Staff, Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff, Product Designer
Company: Samsung Research America
Location: Mountain View, California, USA
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design
Date Posted: 2026-02-12T23:48:54
Experience Level: 6+ Years (Mid to Senior Level)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of innovative digital health products and features, driving user-centric design from ideation through to launch.
• Translate complex technical concepts and data models into intuitive and elegant user experiences across multiple touchpoints and devices.
• Collaborate within a cross-disciplinary team, including product managers, researchers, engineers, and clinical experts, to deliver impactful health solutions.
• Champion design thinking methodologies to solve intricate user problems and contribute to the evolution of product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Staff" level designer, indicating a need for significant experience, leadership potential, and the ability to influence product direction. The focus on "Digital Health" and "AI/Gen AI" within Samsung's innovation ecosystem suggests a high degree of complexity and a forward-thinking approach to product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the UX and UI design for products characterized by complex data models, intricate system logic, and multi-layered user flows.
• Develop comprehensive design artifacts including detailed workflows, user task analyses, interaction flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mock-ups, and interactive prototypes.
• Translate intricate technical concepts and data into accessible, elegant, and user-friendly consumer experiences.
• Propose clear, compelling, and well-reasoned design solutions that effectively address identified challenges and leverage opportunities.
• Collaborate iteratively with a diverse set of stakeholders, actively sharing in-progress work, incorporating feedback, and refining creative concepts into cohesive and polished design solutions.
• Work in close partnership with other designers to ensure seamless integration of new components into the existing design system, maintaining consistency and scalability.
• Uphold high design standards and methodologies throughout the entire product development lifecycle, demonstrating agility through rapid iteration of design concepts to effectively narrow the solution space.
• Conduct evaluations of new and existing products to assess user desirability and provide actionable recommendations for improvement, innovation, and feature enhancement.
• Document, organize, and share project plans and design specifications to ensure effective coordination and alignment with cross-functional teams throughout the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a senior-level contribution, requiring the designer to not only execute but also to lead, strategize, and mentor. The explicit mention of "complex data models," "system logic," and "multi-layered user flows" points to the need for a designer comfortable with sophisticated technical challenges.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Computer Science) or an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience.
• Master’s degree in a related field is preferred, indicating a strong academic foundation or advanced specialization.

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of dedicated UI/UX design experience.
• Proven track record of successfully shipping digital products to market, demonstrating the ability to take designs from concept to completion.
• Experience overseeing or contributing to multiple concurrent workstreams, managing priorities and deliverables effectively.
• Demonstrated experience leading or mentoring other designers, fostering skill development and design excellence within a team.

Required Skills:

• Product Vision & Strategy: Ability to provide product vision and support in an evolving environment, balancing user, product, engineering, and business needs.
• UX/UI Design Proficiency: Expertise in creating detailed workflows, wireframes, prototypes, and visual designs using industry-standard tools.
• Design Thinking: Proven ability to apply design thinking methodologies to solve complex user problems and develop innovative solutions.
• Information Architecture & Workflow Modeling: Deep understanding of structuring information logically and mapping out user journeys and system processes.
• Data Visualization: Skill in presenting complex data in an understandable and insightful visual format.
• Design Systems: Experience working with and contributing to design systems for consistency and scalability across products.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong ability to collaborate effectively with product managers, researchers, engineers, and clinical experts.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent skills in articulating design concepts and rationale to various project stakeholders and incorporating feedback.
• Agile Methodologies: Experience working within agile, startup-like environments, demonstrating adaptability and quick iteration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for smartwatch and mobile phone applications.
• Direct, hands-on experience building and scaling design systems and guidelines.
• Proficiency in motion design and animation to enhance user experiences.
• Familiarity with designing for medical or healthcare environments, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and the specific needs of older adults.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" designation and the 6+ years of experience requirement suggest this role is for a senior-level individual contributor with potential leadership responsibilities. The emphasis on "shipping products" and "complex user interactions" highlights the need for practical, end-to-end design experience. The preferred qualifications point towards specialization in mobile, design systems, and healthcare, which are critical for Samsung's digital health initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing high-quality design work, demonstrating system thinking, and featuring relevant projects (both individual and team-based).
• Evidence of bringing complex user interactions and products spanning multiple form factors/devices to market.
• Demonstrated ability to create detailed workflows, wireframes, prototypes, and visual designs using various design systems.
• Portfolio pieces should clearly articulate the design process, problem definition, user research insights, design rationale, and measurable outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of user task analysis and interaction flow diagrams to illustrate understanding of user journeys.
• Demonstrations of how design thinking was applied to solve specific user problems or business challenges.
• Visual documentation of design iterations and how feedback was incorporated to refine solutions.
• Case studies detailing the creation and implementation of design system components or guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Staff-level designer, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just aesthetics and demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and a deep understanding of the end-to-end design process, particularly in complex product environments. The inclusion of "system thinking" and "multiple form factors" suggests a need for examples that highlight integration across devices or platforms.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Base Pay Range: $179,200 - $246,150 USD per year.
• Note: This range is based on the provided data for the specified location (Mountain View, CA) and reflects the "Staff" level designation. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications, experience, education, and geographic differentials.

Benefits:

• Annual Bonus Eligibility: Performance-based annual bonuses are a component of the total rewards.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes benefits designed to support employee well-being and work-life balance.
• Health & Wellness: Likely includes medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement Savings: Potential for a 401(k) plan with company matching.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Working Hours:

• Standard Work Week: Approximately 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility: While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily scheduling, subject to team and project needs, common in design and tech environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a strong indicator of the seniority and value placed on this Staff Product Designer role in the competitive Silicon Valley tech market. The mention of "comprehensive compensation package" and "generous benefits" suggests a robust offering beyond base salary, typical for large technology firms like Samsung. The "annual bonus eligibility" is a standard incentive for mid-to-senior level roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Consumer Electronics, Digital Health, AI/Gen AI, Healthcare Technology)
Company Size: Samsung Research America (SRA) is a significant R&D arm of Samsung Electronics. While specific SRA numbers aren't provided, Samsung globally is a massive conglomerate with hundreds of thousands of employees. SRA itself likely comprises hundreds to thousands of researchers and engineers. This implies a structured yet innovative environment.
Founded: Samsung Electronics was founded in 1969, with Samsung Research America established later to drive innovation in North America. This history signifies stability, long-term vision, and a commitment to research and development.

Team Structure:

• Digital Health Team: A specialized, cross-disciplinary unit focused on leveraging Samsung's core capabilities in wearables, smartphones, medical devices, and AI to create innovative health solutions.
• Reporting Structure: The Staff Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Director within the Digital Health Team, with close collaboration across product management, engineering, user research, and clinical functions.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The team operates with a high degree of collaboration, integrating expertise from various domains to bring complex digital health products to market. The environment is described as "agile, startup-like," suggesting a dynamic and fast-paced workflow within a larger corporate structure.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on leveraging user research, clinical expertise, and AI/Gen AI capabilities to inform design decisions and product development.
• Design Thinking & User-Centricity: Core methodologies for problem-solving, focusing on user needs and iterative development.
• Agile Development: Practices likely include agile sprints, rapid prototyping, and continuous feedback loops to adapt to evolving product definitions and market needs.
• Systemic Approach: Designing for interconnected products and features across multiple Samsung devices and platforms.

Company Website: https://www.sra.samsung.com/ (Note: The provided URL was company_url: null, so inferring a relevant SRA domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: Samsung Research America operates at the forefront of technological innovation. The Digital Health Team is a strategic focus area, combining Samsung's hardware prowess with cutting-edge software, AI, and health expertise. The culture is likely a blend of large corporate structure and the agility of R&D labs, fostering innovation and cross-functional teamwork.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is classified as "Staff," signifying a senior individual contributor position. It implies a high level of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to influence product strategy and design direction. Staff designers are often expected to mentor junior team members and tackle the most challenging design problems.

Reporting Structure:

• The Staff Product Designer will report to a Design Manager or Director within the Digital Health Team. They will work closely with Product Managers, User Researchers, Software Engineers, Clinical Experts, and potentially AI/Gen AI specialists. This structure emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and end-to-end product ownership.

Operations Impact:

• The designer's work will directly impact the success of Samsung's digital health initiatives, influencing millions of users worldwide. By creating intuitive and effective health applications, the role contributes to Samsung's mission of empowering healthier lives, enhancing user engagement with Samsung ecosystems, and driving innovation in the competitive digital health market. The ability to translate complex health data and AI capabilities into user-friendly experiences is critical for market adoption and user well-being.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Principal or Lead Designer role, taking on greater strategic responsibility and managing larger design initiatives or teams.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven health insights, wearable UX, medical device interfaces, or accessibility for diverse user groups.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Experience gained in a highly cross-functional environment can open doors to roles in Product Management, Design Strategy, or R&D leadership within Samsung.
• Mentorship & Training: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor junior designers and participate in ongoing training to stay abreast of the latest design trends, technologies (AI/Gen AI), and healthcare regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" title is a key indicator of career trajectory. It suggests this is not just an execution role but one where the individual is expected to contribute strategically, mentor others, and potentially lead complex projects. Growth paths likely involve increasing scope, strategic influence, and potentially people management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• This position is based in an office setting at Samsung Research America's Mountain View location. The environment is described as "agile, startup-like" despite being part of a large corporation, indicating a dynamic, collaborative, and fast-paced workspace.

Office Location(s):

• 665 Clyde Avenue, Mountain View, CA, USA. This location is in the heart of Silicon Valley, providing access to a rich ecosystem of technology innovation and talent.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on cross-disciplinary teams and agile methodologies suggests a workspace designed for frequent interaction, brainstorming, and co-creation.
• Tools and Technology: Designers will have access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch, Principle, Keynote/PPT) and likely cutting-edge research and development tools relevant to digital health and AI.
• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with product managers, user researchers, clinical experts, and software engineers is expected, fostering a shared understanding and integrated approach to product development.

Work Schedule:

• The role involves approximately 40 working hours per week. While the position is on-site, the agile nature of the team may allow for some flexibility in daily schedules, provided project deadlines and collaborative needs are met. Emphasis is placed on delivering results and adapting to project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Mountain View places the designer in a prime location for tech innovation. The "agile, startup-like" environment within a large corporation suggests a culture that values both innovation and structured execution, with ample opportunities for collaboration and access to advanced tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role requirements.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Expect to present selected case studies from your portfolio, walking through your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your solutions. This is a critical stage to demonstrate your capabilities.
• Design Challenge/Exercise: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or participate in a whiteboard session to assess your problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to articulate your thought process under pressure.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with team members from product management, engineering, and user research to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and technical understanding.
• Hiring Manager/Director Interview: A final interview to discuss your experience, career aspirations, and cultural fit with the team and Samsung's R&D environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills relevant to complex digital health products, multi-device experiences, and innovative UX.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing, iteration), the solution, and the impact/outcomes (use metrics where possible).
• Highlight Systems Thinking: Demonstrate how your designs integrate across different platforms, devices, or user touchpoints.
• Showcase Process & Rationale: Explain why you made certain design decisions, referencing user research, data, or business goals.
• Detail Your Contribution: Be clear about your specific contributions, especially in team-based projects.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and presents your work professionally.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, clarify the problem statement, target users, and constraints.
• Think Aloud: Verbalize your thought process, assumptions, and design decisions as you work through the challenge.
• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, even if you don't reach a final polished solution.
• Prioritize: Show that you can identify key user needs and business objectives and prioritize accordingly.
• Consider Edge Cases: Think about how your design might handle different scenarios or user behaviors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Staff Designer role will be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio quality and the ability to articulate complex design decisions. Candidates should prepare to defend their design choices with data, user insights, and a clear understanding of business objectives. The "startup-like" environment might mean a more direct and iterative interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma: Widely used for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Essential for modern design workflows.
• Sketch: Another industry-standard vector design tool for UI, often used in conjunction with other prototyping tools.
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): For asset creation, image manipulation, and graphic design needs.
• Principle: For creating interactive animations and micro-interactions, adding depth to prototypes.
• Keynote/PPT: For creating presentations and articulating design concepts to stakeholders.

Prototyping & User Research:

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma/Sketch, tools like InVision or Adobe XD might be utilized for more advanced prototyping or collaboration.
• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Jira/Confluence: Common for agile project management, issue tracking, and documentation within software development teams.
• Slack/Microsoft Teams: For real-time communication and team collaboration.

Specialized Areas (Digital Health/AI):

• Data Visualization Tools: Understanding how to work with data from health sensors, AI models, or clinical research may involve familiarity with tools that can process or visualize such data, even if not directly used by the designer.
• Understanding of AI/Gen AI Concepts: While not a technical role, familiarity with how AI/Gen AI can be integrated into user experiences is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Figma and Sketch is non-negotiable. The mention of Principle and Adobe Creative Suite highlights the need for a broad skillset in visual design and animation. Familiarity with agile project management tools like Jira is also expected given the team's operating environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A core value driven by Samsung's R&D focus, encouraging exploration of new technologies like AI/Gen AI and their application in health.
• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and addressing user needs, particularly in the sensitive domain of health and wellness.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on cross-functional synergy, where diverse expertise is leveraged to achieve common goals.
• Excellence & Quality: Maintaining high standards in design execution, user experience, and product reliability.
• Impact & Purpose: A drive to create products that genuinely improve people's lives and contribute to healthier living.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Designers work closely and continuously with product managers, researchers, and engineers, fostering a shared sense of ownership and understanding.
• Iterative Feedback: Openness to regular feedback loops, constructive criticism, and rapid iteration based on insights from team members and users.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, design patterns, and learnings across the team and potentially broader design community within SRA.
• Agile & Responsive: The team values adaptability and the ability to pivot quickly based on new information or changing priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at SRA's Digital Health team likely balances the innovation of a cutting-edge R&D lab with the structured execution required for product development. The emphasis on user-centricity, collaboration, and delivering impactful health solutions will be key cultural drivers for this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Complexity and Simplicity: Translating intricate health data, AI insights, and medical device functionalities into simple, intuitive user experiences for a broad audience.
• Navigating Ambiguity: Working in an evolving product definition environment where requirements may shift, requiring adaptability and proactive problem-solving.
• Cross-Disciplinary Alignment: Ensuring seamless integration and effective communication between design, engineering, clinical, and product teams, each with different priorities and technical languages.
• Designing for Diverse Users: Catering to a wide range of users with varying technical proficiencies, health literacy levels, and accessibility needs, especially within the healthcare context.
• Staying Ahead of Technology: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in AI/Gen AI, wearable technology, and digital health trends to ensure designs are innovative and future-proof.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Deepen skills in interaction design, motion design, and complex system design.
• Domain Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of digital health, clinical research, healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA, FDA considerations), and AI/Gen AI applications.
• Leadership Skills: Develop mentorship capabilities, project leadership, and strategic design influence.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences, workshops, and engage with the broader tech and health communities.
• Samsung Ecosystem Integration: Learn how to design within the complex and interconnected Samsung product ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the sophisticated nature of the role, requiring a blend of technical understanding, user empathy, and strategic thinking. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering paths for deepening specialized skills, broadening domain knowledge, and developing leadership potential within a major technology firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Philosophy: "How do you approach designing for complex data and translating it into user-friendly experiences?" Prepare to discuss your process, tools, and philosophy.
• Problem Solving: "Describe a time you had to design a feature with unclear requirements or evolving scope. How did you navigate that ambiguity?" Focus on your problem-solving methodology and adaptability.
• Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle disagreements with product managers or engineers regarding design decisions?" Prepare examples of negotiation, compromise, and advocating for user needs.
• Impact & Metrics: "How do you measure the success of your designs? Can you provide an example of a design that had a measurable positive impact?" Be ready to discuss KPIs and ROI.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Samsung's Mission: "What excites you about Samsung's mission in digital health?" Research Samsung's current digital health initiatives and articulate your alignment.
• Teamwork: "Describe your ideal collaboration style with engineering and product teams." Highlight your experience in cross-functional environments and agile practices.
• Innovation: "How do you stay current with emerging technologies like AI/Gen AI and their impact on design?" Showcase your passion for innovation and continuous learning.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that best represent your ability to handle complexity, drive innovation, and deliver tangible results in digital health or related fields.
• Narrative Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, prototypes, and flow diagrams. Annotate them to explain key design decisions.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased user engagement, improved task completion rates, positive feedback).
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about specific design choices, technical constraints, and alternative solutions you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, strong problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of the user-centered design process, particularly within complex, data-rich, or regulated environments like digital health. Articulating your contributions clearly and backing them with evidence will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff, Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Greenhouse job portal link provided.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience with complex user flows, data visualization, multi-device design, and ideally, digital health or consumer electronics projects. Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your process and impact.
• Resume Optimization: Emphasize your 6+ years of experience, shipped products, and proficiency in the required design tools. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, design rationale, and measurable outcomes. Prepare to discuss your approach to complex design challenges and stakeholder collaboration.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Samsung Research America's work in digital health, their product portfolio (e.g., Samsung Health, wearables), and their stated mission to understand their strategic direction and cultural nuances.

⚠️ 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.