UI Designer II – Mobile & Native

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Designer II – Mobile & Native

Company: Esri

Location: Portland, OR

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/UI Design (Technology/Software)

Date Posted: April 16, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement intuitive mobile and native UI functionality for Esri's mapping SDKs, ensuring adherence to UX/UI best practices and design standards.

• Drive design coherence across Esri's developer-focused products by providing interaction and visual design guidance.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including developers and product managers, to advocate for user experience activities and their value.

• Continuously learn and adapt to new design patterns and technologies to maintain Esri's position at the forefront of user experience design in the GIS industry.

• Translate complex user requirements into accessible, intuitive, and easy-to-use interfaces for mobile and desktop applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly focused on UI/UX design for mobile and native applications within the GIS and mapping software domain, emphasizing the translation of complex requirements into user-friendly interfaces and maintaining design consistency across product lines. This is a mid-level designer role (II) indicating a need for demonstrated experience beyond entry-level, but not yet senior-level strategic leadership.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Create visual designs for mobile and native UI functionality integrated with Esri's mapping SDKs, encompassing wireframes, mock-ups, and detailed visual designs.

• Develop technical documents, diagrams, and interactive prototypes to clearly communicate design intent and specifications to development teams.

• Conduct design reviews to ensure consistency with established design standards and guidelines across all Esri products.

• Produce detailed production design specifications to facilitate seamless implementation by the development team.

• Champion UX/UI principles and advocate for user-centered design methodologies in discussions with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, patterns, and technologies, applying them to enhance the user experience of Esri's developer tools.

• Collaborate with product managers to understand user needs and translate them into effective design solutions that meet business objectives.

• Ensure designs adhere to accessibility standards and best practices for inclusive user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution, technical specification, and cross-functional collaboration, typical for a mid-level UI Designer role. The emphasis on "mobile and native UI functionality" and "mapping SDKs" points to a specialized area within UI/UX design, requiring an understanding of platform-specific design patterns and software development kits.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in UX, UI, or interaction design, with a specific focus on mobile and desktop application UIs.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, including Figma, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Excellent graphic design skills, including mastery of typography, intuitive layout creation, user journey mapping, compelling storytelling, and grid-based design systems.

• Familiarity with and adherence to Apple's Human Interface Guidelines and Google's Material Design principles for native application development.

• Demonstrated ability to convert complex requirements into intuitive and accessible user interfaces.

• Exceptional written, verbal, analytical, and problem-solving communication skills.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with qualitative and mixed-method UX research methodologies to inform and validate design decisions.

• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mapping technologies, and analysis applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as the primary evidence of design thinking and practical application. The preference for GIS/mapping knowledge suggests that candidates with domain-specific experience will have a distinct advantage, as it reduces the learning curve for understanding the technical context of the SDKs and applications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated online portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on mobile and native application UIs.

• Demonstrations of your design process, including wireframing, user flow mapping, prototyping, and final visual designs.

• Case studies that detail problem statements, your design approach, user research insights, design iterations, and the final impact or outcome of your solutions.

• Examples of how you have translated complex technical requirements into intuitive user interfaces.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of designing within established design systems or contributing to their evolution.

• Examples of creating detailed production design specifications for development teams.

• Documentation of design reviews conducted and how feedback was incorporated.

• Case studies that highlight collaboration with developers and product managers to ensure successful design implementation.

• Demonstrations of how user-centered design principles were integrated into the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UI Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It's not just about aesthetics but demonstrating a structured design process, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to articulate design decisions and their impact. For this specific role, showcasing mobile-first design and experience with platform-specific guidelines (iOS/Android) is a key expectation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated base salary range for this position is $83,824 - $149,032 USD annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and welfare benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance for employees and their families.

• 401(k) savings plan with profit-sharing programs.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Minimum accrual of 80 hours of vacation leave per year.

• Twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

• Relocation Assistance Program to support relocation to the Portland, OR area.

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth and development.

Working Hours: This position is expected to require approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a broad estimate for a mid-level UI Designer in the Portland, OR area, considering the company's stated total rewards strategy. Actual compensation will vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements. The benefits package is robust and typical for a company of Esri's size and industry standing.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software development. Esri is the global leader in GIS technology, providing solutions for mapping, location intelligence, and data analysis that help organizations make better decisions and address complex challenges like climate change, disaster response, and urban planning.

Company Size: Esri is a large, privately held technology company, indicating a stable yet innovative work environment with significant resources. This size typically means well-defined processes but also opportunities for impact within specific product teams.

Founded: Esri was founded in 1969, signifying a long history of innovation and market leadership in the GIS space. This longevity suggests a company with deep expertise, established methodologies, and a strong commitment to its mission.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI design team likely operates within product development groups, working closely with product managers and software engineers.

• Designers may specialize in specific product areas or platforms (e.g., mobile, web, desktop, developer tools).

• The reporting structure likely involves a design lead or manager who oversees the team's project assignments and professional development.

Methodology:

• Esri emphasizes a data-driven approach to design, leveraging user research and analytics to inform decisions.

• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, requiring designers to be adaptable and iterative in their work.

• A focus on user-centered design is central, ensuring that the needs and experiences of developers and end-users are prioritized.

• Emphasis on creating scalable and consistent design systems across a broad suite of products.

Company Website: https://www.esri.com/careers/5096256007?gh_jid=5096256007

📝 Enhancement Note: Esri's strong focus on GIS and its application to global problem-solving provides a unique and mission-driven context for a UI/UX designer. The company's established presence and scale suggest a professional environment with clear processes and opportunities for contributing to products used worldwide. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion is also a key cultural aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "UI Designer II," indicating a mid-level position. It requires independent contribution, proficiency in design tools and methodologies, and the ability to manage design tasks with moderate supervision. The designer is expected to contribute significantly to product design without necessarily leading major strategic initiatives or managing other designers.

Reporting Structure: The UI Designer II will likely report to a Design Lead or Manager within a product development team. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers and Software Developers, forming a core product triad.

Operations Impact: The UI Designer II will directly influence the usability, accessibility, and overall user experience of Esri's mobile and native SDKs. This impact is crucial for developer adoption, customer satisfaction, and the successful implementation of GIS solutions globally. Effective UI/UX design can reduce development friction for users and enhance the perceived value of Esri's technology.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in mobile UI design, native platform patterns (iOS/Android), or specific areas of GIS visualization.

• Design Leadership: Progress to a Senior UI Designer or UX Lead role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to design strategy.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into Product Management or UX Research roles, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and product development cycles.

• Tool Mastery: Become an expert in advanced features of design tools like Figma, potentially contributing to Esri's internal design system or component library development.

• Industry Expertise: Develop advanced knowledge in GIS and location-based services, becoming a valuable asset in designing for this specialized domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" designation clearly places this role in the mid-career bracket. Growth potential is strong, particularly within specialized areas of UX/UI design for technical products, and Esri's position in the market offers a stable environment for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment. Esri emphasizes collaboration and a shared workspace culture.

Office Location(s): Portland, OR. This location offers a vibrant tech scene and a good quality of life. Esri may offer relocation assistance for candidates moving to the area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, likely featuring open-plan areas for team interaction and potentially dedicated spaces for focused work.

• Access to modern design tools and technology will be standard, supporting efficient workflow and creative output.

• Opportunities for informal and formal interactions with colleagues across design, development, and product management teams are expected.

• The environment is expected to be professional, focused on innovation, and aligned with Esri's mission-driven culture.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely around 40 hours per week, typical for full-time employment. While on-site, there may be flexibility in daily start/end times, but core hours for team collaboration will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key aspect of this role, suggesting that Esri values in-person collaboration and team synergy. The Portland location is a significant draw for many tech professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review applications and conduct a brief phone screen to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to submit an online portfolio. This is a critical step where the hiring team evaluates design skills, process, and relevant experience. Expect detailed questions about your projects.

• Technical Interview: This may involve a design exercise or a discussion about specific UI/UX challenges related to mobile and native applications. You might be asked to critique existing designs or propose solutions to hypothetical problems.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: This interview will focus on your experience, problem-solving approach, cultural fit with Esri's team, and your understanding of user-centered design principles. You may be asked behavioral questions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment and final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects, focusing on mobile and native application design.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (research, ideation, iteration), key decisions, and the outcome/impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Mobile/Native Expertise: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating your understanding of platform-specific design (iOS/Android) and SDK integration concepts.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the success of your designs.

• Prepare a Walkthrough: Be ready to present and discuss your portfolio in detail during interviews, articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with Esri's products, the GIS industry, and the challenges faced by developers using mapping SDKs.

• Practice Design Exercises: Be prepared for exercises that might involve sketching UI flows, defining user personas, or redesigning a problematic interface. Focus on your thought process and problem-solving approach.

• Articulate Design Rationale: Practice explaining why you made certain design decisions, referencing design principles, user needs, and business goals.

• Research Esri's Design Language: Look for examples of Esri's existing UI/UX to understand their current design patterns and aesthetic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of the application for this role. Candidates should meticulously prepare it, focusing on demonstrating their ability to design for mobile and native platforms within a technical software context, like SDKs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in advanced Figma features (components, variants, auto-layout) is expected.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Specifically Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for graphic design, asset creation, and image manipulation.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core UI design tasks, but an understanding of how design impacts user adoption and engagement within a CRM context can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator indicates the core software toolkit. The emphasis on these tools suggests a need for candidates who are not only proficient but also efficient and capable of producing high-quality assets and interactive prototypes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of developers and end-users through thoughtful design.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the exploration of new design approaches and technologies.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where designers work closely with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to achieve common goals.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished, and accessible design work.

• Mission-Driven: Aligning design efforts with Esri's overarching mission to solve real-world problems with GIS technology.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Designers are embedded within product teams, working hand-in-hand with developers and product managers throughout the development lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and constructive feedback among team members.

• Design Reviews: Regular sessions for sharing work, gathering feedback, and ensuring design coherence.

• Agile Mindset: Adapting to changing requirements and embracing iterative design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Esri's culture appears to value both technical excellence and a strong sense of purpose, driven by their mission. For a UI Designer, this means creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also contribute to solving significant global challenges.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex GIS Concepts: Effectively designing intuitive interfaces for complex geospatial data and functionality can be challenging.

• Balancing Platform Guidelines: Designing for both iOS (Human Interface Guidelines) and Android (Material Design) while maintaining a cohesive brand identity.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Rapid advancements in mobile and native development require continuous learning and adaptation of design practices.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and effective implementation of designs across diverse teams with varying priorities.

• Advocating for UX: Continuously demonstrating the value of UX/UI design within development cycles and to stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, or pursue certifications in advanced UX/UI design, mobile design patterns, or GIS visualization.

• Mentorship: Access to senior designers and leaders within Esri for guidance and career development.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with Esri's leading GIS technology and developer tools provides unique learning experiences.

• Contribution to Design Systems: Opportunity to contribute to and learn from Esri's internal design system, enhancing understanding of scalable design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be mastering the specific domain of GIS and its application in mobile/native SDKs, requiring a blend of strong UI/UX skills and a willingness to learn technical concepts.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging mobile UI you designed. What were the requirements, what was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you approach designing for both iOS and Android platforms while maintaining brand consistency?" (Assess knowledge of platform guidelines and design systems.)

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to translate complex technical requirements into a simple user interface." (Demonstrate your ability to simplify complexity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Esri and specifically in designing for our developer products?" (Showcase your research and alignment with Esri's mission.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our team's collaborative environment?" (Assess your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, starting with the problem and ending with the solution and its impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, narrate the journey, highlighting challenges and your decision-making process.

• Emphasize Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions to each project, especially in team-based scenarios.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, tools used, and why you chose a particular solution.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Show genuine interest in Esri's work and how your design skills can contribute to their mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only possesses strong design skills but also understands the technical context of Esri's products and can articulate their design rationale effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Esri careers portal link provided.

• Critically review and tailor your resume: Ensure it highlights your 2+ years of relevant UX/UI experience, proficiency in Figma and Adobe Suite, and any experience with mobile/native design or GIS/mapping. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your online portfolio: Curate your best 3-5 mobile/native design projects. For each, clearly document the problem, your process, your role, design decisions, and outcomes. Ensure it's easily navigable and visually appealing.

• Research Esri: Understand their mission, products (especially developer tools and SDKs), and their commitment to diversity and inclusion. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice discussing your portfolio: Be ready to walk through your projects in detail, explaining your design choices and their impact, and be prepared for a potential design exercise or technical discussion.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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