Senior UX Designer | New Jersey

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: Photon

Location: New Jersey, United States

Job Type: Full-Time, Contractor

Category: User Experience (UX) Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-26

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end UX design process, from initial discovery and user research to final delivery and iteration, ensuring intuitive and user-centric digital experiences.

• Drive the creation of comprehensive user personas, detailed journey maps, and robust information architecture to inform design strategy and product development.

• Develop and present wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, effectively communicating design concepts and user flows to stakeholders.

• Foster a user-advocacy culture by collaborating closely with Product Managers, Developers, and other cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into impactful user solutions.

• Champion design best practices, mentor junior designers, and ensure design consistency across all products by adhering to established design systems and brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is for a Senior UX Designer, implying a need for strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor. The "Product Design" aspect in the requirements suggests a broader scope than just UX, potentially including UI and a focus on the entire product lifecycle. The "On-site" requirement for New Jersey indicates a need for local candidates or those willing to relocate.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the entire UX design lifecycle, encompassing user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and final design implementation.

• Conduct in-depth user research, including interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiries, to uncover user needs, pain points, and behaviors.

• Perform competitive analysis to identify industry best practices, emerging trends, and opportunities for design differentiation.

• Define and document user personas, user journey maps, and information architecture to establish a clear understanding of user flows and system structures.

• Create compelling wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs that effectively communicate design intent and user interactions.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers to define product strategy and roadmap, and with Engineering teams to ensure feasibility and successful implementation of designs.

• Utilize data analytics, user feedback, and usability testing results to validate design decisions and drive iterative improvements.

• Mentor and guide junior UX designers, providing constructive feedback and fostering their professional development.

• Act as a strong advocate for user-centered design principles and methodologies throughout the organization, influencing product decisions and team strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a full-cycle UX design ownership, from strategic planning (research, personas, IA) to execution (wireframes, prototypes, high-fidelity) and validation (testing, data analysis). The mentoring aspect highlights the seniority of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5–8+ years of professional experience in UX/UI design, product design, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of delivering successful digital products.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in leading end-to-end UX design processes from discovery through delivery.

• A strong, comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, highlighting problem-solving skills, design process, and measurable impact.

• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar.

• Deep understanding of user-centered design principles, interaction design patterns, and human-computer interaction fundamentals.

• Proven experience conducting various user research methodologies, including user interviews, usability testing, heuristic evaluations, and surveys.

• Solid knowledge of responsive design principles and a strong commitment to designing for accessibility (WCAG compliance).

• Exceptional problem-solving abilities, with a capacity for analytical thinking and translating complex problems into elegant design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within Agile/Scrum development methodologies, contributing to sprints and iterative development cycles.

• Familiarity with front-end development technologies (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better understand design implementation constraints and opportunities.

• Experience in developing, maintaining, and utilizing design systems and component libraries to ensure brand consistency and design efficiency.

• Prior experience designing for enterprise-level software, SaaS platforms, or large-scale digital products with complex user flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX projects" is critical for this role. Candidates should be prepared to detail their process, contributions, and the outcomes of their work. The preferred skills in Agile, front-end basics, and design systems point towards a need for practical collaboration and efficient design execution within a development team.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing your end-to-end UX design process for complex projects.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key design decisions, and the final solution.

• Provide demonstrable evidence of how your designs solved user problems and met business objectives, ideally with quantifiable results or metrics.

• Highlight your proficiency with specific design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) and research methodologies used within your projects.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design processes, including user research findings, persona development, journey mapping, and information architecture.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to or utilized design systems and style guides to ensure consistency and scalability in design.

• Illustrate your approach to usability testing, including test planning, execution, analysis, and integration of feedback into design iterations.

• Show evidence of collaborating with development teams, including how you hand off designs and communicate specifications for implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role, the portfolio needs to go beyond visual design. It must clearly demonstrate strategic thinking, a robust design process, and the ability to drive impact through user-centered solutions. The emphasis on "end-to-end" and "measurable impact" is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Minimum Compensation: USD 48,000 per year

• Maximum Compensation: USD 168,000 per year

• Note: Compensation is highly dependent on the candidate's actual experience, qualifications, and the specific nature of their engagement (full-time employee vs. independent contractor). The provided range reflects a broad spectrum for a Senior UX Designer role in the US market, with the higher end typically reserved for highly experienced individuals and the lower end for those with less direct experience or for contractor rates that may not include all employee benefits.

Benefits (for full-time employees):

• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance plans.

• 401k Retirement Plan with potential company matching (details to be confirmed).

• Variable pay and performance-based incentives.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available, but the role is designated as "On-site," implying a requirement for consistent presence at the designated New Jersey office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The wide salary range suggests that Photon is open to candidates with varying levels of seniority within the "Senior" bracket, or that compensation will be heavily negotiated based on specific experience and whether the role is full-time or contract. The benefits listed are standard for full-time employees, but contractors will have a different compensation structure. Salary research for UX Designers in New Jersey indicates that the upper end of this range is competitive for senior roles in major metro areas, while the lower end might be more typical for junior-to-mid-level roles or specific contract rates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Photon operates within the technology sector, likely focusing on software development, digital solutions, or consulting, given the need for UX design expertise.

Company Size: The job posting does not explicitly state company size, but the use of an Oracle Cloud HCM system for applications suggests a medium to large enterprise organization that utilizes robust HR technology.

Founded: Company founding date is not specified.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of a cross-functional product development team.

• This team likely includes Product Managers, Software Developers, QA Engineers, and potentially other designers.

• The Senior UX Designer will report to a Design Lead, Head of Product, or a similar management role, and will also collaborate closely with Product Managers.

Methodology:

• The team operates with a strong emphasis on user-centered design principles, integrating user research and feedback into the product development lifecycle.

• Collaboration with Agile/Scrum methodologies is preferred, suggesting iterative development, sprint planning, and cross-functional teamwork.

• Data-driven decision-making is a key aspect, with designs validated through user testing and performance metrics.

• A focus on design systems and brand consistency points to a structured approach to design management and scalability.

Company Website: Photon.com (as derived from the source domain, though verification is recommended)

📝 Enhancement Note: Photon's likely focus on technology and digital solutions means the UX Designer will be integral to product strategy and execution. The preference for Agile and data-driven approaches indicates a modern, collaborative, and iterative work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the UX Design discipline. It requires a high degree of autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to lead projects from conception to completion. The role also involves mentoring, suggesting a path towards leadership or specialized expertise.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of Product, or a Director of Product Development. They will work closely with Product Managers and development teams, acting as a key contributor to product strategy and execution.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer's impact is directly tied to creating user-friendly, intuitive, and effective digital products. Successful UX design leads to increased user adoption, customer satisfaction, reduced support costs, and ultimately, enhanced revenue and brand loyalty. They influence product direction by advocating for user needs and ensuring the product meets market demands.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Track: Potential to move into a Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or Head of Design role, overseeing a team and setting design strategy.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as user research, interaction design, or design systems.

• Product Strategy: Become a key contributor to product vision and strategy, influencing the direction of the company's offerings.

• Cross-functional Influence: Develop strong relationships and influence across Product, Engineering, and Marketing teams.

• Mentorship: Continue to develop leadership skills by mentoring junior designers and contributing to the growth of the design practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a senior role, the growth opportunities are geared towards leadership, strategic influence, and deepening specialized skills. The impact is significant, as UX is a critical driver of product success in the technology sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," implying a traditional office environment located in New Jersey. This suggests a workplace designed for in-person collaboration, team meetings, and focused work.

Office Location(s): New Jersey, United States. Specific city or office details are not provided but are crucial for candidates to assess commute and accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with Product Managers, Developers, and other team members.

• Access to standard design tools and technology will be provided to support the UX design process.

• Opportunities for in-person brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and team alignment meetings will be integral to the work.

• The environment likely supports a mix of focused individual work and dynamic team collaboration.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the role being on-site. While some flexibility might be present, consistent physical presence in the office is a requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement is a key factor for candidates. It suggests a preference for direct collaboration and team integration, typical of many established technology companies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will present their portfolio, discussing 2-3 key projects in detail. This will focus on design process, problem-solving, collaboration, and outcomes.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise may be given, either take-home or on-site, to evaluate design skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to think critically within constraints.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Developers, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Product, Director) to finalize decisions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the user problem, business goal, your specific role, the design process you followed, key decisions made, and the impact/results.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include visuals of wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and final designs. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced user errors, improved satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with cross-functional teams, managed feedback, and navigated constraints.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with Photon's likely industry (tech/SaaS) and the senior-level responsibilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to articulate your design thinking process clearly and concisely.

• Understand how to break down a complex problem into manageable steps.

• Practice explaining your rationale for design decisions, even under pressure.

• Research Photon and its potential products/services to inform your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of UX skills, portfolio presentation, and collaborative capabilities. Candidates should be ready to deep-dive into their past work and demonstrate problem-solving skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency is required in at least one of the following: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD. Figma is increasingly becoming an industry standard for collaborative design.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), user testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), and potentially analytics tools for qualitative data analysis.

• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) and communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) is expected for cross-functional teamwork.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility, a working knowledge of analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Mixpanel can be beneficial for understanding user behavior and validating design impact.

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms might interface with user experiences, especially for enterprise products, is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is a non-negotiable requirement. Experience with user research platforms and collaboration tools is essential for effective team integration and design validation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs and experience in all design decisions.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in working together across disciplines (Product, Engineering, etc.) to achieve shared goals and build the best possible products.

• Data-Informed Design: Utilizing data from user research, analytics, and testing to guide design choices and measure success, rather than relying solely on intuition.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of iterating and refining designs based on feedback, performance data, and evolving user needs.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished, and effective design solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Expect to work closely with Product Managers to define requirements and strategy, and with Software Engineers to ensure designs are feasible and implemented correctly.

• Design Critiques: An environment that encourages constructive feedback and open discussion during design reviews to elevate the quality of work.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, research findings, and design patterns across the team and broader organization.

• Agile Integration: Participating actively in Agile ceremonies, contributing to sprint planning, and adapting to evolving project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a blend of user advocacy, collaborative problem-solving, and a data-driven, iterative approach to product development. The emphasis on mentorship suggests a supportive environment for growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating user desires and business objectives into a cohesive and viable product design.

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Requirements: Managing diverse opinions and priorities from various departments (Product, Sales, Marketing, Engineering) to reach consensus on design direction.

• Designing for Scalability and Enterprise Use Cases: Creating intuitive experiences for complex, data-rich applications that cater to professional users and potentially large organizations.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies & Trends: Continuously learning and adapting design approaches to incorporate new interaction paradigms, tools, and user expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Training: Access to workshops, courses, or conferences focused on cutting-edge UX methodologies, research techniques, or specialized design areas.

• Design System Expansion: Opportunity to contribute to or lead the development and maintenance of a robust design system, enhancing product consistency and development efficiency.

• Leadership Development: For individuals showing leadership potential, opportunities to take on more responsibility in project leadership, team mentoring, and strategic planning.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with industry trends and best practices through professional networks, conferences, and internal knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges within a technology context, with significant potential for professional growth in leadership and specialized UX skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting requirements from different stakeholders. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and user advocacy.)

• "Walk us through your process for designing a new feature from scratch. What steps do you take, and how do you ensure user needs are met?" (Highlight your end-to-end UX methodology and problem-solving approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Photon, and what do you know about our products/services?" (Research Photon's website, recent news, and industry position.)

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers or sharing your expertise with a team?" (Showcase your leadership potential and collaborative spirit.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Your Best: Choose 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end process, problem-solving skills, and impact.

• Structure Each Case Study: Clearly define the problem, your role, the process, your decisions, and the results. Use visuals effectively.

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design choices. Why did you choose a particular approach? What trade-offs did you consider?

• Quantify Success: If possible, use metrics to show the impact of your work.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your process, challenges, and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a strategic thinker with a strong design process, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Portfolio presentation is key; it should clearly articulate your value and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 in-depth case studies that clearly articulate your end-to-end UX design process, problem-solving approach, and measurable impact. Ensure it highlights your proficiency in tools like Figma and your user research methodologies.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5-8+ years of relevant experience, highlighting key responsibilities, achievements, and skills directly related to UX design, product design, and collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on storytelling, explaining your design rationale, and quantifying results. Be ready to discuss your collaboration experience and how you handle feedback.

• Research Photon: Understand the company's mission, industry, and potential products. Prepare thoughtful questions about their design culture, product roadmap, and team structure.

⚠️ 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.