Sr Designer - UX - Irving,TX
๐ Job Overview
Job Title: Sr Designer - UX
Company: Photon
Location: Irving, Texas, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design
Date Posted: 2026-08-22
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site
๐ Role Summary
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Lead the design and development of intuitive user interfaces, ensuring a sophisticated user-centered approach.
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Translate complex business requirements and user challenges into elegant, user-friendly design solutions.
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Champion user advocacy and data-driven decision-making throughout the entire design lifecycle.
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Collaborate closely with engineering and non-design stakeholders to ensure seamless integration and alignment on user needs.
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Drive innovation by exploring and integrating AI technology within UX processes and product designs.
๐ Enhancement Note: This role is clearly defined as a Senior UX Designer position, emphasizing leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles. The inclusion of AI integration and financial services industry context suggests a forward-thinking company looking to leverage emerging technologies within a regulated sector.
๐ Primary Responsibilities
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Utilize advanced design tools, primarily Figma, to create wireframes, prototypes, and mock-ups that adhere to user-centered design principles.
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Leverage user research, usability testing, and data insights to inform design decisions and validate design assumptions.
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Effectively communicate complex design concepts, necessary trade-offs, and prioritized requirements to diverse stakeholders across all organizational levels.
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Facilitate design thinking workshops and create comprehensive documentation to translate intricate business requirements into actionable design strategies.
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Actively participate in user research initiatives, gathering crucial feedback to continuously refine and optimize designs.
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Explore and integrate AI technology to enhance UX process efficiency and develop strategic AI-driven design solutions.
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Stay current with the latest trends and best practices in UX design and the financial services industry, proactively proposing innovative solutions.
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Collaborate closely with end-users to deeply understand their requirements and ensure the delivery of intuitive and frictionless user experiences.
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Champion the user's perspective in all design activities, assessing the impact of changes on user workflows and performance.
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Analyze user feedback to derive clear, actionable insights that drive design improvements and product enhancements.
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Create user-focused tickets with clarity and intent to facilitate smooth development cycles for engineering teams.
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Ensure seamless design handoffs to engineering teams, communicating designs and ideas clearly and efficiently.
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Architect and design solutions with a holistic, end-to-end workflow mindset for users.
๐ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core UX design craft, strategic thinking, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on AI integration and financial services industry trends suggests a need for candidates who can adapt to evolving technological landscapes within a specific domain.
๐ Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: Minimum of six years of dedicated experience in UX design, with a proven track record of delivering successful user-centered design solutions.
Required Skills:
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Advanced proficiency in UX design principles and methodologies.
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Expertise in using design and prototyping tools, with a strong emphasis on Figma.
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Proven ability to translate complex business requirements into elegant, user-friendly design solutions.
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Demonstrated experience in conducting user research, usability testing, and analyzing user feedback.
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Strong stakeholder communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and trade-offs to non-design audiences.
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Experience in facilitating design thinking workshops and creating comprehensive design documentation.
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Critical thinking and exceptional problem-solving abilities.
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Collaborative mindset and strong teamwork skills. Preferred Skills:
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Experience within the financial services industry.
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Familiarity with AI technology tools and their application in UX design.
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Experience with data analysis to inform design decisions.
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Understanding of engineering workflows and design handoff processes.
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Knowledge of design systems and architectural design principles.
๐ Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "over six years" combined with a Bachelor's degree aligns with a Senior-level UX position. The explicit mention of Figma as a primary tool is a critical technical skill. The preference for financial services experience and AI integration skills indicates a desire for specialized knowledge.
๐ Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Showcase a strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end UX design process, from initial research and ideation to final implementation and iteration.
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Include case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process, key decisions, and measurable outcomes or impact.
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Highlight projects where user research and data-driven insights were instrumental in shaping design decisions.
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Demonstrate proficiency in wireframing, prototyping, and creating high-fidelity mock-ups using tools like Figma.
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Present examples of translating complex business requirements into intuitive user interfaces. Process Documentation:
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Provide examples of how you have documented design processes, including user flows, journey maps, and design specifications for engineering handoff.
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Showcase instances where you have facilitated design thinking workshops or other collaborative design sessions.
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Include documentation related to user research findings, usability test reports, and how feedback was integrated into design iterations.
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Demonstrate understanding of creating user-focused tickets or specifications for development teams.
๐ Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is crucial for a Senior UX Designer. The emphasis should be on showcasing the process and impact, not just the final visual output. The inclusion of AI integration examples within the portfolio would be highly advantageous.
๐ต Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: USD $35,000 - $123,000 per year. Compensation is based on actual experience and qualifications.
Benefits:
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Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
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401k retirement plan.
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Variable pay and incentives.
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Paid time off.
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Paid holidays.
Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project needs and deadlines.
๐ Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is quite broad, indicating significant variance based on candidate experience and specific qualifications. The stated range is a good faith estimate for a full-time role in Irving, Texas. Researching comparable Senior UX Designer salaries in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for the financial services or tech sectors can provide further context. The benefits package is standard for full-time employees, offering a comprehensive suite of health and retirement options.
๐ฏ Team & Company Context
๐ข Company Culture
Industry: Technology / Financial Services. Photon operates within the intersection of technology and financial services, suggesting a need for design solutions that are both innovative and compliant with industry regulations.
Company Size: The job posting does not specify company size, but the existence of a core UX team and structured hiring process implies a mid-to-large sized organization.
Founded: Information not provided.
Team Structure:
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The role implies membership in a dedicated UX team, likely composed of UX designers, researchers, and potentially UI developers.
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This Senior role will likely collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and other business stakeholders across various departments.
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A reporting structure to a Lead UX Designer, UX Manager, or Head of Product Design is probable. Methodology:
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Data-driven design decisions, user-centered design principles, and iterative development are core to the implied methodology.
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Emphasis on clear communication and collaboration for efficient workflow handoffs to engineering.
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Exploration and integration of emerging technologies like AI are encouraged.
Company Website: https://www.photon.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)
๐ Enhancement Note: Given the "Sr Designer - UX" title and the emphasis on leadership and stakeholder communication, the culture likely values strategic thinking, collaboration, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The financial services context suggests a culture that also prioritizes reliability, security, and compliance.
๐ Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level UX Designer position, indicating a role with significant responsibility, autonomy, and the expectation of mentoring junior team members. It requires a deep understanding of the entire design process and the ability to influence product strategy.
Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a UX Manager or Lead Designer, with direct collaboration across product, engineering, and business units.
Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on user experience, client satisfaction, product adoption, and potentially revenue generation through improved usability and efficiency within the financial services applications.
Growth Opportunities:
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Potential to advance into Lead UX Designer, UX Manager, or specialized design roles (e.g., Design Systems Lead, AI/ML Design Specialist).
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Opportunities for professional development through industry conferences, workshops, and continuous learning in emerging design trends and AI.
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Ability to shape design frameworks, standards, and processes within the organization.
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Mentorship opportunities for junior designers.
๐ Enhancement Note: The "Sr" designation clearly places this role in a mid-to-senior career bracket, offering opportunities for leadership and specialization. The financial services sector, combined with AI integration, presents a unique growth path for designers looking to expand their expertise in specialized, high-demand areas.
๐ Work Environment
Office Type: On-site position in Irving, Texas. This suggests a traditional office environment conducive to in-person collaboration and team synergy.
Office Location(s): Irving, Texas, USA. This location is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering access to a vibrant tech and business community.
Workspace Context:
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Expect a collaborative workspace where team members can easily interact for brainstorming, design critiques, and problem-solving sessions.
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Access to industry-standard design tools and technology, including Figma, will be readily available.
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The environment is likely structured, with clear workflows and processes, especially given the financial services context.
Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands. The on-site nature implies adherence to typical office hours.
๐ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Irving, TX, indicates a preference for direct collaboration and team integration. This is common for roles requiring close work with engineering and product teams, especially in environments where rapid iteration and detailed communication are key.
๐ Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
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Portfolio Review/Technical Interview: A deep dive into your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate design decisions. Expect to present case studies and discuss your approach to specific design challenges.
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Design Challenge/Whiteboarding Session: You may be asked to solve a hypothetical design problem, sketch out solutions, or discuss your approach to a specific user flow or feature.
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Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills and strategic thinking.
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Final Interview: Often with a senior leader to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate your strongest 3-5 projects that best represent your skills and experience, especially those showcasing end-to-end design process.
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For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process followed, key decisions made, and the impact of your work (quantifiable metrics are a plus).
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Be prepared to discuss your rationale behind design choices, trade-offs, and how you incorporated user feedback and data.
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Highlight any experience with AI integration or financial services projects.
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Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Challenge Preparation:
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Practice problem-solving scenarios relevant to UX design, focusing on user needs and business goals.
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Be ready to sketch ideas quickly and explain your thought process clearly.
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Familiarize yourself with common financial services use cases if possible.
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Prepare to discuss how you would approach a design problem from scratch, including research, ideation, and validation.
๐ Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior UX Designer typically involves a rigorous evaluation of both design craft and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates process and impact is paramount. The emphasis on AI and financial services suggests potential case studies or questions related to these areas.
๐ Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as a primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, and mock-up creation. Expect advanced usage scenarios.
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Design & Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in other industry-standard tools may be beneficial, though Figma is highlighted.
Analytics & Reporting:
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Experience with user analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to inform design decisions and measure impact.
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Familiarity with data visualization tools for presenting insights. CRM & Automation:
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While not directly a UX tool, understanding how designs integrate with CRM systems and user workflows is beneficial.
๐ Enhancement Note: Figma proficiency is non-negotiable for this role. Experience with user analytics tools is highly recommended as the role emphasizes data-driven decision-making. Familiarity with the broader technology stack within a financial services company is a plus.
๐ฅ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all design decisions.
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Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.
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Innovation: Embracing new technologies like AI and seeking creative solutions to complex problems.
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Data-Driven: Using insights from research and analytics to inform and validate design choices.
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Excellence: Striving for high-quality design output and continuous improvement.
Collaboration Style:
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Open communication and transparent feedback loops are likely encouraged.
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Proactive engagement with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and efficient workflow.
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A culture that values constructive critique and collective problem-solving.
๐ Enhancement Note: The culture likely fosters a balance between creative exploration and rigorous execution, especially within the financial services domain. Expect a professional environment that values collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to user experience.
โก Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Translating complex financial services domain requirements into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.
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Integrating AI technologies seamlessly into existing user workflows without disrupting established processes.
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Balancing user needs with business objectives and technical constraints.
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Effectively communicating design rationale and advocating for user needs to a diverse stakeholder group, some of whom may not be design-savvy.
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Staying ahead of rapidly evolving UX trends and AI advancements within the financial services sector. Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Deepen expertise in AI-driven design and its application in financial services.
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Develop leadership and mentorship skills by guiding junior designers.
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Gain exposure to strategic product roadmapping and decision-making processes.
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Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and pursue relevant certifications.
๐ Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around complexity, innovation, and stakeholder management, all within a specific industry. The growth opportunities are geared towards specialization and leadership within a forward-thinking design team.
๐ก Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a complex design problem you faced in a previous role, how you approached it, and what the outcome was." (Focus on process, user advocacy, and results.)
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"How do you balance user needs with business goals and technical limitations?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and trade-off analysis.)
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"How would you approach designing an AI-powered feature for our financial services platform?" (Showcase understanding of AI integration and industry context.)
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"Walk me through a project in your portfolio that you are most proud of. What was your specific role, and what was the impact?" (Be ready to present case studies in detail.) Company & Culture Questions:
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"What do you know about Photon and our work in the financial services technology space?" (Research the company thoroughly.)
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"How do you approach collaboration with engineers and product managers?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)
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"Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your design. How did you handle it?" (Show resilience and a growth mindset.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure your presentation around 2-3 key projects. For each, clearly define the problem, your role, your process, key decisions, and the impact.
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Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices and rationale.
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Practice presenting your work concisely and engagingly.
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Tailor your examples to highlight skills relevant to this role, such as Figma proficiency, user research, and AI integration.
๐ Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific examples that align with the job description's emphasis on complex problem-solving, stakeholder communication, user advocacy, and AI integration within a financial services context. Your portfolio is your primary tool for demonstrating these capabilities.
๐ Application Steps
To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:
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Submit your application through the Oracle Cloud portal link provided.
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Customize your resume: Highlight your 6+ years of UX design experience, specific achievements in Figma, user research, and stakeholder communication. Quantify your impact wherever possible.
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Prepare your portfolio: Ensure it showcases end-to-end design processes, problem-solving, and ideally, examples of AI integration or financial services projects. Be ready to present it effectively.
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Research Photon: Understand their mission, values, and any publicly available information about their products or services in the financial technology sector.
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Practice your interview answers: Prepare for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your portfolio and design approach in detail, focusing on the requirements outlined in this description.
โ ๏ธ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have over six years of dedicated UX design experience and a strong proficiency in design tools like Figma. Excellent communication skills are required to articulate design decisions and trade-offs to non-design stakeholders effectively.