Senior UX Designer - Zero Trust Security

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer - Zero Trust Security

Company: Akamai (Guardicore)

Location: Tel Aviv, Israel

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-21

Experience Level: Senior (5+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote / Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the entire design lifecycle for complex and innovative product areas within Akamai's Zero Trust Security offerings, encompassing ideation, user research, design execution, and validation.

• Drive the creation of user-centric, collaborative design processes that enhance the user experience for B2B SaaS enterprise products.

• Leverage generative AI tools, such as Claude, LLMs, and Figma AI, to accelerate ideation, streamline workflows, and enhance design execution efficiency.

• Collaborate closely with product management and engineering teams to translate complex user pain points into intuitive and effective design solutions.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of product development by participating in product strategy discussions and influencing the 'what' and 'why' of new features, not just the 'how it should look'.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within Akamai's Enterprise Security Group, formerly Guardicore, focusing on Zero Trust Security. The emphasis on AI integration and B2B SaaS product design indicates a strategic need for designers who can innovate within a complex, data-driven enterprise environment. The "Senior" title implies significant autonomy and leadership in design initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and lead the end-to-end design process for new and complex product areas, from initial concept and user research through to detailed design, prototyping, and final hand-off to engineering.

• Conduct in-depth user research and analysis to deeply understand customer pain points within the Zero Trust security landscape, translating these insights into actionable design requirements.

• Integrate and experiment with cutting-edge AI tools (e.g., Claude, LLMs, Figma AI) to augment the design process, improving efficiency in ideation, wireframing, and prototyping.

• Collaborate proactively with Product Managers and Engineering leads to define product vision, identify key user needs, and co-create innovative solutions that address complex security challenges.

• Champion user-centered design principles and best practices within the team and across cross-functional departments, fostering a shared understanding of user needs and design impact.

• Define and prioritize design opportunities that significantly elevate the overall product experience, ensuring clear, intuitive, and efficient user flows.

• Contribute to the strategic roadmap by providing design-led insights and recommendations based on user research, market trends, and competitive analysis.

• Develop high-fidelity prototypes and user flows to effectively communicate design concepts and gather feedback from stakeholders and end-users.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a high degree of ownership and strategic involvement. The role requires not just execution but also active participation in product strategy and a proactive approach to integrating new technologies like AI into the design workflow. This suggests a need for a designer who is comfortable with ambiguity and can drive initiatives independently.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design (e.g., Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction), Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for senior roles in product design.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX/Product Design, with a significant focus on complex, data-driven B2B SaaS products, as evidenced by a strong portfolio.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in leading the full design process for complex B2B SaaS products, demonstrating successful outcomes and tangible business impact.

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing design skills, a deep understanding of UX methodologies, and the ability to articulate the business value of design decisions.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively influence and gain buy-in from diverse stakeholders, including product management, engineering, and executive leadership.

• Demonstrated experience in participating actively in product strategy discussions, thinking critically about market needs and business objectives beyond just visual design.

• Practical, hands-on experience utilizing generative AI tools (e.g., Claude, Large Language Models, Figma AI) to enhance and streamline daily design tasks.

• Solid understanding and practical application of core UX methodologies, including user research, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Up-to-date knowledge of current UI trends, established UX patterns, design techniques, and emerging technologies relevant to enterprise software. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the cybersecurity domain, particularly with Zero Trust architectures or related security concepts.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and experience working within cross-functional agile teams.

• Experience with design systems and component-based design approaches.

• Ability to conduct and analyze qualitative and quantitative user research.

• Proficiency in advanced prototyping tools beyond standard Figma capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "business impact" in the portfolio and experience requirements suggests that candidates will be evaluated not only on their design acumen but also on their ability to drive measurable business outcomes through design. The explicit mention of AI tools indicates a strong preference for candidates who are already exploring and integrating these technologies into their workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of case studies that clearly articulate the design problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process followed, key decisions made, and the ultimate impact on the product and business.

• Examples demonstrating expertise in designing for complex, data-intensive B2B SaaS applications, with a focus on clarity, efficiency, and user empowerment.

• Evidence of user research methodologies employed, including how user insights informed design decisions and validated solutions.

• Demonstrations of how generative AI tools were integrated into the design workflow to achieve specific objectives (e.g., faster ideation, content generation, workflow optimization).

• Visualizations of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs, showcasing a strong understanding of information architecture and interaction design.

• A clear explanation of the business context and objectives for each project, highlighting how your design solutions contributed to achieving these goals. Process Documentation:

• Detailed explanations within case studies of how you approached user problem identification and analysis.

• Documentation of the iterative design and validation process, including feedback loops and how changes were implemented.

• Examples of how you collaborated with product management and engineering teams, including hand-off processes and ongoing communication.

• Evidence of how you measured the success of your designs, using metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics and demonstrate a strategic, process-driven approach. The inclusion of AI in the portfolio is a key differentiator, showing forward-thinking and adaptability. The emphasis on "business impact" and "solving customer pain points" means case studies should quantify results where possible.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UX Designer with 5+ years of experience in Tel Aviv, Israel, focusing on specialized B2B SaaS and cybersecurity, the estimated salary range would typically fall between ₪350,000 and ₪550,000 annually. This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in established tech companies in Israel, considering the specialized domain and the demand for AI-proficient designers.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, well-being, and financial support programs, as outlined in Akamai's benefits package.

• Access to Akamai's FlexBase program, offering flexibility in work location (home, office, or hybrid) to support optimal work-life integration.

• Professional development opportunities, including potential for training, conferences, and skill enhancement related to UX design, AI, and cybersecurity.

• Opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge technology in the cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure space.

• Potential for stock options or other long-term incentives, common in senior roles at growth-oriented tech companies.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility offered through the FlexBase program, allowing for adaptation to individual needs and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for senior UX/Product Design roles in Tel Aviv, Israel within the tech industry, factoring in the specialization in B2B SaaS, cybersecurity, and AI. It's important for candidates to note that this is an estimate and actual compensation will depend on individual experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The mention of FlexBase program highlights a modern approach to work arrangements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Akamai operates within the critical sectors of Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Edge Computing. The Enterprise Security Group, which includes the former Guardicore, focuses on advanced threat protection for data centers and cloud environments. This industry context means a culture that values innovation, security, reliability, and data-driven decision-making.

Company Size: Akamai is a large, established global technology company with thousands of employees worldwide. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for broad impact, while the specific team might function with the agility of a smaller unit within a larger structure.

Founded: Akamai Technologies was founded in 1998. Guardicore, acquired by Akamai, was founded in 2013. This blend provides a foundation of established expertise combined with the innovative spirit of a newer, specialized cybersecurity firm.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team within Akamai's Enterprise Security Group likely comprises experienced designers specializing in B2B SaaS, enterprise applications, and potentially cybersecurity.

• Reporting structures are typically hierarchical within large organizations, but design teams often operate in a matrixed fashion, reporting to design leadership while collaborating closely with product and engineering squads.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with designers working hand-in-hand with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and potentially Marketing and Sales teams to ensure a cohesive and effective product experience. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Emphasis on using user data, analytics, and research to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Focus on creating efficient, intuitive user workflows that simplify complex tasks for enterprise users.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Embracing tools and methods, including AI, to enhance design productivity and speed up delivery cycles.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The acquisition of Guardicore by Akamai suggests a culture that values integrating specialized expertise into its broader platform. The role emphasizes innovation within security, a field that demands rigor and a deep understanding of complex systems. The company's scale means that the impact of design can be substantial, affecting a vast user base and critical digital infrastructure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Designer role, indicating a position of significant responsibility and autonomy. It's a step beyond mid-level, requiring independent leadership on complex projects, strategic input, and the ability to mentor junior designers. Professionals at this level are expected to drive design initiatives, influence product direction, and contribute to the evolution of design processes and standards within the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director within the Akamai Enterprise Security Group. They will work closely with Product Management and Engineering leads for specific product areas, forming a core triad responsible for product development.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial. By designing intuitive and effective user experiences for Zero Trust Security products, the Senior UX Designer directly influences customer adoption, user satisfaction, operational efficiency for clients, and ultimately, Akamai's market competitiveness and revenue. Contributions extend to shaping the product's strategic direction and fostering a strong user-centric culture.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in cybersecurity UX, Zero Trust architectures, or AI-driven design within enterprise SaaS.

• Leadership: Progress into Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or Principal Designer roles, taking on more strategic oversight and team leadership responsibilities.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Potential to transition into Product Management or Design Strategy roles, leveraging deep understanding of user needs and product development.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and guide junior designers, contributing to the growth of the design team.

• Innovation: Contribute to R&D efforts, exploring new design methodologies, AI applications, and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior designation implies a career path that values both deep design expertise and strategic influence. Growth opportunities are likely tied to Akamai's significant presence in the tech industry, offering pathways for both individual contribution and leadership. The focus on AI and security means continuous learning will be key for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Akamai operates with a "FlexBase" program, allowing for a flexible work environment. This means employees can choose to work from home, from an Akamai office, or a combination of both. For this role, it implies a remote-first or highly flexible hybrid approach, depending on team and individual preferences.

Office Location(s): While the role is based in Tel Aviv, Israel, and the candidate is expected to be in or near this region, the remote flexibility means the primary work environment for the individual will be their chosen location. Akamai has physical office spaces in Tel Aviv.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite remote flexibility, expect strong emphasis on virtual collaboration tools and scheduled virtual meetings for brainstorming, design reviews, and team sync-ups.

• Tools and Technology: Access to Akamai's suite of design and collaboration tools, including Figma (with AI plugins), potentially other prototyping and research tools, and communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with design, product, and engineering counterparts, fostering a connected and supportive virtual team dynamic.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. The FlexBase program allows for significant autonomy in structuring the workday, provided that core collaboration hours and project deadlines are met. This flexibility is beneficial for deep work sessions and managing personal commitments alongside professional responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "FlexBase" program is a key differentiator, indicating a modern, trust-based work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with remote collaboration and self-management, while also understanding that physical office presence might be an option or occasionally required for specific team events or strategic meetings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, likely followed by a brief introductory call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Exercise: You will be asked to present your portfolio, walking through 1-2 key case studies that demonstrate your skills, process, and impact, particularly in B2B SaaS and AI integration. A practical design challenge may be given, either take-home or live, focused on a realistic problem within the Zero Trust security domain.

• Team Interviews: Subsequent interviews will likely involve discussions with Product Managers, Engineering leads, and other Senior Designers. These conversations will delve deeper into your approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and your understanding of the Zero Trust security space.

• Hiring Manager/Director Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager or design director to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit with the team and Akamai's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 case studies that best represent your experience in complex B2B SaaS design, your end-to-end process, and your ability to deliver business impact.

• Highlight AI Integration: Clearly showcase how you've used generative AI tools (Claude, LLMs, Figma AI) in your workflow, explaining the benefits and outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., conversion rates, task completion times, user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the tangible results of your design work.

• Articulate Process: Be prepared to explain your design decisions at each stage – why you chose certain research methods, why you designed a particular flow, and how you iterated based on feedback.

• Tell a Story: Frame each case study as a narrative, guiding interviewers through the problem, your journey, and the successful resolution.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Zero Trust: Familiarize yourself with the core concepts of Zero Trust security, its principles, and common user challenges.

• Embrace AI Prompting: If a take-home challenge is given, practice using AI tools effectively for research, ideation, or content generation relevant to the challenge.

• Focus on Problem Framing: Clearly define the problem you are trying to solve before jumping into solutions.

• Show Your Process: Even in a time-limited exercise, demonstrate your thought process, including any assumptions made and how you would validate them.

• Prioritize Effectively: If faced with multiple potential solutions, explain your prioritization criteria and focus on the most impactful ones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also strategic thinking, collaboration, and the ability to integrate new technologies like AI. A strong, well-documented portfolio that highlights AI usage and business impact is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design and prototyping tool, expected to be used extensively, including its AI plugins (Figma AI, Make). Proficiency in advanced features like components, variants, auto-layout, and collaborative workflows is essential.

• Generative AI Tools: Practical experience with tools like Claude, other Large Language Models (LLMs), and specific AI features within design software is a key requirement. This includes using them for ideation, content generation, user research synthesis, and workflow automation.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for surveys, interviews, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Lookback) may be necessary for comprehensive user validation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) or product analytics tools (e.g., Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and measure design impact.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel for analyzing and presenting user data and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding of how design interacts with CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) is beneficial for B2B SaaS context, though direct CRM manipulation might not be a primary design task.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Proficiency in tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, or Microsoft Teams for team communication, task management, and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and generative AI tools like Claude and LLMs is critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and innovative uses of these specific technologies. Familiarity with enterprise-level collaboration and project management tools is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all design decisions, ensuring solutions are intuitive, effective, and valuable.

• Innovation & Curiosity: A drive to explore new technologies, methodologies, and approaches, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of AI and cybersecurity.

• Collaboration & Transparency: A belief in open communication, shared learning, and working together across disciplines to achieve common goals.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data from user research, analytics, and business metrics to inform design choices and measure success.

• Impact & Ownership: A sense of responsibility for the outcomes of design work and a proactive approach to driving positive change and delivering measurable business value.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to be integral team members, working closely with Product Managers and Engineers from ideation through to release and beyond. This involves regular feedback loops and shared problem-solving.

• Iterative Process Culture: An environment that embraces iterative design, where feedback is welcomed, prototypes are tested, and designs are refined based on learning.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, best practices, and learnings, potentially through design critiques, internal presentations, or documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of a large tech company's structured approach with the agile, innovative spirit required for cutting-edge security and AI products. Emphasis on data, collaboration, and user advocacy are key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Zero Trust Security: Navigating the intricate technical details and user needs within the Zero Trust security domain requires continuous learning and a deep understanding of the product's context.

• AI Integration: Effectively and ethically integrating generative AI into the design workflow, ensuring it enhances rather than detracts from the user experience and product integrity.

• Balancing Innovation with Enterprise Needs: Striking a balance between introducing cutting-edge design and AI features with the stability, security, and usability requirements of enterprise B2B SaaS products.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a potentially distributed or hybrid work environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training and resources in cybersecurity, Zero Trust principles, and advanced AI applications in design.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend relevant design, AI, and cybersecurity events to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship from senior design and product leaders within Akamai, fostering career growth and skill development.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working on products at the forefront of cloud security and AI, providing hands-on experience with transformative technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are directly tied to the innovative nature of the role and the complex domain. The growth opportunities are framed to help candidates see how they can build expertise and advance their careers by tackling these challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex B2B SaaS product you designed from concept to launch. What was your process, what challenges did you face, and what was the impact?" (Focus on end-to-end ownership, problem-solving, and quantifiable results.)

• "How have you used generative AI tools (like Claude, LLMs, or Figma AI) in your design workflow? Provide a specific example of how it helped you overcome a challenge or improve efficiency." (Be ready to detail your practical application and the benefits derived.)

• "Imagine you're designing a new feature for our Zero Trust security platform. How would you approach understanding user needs and validating your design solutions?" (Demonstrate your user research methodology, iterative process, and data-driven approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Akamai and our Enterprise Security Group, specifically the Zero Trust space?" (Research Akamai's mission, recent news, and the importance of Zero Trust.)

• "How do you stay updated on UI trends, UX patterns, and emerging technologies like AI?" (Showcase your continuous learning habits and passion for the field.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders who had different opinions on a design direction. How did you approach it?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem statement, your role, the constraints, your design process, key decisions and rationale, and the outcomes/impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, prototypes, user flows, final UI) to illustrate your points effectively.

• Emphasize AI Integration: Dedicate specific slides or talking points to showcase how you leveraged AI tools, explaining the "why" and "how."

• Quantify Impact: Present metrics and data that demonstrate the success of your designs. If quantitative data isn't available, use qualitative feedback and user testimonials.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, decisions, and the challenges you encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, practical application of AI, and a deep understanding of the B2B SaaS and cybersecurity context. The interview process is designed to assess both hard design skills and soft skills crucial for senior roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

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

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in B2B SaaS, complex product design, user research, and any specific mentions of AI tools or cybersecurity. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best showcase your end-to-end design process, impact, and specifically, your experience with AI integration and complex enterprise products. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a professional website or PDF).

• Prepare your portfolio presentation: Practice walking through your selected case studies, focusing on articulating your process, rationale, and the business impact of your work, especially aspects involving AI.

• Research Akamai and Zero Trust: Understand Akamai's mission, product offerings, and the significance of Zero Trust security. Prepare to discuss your interest in this specific domain.

⚠️ 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.