Senior Interaction / Product Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Senior Interaction / Product Designer Company: CapTech Consulting Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States (Also hiring in Richmond, VA, USA) Job Type: Full-time Category: Customer Experience (CX) Design / Product Design Date Posted: September 15, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- Design sophisticated, intuitive, and impactful digital brand experiences, focusing on user interface (UI) and interaction design principles.
- Translate complex business goals and user needs into user-centered design solutions across web and mobile platforms.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including researchers, developers, and analysts, to ensure cohesive and high-fidelity user experiences.
- Leverage user research, prototyping, and usability testing to inform design decisions and validate solutions in a fast-paced consulting environment.
π Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Interaction / Product Designer," the experience requirement of 3-5 years suggests a mid-to-senior level rather than a purely senior role. The emphasis on consulting and client collaboration indicates a need for strong communication and presentation skills alongside design expertise. The mention of AI-powered design tools highlights a forward-thinking approach to design processes.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Develop comprehensive design artifacts including personas, customer journey maps, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs for web and mobile applications.
- Design new digital experiences and enhance existing ones, adhering to established design systems while contributing to their evolution.
- Conduct user research, synthesize findings, and translate insights into actionable design recommendations that align with business objectives and user needs.
- Present design concepts, rationale, and user research findings to clients and internal stakeholders in a clear, compelling, and persuasive manner.
- Champion accessibility best practices (WCAG) throughout the design process, ensuring inclusive and equitable user experiences.
- Collaborate closely with developers to ensure accurate implementation of designs, maintain design fidelity, and address technical constraints.
- Contribute to the evolution of design methodologies and best practices within the Customer Experience (CX) team.
- Explore and integrate emerging technologies, including AI-powered design tools, to enhance creative output, efficiency, and overall design impact.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full-cycle design process, from foundational research and strategy to detailed UI/UX design and developer handoff. The consulting aspect means client-facing communication and presentation are critical components of the role, requiring the designer to articulate design decisions and their business impact.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelorβs degree (4-year+) in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or a closely related field.
Experience:
- 3-5 years of professional experience in interaction design, product design, or a similar role, preferably within a consulting or agency setting.
Required Skills:
- Figma Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in using Figma for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and component-based design systems.
- User-Centered Design: Deep understanding of product strategy, heuristic analysis, information architecture, user research methodologies, UI design principles, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.
- Design Systems: Experience working with and contributing to established design systems.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with researchers, developers, product managers, and other stakeholders.
- Communication: Strong written, verbal, conceptual, and visual communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
- Problem-Solving: Strategic thinking ability to translate business goals and user needs into effective design solutions.
Preferred Skills:
- Developer-Ready Assets: Experience designing visual assets and UI components that are ready for developer implementation.
- User Research Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Optimal Workshop, UserTesting.com, or SurveyMonkey for conducting and synthesizing user research.
- Agile Development: Working knowledge of Agile product development lifecycles and methodologies.
- Accessibility Standards: Familiarity with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and other accessibility standards.
- AI Design Tools: Experience or demonstrated interest in exploring and leveraging AI-powered design tools and workflows.
π Enhancement Note: The requirement for Figma proficiency is critical and should be a primary focus for applicants. The preferred skills, particularly around research tools, Agile, and accessibility, will significantly strengthen an application, indicating a candidate's readiness for a consulting environment that values efficiency and inclusive design.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A comprehensive online portfolio showcasing a range of digital design projects, demonstrating a strong understanding of user-centered design principles.
- Case studies that clearly articulate the design process, from initial problem definition, user research, and ideation through to final design solutions and outcomes.
- Examples of wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs for web and mobile applications.
- Demonstration of how user needs and business goals were balanced in design decisions.
- Evidence of collaboration with stakeholders and how feedback was incorporated.
Process Documentation:
- Portfolio pieces should highlight the application of specific design methodologies (e.g., user journey mapping, usability testing, heuristic evaluation).
- Clearly showcase the iterative nature of the design process, including how research and testing informed design refinements.
- Demonstrate proficiency in creating design documentation, such as style guides, component libraries, or detailed specifications, especially if related to design systems.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for an online portfolio linked in the application is non-negotiable. Candidates should curate their portfolio to best represent their skills in interaction design, product strategy, and problem-solving, with a focus on clarity in their process and impact. Projects involving complex digital products or client work will be highly valued.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- Given the "Senior" title and 3-5 years of experience requirement, a typical salary range in Charlotte, NC, for a Senior Interaction/Product Designer would likely fall between $95,000 - $130,000 annually. This range can vary based on specific skills, portfolio strength, and interview performance.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), health coverage, disability insurance, paid family leave, and access to Modern Health for mental health and well-being support.
- Professional Development: Extensive Learning & Development programs including certification/tuition support, digital learning courses, mentorship, and defined skill development paths.
- Lifestyle & Financial Wellness: Fringe stipend program for personalized lifestyle benefits (e.g., streaming services, student loan repayment, fitness), Carrot Fertility for family-forming support, and 401(k) matching with no vesting period.
- Community & Inclusion: Opportunities to participate in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Philanthropic Partnerships.
Working Hours:
- Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. Consulting roles may require flexibility to meet client project deadlines, potentially involving longer hours during critical project phases.
π Enhancement Note: The extensive benefits package, particularly unique offerings like Fringe stipends and Modern Health, indicates a company that invests in employee well-being and professional growth. Candidates should consider these benefits as valuable components of the total compensation. The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the specified location.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Technology Consulting Company Size: CapTech Consulting is a significant player in the consulting space, though specific employee numbers for this division aren't provided, the overall company size suggests a robust organization with established processes and client relationships. This typically means a professional, results-oriented environment. Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but its description as a consultancy working with Fortune 100 companies and government agencies indicates a company with a substantial history and a strong track record.
Team Structure:
- The role is within the Customer Experience (CX) team, suggesting a focus on human-centered design and client-facing engagement.
- The team structure likely involves collaboration with UX Researchers, other Interaction/Product Designers, UI Designers, and potentially strategists.
- Reporting lines would typically be to a Design Lead or CX Practice Lead within CapTech.
Methodology:
- CapTech emphasizes collaboration and delivering technology-driven solutions. Design processes will likely be agile and iterative, involving close client interaction.
- Expect a data-informed approach, leveraging user research and analytics to guide design decisions.
- Emphasis on delivering tangible results and demonstrating ROI for clients through effective design solutions.
Company Website: https://www.captechconsulting.com/
π Enhancement Note: CapTech's positioning as an "award-winning consulting firm" suggests a high standard of work and a focus on client success. The culture likely values innovation, continuous learning, and strong client relationships, common traits in the professional services industry.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Interaction / Product Designer, indicating a level where individuals are expected to work with some autonomy, lead design efforts on specific projects, and mentor more junior team members. It's a critical individual contributor role with potential for leadership. Reporting Structure: The Senior Interaction Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director within the Customer Experience practice. They will work on client projects, collaborating with CapTech project managers, client stakeholders, and client development teams. Operations Impact: The designer's impact is directly tied to the success of client digital products. Effective interaction and product design contribute to improved user satisfaction, increased engagement, higher conversion rates, and ultimately, client business growth and revenue. Designing intuitive and accessible experiences is key to this impact.
Growth Opportunities:
- Leadership: Potential to lead design efforts on larger or more complex client engagements, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the growth of the CX practice.
- Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like user research, accessibility, design systems, or emerging technologies like AI in design.
- Client Engagement: Develop strong client relationship management skills and gain exposure to diverse industries and business challenges.
- Skill Expansion: Continuous learning is encouraged through CapTechβs L&D programs, allowing for acquisition of new design skills, tools, and methodologies.
π Enhancement Note: The consulting environment offers accelerated growth by exposing designers to a wide variety of projects and client challenges. The "Senior" designation implies a level of expected ownership and leadership, making this a strong stepping stone for designers aiming for Principal or Lead roles in the future.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The role is listed as "On-site" in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA, indicating a traditional office-based or hybrid work environment. Consulting firms often utilize client site visits as well. Office Location(s): Charlotte, North Carolina, and Richmond, Virginia are the primary locations mentioned. Workspace Context:
- Expect a professional office environment conducive to collaboration, client meetings, and focused design work.
- Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design software and hardware.
- Opportunities for interaction with a multidisciplinary team of consultants, designers, and technologists.
- The consulting nature means travel to client sites may be required depending on project needs.
Work Schedule:
- Standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM) are typical, but project demands in consulting can necessitate flexibility. A 40-hour work week is standard, but overtime might be required to meet client deadlines.
π Enhancement Note: While the job is listed as "On-site," many consulting firms offer hybrid models where employees spend a few days in the office and the rest remotely, or at client sites. Candidates should clarify the specific on-site expectations with the hiring manager.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
- Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through your online portfolio, discussing your process, key projects, and design decisions. Be prepared to articulate the "why" behind your choices.
- Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a design exercise (take-home or live) or present a detailed case study of a past project, focusing on problem-solving, user empathy, and design rationale.
- Team Interviews: Interviews with other designers, project managers, or client leads to evaluate collaboration skills, technical proficiency, and understanding of consulting dynamics.
- Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or practice lead to discuss career aspirations and overall fit within CapTech.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate your end-to-end design process.
- Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the impact/results. Use visuals generously.
- Highlight Process: Emphasize research, ideation, iteration, and testing. Show your thinking, not just the final output.
- Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs.
- Figma Emphasis: Ensure your Figma skills are evident, whether through interactive prototypes or detailed UI examples.
Challenge Preparation:
- Familiarize yourself with common UX/Product Design challenges, focusing on problem decomposition, user interviewing, ideation techniques, and rapid prototyping.
- Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, especially under time constraints.
- Be prepared to discuss your understanding of business goals and constraints related to design.
π Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical gate. Candidates must be able to clearly articulate their design thinking, process, and the impact of their work. Preparing specific examples that align with CapTech's focus on technology and client solutions will be crucial.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Figma: Explicitly required for UI design, wireframing, and prototyping.
- Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in tools like Figma's prototyping capabilities, InVision, Adobe XD, or similar.
- User Research & Testing Platforms: Familiarity with tools like UserTesting.com, Optimal Workshop, Maze, or SurveyMonkey is a plus.
- Design System Tools: Experience with tools or processes for managing and contributing to design systems.
Analytics & Reporting:
- Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and inform design, though direct analysis might be done by analysts.
CRM & Automation:
- While not core to the role, understanding how designs integrate with CRM systems (like Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for context.
π Enhancement Note: Figma is the central tool requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and how they leverage its features for collaborative design and advanced prototyping.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Client Focus: Delivering exceptional value and results for clients is paramount in a consulting environment.
- Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional cooperation to achieve project goals.
- Innovation: Encouraging exploration of new technologies and design approaches, including AI, to drive better solutions.
- Excellence: Maintaining high standards in design execution, communication, and client service.
- Continuous Improvement: A culture that supports learning and adaptation, both for individual growth and process enhancement.
Collaboration Style:
- Expect an open and communicative environment where feedback is actively sought and given.
- Designers will work closely with project managers, developers, and client teams, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Emphasis on shared ownership of project success and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
π Enhancement Note: CapTech's commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) suggests a culture that values varied perspectives and fosters an inclusive environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they contribute to inclusive design practices and collaborative team dynamics.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Balancing Client Needs with User Needs: Effectively advocating for user-centric design while meeting diverse client business objectives and constraints.
- Pace of Consulting: Adapting to fast-paced project timelines and evolving client requirements.
- Cross-Disciplinary Work: Collaborating effectively with technical teams (developers, engineers) and business stakeholders who may have different perspectives on design.
- Adoption of New Technologies: Staying current with and effectively integrating emerging tools and trends, like AI in design, into client solutions.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Formal Training: Access to CapTech's extensive L&D programs, including certifications and tuition support.
- Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced designers and leaders within the CX practice.
- Project Variety: Exposure to a wide range of industries and project types that foster skill diversification.
- Industry Trends: Staying at the forefront of design and technology trends through internal knowledge sharing and external resources.
π Enhancement Note: The consulting model inherently presents challenges related to client management and project delivery, which in turn drive rapid professional growth. Designers willing to embrace these challenges will find significant opportunities for advancement.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a new mobile application feature, from initial concept to final handoff." Be ready to detail your steps, tools, and decision-making rationale.
- Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to balance competing user needs or business requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"
- Collaboration: "How do you typically collaborate with developers to ensure design fidelity and address technical constraints?"
- Client Communication: "How do you present design concepts to clients who may not have a design background? How do you handle critical feedback?"
- AI in Design: "How do you see AI impacting the field of interaction design, and how have you experimented with AI-powered design tools?"
Company & Culture Questions:
- Research CapTech's recent projects, clients, and any stated values or mission statements.
- Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in a consulting role versus in-house design.
- Consider how your collaborative style aligns with a consulting environment.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Prepare a concise narrative for each portfolio piece, focusing on the problem, your unique contribution, the process, and the measurable impact.
- Be ready to demonstrate interactive prototypes live or explain their functionality clearly.
- Highlight your proficiency with Figma and any other relevant tools.
- Emphasize your understanding of user research and how it informed your designs.
π Enhancement Note: Interviewers will look for not only design skill but also strategic thinking, communication ability, and a client-focused mindset. Demonstrating an understanding of the consulting business model and how design contributes to business outcomes will be key.
π Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
- Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.
- Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, highlights relevant projects (web/mobile, user-centered design, complex problem-solving), and includes a clear link on your resume and/or application.
- Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize experience in product strategy, user research, UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaboration. Quantify achievements where possible.
- Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and case studies, focusing on the "why" behind your decisions and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss Figma proficiency.
- Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CapTech's services, client base, and company culture, particularly their approach to customer experience and technology consulting.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates should have 3-5 years of professional experience in a consulting or agency context and a 4-year degree in Design, HCI, Psychology, or a related field. Proficiency in Figma and familiarity with user research tools and accessibility standards are also preferred.