Senior Product Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer II - Productivity

Company: Axon

Location: Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: August 18, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design for key features within Axon Records, focusing on enhancing user experience for law enforcement.

• Drive product strategy by collaborating with Product Management to influence roadmaps and prioritize design investments.

• Execute user-centered design processes, from research and discovery through prototyping, testing, and final implementation, ensuring high-quality, intuitive solutions.

• Leverage user research and data analysis to inform design decisions, iterate on solutions, and ensure designs meet the complex needs of public safety professionals.

• Design experiences that thoughtfully and responsibly integrate AI and Machine Learning, prioritizing transparency, trust, and usability for end-users.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical in modernizing the records management systems for law enforcement, a niche but vital sector. The emphasis on AI integration and user-centered design for complex enterprise software suggests a need for a designer adept at balancing advanced technology with practical, high-stakes application. The "Productivity" focus indicates a strong emphasis on efficiency gains for officers.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and drive the design vision for specific Axon Records features, translating complex requirements into user-centric, scalable solutions.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers to define product requirements, influence strategic direction, and prioritize design initiatives based on user needs and business objectives.

• Conduct and leverage user research, including customer interviews, ride-alongs with law enforcement, and usability testing, to gain deep insights into user workflows and pain points.

• Develop a comprehensive range of design artifacts, including user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and detailed design specifications for engineering.

• Design for multi-modal experiences, ensuring seamless and intuitive interactions across desktop and mobile platforms for officers in diverse operational environments.

• Lead the integration of AI/ML features into the Axon Records system, focusing on clear communication of AI functionality, ethical considerations, and user trust.

• Simplify highly complex workflows common in enterprise software, making them accessible and efficient for users with varying technical proficiencies.

• Present design concepts, research findings, and product ideas clearly and persuasively to cross-functional teams and stakeholders to gain alignment and drive decision-making.

• Work effectively within a global, cross-functional team structure, navigating time zone differences and fostering strong working relationships through clear communication and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to design, requiring the candidate to be deeply involved in every stage of the product development lifecycle. The inclusion of "ride-alongs with law enforcement" highlights a unique aspect of user research, demanding empathy and adaptability. The focus on simplifying complexity and integrating AI responsibly points to a need for strategic thinking beyond typical UI design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field.

Experience: 7+ years of professional product design experience, with a minimum of 4 years leading significant design initiatives. An additional 3+ years specifically in researching, designing, and shipping enterprise software or complex consumer workflows is required.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated mastery of user-centered design processes and methodologies applied across the entire product development lifecycle (research, ideation, prototyping, testing, implementation).

• Proven ability to conduct and leverage user research (e.g., interviews, usability testing, contextual inquiry) to inform design decisions and iterate on solutions.

• Expert proficiency in creating a range of design deliverables: user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Strong conceptualization and problem-solving skills, with a track record of rapidly prototyping and iterating to communicate complex ideas effectively.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and present to diverse audiences, including executive stakeholders.

• Highly skilled in industry-standard design tools, with a strong preference for Figma, and a demonstrated willingness to adopt and explore emerging design technologies and AI tools.

• Experience designing for both desktop and mobile platforms, ensuring a consistent and optimized user experience across devices.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for public safety, law enforcement, or government sectors.

• Familiarity with AI and Machine Learning concepts and their application in user interfaces.

• Experience with data analysis and leveraging analytics to drive design improvements.

• Knowledge of emerging design technologies and AI tools such as Cursor, Claude, and Gemini.

• Experience working in an Agile development environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements clearly differentiate this role from a general product designer position, emphasizing enterprise-level complexity and leadership. The preference for Figma and enthusiasm for AI tools like Cursor, Claude, and Gemini indicate a forward-thinking design team. The explicit mention of "ride-alongs" suggests that candidates with experience in field research or highly contextual user studies will be strongly considered.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory for application review, showcasing end-to-end product design projects.

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies applied to real-world problems.

• Highlight projects that involve complex workflows, enterprise software, or challenging consumer applications, illustrating your ability to simplify intricate systems.

• Include case studies that detail your design process, problem definition, user research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and final outcomes, with a clear articulation of the impact.

• Showcase your proficiency with design tools, particularly Figma, and any experience with AI-assisted design tools or workflows. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of detailed user flow diagrams and information architecture that illustrate how you structure complex systems.

• Present wireframes and prototypes that demonstrate your ability to translate research insights into functional and intuitive user interfaces.

• Include examples of how you've conducted usability testing, iterated on designs based on feedback, and measured the success of your design solutions.

• Showcase how you collaborate with engineering and product teams, including examples of design handoff processes and iterative feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer II role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond visual polish to demonstrate strategic thinking, rigorous process, and quantifiable impact. The emphasis on enterprise software and AI integration means case studies should highlight problem-solving for complex user needs and responsible technology adoption.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $143,250 - $229,200 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary & Total Compensation: Includes base pay, bonus opportunities, and stock awards, reflecting a total compensation approach.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Offers a wide array of options to support physical, financial, and emotional well-being.

• Discretionary Paid Time Off (PTO): Provides flexibility in managing personal time off.

• Flexible Working Hours: Allows for adaptable scheduling to support work-life balance.

• Training Opportunities: Access to training programs within the US to support professional development.

• Award-Winning Work Environment: Access to modern office spaces equipped with the latest technology.

• Fun Team Activities and Outings: Opportunities for team building and social engagement.

• Unique Customer Exposure: Potential to participate in ride-alongs with local law enforcement, offering unparalleled customer insight.

Working Hours: While specific hours are flexible, the role is based on a hybrid schedule requiring onsite work Tuesdays through Fridays, with potential for remote work on Mondays. A standard 40-hour work week is generally expected, with flexibility for project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Senior Product Designer II role in a major tech hub like Washington D.C. (though the job listing specifies Washington, which typically implies Seattle, WA for tech roles, the provided location is Washington, United States). The total compensation structure (base, bonus, stock) is standard for senior roles in the tech industry. The benefits are comprehensive, with unique additions like ride-alongs highlighting the company's mission and customer engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Public Safety, Software as a Service (SaaS), Hardware Manufacturing. Axon is a leader in providing integrated hardware and software solutions for law enforcement, aiming to improve public safety through technology.

Company Size: Axon is a significant player in its field, employing a substantial workforce that allows for specialized teams and robust product development capabilities. This size suggests opportunities for career growth and impact while maintaining a culture that can be both structured and agile.

Founded: Axon was founded with the mission to "Protect Life," initially known for its TASER devices. Over the years, it has expanded significantly into a comprehensive ecosystem of devices and cloud software, including records management systems and body-worn cameras, indicating a history of innovation and adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely structured with specialized roles (e.g., UX researchers, UI designers, interaction designers) within product-focused groups. This Senior Product Designer II role reports to a Design Manager and has no direct reports, indicating an individual contributor path focused on design execution and strategic input.

• Collaboration is key, with designers working closely with Product Managers and Engineers, often in a global capacity, requiring strong communication and cross-functional alignment.

• The company fosters a culture that avoids red tape, unnecessary rituals, and politics, emphasizing direct communication, introspection, and a friendly, open environment. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes leveraging user research and data analytics to inform design decisions and validate solutions.

• User-Centric Approach: Deep engagement with customers, including ride-alongs, to understand real-world needs and challenges.

• Agile Development: Implied by the collaboration with engineering and the iterative nature of product design, though not explicitly stated.

• AI Integration: A strategic focus on thoughtfully incorporating AI and Machine Learning into products to enhance functionality and user experience.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Axon's mission-driven culture is a significant differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they align with "Protect Life" and how their design work contributes to public safety outcomes. The emphasis on avoiding bureaucracy and fostering open communication suggests a proactive and collaborative work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer II represents a seasoned individual contributor role. It signifies a level of expertise where the designer is expected to take significant ownership of product areas, contribute to strategic product direction, and mentor junior designers implicitly through their work and collaboration. This level demands not just execution but also strategic thinking and the ability to lead design initiatives independently.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Design Manager. This structure provides guidance and oversight while allowing the Senior Designer ample autonomy to lead design efforts within their assigned product areas. The absence of direct reports means the focus is on individual contribution and design leadership through influence and expertise.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the operational efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement officers. By improving the Axon Records system, the designer will help reduce the administrative burden on officers, allowing them to spend more time on community engagement and patrol. The integration of AI and advanced design will also contribute to increased accuracy, officer safety, and faster justice processes. The success of the product directly supports Axon's mission to "Protect Life."

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in enterprise software design, public safety technology, or AI-driven user experiences.

• Leadership: Progress to Lead Product Designer, Design Manager, or specialized roles focusing on UX research strategy or design systems.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by working on different product lines within Axon's ecosystem.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in emerging design tools, AI, and UX methodologies, supported by company training and unique customer interaction opportunities.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the design team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Product Designer II level is a crucial stepping stone for designers looking to deepen their impact within a specific domain or transition into leadership. The emphasis on enterprise software and AI integration provides a strong foundation for specialized career paths in high-demand areas of product design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role follows a hybrid schedule, indicating a combination of in-office work and remote flexibility. Axon provides an "award-winning office and working environment with the newest technology," suggesting a modern, well-equipped workspace designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Seattle, Washington, following a hybrid model. This location is a major tech hub, offering access to talent and industry trends.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model emphasizes in-person collaboration Tuesdays through Fridays, designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success. This suggests an environment where design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional alignment happen organically.

• Technology & Tools: Access to the "newest technology" implies a well-equipped workspace with modern hardware and software, including preferred design tools like Figma and emerging AI technologies.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with product managers, engineers, and fellow designers, as well as unique opportunities for customer interaction through ride-alongs, which can deeply inform the design process.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, supporting work-life balance. However, the hybrid model requires specific days onsite (Tuesdays-Fridays) for in-person collaboration, with Mondays offering remote flexibility. This structure aims to balance the benefits of remote work with the necessity of face-to-face interaction for complex problem-solving and team cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with designated in-office days is a common approach for companies that value both flexibility and in-person collaboration. Candidates should be comfortable with this structure and understand the importance of on-site presence for team dynamics and project momentum in a tech-focused environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience alignment.

• Portfolio Presentation: Expect to present 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, process, design decisions, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss challenges, trade-offs, and how you integrated user feedback.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: Potentially a take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual whiteboard exercise focusing on a specific design problem relevant to Axon Records or a similar complex system. This will assess your problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to articulate your approach.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers to evaluate your collaboration style, communication skills, and technical understanding.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion with the Design Manager to assess cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the role and team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your expertise in enterprise software, user-centered design, complex problem-solving, and AI integration. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the user needs you addressed, your design process, the solutions you developed, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable impact of your work.

• Highlight Process: Detail your research methodologies, ideation techniques, prototyping approaches, and how you incorporated user feedback. Show your thinking, not just the final output.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction).

• AI & Complexity Focus: Explicitly call out any experience with AI integration or designing for complex enterprise systems. Discuss your approach to responsible AI design.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Figma and any other tools you use, including emerging AI design tools.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the User: For any design challenge, prioritize understanding the target user (law enforcement officers) and their unique operational context.

• Structure Your Approach: Clearly define the problem, identify key user needs, brainstorm potential solutions, select the most promising approach, and detail how you would prototype, test, and iterate.

• Communicate Clearly: Articulate your thought process step-by-step. Be prepared to justify your design decisions and discuss trade-offs.

• Consider Constraints: Acknowledge potential technical, business, or user constraints, and explain how you would navigate them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a deep dive into your design process and problem-solving capabilities, particularly for complex enterprise solutions. A strong portfolio that clearly articulates the "why" behind design decisions and quantifies impact will be crucial for success. The potential for AI-specific challenges or discussions means candidates should be prepared to speak to this area.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly preferred for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is expected.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with various prototyping tools for rapid iteration and user testing (e.g., InVision, ProtoPie, or Figma's native prototyping).

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting remote usability testing, surveys, and user interviews (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, SurveyMonkey).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools: Experience with tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics for understanding user behavior and product adoption.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI for interpreting and presenting data insights to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding how designs integrate with CRM systems (like Salesforce) and workflow automation tools can be beneficial for enterprise software design. Emerging AI Tools:

• Cursor: A code-first IDE with AI integration, suggesting an interest in how AI can be leveraged in the development and design process.

• Claude & Gemini: Advanced AI assistants that can aid in research, content generation, and potentially design ideation or analysis. Familiarity or willingness to explore these tools is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and emerging AI tools like Cursor, Claude, and Gemini highlights Axon's commitment to leveraging modern technology in its design and development workflows. Designers should be comfortable not only with core design tools but also with exploring how AI can enhance productivity and creativity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Protect Life: This core mission drives all aspects of Axon's work, fostering a sense of purpose and responsibility among employees. Designers are expected to contribute to this mission through their work.

• Customer Empathy: A strong emphasis on understanding and serving customers (law enforcement officers) personally and deeply. This involves active listening, observation, and a commitment to solving their real-world problems.

• Collaboration & Candor: Fostering friendly, open, and introspective team cultures where diverse perspectives are sought and shared candidly, avoiding bureaucracy and politics.

• Innovation & Ownership: Encouraging employees to take ownership, drive real change, and constantly grow by tackling challenging problems.

• Efficiency & Simplicity: A drive to eliminate complexity and administrative burdens, particularly evident in the focus on streamlining officer paperwork.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with Product Managers and Engineers, acting as integral members of product teams rather than siloed specialists.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages speaking one's mind and engaging in constructive dialogue to achieve the best outcomes.

• Mentorship & Shared Success: The hybrid environment and team structure are designed to foster mentorship and collective achievement, particularly between senior and junior team members.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where feedback is actively sought and given to drive continuous improvement in both products and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Axon's values are deeply intertwined with its mission. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how their personal values and work ethic align with these principles, particularly the commitment to public safety and customer empathy. The emphasis on candor and avoiding bureaucracy suggests an environment where proactive communication and direct problem-solving are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for High-Stakes Environments: Creating intuitive and reliable user experiences for law enforcement officers who operate in demanding, high-pressure situations where errors can have significant consequences.

• Integrating Complex Technologies: Responsibly designing user interfaces for AI/ML features, ensuring transparency, trust, and usability for users who may not be tech-savvy.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Navigating the complexities of enterprise software development, including legacy systems, integration challenges, and diverse hardware capabilities.

• Global Collaboration: Effectively collaborating with distributed teams across different time zones and cultures, requiring exceptional communication and coordination skills.

• Simplifying Extreme Complexity: Translating intricate legal and procedural requirements into simple, scalable, and user-friendly workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & Emerging Tech: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge AI tools and design methodologies in a practical, impactful context.

• Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge in public safety technology, law enforcement workflows, and the unique challenges faced by first responders.

• Career Advancement: Potential to grow into Lead Designer roles, management positions, or specialized design areas within Axon's expanding product portfolio.

• Industry Engagement: Exposure to industry trends through potential training and the unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights through ride-alongs.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Enhance collaboration and communication skills by working closely with product management, engineering, and other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are significant but also offer substantial growth opportunities. Candidates who thrive on solving complex problems, have a passion for mission-driven work, and are eager to explore AI's potential in enterprise applications will find this role particularly rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify an extremely complex workflow for users. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, user empathy, and impact).

• "How do you approach designing for new AI-powered features? How do you ensure transparency and build user trust?" (Assess understanding of AI ethics and user-centric AI design).

• "Walk us through a product design initiative where you led the end-to-end process from research to implementation. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Evaluate leadership, process rigor, and problem-solving).

• "How do you collaborate with Product Managers and Engineers to influence product strategy and ensure design feasibility?" (Assess cross-functional collaboration and strategic thinking). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Axon's mission to 'Protect Life,' and how do you see your design work contributing to it?" (Gauge alignment with company values and mission).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or remote team environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication?" (Assess adaptability to work models).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or differing opinions from stakeholders during the design process?" (Evaluate communication, resilience, and teamwork). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, the user research conducted, your design process (ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), key design decisions, and the final outcome with measurable impact.

• Showcase Process, Not Just Pixels: Emphasize your thought process, the "why" behind your design choices, and how you iterated based on feedback.

• Highlight Enterprise & AI Experience: If applicable, clearly articulate projects involving complex enterprise software or AI integrations.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your decision-making, trade-offs, and how you handled challenges.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows well, stays within time limits, and effectively communicates your expertise and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare compelling case studies that demonstrate their ability to handle complex enterprise software challenges, integrate new technologies like AI responsibly, and contribute to Axon's mission-driven culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer II position:

• Submit your application through the Axon careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant projects that showcase your expertise in enterprise software design, user-centered methodologies, complex problem-solving, and ideally, any experience with AI integration. Ensure your portfolio clearly details your process, role, and impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience directly relevant to the job description, emphasizing your 7+ years of product design experience, 3+ years in enterprise software, and leadership in design initiatives. Use keywords from the job posting naturally.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on storytelling, articulating your design process, and quantifying the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to complex systems and AI.

• Research Axon: Understand Axon's mission, products (especially Axon Records), and company culture. Be prepared to discuss how your values and skills align with their "Protect Life" ethos and their emphasis on customer empathy and innovation.

⚠️ 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.