UX Designer, Chrome on Android

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer, Chrome on Android Company: Google Location: Mountain View, California, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: UX/Product Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-11-27 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design intuitive and user-friendly experiences for billions of users worldwide, focusing on the Chrome browser on Android devices.
• Translate complex user needs and business requirements into elegant and effective design solutions through user-centered design methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and cross-functional teams to drive product innovation and deliver high-quality user experiences at scale.
• Champion design-centric improvements and advocate for user needs throughout the product development lifecycle, influencing stakeholders and prioritizing design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a highly specialized area of Product Design Operations, focusing on UX for a flagship mobile product. The emphasis on "Chrome on Android" and "Generative AI" in the description suggests a forward-looking role requiring adaptability to emerging technologies and a deep understanding of mobile-first user journeys. The "Operations" aspect comes from the need to manage complex projects, influence stakeholders, and integrate user feedback systematically into product updates at scale, which are core operational functions within a large product organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders to deeply understand user requirements and translate them into creative, user-centered design solutions.
• Articulate and communicate the user experience vision and design strategy at various stages of the product development lifecycle, utilizing wireframes, flow diagrams, storyboards, mockups, and high-fidelity prototypes.
• Systematically integrate user feedback, research insights, and business requirements into iterative product experience updates and feature enhancements, ensuring a continuous improvement loop.
• Actively advocate for the prioritization of design-centered changes, refinements, and improvements, effectively influencing stakeholders and driving design initiatives forward.
• Manage multiple concurrent design projects with a high volume of output, demonstrating strong project management capabilities and the ability to drive projects semi-independently from concept to execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking and operational execution. The emphasis on "communicating the user experience at various stages" and "integrating user feedback" points to a need for structured design processes and effective documentation. "Driving multiple projects simultaneously and semi-independently" underscores the operational requirement for strong self-management and execution capability, typical of senior roles managing significant product areas.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of dedicated experience in interaction design, product design, or UX design within a product development context.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, effective cross-functional collaboration, and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguity and ship features at scale within a large, cross-functional organization.
• Experience leading design projects, with a Master's degree or equivalent practical experience preferred for more senior candidates.

Required Skills:

• Interaction Design: Expertise in crafting intuitive and engaging user flows and interfaces for complex applications.
• Product Design: Comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end product design lifecycle, from concept ideation to final implementation.
• UX Design: Deep knowledge of user-centered design principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with engineering, product management, research, and other disciplines.
• Stakeholder Influence: Skill in presenting design rationale, gathering buy-in, and advocating for user needs among diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Mobile & Tablet Design: Specific experience and a strong portfolio showcasing successful design for Android mobile and tablet platforms.
• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in creating detailed wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to articulate design concepts.
• User Feedback Integration: Ability to synthesize user research, feedback, and data to inform and iterate on design solutions.
• Design Advocacy: Experience championing design quality and driving design-centered improvements within product teams.
• Generative AI Integration: Familiarity with or experience designing for features incorporating Generative AI technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between minimum and preferred qualifications, especially the added experience in leading design projects and a Master's degree for preferred status, indicates a role that can accommodate a range of mid-to-senior level candidates. The explicit mention of "Generative AI" and "Chrome for Android" suggests a need for candidates who are not only skilled in core UX but also forward-thinking and adaptable to cutting-edge technologies within a specific product ecosystem.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio link is mandatory, showcasing exceptional craft, design thinking, and a proven track record of designing and leading the execution of mobile and tablet product software or services.
• Portfolio should clearly demonstrate your ability to translate complex user needs into intuitive and elegant user experiences, with a focus on impact and user-centricity.
• Include case studies that detail your process, from initial problem definition and user research through to final design solutions and their outcomes.
• Showcase your proficiency in creating various design artifacts, including user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes, illustrating your design toolkit.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design processes, user flows, and interaction specifications to ensure clear communication and alignment with engineering teams.
• Ability to articulate how user feedback and business requirements were integrated into the design process, highlighting structured iteration and refinement methods.
• Showcase examples of how you advocated for design-centered changes, providing evidence of process improvements or the successful implementation of design recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that showcases "designing and leading mobile and tablet product software or services" is critical. This suggests the need for case studies that go beyond individual contributions to demonstrate leadership in design execution and the operational management of design projects within a product context. The portfolio should highlight a systematic approach to design, including how feedback and requirements were managed operationally.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The US base salary range for this full-time position is $129,000 - $185,000 annually.
• This range is determined by role, level, and location. Specific pay within the range will depend on factors including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and work location. Your recruiter will provide more details regarding the salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Benefits:

• Bonus: Performance-based bonus opportunities are provided.
• Equity: Stock options or grants are part of the compensation package.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Includes health, dental, vision insurance, retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k), paid time off, parental leave, and other wellness programs.
• Professional Development: Access to learning resources, training programs, and opportunities for skill enhancement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week. While on-site, Google often fosters a flexible work environment within standard business hours, allowing for effective project management and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for the US base salary only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. This is a common practice for large tech companies to provide transparency on base pay while acknowledging the significant value of additional compensation components. The range itself is competitive for a UX Designer role at a company of Google's caliber in a high-cost-of-living area like Mountain View, CA.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Software, Internet Services, AI) Company Size: Large Enterprise (100,000+ employees globally) Founded: 1998 - Google's long history in innovation and user-focused product development shapes its culture.

Team Structure:

• UX Team: Part of a multi-disciplinary group including UX Designers, Researchers, Writers, Content Strategists, Program Managers, and Engineers, fostering a collaborative and integrated product development environment.
• Reporting Structure: Typically, UX Designers report to a Design Lead or Manager within a product area, with close alignment to Product Management and Engineering leads for specific product initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Highly integrated, with designers working daily alongside engineers and product managers to define requirements, iterate on designs, and ensure successful product launches.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes user-centered design principles, relying on user research, A/B testing, and analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Iterative Development: Utilizes agile and lean methodologies to continuously refine and improve products based on user feedback and performance metrics.
• Design System & Language: Leverages and evolves the established Google Design Language and Material Design system to ensure consistency, scalability, and brand identity across products.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture is renowned for its data-driven approach, emphasis on innovation, and a strong focus on the user. For a UX Designer, this means a highly collaborative environment where design is deeply integrated with engineering and product strategy, and where decisions are validated through rigorous testing and analysis. The scale of Google's operations means that design work has a massive potential impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-to-Senior Level UX Designer with potential for Design Leadership. This role requires significant autonomy, the ability to manage complex projects, and influence product direction. It's a crucial individual contributor role that can serve as a stepping stone towards senior individual contributor roles (e.g., Senior UX Designer, Principal Designer) or management tracks (e.g., Design Manager).

Reporting Structure: Reports to a Design Manager or Lead within the Chrome on Android product area. Works closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads for specific feature development cycles.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer plays a critical role in defining the user experience of Chrome on Android, which is a primary gateway to the web for billions. Their work directly impacts user engagement, satisfaction, retention, and the overall success of the Chrome product, influencing Google's broader web ecosystem and advertising revenue streams indirectly.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in mobile UX, specific product areas (e.g., Generative AI integration), or platform design.
• Leadership: Progress to Senior UX Designer, Principal UX Designer, or Design Lead roles, taking on more complex challenges and mentoring junior designers.
• Management: Transition into a Design Manager role, focusing on team building, strategy, and people development.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related roles like Product Management or UX Research within Google.
• Continuous Learning: Access to extensive internal training, workshops, conferences, and resources to stay at the forefront of design and technology trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for growth within a structured, large-scale tech organization. The emphasis on "leading design projects" and influencing stakeholders suggests that candidates are expected to grow beyond individual contribution to shape product strategy and potentially mentor others. The operational aspect of growth involves understanding how to navigate career paths within a large company and leverage internal resources for development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at Google's headquarters in Mountain View, CA. This typically involves modern office spaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Office Location(s): Mountain View, California, United States.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are equipped with various meeting rooms, huddle spaces, and common areas designed for team collaboration, brainstorming, and cross-functional discussions.
• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design software, hardware, and internal tools essential for UX design and prototyping.
• Team Interaction: Daily opportunities for interaction with designers, researchers, engineers, and product managers, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule: While the role is on-site, Google generally supports a flexible work schedule within standard business hours. This allows for effective management of design sprints, team syncs, and independent work, ensuring operational efficiency in design delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Mountain View suggests an environment conducive to deep collaboration and immersion in the company's culture. For operations professionals, this means consistent access to resources, spontaneous problem-solving opportunities, and the ability to build strong working relationships with immediate teams and cross-functional partners.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screen (Recruiter/Hiring Manager): A preliminary discussion to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to briefly highlight your most relevant portfolio projects.
• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A deeper dive into your portfolio with design leads or senior designers. This often includes a design exercise or case study presentation, focusing on your problem-solving approach, design process, and ability to articulate your work.
• Technical/Behavioral Interviews: Sessions with engineers, product managers, and other designers to evaluate your technical skills, collaboration style, and ability to handle complex operational challenges and ambiguity.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with individuals from different disciplines (e.g., Engineering, Research) to assess your ability to collaborate effectively and understand diverse perspectives.
• Final Round/Hiring Committee: A comprehensive review of your entire interview performance, often culminating in a decision by a hiring committee.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your interaction design skills, mobile/tablet experience, and ability to lead design initiatives. Prioritize projects with clear problem statements, your detailed process, and measurable outcomes.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process you followed, the challenges you faced, the solutions you developed, and the impact of your work (quantify where possible).
• Highlight Operations: Demonstrate how you managed project timelines, collaborated with diverse teams, integrated feedback, and advocated for design solutions. Show your ability to work within constraints and deliver at scale.
• Demonstrate Craft: Ensure your visual presentation of wireframes, mockups, and prototypes is polished and clearly communicates your design intent.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Be prepared for design challenges that may involve improving existing features, designing new ones for Chrome on Android, or solving hypothetical user problems.
• Think Aloud: Articulate your thought process clearly and continuously. Explain your assumptions, the trade-offs you're considering, and why you're making specific design decisions.
• Focus on Process: Emphasize your structured approach to problem-solving, user research (even if hypothetical), and iterative design.
• Consider Constraints: Be mindful of technical feasibility, business goals, and the specific context of Chrome on Android.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at Google is rigorous and designed to assess not just design skills but also operational capabilities like collaboration, problem-solving under pressure, and stakeholder management. The portfolio review is a critical gate, and candidates must be prepared to articulate their design process not just as a creative journey, but as an operational execution of product development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), ProtoPie, InVision. Proficiency in at least one major design tool (e.g., Figma) is essential.
• Wireframing & Flow Diagrams: Tools like Miro, Whimsical, or built-in features within design software.
• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for user testing, surveys, and qualitative data analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, internal dashboards) to understand user behavior and measure design impact.
• Ability to interpret A/B test results and user metrics to inform design iterations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data and product usage are managed within systems is beneficial for context.
• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools like Jira, Asana, or internal Google equivalents for tracking design tasks and progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Figma or Sketch is paramount. Beyond design execution, understanding how to leverage analytics and project management tools is key for the "operations" aspect of this role, enabling designers to track their work's impact and collaborate efficiently with engineering and product teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Focus: Upholding Google's core principle of "Focus on the user and all else will follow." This means prioritizing user needs, empathy, and creating delightful experiences.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data from user research, A/B tests, and analytics to inform design choices and validate hypotheses, ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work cohesively towards common goals.
• Innovation & Iteration: Encouraging experimentation, embracing new technologies (like Generative AI), and continuously iterating to improve products.
• Excellence & Craft: Striving for high quality in all design outputs, from initial concepts to final polished interfaces.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Designers are integral members of product teams, working hand-in-hand with engineering and product management daily.
• Open Communication: Encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent sharing of ideas and challenges.
• Shared Ownership: Fosters a sense of collective responsibility for product success, where designers contribute to product strategy and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's culture strongly emphasizes collaboration and a data-informed approach to product development. For a UX Designer, this means being comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative environment where design is seen as a critical operational component of product success, not an isolated function.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Designing for billions of users across diverse devices and contexts, requiring solutions that are both globally applicable and locally relevant.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in mobile technology, web standards, and emerging fields like Generative AI, and integrating them effectively into product design.
• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Navigating the operational complexities of aligning user experience improvements with business objectives and technical constraints.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively influencing a wide range of stakeholders with differing priorities and perspectives to champion user-centered design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Internal Training & Workshops: Access to Google's vast internal learning resources, covering design skills, new technologies, and leadership development.
• Design Communities of Practice: Participation in internal design guilds and forums to share knowledge, best practices, and receive peer feedback.
• Industry Conferences & Events: Opportunities to attend leading UX and technology conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior designers and leaders within Google to guide career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles at this scale and complexity, requiring strong operational skills in problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic thinking. The growth opportunities are extensive, leveraging Google's resources to foster continuous learning and career progression within the operations of product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to influence a team or stakeholder who disagreed with your design. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your communication strategy, data-backed arguments, and negotiation skills.)
• "Describe a complex design problem you faced for a mobile product. Walk me through your process from understanding the problem to delivering the solution, including any operational challenges you overcame." (Emphasize your structured approach, user-centricity, and ability to manage constraints.)
• "How would you approach designing a new feature for Chrome on Android that leverages Generative AI? What are the key user needs and potential design pitfalls?" (Demonstrate your forward-thinking, understanding of AI capabilities, and user-centric approach to new technologies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about designing for Chrome on Android specifically, and how do you see your role contributing to Google's mission?" (Research Chrome's impact, Android's ecosystem, and align your passion with Google's values.)
• "Describe your experience working in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment. How do you ensure effective communication and alignment with engineers and product managers?" (Highlight your experience with integrated teams and your proactive communication strategies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, your design process, key decisions and their rationale, challenges, and the final outcomes/impact.
• Showcase Your Process: Use visual aids (wireframes, flows, prototypes) to illustrate your design journey. Be prepared to discuss the "why" behind your choices.
• Highlight Operational Execution: For projects where you led or had significant influence, explain how you managed timelines, collaborated with teams, integrated feedback, and iterated to achieve the final product. Quantify impact where possible.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handled user feedback or technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design prowess but also operational excellence. Candidates need to articulate how they manage projects, collaborate effectively, and drive results within a complex organizational structure, using concrete examples from their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the official Google Careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio link is active, well-organized, and highlights projects most relevant to mobile/tablet UX design and large-scale product development. Tailor your project selection to showcase your operational approach to design.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your years of experience, specific UX/interaction design skills, project management capabilities, and experience with cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and portfolio projects. Prepare for behavioral questions that assess your collaboration and influence skills.
• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of Chrome's mission, its role in the Android ecosystem, and Google's user-centric philosophy. Consider how Generative AI is being integrated into similar products.

⚠️ 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.