Senior Product Designer UX/UI -Cortex

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer UX/UI - Cortex Company: Palo Alto Networks Location: Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / UX/UI Operations Date Posted: 2025-11-24 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal for defining and driving end-to-end user experiences across the Cortex ecosystem, requiring a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and a strategic approach to product development.
• The Senior Product Designer will lead cross-product initiatives, focusing on simplifying complex data and cybersecurity workflows to enhance user efficiency and product efficacy.
• Collaboration is key, with close partnerships expected with Product Management, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to shape product strategy and ensure seamless execution of design vision.
• Maintaining exceptionally high design standards across User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), and accessibility will be a core function, ensuring all products are intuitive, effective, and inclusive.
• A significant aspect of this role involves mentoring junior designers, fostering a strong design culture, and elevating the overall quality of design output within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is Product Design, the integration into the 'Cortex ecosystem' and the emphasis on simplifying 'complex data and security workflows' indicates a strong operational component. This role will operate at the intersection of design and product operations, requiring an understanding of how design impacts product adoption, user efficiency, and ultimately, the operational effectiveness of cybersecurity solutions. The mention of 'design systems' and 'accessibility' further highlights the operational rigor expected in maintaining consistency and usability at scale.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define, conceptualize, and drive end-to-end user experiences for multiple products within the Palo Alto Networks Cortex ecosystem, ensuring consistency and a cohesive user journey.
• Lead strategic design initiatives that span across different Cortex products, focusing on simplifying complex cybersecurity data, threat intelligence, and operational workflows for security analysts and administrators.
• Collaborate intimately with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and other cross-functional stakeholders to translate business requirements and user needs into intuitive and impactful design solutions.
• Champion and uphold high design standards for UX, UI, and accessibility across all product touchpoints, ensuring compliance with best practices and regulatory requirements where applicable.
• Mentor and guide junior designers, providing constructive feedback, fostering their professional growth, and contributing to the development of a collaborative and high-performing design team culture.
• Partner closely with the Design Systems team to contribute to, evolve, and ensure consistent application of the Cortex design language and component library across all products.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and validate design solutions, ensuring they meet user needs and business objectives.
• Develop and present design strategies, concepts, and solutions to stakeholders at various levels, effectively communicating design rationale and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize leading initiatives and shaping product direction, suggesting a strategic impact beyond typical design execution. The focus on "simplifying complex data and security workflows" points to a need for operational understanding of how users interact with security products to perform critical tasks efficiently. Mentoring and contributing to design systems also highlight an operational responsibility for maintaining design quality and consistency at scale.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in designing digital products, with a demonstrable track record of delivering high-impact, scalable solutions.
• Proven experience in leading design strategy for complex products or product suites, influencing product direction from concept to launch.
• Extensive experience in mentoring junior designers, fostering talent, and elevating the overall design quality and craft within a team.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional UX and UI craft, evidenced by a strong portfolio showcasing a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and aesthetic excellence.
• Deep understanding of interaction design principles, information architecture, visual design best practices, and user research methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and building/utilizing design systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong ability to articulate design rationale and tell compelling design stories.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management and Engineering.
• Experience in designing for complex SaaS platforms and understanding of enterprise software user needs.

Preferred Skills:

• A strong advantage: Direct experience in the cybersecurity domain, specifically with data security, identity security, endpoint security, or cloud security solutions.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and experience working within fast-paced product development cycles.
• Experience with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and ensuring designs meet these requirements.
• Knowledge of front-end development principles to facilitate better collaboration with engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio that showcases "exceptional UX and UI craft" and "high-impact, scalable solutions" suggests that candidates should be prepared to present case studies demonstrating not just aesthetic design but also the strategic thinking and operational impact of their work. The "huge advantage" of cybersecurity experience highlights the specialized domain knowledge that will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating end-to-end product design experience, with a focus on complex digital products and user flows.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (including research, ideation, iteration), and the measurable impact of your solutions.
• Demonstrations of how you have simplified complex information or workflows through thoughtful UX and UI design.
• Examples of your contributions to or utilization of design systems, showcasing an understanding of scalability, consistency, and efficiency in design.
• Evidence of your ability to maintain high design standards, including visual design polish and adherence to accessibility guidelines.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, emphasizing how they approach problem-solving, user research, ideation, prototyping, user testing, and iteration in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• Examples of how you've contributed to or managed design system components, ensuring consistency and efficiency in design implementation.
• Discussion of how you ensure accessibility is integrated into the design process from the outset.
• Demonstrations of how you've effectively communicated design decisions and rationale to stakeholders, including Product and Engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, the portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase visual and interaction design skills but also the strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and operational understanding required to design for complex enterprise products like those in the Cortex ecosystem. The emphasis on "simplifying complex data and security workflows" means portfolios should highlight instances where the candidate has successfully tackled intricate problems and made them user-friendly.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the Senior Product Designer title, 5-10 years of experience, and location in Tel Aviv, Israel, a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for senior UX/UI roles in major tech hubs like Tel Aviv, the estimated annual salary could range from ₪300,000 to ₪500,000 ILS, depending on specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. This estimate is derived from analysis of similar roles in the Israeli tech market, considering the company's standing in the cybersecurity industry and the specialized nature of the Cortex platform.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and access to learning resources.
• Stock options or equity grants as part of the compensation package.
• Opportunities to work with cutting-edge cybersecurity technology and contribute to a mission-driven company.
• Potential for hybrid work arrangements, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with full-time employment expectations. While the company emphasizes in-person collaboration, flexibility may be available for specific needs, consistent with a hybrid work model. Operations within product design often require focused blocks of time for deep work, and the schedule is designed to accommodate this while ensuring team alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations for Tel Aviv are based on publicly available data for senior-level tech roles in Israel, particularly within the cybersecurity and enterprise software sectors. This range reflects the high demand for skilled designers in this market and the seniority of the position. Benefits are typical for a large, established tech company like Palo Alto Networks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cybersecurity, Enterprise Software, Cloud Security, AI-driven Security Solutions. Palo Alto Networks is a leader in providing a comprehensive cybersecurity platform that protects against cyber threats. The company operates in a high-growth, innovation-driven sector where continuous adaptation to evolving threats is paramount. This context means the design team must be agile, forward-thinking, and deeply engaged with the complexities of modern security challenges.

Company Size: Palo Alto Networks is a large, publicly traded technology company with a global presence, employing thousands of individuals. This scale provides significant resources, opportunities for cross-functional collaboration with diverse teams, and the potential for career advancement, while also necessitating robust processes and scalable design solutions.

Founded: Palo Alto Networks was founded in 2005. Over its history, it has grown significantly by challenging the status quo in cybersecurity, developing innovative products, and acquiring key technologies. This history of disruption and innovation is likely reflected in its company culture, encouraging a proactive and problem-solving mindset.

Team Structure: The Cortex Design Team is described as highly experienced and talented. It likely comprises various design specializations (UX Research, UX Design, UI Design, Design Systems) and reports into a design leadership structure within the Cortex product organization. Collaboration is emphasized, suggesting a flat or matrixed reporting structure within the immediate team, with clear lines of communication to product management and engineering leads.

Methodology: The team's methodology is rooted in creativity, collaboration, and innovation. They balance strategic thinking with refined craft, aiming to solve deep user problems through innovative concepts, streamlined flows, and polished aesthetics. This implies an iterative design process, likely incorporating elements of Agile, Design Thinking, and a strong emphasis on understanding user needs and business objectives. Data analysis and user feedback are integral to informing design decisions.

Company Website: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and vision in cybersecurity are central to its culture. For a designer, this means understanding the critical nature of their work and the impact it has on protecting digital life. The emphasis on "challenging and disrupting" suggests an environment where innovation is encouraged, and designers are expected to contribute to novel solutions. The mention of "collaboration thrives in person" indicates a preference for hybrid or in-office work, impacting team dynamics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is designated as "Senior Product Designer." In the context of operations, this signifies a mid-to-senior level position responsible for leading design initiatives, influencing product strategy, and mentoring junior team members. It requires a deep understanding of the product lifecycle, user experience best practices, and the ability to translate complex technical requirements into user-friendly interfaces. The role is expected to contribute significantly to the operational effectiveness of security products by enhancing usability and efficiency.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead within the Cortex Design Team. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads for specific product areas or cross-product initiatives. The structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, where the designer acts as a key partner in product development, influencing decisions through design expertise and user advocacy.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role extends beyond aesthetics; it directly influences the operational efficiency and user adoption of Palo Alto Networks' Cortex security products. By simplifying complex security workflows and data analysis, the designer helps customers manage their security posture more effectively, reduce response times to threats, and gain better insights from their security data. This translates to reduced operational overhead for customers and increased value derived from the platform, ultimately contributing to customer success and retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead Designer or Design Manager role, taking on more strategic responsibilities, managing larger teams, and influencing design direction across broader product portfolios.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of cybersecurity (e.g., threat intelligence, cloud security, identity management) or in specialized design disciplines like design systems or UX research.
• Cross-Functional Advancement: Possibility to move into Product Management roles or GTM (Go-to-Market) strategy roles that leverage a strong understanding of user needs and product operations.
• Mentorship & Training: Continued opportunities to mentor junior designers and participate in ongoing professional development, including industry conferences, workshops, and certifications related to UX, UI, and cybersecurity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a level of autonomy and strategic contribution. The "operations impact" is framed around how design enhances the functional and efficiency aspects of using security software, which is a key concern in GTM and product operations. Growth opportunities are aligned with typical career paths in design, with a specific nod to leadership and specialization within the cybersecurity domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Palo Alto Networks operates on a hybrid work model, emphasizing that "collaboration thrives in person." This suggests that while there's flexibility, a significant portion of the work will be conducted from the office to foster real-time problem-solving and stronger relationships. The office environment is likely modern, collaborative, and equipped with the necessary tools for designers.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. This is a major technology hub, likely offering a vibrant ecosystem of talent and innovation. Specific details about the office facilities, such as proximity to public transport or amenities, would be available upon inquiry.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration, with open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated spaces for focused work. Designers will have access to high-performance workstations and the latest design software.
• The presence of a dedicated Design Team suggests a supportive environment where designers can share ideas, receive feedback, and engage in peer-to-peer learning. Access to prototyping tools and design system resources will be readily available.
• Interaction with Product Managers and Engineers will be frequent, likely through daily stand-ups, sprint planning meetings, and ad-hoc discussions, fostering a closely integrated product development process.

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for a balance between in-office days (likely dedicated to collaborative activities like workshops, brainstorming, and team meetings) and remote days (potentially for deep work, individual tasks, and focused design execution). This structure aims to optimize both productivity and team cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment with a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration is a key aspect. For operations professionals, this means understanding the rhythm of team interactions and how work is structured across different locations. The Tel Aviv location situates the role within a dynamic tech ecosystem.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application, focusing on your resume and portfolio. Be prepared to highlight your most relevant experience in UX/UI design, particularly for complex enterprise software and, ideally, cybersecurity.
• Portfolio Review & Skill Assessment: An in-depth review of your portfolio will likely occur, potentially during a video call. Expect to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing your process, contributions, problem-solving approach, and the outcomes. Be ready to discuss your Figma proficiency, design system experience, and how you've mentored others.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be given a design challenge or asked to present a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates your ability to tackle a complex problem. This will assess your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and how you articulate your design rationale.
• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with other designers, product managers, and engineering leads. These sessions will assess your collaboration style, communication skills, cultural fit, and how you integrate into a cross-functional team. Expect questions about how you handle feedback and disagreements.
• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess your overall fit, strategic thinking, and potential for growth within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your senior-level capabilities, focusing on complexity, impact, and your leadership/mentorship contributions. Prioritize projects relevant to enterprise SaaS or cybersecurity if possible.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the "Why" (problem), "What" (your role and solution), and "How" (your process). Use visuals effectively to illustrate your journey.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics or tangible outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction).
• Highlight Process & Collaboration: Detail your design methodology, research techniques, and how you collaborated with cross-functional teams. Show how you incorporated feedback and iterated on designs.
• Design System Contributions: If you have experience with design systems, showcase your contributions, including how you ensured consistency and scalability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research Palo Alto Networks' Cortex products and the broader cybersecurity landscape. Familiarize yourself with common security workflows and challenges.
• Focus on Problem-Solving: For any given challenge, focus on defining the problem clearly, exploring multiple solutions, and justifying your chosen approach with user-centered principles and business objectives.
• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your thoughts logically. Start with understanding the brief, proceed to ideation and solution design, and conclude with how you would validate and iterate.
• Communicate Clearly: Practice explaining complex design concepts in a concise and understandable manner, as if presenting to a mixed audience of designers, product managers, and engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role at a company like Palo Alto Networks will be rigorous. The portfolio review is a critical stage, and candidates must be prepared to not only showcase their design skills but also their strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and how they contribute to the operational success of a product. The emphasis on "simplifying complex data and security workflows" means any presented case studies should highlight this capability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as a required advanced proficiency. It will be used for wireframing, UI design, interactive prototyping, and collaboration within the design team and with cross-functional partners.
• Prototyping Tools (within Figma or standalone): Essential for creating interactive mockups to test user flows and gather feedback.
• Design Systems: Experience with building, contributing to, or heavily utilizing design systems is crucial for ensuring consistency and scalability across the Cortex product suite. This involves understanding component libraries, style guides, and best practices for design system management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, designers at this level are expected to leverage user analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior, identify pain points, and measure the impact of design changes.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools or the ability to interpret data presented in dashboards is beneficial for understanding product usage patterns and informing design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design tasks, but an understanding of how CRM systems and automation tools (if integrated into the Cortex platform) impact user workflows can be advantageous. The focus is on the user's interaction with the security platform itself.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone of the design tool stack. Proficiency here is non-negotiable. The emphasis on design systems indicates a mature design operation within Palo Alto Networks, requiring designers to think about scalability and maintainability. While direct CRM/automation tool usage isn't expected, an awareness of how these might integrate into a user's broader operational workflow could be a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Disruption: Palo Alto Networks' core ethos is to challenge the status quo and innovate in cybersecurity. Designers are expected to bring fresh ideas and creative solutions to complex problems.
• Collaboration: The company emphasizes that "collaboration thrives in person," indicating a strong value placed on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships.
• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs is paramount, especially in a field where usability directly impacts security effectiveness.
• Precision & Craft: The pursuit of high design standards, meticulous attention to detail, and a focus on delivering polished, effective user experiences.
• Impact-Driven: A focus on delivering solutions that have a measurable positive impact on customers and the company's mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with Product Management and Engineering teams, participating in agile ceremonies and contributing to product strategy discussions.
• Feedback Culture: An environment that encourages constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to continuously improve designs and processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities for designers to share best practices, insights, and learnings within the team and across the organization.
• Experimentation: A willingness to explore new ideas and approaches, with an understanding that iteration and learning are part of the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are deeply intertwined with its mission in cybersecurity and its history of innovation. For a designer, this translates to an environment where creative problem-solving is encouraged, user needs are paramount, and working collaboratively to achieve impactful results is the norm. The emphasis on "precision and craft" suggests a high bar for design quality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Cybersecurity: Designing for cybersecurity involves navigating highly technical concepts, complex data, and critical workflows where errors can have significant consequences. Simplifying this complexity for users is a primary challenge.
• Balancing User Needs with Security Requirements: Ensuring that user experience enhancements do not compromise the security integrity or operational robustness of the platform.
• Cross-Product Consistency: Maintaining a cohesive and intuitive user experience across a suite of interconnected products (the Cortex ecosystem) requires strong design system governance and strategic alignment.
• Rapidly Evolving Landscape: The cybersecurity threat landscape and technology evolve quickly, requiring designers to continuously learn and adapt their approaches.
• Mentorship at Scale: Effectively mentoring multiple designers while also contributing to high-priority product initiatives demands strong time management and leadership skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Cybersecurity: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the cybersecurity domain, threat intelligence, and specific security technologies that Cortex addresses.
• Advanced Design System Expertise: Contributing to and evolving a large-scale enterprise design system, understanding best practices for governance, scalability, and adoption.
• Strategic Design Leadership: Developing skills in product strategy, influencing roadmaps, and leading design initiatives with significant business impact.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to leading design and cybersecurity conferences, workshops, and online courses to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.
• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior design leaders and to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership and coaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the nature of the product (complex cybersecurity) and the company's operational scale. Growth opportunities are framed around deepening domain expertise, advancing design leadership, and contributing to the operational maturity of the design function through design systems and strategic influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you simplified a complex workflow or data set through design. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving methodology, user research, and impact.)
• "How do you approach designing for a suite of interconnected products like the Cortex ecosystem to ensure consistency and a seamless user experience?" (Highlight your understanding of design systems, cross-product strategy, and collaboration.)
• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance user needs with technical or security constraints. How did you navigate this challenge?" (Demonstrate your ability to make trade-offs and achieve optimal solutions.)
• "How do you incorporate user feedback and data into your design process, especially when dealing with enterprise or security-focused users?" (Emphasize your iterative approach and data-driven decision-making.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Palo Alto Networks and the Cortex platform specifically?" (Research the company's mission, recent news, and the Cortex product suite.)
• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative design culture, especially in a hybrid environment?" (Discuss your mentorship experience and how you foster teamwork.)
• "Describe your experience working with Product Managers and Engineers. How do you ensure effective collaboration and alignment?" (Highlight your communication and stakeholder management skills.)
• "The company mission is to protect our digital way of life. How do you see your role as a Senior Product Designer contributing to this mission?" (Connect your design work to the broader impact and value proposition.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process (research, ideation, iteration, testing), the solution, and the measurable impact.
• Be Concise and Focused: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best represent your senior-level skills and align with the job requirements (complexity, enterprise SaaS, cybersecurity if possible).
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively. Explain your design decisions and the rationale behind them.
• Highlight Collaboration & Mentorship: Be prepared to discuss how you worked with others and any experience you have in mentoring junior designers.
• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentations to ensure a smooth, confident delivery within the allotted time. Be ready for deep-dive questions on any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe into your ability to handle complexity, drive strategic design, and collaborate effectively within a large organization. Your portfolio should be the primary evidence, and your interview answers should reinforce the skills and experiences demonstrated within it, particularly regarding problem-solving for complex operational workflows and maintaining high design standards.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that showcase your experience in designing complex digital products, particularly in enterprise SaaS or cybersecurity. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your process, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes of your work.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of experience, focus on skills like UX/UI craft, Figma proficiency, design systems, interaction design, and any experience with cybersecurity or complex data visualization. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on how you simplify complex workflows and maintain high design standards. Be ready to discuss your mentorship experience and how you collaborate with product and engineering teams.
• Research Palo Alto Networks: Understand the company's mission, its position in the cybersecurity market, and the Cortex ecosystem. Familiarize yourself with their products and any publicly available design principles or case studies.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions relevant to operations and design roles. All details, especially regarding salary expectations and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the application and interview stages.