Sr Designer - UX - New York

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr Designer - UX

Company: Photon

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-13

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and development of intuitive user interfaces, ensuring a superior client interaction experience.

• Translate complex business requirements and user challenges into elegant, user-friendly design solutions.

• Champion user-centered design principles, integrating data insights and user research to validate design decisions.

• Drive the adoption and adherence to established design standards and frameworks across engineering workflows.

• Explore and implement AI technology to enhance UX processes and develop strategic AI-driven design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is clearly focused on Senior UX Design, implying a need for strategic thinking, leadership in design initiatives, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced designers. The emphasis on AI integration suggests a forward-thinking company looking to leverage emerging technologies in its design process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop sophisticated wireframes, prototypes, and mock-ups using advanced design tools, primarily Figma, to champion user-centered design principles.

• Leverage data insights from user research and usability testing to inform design choices and validate assumptions.

• Confidently present and articulate complex design concepts, including necessary trade-offs and prioritized requirements, to diverse stakeholders across all organizational levels.

• Translate intricate business and user challenges into clear, elegant, and user-friendly design solutions that enhance client interactions.

• Facilitate design thinking workshops and prepare comprehensive documentation to effectively translate complex business requirements into actionable design strategies.

• Actively participate in user research, conduct usability testing, and gather crucial feedback to continuously refine and optimize designs to meet evolving user needs.

• Explore and utilize AI technology tools to enhance efficiency within the UX process and develop strategic AI-driven design solutions within user workflow product designs.

• Stay abreast of the latest trends and best practices in UX design and the financial services industry, proactively introducing innovative solutions that contribute to business growth and client satisfaction.

• Collaborate closely with end-users to deeply understand their requirements, ensuring the delivery of intuitive and frictionless user experiences.

• Champion the user in every aspect of the role, consistently considering their experience and the potential impact of any changes on their workflows and performance.

• Dissect and analyze user feedback to transform it into clear, actionable insights that drive design improvements.

• Create user-focused tickets with clarity and intent, facilitating smooth development cycles and seamless handoffs to engineering teams.

• Architect and design solutions with a comprehensive, end-to-end workflow mindset for users.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design craft, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and a forward-looking approach to AI integration, indicating a critical role in shaping product direction. The mention of the financial services industry suggests a need for domain understanding or adaptability.

🎓 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 User Experience (UX) Design, with a proven track record of delivering impactful design solutions.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in UX design principles and methodologies, with a strong emphasis on user-centered design.

• Expert-level skills in design and prototyping tools, particularly Figma, for creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mock-ups.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex business requirements and user needs into intuitive and effective design solutions.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to demystify intricate challenges and propose elegant solutions.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts and rationale to diverse stakeholders, including non-designers.

• Experience in conducting user research, usability testing, and synthesizing feedback into actionable design improvements.

• Familiarity with AI technology and its application in enhancing UX processes and product design.

• Ability to champion user advocacy throughout the design and development lifecycle. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the financial services industry.

• Facilitation of design thinking workshops and collaborative innovation sessions.

• Experience in creating design architecture for end-to-end user workflows.

• Familiarity with integrating design standards and frameworks into engineering workflows.

• Understanding of data-driven design approaches and leveraging analytics for design validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "over six years of dedicated experience" and the emphasis on leadership in "design standards and frameworks" suggest this role is for a seasoned professional who can influence design direction and mentor others, rather than an entry-level or junior position. The explicit mention of Figma as a primary tool is a key technical requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex UX design projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of user-centered design principles.

• Projects should clearly illustrate the entire design process, from initial research and ideation through to final design and implementation considerations.

• Include examples of wireframes, interactive prototypes, user flow diagrams, and high-fidelity mock-ups, with a strong emphasis on Figma deliverables.

• Provide evidence of how data insights, user research, and usability testing informed design decisions and led to measurable improvements.

• Demonstrate the ability to translate complex business requirements into elegant and intuitive design solutions. Process Documentation:

• Highlight case studies that detail your approach to problem demystification and translating intricate challenges into design solutions.

• Present examples of how you have articulated design decisions, trade-offs, and prioritized requirements to non-design stakeholders.

• Include documentation or case studies showcasing experience with AI integration in UX processes or product design.

• Showcase examples of facilitating design thinking workshops or collaborative innovation sessions.

• Demonstrate experience in creating user-focused tickets and ensuring seamless handoffs to engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just display final designs but also the strategic thinking, problem-solving methodology, and collaboration process involved. Highlighting AI integration and stakeholder communication within the portfolio will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD 39,000 - 139,000 per year. Compensation is based on actual experience and qualifications of the candidate.

Benefits:

• Medical insurance

• Vision insurance

• Dental insurance

• 401k retirement plan

• Variable pay/incentives

• Paid time off

• Paid holidays Note: Benefits are available for full-time employees.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with standard full-time employment expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is quite broad, indicating significant variation based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the depth of their portfolio. The lower end might be for candidates with less than the stated 6 years but possessing strong potential, while the upper end is for highly experienced individuals with a strong track record and specialized skills like AI integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Technology (implied by "Photon" and focus on UX/AI). Photon likely operates at the intersection of technology and finance, providing solutions or services that require sophisticated user interfaces.

Company Size: The company size is not explicitly stated but is likely a mid-sized to large organization given the "Sr Designer" title and the structured benefits package. This suggests established processes but potentially opportunities for impact.

Founded: Not specified.

Team Structure:

• The UX team likely includes a mix of UX Designers, UI Designers, UX Researchers, and potentially UX Writers, reporting to a Design Lead or Head of Product Design.

• This Senior UX Designer will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineering teams (front-end developers, back-end developers), and potentially Marketing and Business Analysts.

• The role implies a leadership capacity within the design team, possibly mentoring junior designers and contributing to the overall design strategy and framework. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on leveraging data to inform design decisions, validate assumptions, and measure impact.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focus on creating intuitive user workflows and improving efficiency through design.

• Automation & Efficiency: Exploring and implementing AI technology to enhance UX processes and product design.

• User-Centricity: A core tenet, ensuring all design decisions prioritize the user experience and needs.

Company Website: https://fa-ertb-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/ (Note: This URL appears to be a generic Oracle HCM portal link, not a direct company website. A true company website for "Photon" would be needed for more accurate context.)

📝 Enhancement Note: Without a direct company website for "Photon," specific cultural nuances are hard to ascertain. However, the job description emphasizes a structured, data-driven, and user-centric approach, with an inclination towards innovation (AI integration). The financial services context suggests a need for rigor and attention to detail.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior to Senior level. It requires significant autonomy, strategic input into design direction, and the ability to lead design initiatives. The expectation is for the individual to be a skilled practitioner who can also influence process and standards.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Design Manager, Lead UX Designer, or Head of Product/Design. The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, particularly Product Management and Engineering.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer's impact is critical in shaping the user experience of Photon's products, directly influencing client satisfaction, adoption rates, efficiency of use, and ultimately, business growth and client retention within the financial services sector. Their work will define how users interact with complex financial tools.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or Head of Design role, overseeing larger teams and strategic design initiatives.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in AI-driven design, financial technology UX, or user research methodologies.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Developing skills in product strategy and influencing broader business decisions through design expertise.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, contributing to the growth of the design team and fostering a strong design culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within design leadership, with opportunities to specialize in high-demand areas like AI and FinTech UX. The emphasis on influencing design standards suggests a role with significant strategic scope.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in New York City. This suggests a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration, team meetings, and spontaneous brainstorming are expected.

Office Location(s): 115 W 30th ST STE 910, New York, NY 10001-4000. This is a central Manhattan location, likely in a professional office building, offering access to public transportation and the vibrant business environment of NYC.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office setting designed to foster interaction and teamwork among designers, product managers, and engineers.

• Access to modern design tools and technology, including Figma, and potentially other collaboration software.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, facilitating knowledge sharing and immediate feedback loops crucial for design iteration.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule, likely aligning with the 40-hour work week mentioned. There may be flexibility within the workday, but the on-site requirement implies consistent presence during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a prime NYC location suggests a company that values in-person collaboration and a structured work environment. This is typical for established organizations where team cohesion and direct mentorship are prioritized.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their work, explaining their design process, problem-solving approach, and impact. Expect to walk through 2-3 detailed case studies.

• Design Challenge/Exercise: May involve a take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual whiteboarding session to solve a specific design problem. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving methodology and ability to think critically.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Design, VP of Product) to discuss overall fit, leadership potential, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you devised, the trade-offs made, and the measurable outcomes.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your skills in Figma, highlighting specific features or techniques you used to achieve your design goals.

• Highlight AI Integration: If you have experience with AI in UX, ensure these projects are prominent and clearly explain the impact and methodology.

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

• Address Stakeholder Communication: Be prepared to discuss how you managed feedback, navigated disagreements, and aligned stakeholders on design decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business Context: If given a challenge, try to quickly grasp the underlying business goals and user needs.

• Think Aloud: Clearly articulate your thought process, assumptions, and design rationale during any live exercises.

• Prioritize & Justify: Demonstrate an ability to prioritize design elements and justify your choices based on user needs and business objectives.

• Focus on Process: Even if you don't complete a full design, show a strong understanding of the steps you would take.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio demonstration and practical problem-solving. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design thinking, demonstrate tool proficiency, and showcase their ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with non-designers.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a primary tool. Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaborative design workflows.

• UX Research & Testing Tools: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for conducting remote usability studies and gathering user feedback.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial.

• Design System Tools: Experience with or ability to contribute to design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar to understand user behavior and track design impact.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret data presented in dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) or create simple visualizations.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello for managing design tasks, tickets, and workflows.

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams for daily communication and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable. Experience with user research platforms and data analytics tools will be critical for demonstrating a data-driven approach. Familiarity with project management software is also expected for seamless collaboration with engineering.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental value, ensuring that user needs and experiences are at the forefront of all design decisions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from research and analytics to guide design strategy and measure success.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where designers, product managers, and engineers work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the exploration of new technologies (like AI) and methodologies to enhance design processes and product offerings.

• Design Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, polished, and effective design solutions that uphold brand standards and user expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active participation in cross-functional teams, working closely with Product Management and Engineering to ensure designs are feasible, aligned with business goals, and meet user needs.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent communication throughout the design and development process.

• Iterative Design: Embracing an iterative approach where designs are continuously refined based on feedback, testing, and evolving requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company likely values a collaborative and user-focused environment. Expect a culture where designers are encouraged to be proactive, data-informed, and communicative partners with other departments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Objectives: Effectively navigating and prioritizing competing demands from user experience, technical feasibility, and business goals.

• Integrating AI Seamlessly: Exploring and implementing AI features in a way that genuinely enhances the user experience without adding unnecessary complexity.

• Communicating Complex Designs: Articulating intricate design rationale and trade-offs clearly to non-technical stakeholders to gain buy-in and alignment.

• Adhering to Design Standards: Ensuring consistent application of design guidelines and frameworks across diverse product features and updates while allowing for innovation.

• Staying Ahead of Industry Trends: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in UX design, AI, and the financial services sector to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities for advanced training in AI in design, financial technology UX, or specific UX research methodologies.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend leading UX and design conferences to stay abreast of trends and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior design leaders or opportunities to mentor junior designers.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into product management, business strategy, and engineering processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities for professional growth, particularly in the cutting-edge areas of AI in design and FinTech UX. The challenges are indicative of a dynamic and evolving product landscape where strategic thinking and adaptability are key.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex business problem into a simple, user-friendly design solution. What was your process?" (Focus on problem demystification, design thinking, and user-centricity).

• "How do you approach integrating AI into a user workflow? Can you provide an example from your portfolio or a hypothetical scenario?" (Highlight your understanding of AI's role in UX and your ability to innovate).

• "Walk me through a project where you had to present design decisions, including trade-offs, to non-design stakeholders. How did you ensure alignment?" (Emphasize communication skills, stakeholder management, and negotiation). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Photon and our work in the financial services industry?" (Research the company's mission, products, and any recent news. Understand the challenges of FinTech UX).

• "How do you advocate for the user in a fast-paced development environment?" (Discuss your methods for user research, testing, and how you champion user needs).

• "Describe your experience working with engineering teams. How do you ensure seamless handoffs and collaboration?" (Highlight your understanding of development constraints and your communication strategies). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end UX process, problem-solving skills, and impact, including any AI integration.

• Tell a Story: For each project, structure your narrative around the problem, your role, your process, the solutions, the challenges encountered, and the outcomes.

• Showcase Figma Skills: Be prepared to discuss specific design decisions made in Figma and how you leveraged its features.

• Quantify Results: Use metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your designs. If direct metrics aren't available, discuss how you would measure success.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their design craft but also their strategic thinking, communication prowess, and ability to integrate emerging technologies like AI. A strong, well-articulated portfolio is the most critical element for this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6+ years of UX design experience, proficiency in Figma, experience with AI integration, and success in communicating with non-design stakeholders. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end UX process, problem-solving abilities, and impact. Ensure these projects clearly showcase your Figma skills and any experience with AI in design. Prepare a compelling narrative for each.

• Prepare for Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on storytelling, clarity of process, and articulating the impact of your design decisions. Be ready to discuss trade-offs and user advocacy.

• Research Photon: Understand Photon's business, its role in the financial services industry, and its potential user base. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.