Staff UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff UX Designer Company: Walmart Location: Sunnyvale, CA, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience (UX) Design Date Posted: 2026-02-05 Experience Level: 2-5 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drives user experience solutions across a portfolio by translating business needs into actionable roadmaps and scalable design frameworks.
• Evaluates project scope, designs extensible user experience frameworks, and directs project team members in defining methods for user research and design.
• Manages the creation of essential design artifacts, including site maps, wireframes, and prototypes, to support company objectives in merchandising, business, marketing, and branding.
• Develops and implements user experience strategies, analyzing competitive landscapes and future trends to improve customer experiences and gain strategic alignment across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a Staff UX Designer, indicating a senior position requiring significant experience in driving UX strategy and execution. The emphasis on a "small- to medium-sized portfolio" suggests ownership and strategic influence over a defined set of projects or product areas. The mention of "Permanent Alien Labor Certification" implies the company is open to sponsoring international candidates for this role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive user experience solutions across a portfolio by translating business needs into actions and roadmaps.
• Evaluate project scope and design scalable, reliable, and extensible user experience frameworks, balancing resources, constraints, and complexity.
• Direct project team members in defining or selecting research methods, such as competitive audits and secondary research.
• Manage the creation of user experience frameworks, process flows, site maps, wireframes, and prototypes to advance merchandising, business, marketing, and branding objectives.
• Develop scalable and flexible design frameworks and patterns to ensure a simple and cohesive user experience.
• Present design concepts and solutions to project and business teams for review and feedback.
• Collaborate with Engineering leads to determine the efficacy of proposed solutions and supervise the production of detailed specifications.
• Review project requirements documents (PRDs) to ensure accurate translation of design intent.
• Evaluate the current competitive landscape for compelling customer experiences and analyze future trends to drive experience strategy and innovation.
• Construct compelling artifacts outlining present conditions and proposed solutions, and design transitional roadmaps for future state user experiences.
• Present information within and across the organization to gain strategic alignment and encourage change.
• Structure, maintain, and deliver user experience design consistency across software design efforts in collaboration with Engineering Architects.
• Formulate project needs and measures of success, developing and implementing user experience strategy for near-term launches with consideration for long-term portfolio evolution.
• Analyze user tasks and design optimal workflows to improve customer experience.
• Request and attend usability and brainstorming sessions, presenting user experience flow and project decisions to senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement of User Experience tools, documentation, and processes by maintaining a holistic viewpoint, defining scalable solution frameworks, and recommending changes to site standards.
• Collect feedback and industry research standards, reviewing and approving projects based on best practices, and guiding the creation of patterns and styles.
• Conduct user discovery through strategies like user interviews, surveys, user journeys, storyboards, and contextual inquiries to assess gaps between business expectations and user experience strategies.
• Leverage a deep understanding of trends in user consumption habits to develop or improve interaction design and user experience strategies.
• Anticipate and mitigate risks during information synthesis and independently arrive at possible solutions for interactive designs.
• Analyze and interpret existing data, including web analytics, user surveys, and customer support calls.
• Lead cross-functional team projects by establishing and communicating project needs and measures of success, directing collaboration, and advocating for the customer in workflow design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of responsibilities highlights the strategic and hands-on nature of this Staff UX Designer role. It emphasizes leadership in defining strategy, managing complex projects, and ensuring design consistency, with a strong focus on user advocacy and data-driven decision-making. The inclusion of "shift-left practices" for accessibility indicates a proactive approach to integrating accessibility early in the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree or equivalent in UI/UX Design, Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Product Design, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related area, plus 2 years of experience in UI/UX, interactive and visual design, electronics art, multimedia design, or a related area.
• OR
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in UI/UX Design, Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Product Design, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related area, plus 4 years of experience in UI/UX, interactive and visual design, electronics art, multimedia design, or a related area.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in driving user experience solutions, evaluating project scope, and designing scalable frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage the creation of wireframes, prototypes, and user journey maps.
• Experience in user research methodologies, including competitive audits, user interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiries.
• Experience in developing and implementing UX strategies informed by market trends and competitive analysis.
• Experience collaborating with engineering teams, product managers, and business stakeholders.
• Experience presenting design solutions and strategic roadmaps to senior leadership.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in User Experience Strategies, User Interviews, Surveys, User Journeys, Storyboards, and Contextual Inquiries.
• Proficiency in Interaction Design and Information Synthesis.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting data, including Web Analytics.
• Deep understanding of accessibility standards such as Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG).
• Experience writing HTML and CSS specifically in relation to accessibility principles.
• Experience using Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) roles, properties, and states to enhance accessibility.
• Experience with screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, TalkBack) to assess accessibility and identify issues.
• Experience with manual testing of web applications using assistive technologies (screen readers and keyboard-only navigation) to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
• Experience conducting accessibility audits and producing detailed reports with recommended fixes.
• Experience using automated tools and scripts for accessibility testing (automated scans for WCAG compliance).
• Experience designing inclusive and accessible user experiences.
• Experience solving complex accessibility challenges, educating, and training design, engineering, and product teams on accessibility standards and "shift-left" practices.
• Experience with magnification software (ZoomText) and voice-activated tools (Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Windows Speech Recognition).
• Experience using browser developer tools (Chrome DevTools and Firefox Developer Tools) to inspect and debug accessibility issues.
• Experience using Figma for accessibility reviews of design mockups and prototypes, ensuring compliance with standards like color contrast and typography.
• Employer will accept any amount of experience with the required skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with alternative input devices like switches or adaptive keyboards.
• Experience presenting user experience flow and project decisions to all levels of leadership.
• Familiarity with merchandising, business, marketing, and branding objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of required accessibility skills is a critical differentiator for this role. Candidates must demonstrate practical experience with a wide array of assistive technologies and testing methodologies. The flexibility in experience years for certain skills ("any amount of experience") suggests an emphasis on demonstrated proficiency and practical application rather than just years served.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex UX design projects that demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving, and user-centered design principles.
• Projects should highlight your ability to translate business requirements into scalable, extensible, and maintainable user experience frameworks.
• Include examples of user research, workflow design, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.
• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process followed, the solutions implemented, and the measurable impact or outcomes.
• Demonstrate experience in designing for diverse user needs, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusive design principles.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of established UX design processes, including methods for user discovery, ideation, design iteration, and collaboration with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Product Management, Marketing).
• Showcase experience in defining and implementing user experience strategies, including the development of design roadmaps and transitional plans.
• Illustrate how you have contributed to the continuous improvement of UX tools, documentation, and design processes within an organization.
• Detail your approach to conducting accessibility audits, generating reports, and educating teams on accessibility standards and "shift-left" practices.
• Demonstrate experience using design systems, pattern libraries, and style guides to ensure consistency and scalability across projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the Staff level and extensive requirements, the portfolio should not only showcase completed projects but also demonstrate a deep understanding of process, strategy, and leadership in UX. The emphasis on accessibility should be a prominent theme across all portfolio pieces.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $200,221/year to $286,000/year. Additional Compensation: Annual or quarterly performance incentives.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:
  • Medical coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Dental coverage
  • Short-term disability
  • Long-term disability
  • Company-paid life insurance
• Financial Security:
  • 401(k) plan
  • Stock purchase plan
• Time Off & Leave:
  • Paid Time Off (PTO), including sick leave
  • Parental leave
  • Family care leave
  • Bereavement leave
  • Jury duty leave
  • Voting leave
• Professional Development & Support:
  • Education assistance with 100% company-paid college degrees
  • Adoption expense reimbursement
• Other Perks:
  • Company discounts
  • Military service pay

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Staff UX Designer role in the Sunnyvale, CA area, reflecting the senior level and specialized skills required, particularly in accessibility. The comprehensive benefits package includes robust health, financial, and professional development offerings, with a notable emphasis on education assistance and various leave types.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (E-commerce, Omnichannel) Company Size: Large Enterprise (Walmart employs over 2 million associates globally). This scale means opportunities for broad impact and exposure to complex, large-scale systems and user bases. Founded: 1962. With a long history, Walmart has evolved significantly, embracing digital transformation and innovation in its retail operations.

Team Structure:

• As a Staff UX Designer, you will likely be part of a larger UX/Design organization within Walmart, potentially embedded within specific product or technology teams focused on e-commerce, digital platforms, or internal tools.
• You will report to a UX Design Manager or Director, with direct collaboration with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, Researchers, and fellow Designers.
• The role involves leading cross-functional team projects, indicating a collaborative environment where UX is integrated early and often in the product development lifecycle.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on analyzing user data (web analytics, user surveys, customer support calls) to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Agile & Iterative: Likely operates within agile development frameworks, requiring iterative design processes, continuous feedback loops, and close collaboration with engineering.
• User-Centricity: A core principle is understanding user needs and trends to create compelling and effective customer experiences.
• Accessibility First: A strong commitment to inclusive design and adherence to accessibility standards (WCAG) is paramount, integrated early ("shift-left") in the design process.
• Strategic Alignment: Focus on translating business objectives into user experience strategies and roadmaps, ensuring designs support company goals.

Company Website: https://corporate.walmart.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Walmart's size and scale present unique opportunities and challenges for UX designers. The role demands the ability to influence strategy, manage complex projects, and ensure consistency across a vast digital ecosystem, all while prioritizing accessibility and data-informed decision-making.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff UX Designer This is a senior individual contributor role. A Staff UX Designer is expected to:

• Possess deep expertise in UX design principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Drive strategy and vision for a significant product area or portfolio.
• Mentor and guide other designers.
• Influence cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Tackle complex, ambiguous problems with innovative solutions.
• Be a recognized expert in specific areas, such as accessibility, interaction design, or user research.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Director or Senior Manager of UX Design. This role involves significant collaboration with Product Management leads, Engineering Directors/VPs, and other senior stakeholders across various departments (e.g., Merchandising, Marketing, Operations).

Operations Impact:

• The Staff UX Designer's primary impact is on enhancing the user experience of Walmart's digital platforms, which directly influences customer engagement, conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty.
• By driving effective UX strategies and ensuring accessibility, this role contributes to increased sales, reduced support costs, and broader market reach by serving a more inclusive customer base.
• Strategic contributions to design frameworks and patterns ensure long-term scalability and efficiency for Walmart's digital product development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Track: Progression to Principal UX Designer, Director of UX Design, or Head of UX, focusing on larger strategic initiatives, team leadership, and organizational vision.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in critical areas like enterprise-level accessibility, AI-driven personalization, or complex e-commerce platform design.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management, Design Operations, or Strategy roles within Walmart's extensive technology and product organization.
• Mentorship & Training: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead workshops, and contribute to the growth of the UX discipline within Walmart.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Staff level signifies a pivotal point in a UX career, offering significant autonomy, strategic influence, and the opportunity to shape large-scale digital experiences. Growth paths are well-defined, focusing on deepening expertise, expanding leadership scope, or diversifying within the broader product and technology organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as On-site, with the primary location being the Walmart Home Office in Sunnyvale, CA. This suggests a collaborative, in-person work environment. Office Location(s): 1375 Crossman Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94089. This is a significant tech hub location for Walmart, likely housing various product, engineering, and design teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Sunnyvale office is expected to foster a highly collaborative atmosphere, with ample opportunities for in-person brainstorming, design critiques, and cross-functional team meetings.
• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design and prototyping tools (like Figma), collaboration platforms, and potentially advanced UX research facilities.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with a diverse range of professionals, including UX designers, researchers, product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with potential for some flexibility depending on team needs and project deadlines. Given the on-site nature, adherence to standard business hours is expected for effective collaboration with local and potentially remote colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Sunnyvale emphasizes the value Walmart places on in-person collaboration, mentorship, and rapid iteration for its senior design roles. This environment is conducive to deep dives into complex problems and fostering strong team dynamics.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process for a Staff UX Designer at Walmart is likely multi-stage and rigorous, designed to assess strategic thinking, design craft, collaboration skills, and leadership potential. Expect:

1. Recruiter Screen: Initial conversation to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into your resume, portfolio, and specific experience relevant to the role and Walmart's challenges.
3. Portfolio Presentation / Design Challenge: A critical stage where you'll present a curated selection of your best work, focusing on strategic impact and problem-solving. This may also involve a take-home design challenge or an on-site/virtual whiteboarding session to solve a specific UX problem.
4. Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential peers (other designers), Product Managers, and Engineering Leads to evaluate collaboration, technical understanding, and team fit.
5. Executive/Senior Leadership Interview: Final interview with a Director or VP of Design/Product to assess strategic alignment, leadership qualities, and overall fit for the Staff level.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your strategic impact, problem-solving abilities, and experience relevant to Walmart's scale and user base. Prioritize projects demonstrating leadership, complex problem-solving, and significant outcomes.
• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, user needs, your specific role and contributions, the design process followed, key decisions made, and measurable results (e.g., conversion lift, satisfaction improvement, efficiency gains). Quantify impact wherever possible.
• Highlight Accessibility: Given the job description's emphasis, ensure your portfolio prominently features projects where you've integrated accessibility considerations, conducted audits, or solved complex accessibility challenges. Showcase your understanding of WCAG and assistive technologies.
• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation to tell a compelling narrative for each project. Start with the challenge, walk through your process, explain your rationale, and conclude with the impact and lessons learned.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect interviewers to probe deeply into your design decisions, process, and rationale. Be ready to defend your choices and discuss alternative approaches.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Walmart's Context: Research Walmart's business, its customer base (diverse demographics, varying tech-savviness), its competitive landscape (Amazon, Target, etc.), and its digital product offerings.
• Practice Problem-Solving: Be ready for design challenges that might involve improving a specific feature on Walmart.com, designing for a new customer segment, or addressing an accessibility issue within a complex retail context.
• Think Holistically: Consider business goals, user needs, technical constraints, and accessibility requirements in your solutions.
• Communicate Your Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, assumptions, and the steps you would take to solve the problem, even if you don't reach a final visual solution during a timed exercise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and potential design challenge suggests that practical demonstration of skills and strategic thinking is paramount. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design philosophy, process, and impact with clarity and confidence, especially concerning accessibility.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (explicitly mentioned for accessibility reviews), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Collaboration & Workflow: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello (for project management and documentation).
• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, Qualtrics (for surveys and qualitative feedback).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (for understanding user behavior on digital platforms).
• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI (for presenting insights from data).
• A/B Testing Tools: Optimizely, VWO (for experimentation and performance optimization).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX tool, understanding how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms integrate with user experiences can be beneficial for context.

Accessibility Testing Tools:

• Screen Readers: JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver (Mac/iOS), TalkBack (Android).
• Automated Scanners: axe DevTools, WAVE, Lighthouse (for initial scans and compliance checks).
• Browser Developer Tools: Chrome DevTools, Firefox Developer Tools (for inspecting HTML, CSS, and ARIA attributes).
• Magnification Software: ZoomText.
• Voice Control Software: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Windows Speech Recognition.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a must, especially for its accessibility review capabilities. Candidates should also be comfortable with a range of user research, analytics, and accessibility testing tools, reflecting the role's comprehensive scope.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Walmart's diverse customer base.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing analytics and user research to inform strategy and measure impact.
• Innovation: Continuously seeking new and better ways to improve the customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Designing for everyone, ensuring all customers can access and use Walmart's digital products.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams to achieve common goals.
• Efficiency & Scalability: Designing solutions that are not only effective but also scalable and maintainable for a global enterprise.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Strong emphasis on working closely with Product Managers, Engineering, Marketing, Merchandising, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and holistic product development.
• Design Critiques & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback through regular design reviews and critiques to elevate the quality of work.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: As a Staff designer, you'll be expected to mentor junior team members and contribute to the collective knowledge base of the UX team.
• Advocacy: Acting as a champion for the user and for accessibility best practices within product teams and across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Walmart, particularly in its tech hubs like Sunnyvale, likely combines the efficiency and scale of a large enterprise with a growing focus on innovation and user-centricity, emphasizing collaboration and data-informed decision-making.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Designing for millions of users across diverse platforms requires navigating intricate technical architectures and business processes.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing and synthesizing input from various departments (Merchandising, Marketing, Operations, Engineering) while maintaining a user-centric vision.
• Driving Accessibility Adoption: Championing and implementing accessibility standards across a large organization can be challenging, requiring continuous education and advocacy.
• Keeping Pace with Innovation: Staying ahead of evolving customer expectations, technological advancements, and competitive pressures in the fast-paced retail landscape.
• Legacy Systems & Processes: Integrating modern UX practices and solutions with existing, potentially older, systems and established workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to Walmart's extensive learning resources, including the 100% company-paid college degree program, specialized workshops, and online courses.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend relevant UX conferences, accessibility forums, and internal tech talks to stay abreast of industry trends.
• Mentorship: Formal and informal mentorship programs, both as a mentee and a mentor, to foster skill development and career growth.
• Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Exposure to various facets of the retail business and technology stack, allowing for broad skill development and understanding of the end-to-end customer journey.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through project leadership, team mentoring, and strategic initiative contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of senior roles in large enterprises, offering significant opportunities for professional growth through problem-solving, strategic influence, and continuous learning in a dynamic environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders with conflicting priorities to adopt a user-centered design approach. How did you achieve alignment?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, data-driven persuasion).
• "Walk us through a complex UX challenge you tackled for a large-scale platform. What was your strategic approach, what trade-offs did you make, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight strategic thinking, problem-solving, impact quantification).
• "How do you integrate accessibility considerations early in the design process ('shift-left')? Provide an example of how you've educated or guided teams on accessibility best practices." (Demonstrate understanding of WCAG, ARIA, screen readers, and proactive design integration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Walmart's mission and its approach to digital customer experience?" (Research Walmart's values, recent initiatives, and competitive positioning).
• "How do you envision your role as a Staff UX Designer contributing to our team's culture and elevating our design standards?" (Focus on mentorship, collaboration, and driving best practices).
• "How do you measure the success of your UX designs, and how have you used data to iterate and improve user experiences?" (Showcase analytical skills and focus on measurable outcomes).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of your career and design philosophy. For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the objective, your process, the solution, and the measurable results.
• Emphasize Strategic Contributions: As a Staff designer, focus on the "why" behind your decisions and how your work aligned with broader business and user strategies.
• Showcase Accessibility Expertise: Dedicate time to specific examples of how you've ensured inclusivity and accessibility in your designs, detailing the tools and methods used.
• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Practice concise and clear articulation of your thoughts.
• Connect to Walmart: Where possible, draw parallels between your past experiences and the challenges or opportunities at Walmart.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate not just design skills but also strategic leadership, strong communication, stakeholder management, and a deep commitment to accessibility, aligning with the core requirements of a Staff UX Designer role at an enterprise level.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff UX Designer position at Walmart:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strategic impact, complex problem-solving, and significant experience with accessibility standards (WCAG, ARIA, screen readers). Ensure it clearly outlines your process, role, and measurable outcomes.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your experience in driving UX strategy, leading cross-functional projects, and your specific skills in accessibility testing and implementation. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Staff UX Designer," "WCAG," "Figma," "user experience strategies," and "accessibility audits."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and impact for key projects. Prepare to discuss your experience with accessibility tools and methodologies, and research Walmart's current digital landscape and customer focus.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Walmart's business, its digital platforms (Walmart.com, app), its commitment to accessibility, and its company culture. Understand their competitive landscape and how UX contributes to their overall business objectives.

⚠️ 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.