Staff UX Designer - Acton, Mass. or San Diego, CA (Hybrid)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff UX Designer Company: Insulet Corporation Location: Acton, Massachusetts, United States or San Diego, California, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design Date Posted: August 11, 2025 Experience Level: 7-8 years (Mid-Senior to Senior level) Remote Status: Hybrid (requires on-site work from an Insulet office at least 3x/week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end User Experience (UX) design for critical mobile applications that enhance the Omnipod product ecosystem, focusing on user onboarding, daily use, and system maintenance.
• Drive product design strategy and influence product direction by championing user needs, balancing user experience with business goals and technical feasibility in a regulated healthcare environment.
• Create comprehensive design artifacts including wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and detailed design specifications using industry-standard tools like Figma and Miro.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, marketing, user research, and human factors, to deliver cohesive and user-centric digital product experiences.
• Champion UX best practices in accessibility, usability, and responsive design, ensuring solutions are inclusive, safe, effective, and aligned with regulatory guidance where applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a Staff UX Designer, indicating a senior individual contributor with a significant impact on product strategy and execution. The focus on a regulated healthcare environment (diabetes care) suggests a need for meticulous design, strong adherence to accessibility standards, and collaboration with human factors and regulatory teams. The hybrid work model necessitates strong communication and collaboration skills for remote and in-office interactions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the UX design for Insulet's mobile applications, focusing on improving the Omnipod user experience from initial discovery through final delivery.
• Take ownership of large-scale app design initiatives, translating complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective digital solutions.
• Advocate for customer needs and challenge assumptions within cross-functional teams to ensure design solutions are user-centric, aligned with business objectives, and technically viable.
• Develop and articulate design decisions through compelling visual and verbal storytelling, utilizing wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and detailed design specifications.
• Integrate user research and human factors insights into the design process to ensure product safety, effectiveness, and compliance with FDA guidance.
• Apply and promote best practices in accessibility (e.g., WCAG standards), usability, and responsive design across all digital product interfaces.
• Actively participate in agile development cycles, providing UX expertise and advocating for user experience quality during product planning and development sprints.
• Partner with technical integration teams to ensure seamless user experiences across connected platforms, understanding APIs, data flows, and branding consistency.
• Serve as a vocal advocate for UX excellence within the organization, defining and tracking success metrics and contributing to design reviews.
• Drive the evolution and unification of fragmented user experiences, creating seamless and cohesive user journeys across the Omnipod product ecosystem.
• Synthesize insights from a diverse range of stakeholders, including internal teams, healthcare providers, and end-users (people living with diabetes).
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of Insulet's design system and experience standards.
• Mentor and provide guidance to other designers, fostering a culture of design excellence and continuous learning.
• Support the improvement of team processes, tools, and collaboration practices to enhance overall UX team effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic influence and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on "end-to-end UX design," "large-scale app design initiatives," and "influencing product direction" points to a senior role requiring leadership and a deep understanding of the product lifecycle in a complex domain. The mention of FDA guidance and human factors underscores the critical nature of user safety and regulatory compliance in the healthcare device sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interaction Design, Psychology, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is preferred.

Experience:

• 7-8 years of dedicated experience in UX and product design.
• Demonstrated experience delivering customer-centric native mobile applications, preferably within the healthcare or other regulated industries.
• Proven track record of leading and executing design projects from concept to completion.
• Experience working within agile development methodologies and utilizing associated collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence).
• Experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams including Product Managers, Engineers, Marketing, and User Researchers.
• Experience integrating user research findings and human factors principles into design decision-making.
• Experience designing for mobile and responsive platforms.
• Advanced prototyping skills using tools such as Figma or similar.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in modern UX and design tools (e.g., Figma, Miro, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Strong command of user-centered design principles, methods, and lifecycles.
• Deep understanding of usability principles, design heuristics, and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Excellent visual and verbal communication skills, with a strong ability to articulate design rationale and present design solutions effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to create high-quality interaction designs, visual designs, and detailed specifications.
• Strong storytelling ability, capable of conveying vision and driving consensus at both strategic and tactical levels.
• Experience in building and maintaining positive, trust-based relationships across diverse disciplines.
• Aptitude for managing ambiguity, facilitating constructive dialogue, and building consensus.
• High level of business and technical acumen, with the ability to engage in technical discussions.
• Passion for continuous improvement and elevating the impact of UX within an organization.
• Demonstrated forward-thinking, customer-first design instincts.
• Commitment to developing others and raising the bar for design craft and collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for medical devices or within a regulated healthcare environment.
• Familiarity with diabetes management or related health conditions.
• Experience contributing to or evolving design systems.
• Experience with user research methodologies and synthesizing research insights.
• Advanced prototyping skills.
• Experience working with distributed teams across different regions and time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7-8 years of experience positions this as a senior individual contributor. The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" is critical for this role, and candidates should prepare to showcase their design process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of their work, particularly in mobile applications and regulated environments. The preference for healthcare experience and diabetes familiarity highlights the company's specific domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is required, showcasing a deep understanding of design thinking, problem-solving methodologies, and the ability to translate vision into polished execution.
• The portfolio should clearly demonstrate end-to-end UX design processes for native mobile applications, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and final visual design.
• For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the design process followed, key challenges encountered, and the rationale behind design decisions.
• Quantifiable outcomes and the impact of your design solutions (e.g., improvements in user engagement, task success rates, conversion metrics, reduction in support tickets) should be highlighted.
• Showcase examples of how user research and human factors insights informed your design solutions, especially in a regulated context.
• Include examples of interaction design, visual design, and detailed specifications for mobile applications.
• If the portfolio is password-protected, the password must be provided in the application.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to demonstrate experience in documenting and communicating design processes, including:
  • Workflow design and optimization for user journeys within mobile applications.
  • Implementation of design solutions within agile development frameworks.
  • Measurement and analysis of design performance using relevant UX metrics and KPIs.
  • Contribution to and utilization of design systems for consistent and scalable product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role, serving as evidence of the candidate's design capabilities and process. It should not only display visual polish but also a strategic approach to problem-solving, user advocacy, and measurable impact, especially within the context of complex, regulated digital products. The expectation is to see a mature design process that accounts for user research, iterative refinement, and cross-functional collaboration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The US base salary range for this full-time position is $138,825.00 - $208,237.50 annually.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is competitive for a Staff UX Designer role in the US, reflecting the seniority and specialized skills required. Location can influence the specific salary within this range; Acton, MA, and San Diego, CA, are both high cost-of-living areas where salaries at the higher end of this range would be expected. For candidates in San Diego, CA, the salary might lean towards the upper quartile of this range due to the local market conditions. For Acton, MA, the range is also appropriate given the Boston metropolitan area's tech and biotech compensation standards.

Benefits:

• While specific benefits are not detailed in the provided text, typical benefits offered by companies like Insulet Corporation often include:
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
  • Retirement savings plan options (e.g., 401(k) with company match).
  • Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
  • Life insurance and disability coverage.
  • Employee stock purchase plans or stock options.
  • Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and tuition reimbursement.
  • Wellness programs and resources.
  • Hybrid work flexibility.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: As a hybrid role, employees are expected to be available and productive across designated on-site and remote days. Flexibility may be available, but core working hours are generally aligned with business needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a strong indicator of the role's seniority and the company's investment in experienced UX talent. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their skills and experience align with the higher end of the range during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medical Devices / Diabetes Technology Company Size: Insulet Corporation is a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: PODD) and a significant player in the medical device industry, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes, but also one focused on innovation and growth in a competitive market. The company's focus on diabetes care positions it within the health-tech sector, demanding a strong emphasis on user well-being, data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Founded: Insulet Corporation was founded in 1999, suggesting a company with a substantial history and established market presence, evolving from an innovative startup to a mature industry leader. This history likely means a culture that balances established best practices with a continuous drive for innovation.

Team Structure:

• The UX team operates within a larger, company-wide UX organization, suggesting a centralized or matrixed structure where UX designers collaborate across different product lines or departments.
• This Staff UX Designer will likely be embedded within a specific product team (e.g., Omnipod product development) and will also contribute to the broader UX community within Insulet.
• The role involves close collaboration with Product Managers, Software Engineers, User Researchers, Human Factors specialists, Marketing, and other Product Stakeholders.
• Mentorship of other designers is a key aspect, indicating a potential for leadership and knowledge sharing within the team.

Methodology:

• The company utilizes agile development cycles, requiring UX designers to integrate seamlessly into these iterative processes.
• A strong emphasis is placed on human-centered design (HCD) principles, user research, and incorporating customer insights to inform design decisions.
• The design process involves creating wireframes, prototypes, flows, and specifications, and advocating for design solutions that balance user experience, business goals, and technical feasibility.
• Collaboration with user research and human factors teams is crucial, particularly for ensuring safety, effectiveness, and FDA compliance in a regulated environment.
• There is a commitment to evolving and improving existing products, unifying fragmented experiences, and creating seamless journeys.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Insulet's position in the medical device industry, specifically diabetes care, means the company culture likely values precision, patient well-being, innovation in technology, and adherence to strict regulatory standards. A UX designer here must not only be creative but also extremely detail-oriented and empathetic towards users managing chronic conditions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff UX Designer

• This "Staff" level designation signifies a senior individual contributor role, often considered one step below Principal or Director level. It implies a high degree of autonomy, responsibility for complex and impactful projects, and the ability to influence product strategy.
• Responsibilities extend beyond individual design tasks to include leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to the overall UX strategy and best practices within the organization.
• The role requires a deep understanding of UX principles, a strong portfolio, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Reporting Structure:

• The Staff UX Designer will likely report to a UX Manager, Director of UX, or a Lead UX Designer within the broader UX organization.
• They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads on specific product initiatives.
• The role involves collaborating with User Researchers and Human Factors experts, indicating a dotted-line reporting or strong project-based collaboration with these functions.

Operations Impact:

• The UX Designer's impact is directly tied to the usability, accessibility, and overall effectiveness of the Omnipod digital product experience.
• By improving user onboarding, daily use, and system maintenance through thoughtful design, the role directly influences customer satisfaction, adherence to therapy, and potentially health outcomes for people living with diabetes.
• Successful UX design can lead to reduced customer support inquiries, increased user engagement, and a stronger brand perception for Insulet.
• The role contributes to the company's mission of simplifying life for people with diabetes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Principal UX Designer, Lead UX Designer, or a management role within the UX organization.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as accessibility, complex data visualization, designing for regulated industries, or advanced prototyping.
• Leadership: Mentoring junior designers provides opportunities to develop leadership and coaching skills.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Working on high-impact projects with diverse teams (product, engineering, research, marketing, regulatory) offers broad business and technical acumen development.
• Industry Impact: Contributing to innovative medical device technology that directly improves patient lives offers significant professional fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" title is a significant indicator of seniority. Candidates should highlight instances where they have led complex projects, mentored others, and influenced product strategy in their applications and interviews. The growth opportunities suggest a path for continued career development within a leading medical device company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Office Location(s): Acton, Massachusetts and San Diego, California. The role requires on-site presence in one of these locations at least three days per week. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates effective collaboration tools and practices for seamless communication and work completion between in-office and remote days, and with distributed teams.
• Technology & Tools: Designers will have access to modern design and collaboration tools (Figma, Miro, Confluence, Jira) essential for their workflow. The company's investment in digital product development suggests a well-equipped technology environment.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with team members and stakeholders on-site, fostering stronger relationships and more dynamic brainstorming sessions. Remote days will rely on digital communication platforms.
• Cross-functional Integration: The role is deeply integrated with other departments, requiring active participation in meetings, design reviews, and project discussions across various functions.

Work Schedule:

• While the standard work week is 40 hours, the hybrid arrangement implies a degree of flexibility in how those hours are structured, provided core collaboration and productivity needs are met.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: The "3x/week" on-site requirement means candidates must be willing and able to commute to either the Acton, MA, or San Diego, CA office. This hybrid structure aims to balance the benefits of remote work (flexibility, focus) with in-person collaboration and team cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and preferences for working in a hybrid environment, including strategies for effective collaboration and communication across different work settings and locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their portfolio, detailing design process, problem-solving, and outcomes for 2-3 selected projects. This is often a deep dive into their design thinking and execution.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: May involve a design challenge or case study (either take-home or live) focused on specific UX problems relevant to Insulet's products. This assesses practical design skills, problem-solving ability, and strategic thinking.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, User Researchers, and potentially other stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills, communication, and ability to integrate UX into product development.
• Final Round/Executive Interview: Meeting with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall alignment with company culture and mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling is Key: Structure your portfolio presentations to tell a compelling story for each project. Clearly articulate the context, problem, your unique role, the process, key decisions, and the measurable impact.
• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: While visual polish is important, emphasize your design process, how you approached problem-solving, and how you incorporated user feedback and research.
• Highlight Impact: Quantify the results of your design work whenever possible. Use metrics related to user satisfaction, task completion, engagement, or business outcomes.
• Tailor to Insulet: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience with mobile applications, regulated environments (if applicable), and complex user journeys. Understand Insulet's mission and products, and be prepared to connect your work to their goals.
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, how you handle feedback, collaboration challenges, and how you approach ambiguity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research Insulet's Omnipod products, the diabetes care landscape, and common UX challenges in medical devices.
• Focus on User Needs: For any design challenge, start by identifying the target users and their needs, constraints, and goals.
• Demonstrate a Thoughtful Process: Outline your approach clearly, including research, ideation, user flows, wireframing, and testing considerations.
• Consider Constraints: Be mindful of business goals, technical feasibility, and regulatory requirements (like accessibility and safety).
• Communicate Clearly: Practice presenting your solutions concisely and persuasively, explaining your rationale and trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process rigorously, demonstrate strategic thinking beyond just visual design, and be ready to defend their design choices with user-centric reasoning and data. The opportunity to mentor suggests they might also be asked about their approach to design critiques and team development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (expert-level proficiency expected), Miro (for collaboration and ideation), potentially Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence (for agile workflows, documentation, and communication).
• User Research Tools: Various platforms for user testing, surveys, and data analysis (specific tools may vary).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a data analyst role, an understanding of how design impacts product analytics is crucial. Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Amplitude, Google Analytics, Mixpanel) to interpret user behavior data can be beneficial.
• Experience with tools for analyzing user feedback and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Not typically a primary focus for UX Designers, but understanding how user data flows from CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) into product experiences can be advantageous.
• Familiarity with integration concepts and how different systems connect to create a seamless user journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost certainly a core requirement for this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and how they leverage them to facilitate collaboration and deliver high-quality design outputs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-First Mindset: A deep commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs of people living with diabetes and other users of Insulet's products.
• Innovation: Driving forward-thinking solutions and embracing new technologies to improve diabetes care.
• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships across departments and disciplines to achieve shared goals.
• Excellence & Quality: Maintaining high standards in design craft, product execution, and user experience.
• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding ethical standards and adhering to regulatory requirements in a healthcare context.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking ways to enhance products, processes, and team effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expected to work closely and collaboratively with Product Management, Engineering, User Research, Human Factors, Marketing, and other stakeholders.
• User-Centric Advocacy: Proactively championing user needs and advocating for experience quality in cross-functional discussions and decision-making.
• Feedback Exchange: Participating in design critiques and providing constructive feedback to peers, while also being receptive to feedback from others.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning by sharing insights, best practices, and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes a mission-driven approach, given its focus on improving the lives of people with diabetes. Candidates should demonstrate empathy, a strong work ethic, and a collaborative spirit, aligning with these core values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for a Regulated Environment: Balancing user experience needs with strict FDA regulations, safety requirements, and human factors considerations in medical device design.
• Managing Ambiguity: Navigating complex product requirements and evolving user needs in a fast-paced medical technology sector.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent vision and execution across diverse teams with different priorities and perspectives.
• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Maintaining seamless collaboration and team cohesion in a hybrid work model.
• System Integration: Designing user experiences that span multiple platforms and systems, requiring a holistic view of the product ecosystem.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for healthcare, accessibility standards, or specific design methodologies.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, developing leadership and coaching skills.
• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into the medical device industry, regulatory processes, and the impact of technology on patient care.
• Design System Contribution: Play a role in shaping and evolving the company's design system, contributing to scalable and consistent design practices.
• Advanced Tools & Techniques: Opportunities to work with cutting-edge design tools and explore new UX research and prototyping methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex challenges in a critical industry. Candidates who thrive on solving multifaceted problems and contributing to a meaningful mission will find this role rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mobile application you designed from concept to launch. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact).
• "How do you balance user needs with business goals and technical constraints, particularly in a regulated environment?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and trade-off analysis).
• "How do you incorporate user research and human factors insights into your design process? Provide an example." (Highlight your research integration skills).
• "How do you approach designing for accessibility and ensuring inclusivity in your digital products?" (Showcase your knowledge of accessibility standards and practical application).
• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders or cross-functional teams to adopt your design recommendations. What was your strategy?" (Emphasize communication, collaboration, and persuasion skills).
• "How would you approach designing a new feature for the Omnipod system, considering the user journey and regulatory requirements?" (Prepare a hypothetical scenario-based response).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Insulet and the Omnipod product? Why are you interested in working in the diabetes technology space?" (Show research and genuine interest).
• "How do you foster a customer-first mindset within a design team and across cross-functional partners?" (Demonstrate your approach to user advocacy).
• "Describe your experience mentoring other designers or contributing to team process improvements." (Highlight leadership and team-building potential).
• "How do you stay current with UX trends and best practices?" (Show commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 Impactful Projects: Choose projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (mobile apps, complex workflows, user-centric solutions).
• Structure for Clarity: For each project, present:
  1. Problem: Clearly define the user or business problem.
  2. Your Role: Specify your exact contributions.
  3. Process: Detail your design methodology (research, ideation, prototyping, testing).
  4. Solutions: Showcase key wireframes, user flows, and final designs.
  5. Impact/Results: Quantify the outcomes and lessons learned.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decision-making process, trade-offs, and the rationale behind specific design choices.
• Practice Your Narrative: Ensure your presentation flows logically and is engaging. Be concise and confident.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with Figma extensively and be ready to articulate their design process in detail, emphasizing problem-solving, user advocacy, and measurable outcomes. Understanding Insulet's mission and the challenges of designing for a regulated healthcare environment will be crucial for demonstrating alignment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://insulet.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/insuletcareers/job/Acton-Massachusetts/Staff-UX-Designer---Acton--Mass-or-San-Diego--CA--Hybrid-_REQ-2025-12157
• Prepare and tailor your resume: Highlight your 7-8 years of UX design experience, focusing on mobile applications, customer-centric design, and any experience in regulated industries like healthcare. Use keywords from the job description such as "User Experience Design," "Mobile Applications," "Prototyping," "Accessibility," "Agile Development," and "Human-Centered Design."
• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 strong projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end UX process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Ensure it clearly outlines the problem, your role, process, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes. If password-protected, make sure to include the password in your application.
• Research Insulet Corporation: Familiarize yourself with their Omnipod product line, their mission, and their position in the diabetes care market. This will help you tailor your application and prepare for interview questions about your motivations and understanding of the company.
• Practice your portfolio presentation: Rehearse presenting your selected projects, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your design process, and being ready to answer in-depth questions about your decisions and impact.

⚠️ 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.