network and stay abreast of trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a large, complex, and rapidly evolving industry like healthcare technology, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a user-centered design approach against strong business or technical objections. How did you present your case, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on persuasion, data, and understanding stakeholder perspectives).
• "Our products increasingly incorporate AI/ML. How would you approach designing for AI-driven features, considering user trust, transparency, and potential biases?" (Demonstrate understanding of AI ethics, user education, and iterative feedback loops).
• "Walk us through your process for designing a complex enterprise SaaS feature from initial concept to final implementation. What tools and methodologies did you use, and how did you ensure it met user and business needs?" (Structure your answer using the STAR method, emphasizing your full design lifecycle experience).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Optum Insight and UnitedHealth Group, what do you see as the biggest UX challenges and opportunities?" (Show research into their products, mission, and industry).
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, and how do you handle design disagreements with peers or stakeholders?" (Highlight your teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution skills).
• "How do you measure the success of your UX designs, and what metrics do you prioritize?" (Discuss relevant UX metrics and your approach to demonstrating ROI).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The "Why" Behind the "What": For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, user need, and your strategic approach before diving into the solution.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively – sketches, wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups. Explain why you made specific design choices at each stage.
• Highlight Collaboration: Detail your interactions with Product Managers, Engineers, and Researchers. Explain how you incorporated their feedback and facilitated alignment.
• Quantify Impact: Present any metrics or data that demonstrate the success of your designs. If direct metrics aren't available, discuss how you would measure success or what positive outcomes you observed.
• Focus on Principal-Level Contributions: Emphasize strategic thinking, problem definition, mentorship, and influence on design direction, not just task execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with AI/ML and emerging technologies in detail, as this is a key differentiator for this role. Be ready to showcase your ability to influence and mentor.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal UX Architect position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the UnitedHealth Group careers portal.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of UX design experience, specific skills in wireframing, prototyping, user research, human-centered design, and any experience with AI/ML or emerging technologies. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your ability to design complex SaaS solutions, incorporate user research, and drive measurable impact. Ensure your portfolio clearly outlines your role, process, and contributions.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely, focusing on the problem, your process, your solutions, and the outcomes. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and other relevant tools.
• Research UnitedHealth Group & Optum: Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges within the healthcare industry. Familiarize yourself with Optum Insight's SaaS offerings if possible.

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

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