Sr. UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Designer Company: Applied Systems, Inc. Location: United States (Remote OK) Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design Date Posted: September 19, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years (Implied Seniority) Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This senior-level UX Designer role focuses on leading strategic research and design initiatives for the Employee Benefits team, aiming to optimize the agency management system experience for users within the insurance sector.
• The position requires a deep understanding of user needs and motivations, translating complex insurance workflows into intuitive and efficient digital experiences.
• Key responsibilities include collaborating closely with Product Management to drive product strategy through mixed-methods research, ideation, and the creation of high-fidelity prototypes.
• The role demands ownership of workstreams from initial strategic planning and discovery through design hand-off and post-release validation, ensuring the quality and success of the user experience across multiple products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr. UX Designer" title, combined with the "7+ years of experience" requirement and the emphasis on leading strategic research and designs, strongly suggests a senior or lead-level individual contributor role. The focus on the "Employee Benefits team" and the insurance industry provides critical context for understanding user workflows and business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct generative user research using mixed-methods approaches to gather attitudinal and behavioral data, synthesizing findings to inform product strategy and design decisions.
• Collaborate strategically with Product Management and other stakeholders across multiple functions to identify and define problem spaces and their potential business impact.
• Develop comprehensive user experience artifacts, including user flows, experience maps, journey maps, wireframes, and interactive prototypes, to effectively communicate design solutions.
• Lead the end-to-end design process for assigned projects, from strategic planning and discovery through design hand-off, implementation support, and post-release testing.
• Champion user-centered design principles and best practices, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, efficient, and intuitive user interfaces that simplify complex employee benefits insurance workflows.
• Continuously iterate on designs based on user feedback, usability testing, and performance metrics to drive ongoing improvements in user satisfaction and product adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking, user advocacy, and hands-on design execution, typical of a senior UX role. The explicit mention of "user flows, experience maps, journey maps, wireframes, and prototypes" indicates a need for proficiency across various UX deliverables. The emphasis on collaboration with Product Management and stakeholders underscores the importance of communication and influencing skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) Design, with a strong preference for experience within commercial software and enterprise environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead design initiatives, manage multiple projects concurrently, and drive user experience strategy from concept to completion.
• Proven track record of conducting user research, synthesizing findings, and translating insights into user-centered design solutions.

Required Skills:

• User Experience Research: Expertise in various qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing, contextual inquiry) to understand user needs and behaviors.
• Information Architecture & Interaction Design: Strong ability to structure complex information, define user flows, and design intuitive interaction models.
• Wireframing & Prototyping: Proficiency in creating low-fidelity to high-fidelity prototypes using industry-standard tools such as Figma, Balsamiq, and Miro.
• Communication & Facilitation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions, present findings clearly, and facilitate productive design discussions with diverse stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong critical thinking and analytical abilities to dissect complex problems, identify root causes, and develop effective design solutions.
• Design Principles: Deep understanding of fundamental design principles, visual design best practices, and accessibility standards (WCAG).

Preferred Skills:

• Insurance Industry Experience: Prior experience in the insurance sector or with insurance technology (insurtech) solutions, providing context for user workflows and industry nuances.
• Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Familiarity with working within Agile development environments and collaborating effectively with cross-functional product teams.
• Adaptability to New Technologies: Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies and techniques, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), to enhance user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "7+ years of experience" in UX, combined with the "Sr. UX Designer" title, suggests an expectation of significant expertise and leadership potential. The inclusion of specific prototyping tools like Figma, Balsamiq, and Miro indicates a practical, hands-on approach to design, while the preferred "Insurance industry or Insurance technology experience" points to domain knowledge as a significant advantage. The "10+ Years" AI derived experience level likely reflects the seniority implied by the responsibilities and required experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A compelling portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, demonstrating a strong understanding of the user-centered design process from research to implementation.
• Detailed case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process undertaken, key decisions made, and the measurable impact of your solutions.
• Evidence of strategic thinking, including how you identified user needs, defined problem spaces, and aligned design solutions with business objectives.
• Demonstration of proficiency in creating various UX artifacts, such as user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and usability testing reports.
• Examples of how you have effectively collaborated with cross-functional teams (e.g., Product Management, Engineering) throughout the product development lifecycle.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have documented your design process, including research findings, design iterations, and rationale for key decisions.
• Highlight experience with creating and maintaining design systems or style guides to ensure consistency and scalability across products.
• Include examples of how you have conducted usability testing and incorporated feedback to refine and improve designs, demonstrating a commitment to iterative design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX role, a robust portfolio is critical. It should not only display visual design skills but also a deep understanding of UX strategy, research methodologies, and the ability to articulate the impact of design decisions. The emphasis should be on showcasing the process and problem-solving capabilities rather than just final visual outputs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The salary range for a Sr. UX Designer in the United States, with 7+ years of experience, typically falls between $110,000 and $150,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level UX professionals in the tech sector, considering the remote work arrangement and the enterprise software environment described. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's experience, skills, and location.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match, supporting long-term financial planning.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to promote work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing learning, training, and conference attendance to enhance UX skills and industry knowledge.
• Remote Work Stipend: Potential stipends or reimbursements for home office setup and internet connectivity.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage to provide financial security for employees and their families.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time commitment, likely around 40 hours per week. The remote work arrangement offers flexibility in structuring the workday, though collaboration with teams across different time zones may necessitate some adherence to core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Sr. UX Designer" title and the 7+ years of experience requirement, a competitive salary is expected. The provided range is an estimate based on general US market data for similar roles. Specific benefits are common offerings for full-time employees in the software industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Applied Systems operates within the Insurtech sector, providing software and services to insurance agencies and the broader insurance industry. This means the company is focused on digital transformation within a historically traditional sector. Company Size: Applied Systems is a significant player in its market, indicated by its long history and the scope of its product offerings. As a company with 40+ years of experience, it likely has established processes and a considerable employee base, though exact current figures would need verification. Founded: Founded over 40 years ago, Applied Systems has a deep history and established presence in the insurtech space, suggesting a blend of mature operational practices with ongoing efforts towards innovation.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of the Employee Benefits team, which is focused on a specific segment of Applied Systems' product suite.
• This role implies collaboration with Product Managers, other UX/UI designers, researchers, and potentially engineering teams responsible for the Employee Benefits products.
• The UX team likely operates within a product development lifecycle, requiring close interaction with various departments to ensure user needs are met and product goals are achieved.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a user-centered approach, driven by strategic research and data analysis to inform design decisions.
• Collaboration with Product Management suggests an agile or iterative development methodology where UX designers contribute throughout the product lifecycle.
• There's an emphasis on innovation and adapting to new technologies, indicating an openness to exploring modern design and development practices.

Company Website: www.appliedsystems.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Contextualizing Applied Systems within the Insurtech industry is key. It implies a need for UX professionals who can understand and simplify complex business processes relevant to insurance. The company's long history suggests stability, while the mention of digital transformation and new technologies points to a forward-looking culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level within the UX Design discipline. It involves leading strategic design initiatives, mentoring junior designers (if applicable), and having significant influence over product direction within the Employee Benefits domain. Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Sr. UX Designer typically reports to a UX Lead, Design Manager, Director of Product Design, or a senior Product Management leader. The role requires close collaboration with Product Management partners. Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is directly tied to the usability, efficiency, and adoption of the Employee Benefits software. By simplifying complex insurance workflows and improving the user experience, the role directly influences customer satisfaction, retention, and potentially revenue growth by making the software more valuable and easier to use.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead UX Designer, UX Manager, or Director of Design roles, overseeing larger teams and strategic design initiatives.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in the insurance industry and specific product areas (like Employee Benefits), becoming a subject matter expert.
• Skill Development: Exposure to new technologies like AI/ML, as mentioned in the desired skills, offers avenues for expanding technical and design capabilities.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Building strong relationships and demonstrating impact can lead to increased influence on product strategy and company-wide design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr." title implies a significant level of autonomy and responsibility. Growth opportunities likely involve moving into more strategic or managerial roles, or specializing further in a complex domain like insurtech. The direct link between UX quality and customer success in enterprise software is a key aspect of this role's impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is advertised as "Remote OK" and mentions the ability to work 100% remotely or from an Applied Systems office. This suggests a flexible work environment, with a primary focus on remote collaboration. Office Location(s): While specific office locations are not detailed, the company operates in the United States. The remote nature of the role means the physical office location is less critical for the candidate, though understanding the company's distributed workforce approach is relevant.

Workspace Context:

• The remote setup necessitates strong self-management, effective virtual communication tools, and a disciplined approach to work.
• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital platforms (e.g., Slack, Teams, video conferencing, collaborative design tools), requiring excellent online communication etiquette.
• The role involves working within a product team that likely uses Agile methodologies, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment focused on iterative development and continuous improvement.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are likely around 40 hours per week. While remote work offers flexibility, candidates should be prepared to align with team meetings and project deadlines, potentially requiring some flexibility to accommodate cross-time zone collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status is a significant factor. Candidates should be comfortable with remote work dynamics, including asynchronous communication and reliance on digital collaboration tools. The environment is likely structured around product development sprints and cross-functional teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: This stage typically involves a conversation with the hiring manager and potentially other UX designers or Product Managers to delve deeper into experience, skills, and approach.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, walking through 1-2 key case studies that highlight their process, problem-solving abilities, and impact. This is a critical stage for demonstrating UX expertise.
• Design Challenge/Exercise: A practical design exercise or case study may be given to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to deliver under simulated conditions.
• Final Interviews: May include interviews with senior leadership or cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment and assess overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience relevant to enterprise software, complex workflows, and strategic UX leadership. Focus on quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the process you followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key challenges encountered, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process and decision-making rationale. Demonstrate how you translated user needs and business goals into effective design solutions.
• Showcase Collaboration: Mention how you worked with Product Managers, engineers, and other stakeholders, and how you incorporated their feedback.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, your approach to difficult stakeholders, and how you measure success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the problem statement, target users, and business goals.
• Outline Your Approach: Before diving into detailed design, plan your steps, including any assumptions you're making, research needed (even if simulated), and key deliverables.
• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your problem-solving methodology, not just a polished final design. Explain your choices and trade-offs.
• Time Management: Be mindful of the time allotted. Prioritize key aspects of the design process.
• Communication: Clearly articulate your thinking throughout the challenge, whether in writing or verbally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for a UX role. Candidates should prepare to speak in detail about their process, decision-making, and the impact of their work. The emphasis on "strategic research and designs" suggests interviewers will look for strategic thinking and leadership in problem-solving.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Figma, Balsamiq, Miro (explicitly mentioned). Proficiency in at least one of these is essential.
• User Research Tools: Tools for conducting interviews, surveys, usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).
• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace for communication and collaboration.
• Project Management Tools: JIRA, Asana, Trello for tracking tasks and project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and product performance.
• Ability to interpret data and use it to inform design decisions and measure the impact of UX improvements.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly listed as a requirement for the UX designer, understanding CRM systems (like Salesforce) and automation concepts can be beneficial for context, especially in enterprise software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, Balsamiq, and Miro indicates these are key tools for this role. A strong understanding of the broader UX toolset, including research and collaboration platforms, is expected. Familiarity with analytics tools is also valuable for data-driven design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value likely emphasizes understanding and advocating for the user throughout the design and development process.
• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams, particularly Product Management and Engineering, to deliver cohesive solutions.
• Innovation: Encouragement to explore new ideas, technologies (like AI/ML), and approaches to solve complex problems and improve user experiences.
• Quality & Efficiency: A drive to deliver high-quality, well-crafted user experiences that are also efficient and simplify complex workflows.
• Continuous Learning: An environment that supports learning and adapting to new techniques and technologies within the dynamic insurtech landscape.

Collaboration Style:

• The role requires close, collaborative partnerships with Product Management, likely involving shared ownership of product strategy and roadmaps.
• Interaction with engineering teams will be crucial for design hand-off, implementation, and ensuring the technical feasibility of designs.
• Cross-functional collaboration extends to potentially marketing, sales, and customer support teams to gather broader insights and ensure product success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Applied Systems' culture, as implied by the job description, values user advocacy, cross-functional teamwork, and a commitment to innovation within the insurtech space. A candidate who thrives in collaborative environments and is driven by solving complex user problems will likely be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Insurance Workflows: Simplifying intricate and often legacy-driven insurance processes for employee benefits into user-friendly digital experiences can be a significant challenge.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating diverse requirements and priorities from Product Management, business stakeholders, and end-users requires strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Adoption of New Technologies: Integrating emerging technologies like AI/ML into existing enterprise software requires careful planning, user validation, and a strategic approach.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a fully remote or hybrid setting requires proactive effort and robust tool utilization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge of the insurance industry and the specific nuances of employee benefits administration through direct work experience.
• Technology Adoption: Gain hands-on experience with integrating AI/ML into UX design, as per the desired skills.
• Strategic Influence: Develop skills in influencing product strategy and roadmap decisions through impactful design research and advocacy.
• Mentorship: Potential opportunities to mentor junior designers or be mentored by senior design leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the complexity of the domain and the need for effective remote collaboration. Growth opportunities are strong for those looking to specialize in insurtech and gain experience with cutting-edge technologies within a mature enterprise software environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the UX strategy for a complex product. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on strategic thinking, research, and impact.)
• "How do you approach collaborating with Product Management and Engineering teams to ensure user needs are met while aligning with business goals?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and cross-functional partnership skills.)
• "Walk us through a challenging UX problem you solved. What made it challenging, and how did you approach it?" (Demonstrate problem-solving methodology, critical thinking, and resilience.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends and technologies, and how have you applied them in your work?" (Showcase continuous learning and adaptability, especially regarding AI/ML.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Applied Systems and the insurtech industry?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent news.)
• "How do you see your UX approach contributing to the success of our Employee Benefits team?" (Connect your skills and experience to the specific team and product area.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive team culture, especially in a remote setting." (Focus on collaboration, communication, and proactivity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with context (problem, user), detail your process (research, ideation, design, testing), explain key decisions and rationale, and conclude with outcomes/impact (metrics, user feedback).
• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals for wireframes, prototypes, and user flows. Show iterations and the evolution of your designs.
• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about each project, emphasizing your role and the value you brought.
• Metrics: Quantify your impact whenever possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "increased user satisfaction by Y%").
• Engagement: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your work and engage in a dialogue about your design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong preparation for the portfolio review is critical. Candidates should anticipate questions that probe their strategic thinking, problem-solving process, and ability to articulate the impact of their designs, particularly within the context of enterprise software and complex business domains.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided careers portal link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating experience with enterprise software, complex workflows, and strategic UX leadership. Focus on case studies that showcase your research, problem-solving, and impact.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 7+ years of UX experience, proficiency in key tools (Figma, Balsamiq, Miro), and achievements related to user research, interaction design, and product improvement. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to present 1-2 key portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your process, decision-making, and measurable outcomes. Practice articulating your approach to user research, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Applied Systems, its mission in the insurtech industry, and its commitment to customer success. Understand the Employee Benefits domain to better contextualize your responses.

⚠️ 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.