Sr. Product Designer - Map Viewer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Product Designer - Map Viewer

Company: Esri

Location: Redlands, CA, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: August 06, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and validate user experiences for ArcGIS Map Viewer, a critical component for spatial data analysis and insight discovery.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and SDK partners to shape front-end capabilities and enhance mapping experiences.

• Drive user-centered design practices through research, prototyping, and iterative testing to ensure intuitive and impactful product solutions.

• Contribute to the evolution of Esri's design systems and pattern libraries, ensuring consistency and quality across web-based applications.

• Champion design thinking and best practices within a cross-functional team, influencing process improvements and fostering a culture of innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, implying a significant level of autonomy, ownership, and influence over design strategy and execution within the Map Viewer product. The emphasis on shaping front-end capabilities and collaborating with SDK partners suggests a hands-on role with technical depth, beyond typical UI design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end mapping experiences for ArcGIS Map Viewer, employing participatory and iterative design methodologies in close collaboration with developers, product managers, and other cross-functional team members.

• Coordinate with stakeholders to meticulously identify and translate requirements into detailed specifications for new and existing feature development.

• Develop comprehensive design artifacts, including personas, user journeys, information architecture diagrams, wireframes, visual designs, and interactive prototypes.

• Partner with SDK and engineering teams to influence and shape front-end capabilities, including potential SDK-level enhancements that will underpin future Map Viewer functionalities.

• Proactively identify opportunities for product design enhancements by conducting rigorous user research, including usability testing, surveys, and customer interviews, on both prototypes and fully developed projects.

• Work collaboratively with leadership and stakeholders to propose and implement strategic improvements to team processes, aiming for enhanced efficiency and design quality.

• Develop and present holistic, technically sound design solutions that effectively balance business objectives, brand identity, and user requirements, presented through clear wireframes and prototypes.

• Act as a design leader by staying abreast of the latest product design technologies and trends, and by ensuring the value and effectiveness of user-centered design principles are understood by the broader team.

• Conduct thorough peer reviews of designs, actively solicit and incorporate usability feedback, and perform quality assessments of implemented designs, both personal and team contributions.

• Communicate conceptual ideas, design rationale, and the intricacies of the user-centered design process effectively to developers, engineers, product managers, and other cross-functional stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level role requiring not only design execution but also strategic input, process improvement, and leadership in user-centered design principles. The emphasis on collaborating with SDK and engineering partners suggests a need for understanding technical constraints and opportunities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, or a closely related field.

• Master's degree in Human Factors, HCI, Graphic Design, or a related field is recommended. Experience:

• 5+ years of dedicated experience in product design for enterprise Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or robust web-based applications.

• Proven track record of designing and shipping impactful features and products across multiple projects.

• Experience in localization or internationalization is a plus, indicating an understanding of global user needs. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma and extensive experience utilizing Figma UI Kits, adhering strictly to established pattern libraries and required frameworks.

• Deep understanding and practical application of user research methodologies, including usability testing, surveys, and customer interviews.

• Expertise in developing detailed design artifacts such as personas, user journeys, information architecture diagrams, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Strong knowledge and practical experience with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.0, Section 508 Compliance) and a proven ability to collaborate with developers to resolve accessibility challenges.

• Demonstrated self-ownership and initiative, with a proactive approach to exceeding responsibilities and driving impactful outcomes for both the product and the team.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of articulating complex design concepts and rationale clearly.

• Ability to embrace a collaborative, data-driven approach with empathy, fostering effective teamwork and focusing on shared goals. Preferred Skills:

• Experience conducting a wide range of user research and usability testing methods, including moderated sessions, A/B testing, and surveys.

• Demonstrated ability to lead design critiques, effectively communicate design rationale, and mentor junior designers through constructive feedback.

• Strong grasp of geospatial applications or map-based UI design; experience with tools like ArcGIS or similar GIS platforms is a significant advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Figma proficiency and adherence to pattern libraries points towards a need for strong design system thinking and execution. The emphasis on accessibility and geospatial applications highlights specific domain knowledge that will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• An online portfolio that clearly demonstrates design abilities, thought processes, and interaction design expertise.

• Showcase a strong understanding of client objectives evidenced through examples of shipped features and products.

• Include case studies or examples that highlight your approach to user research and problem-solving.

• Demonstrate experience with enterprise SaaS applications and complex web-based interfaces.

• Showcase your ability to work within established design systems and pattern libraries. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples or descriptions of how you have documented design processes, including user flows, wireframes, and final UI designs.

• Illustrate how you have incorporated user feedback and data into iterative design improvements.

• Detail your experience in collaborating with engineering teams to ensure successful implementation of designs, including your role in quality assurance and design reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just aesthetics and demonstrate strategic thinking, user advocacy, and the ability to drive tangible product improvements through design. Emphasis should be placed on case studies that show problem definition, solution development, and measurable outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $112,320 - $176,592 USD per year. This range is based on the provided "reasonable estimate" and reflects competitive compensation for a Senior Product Designer in Redlands, CA, considering the specified experience level and industry benchmarks for Esri's market position.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical insurance.

• Detailed dental insurance coverage.

• Robust vision insurance plans.

• Basic life insurance for employees.

• Supplemental life insurance options for enhanced coverage.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Company-sponsored profit-sharing programs.

• Generous vacation leave accrual, with a minimum of 80 hours per year.

• Twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth and development.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typical for full-time employment. The on-site nature suggests standard business hours, though flexibility may be available depending on team needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is well-aligned with senior-level product design roles in the tech industry, particularly in California. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and long-term security, which is attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Technology. Esri is a global leader in GIS software, providing powerful tools for mapping, spatial analysis, and data visualization. Their technology is used across various sectors including government, utilities, environmental science, urban planning, and business.

Company Size: Esri is a large organization, with a significant global presence and a substantial employee base (likely thousands, given its market leadership). This means opportunities for structured career progression, access to extensive resources, and collaboration with diverse teams.

Founded: Esri was founded in 1969. This long history signifies stability, deep expertise in its field, and a well-established market position. The company has evolved significantly with technology, consistently innovating in the GIS space.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI team likely consists of multiple designers specializing in different product areas, with this role focusing specifically on ArcGIS Map Viewer.

• There will be a direct reporting line to a Design Manager or Director, with close collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering Leads for the Map Viewer product.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, involving close partnerships with developers, SDK engineers, researchers, and potentially marketing and product strategy teams. Methodology:

• Data-driven design: Decisions are informed by user research, usability testing, and product analytics to ensure solutions meet user needs and business objectives.

• Iterative design: A continuous cycle of design, testing, and refinement to optimize user experience and product functionality.

• User-centered approach: Prioritizing the user's needs, goals, and context throughout the design process.

• Collaborative development: Working closely with engineering and product teams to ensure feasibility and effective implementation.

Company Website: https://www.esri.com/careers/5198016007?gh_jid=5198016007

📝 Enhancement Note: Esri's longevity and market leadership in GIS provide a stable yet dynamic environment for a Product Designer. The company's mission-driven approach to using technology for positive global change can be a strong motivator for candidates. The emphasis on diversity and inclusion is also a key cultural indicator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Sr. Product Designer," indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires significant experience and autonomy, with the expectation of leading design efforts for a key product area. This level typically involves mentoring junior designers and contributing to design strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Manager within the UX/UI team, with close day-to-day collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering Leads for the Map Viewer product.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts how millions of users worldwide interact with geospatial data. By improving the usability and effectiveness of Map Viewer, this role has a significant influence on Esri's ability to empower organizations to make data-driven decisions, solve complex problems, and drive positive change through GIS technology. Successful designs directly contribute to customer satisfaction, adoption rates, and Esri's market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in geospatial UI/UX, advanced interaction design, and front-end development collaboration.

• Design Leadership: Progress to a Lead Designer role, managing projects, mentoring teams, and contributing more heavily to design strategy and vision.

• Product Strategy: Influence product roadmaps and feature prioritization through user advocacy and data-driven insights.

• Cross-Product Exposure: Opportunities to contribute to other Esri products or platforms as expertise grows.

• Skill Development: Access to Esri's extensive learning resources, workshops, and potentially industry conferences for continuous skill enhancement in design, technology, and GIS.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Senior Designer at a company like Esri, the growth path is often multifaceted, allowing for deep specialization or broader leadership responsibilities. The impact of this role is considerable, given the widespread use and importance of GIS.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role is based in Esri's Redlands, CA office. This suggests a traditional office environment with dedicated workspaces.

Office Location(s): Redlands, California, USA. This location is Esri's headquarters, often implying a hub of innovation and collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a workspace designed to foster teamwork, with opportunities for informal and formal design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional meetings.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma), collaboration tools, and potentially high-performance workstations suitable for complex design tasks and prototyping.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a dedicated product team (PMs, Engineers, other Designers) and potentially broader UX/UI community within Esri.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, likely with some flexibility, especially given the on-site requirement which often aligns with core business hours for maximum team collaboration. The emphasis on "self-ownership" suggests a focus on results rather than strict time-tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at Esri's headquarters in Redlands indicates a more traditional, collaborative work setting. This environment is often beneficial for mentorship and rapid iteration, especially for complex products like Map Viewer.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A key stage where candidates present their online portfolio, discussing specific projects, design process, and outcomes. This may be followed by a design exercise or case study presentation, focusing on problem-solving and design thinking relevant to Map Viewer.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, leadership potential, and alignment with team dynamics.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills and technical understanding.

• Final Round/Offer: Discussion with senior leadership, followed by an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your most relevant projects that showcase your skills in enterprise SaaS, web applications, and ideally, map-based or data visualization interfaces.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process (research, ideation, iteration, testing), your key contributions, and the measurable impact or outcomes.

• Show Your Thinking: Include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and rationale behind design decisions. Explain why you made certain choices.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, describe how you collaborated with developers, PMs, and other stakeholders, and how you handled feedback.

• Address Specific Requirements: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates proficiency in Figma, understanding of accessibility, and experience with pattern libraries. If you have geospatial experience, make it prominent.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with ArcGIS Map Viewer's capabilities and common use cases for mapping and spatial analysis. Think about potential user pain points or areas for improvement.

• Practice Design Exercises: Be ready to tackle a hypothetical design problem related to mapping or data visualization. Focus on your process: clarifying requirements, identifying users, brainstorming solutions, and sketching out ideas.

• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your thought process for solving the challenge, emphasizing user empathy, data-driven decisions, and iterative refinement.

• Consider Technical Constraints: Since you'll be working with developers and SDK partners, think about the feasibility of your proposed solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical for a designer. Candidates should prepare to deeply articulate their process, decisions, and impact, aligning their work with Esri's focus on user-centered design and technical collaboration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is a mandatory requirement. Proficiency in Figma for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration is essential. Experience with Figma UI Kits and adherence to established pattern libraries is also key.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's capabilities, experience with other prototyping tools may be beneficial for complex interactions.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting surveys, interviews, and usability tests (e.g., SurveyMonkey, UserTesting.com, Lookback).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as a direct design tool, understanding how to interpret data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to inform design decisions is valuable.

• Experience with dashboard tools for visualizing user behavior or product performance metrics could be an advantage. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the design role's primary tools, but an understanding of how design impacts CRM workflows or customer journeys within enterprise SaaS is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and adherence to pattern libraries underscores the importance of design systems and consistent execution. Candidates should be ready to discuss their mastery of these tools and principles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs through thoughtful design.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect across disciplines (design, product, engineering).

• Data-Driven Decisions: Using research, testing, and analytics to inform design choices and measure impact.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and exploring new approaches to design challenges.

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

• Impact: Focusing on creating designs that drive positive change and deliver tangible value to users and organizations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with product managers and engineers, acting as partners rather than isolated contributors.

• Feedback-Oriented: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged, both given and received, to improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, best practices, and learnings to elevate the collective skill set.

• Empathy: A core value that extends to understanding colleagues' perspectives as well as user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Esri emphasizes a collaborative and user-focused culture. A candidate who can demonstrate empathy, strong communication, and a data-informed approach will likely align well with the team's values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Complex Requirements: ArcGIS Map Viewer serves a diverse user base with varying needs, from basic mapping to advanced spatial analysis. Designing for this complexity while maintaining usability is a significant challenge.

• Technical Constraints: Collaborating effectively with SDK and engineering teams means adapting designs to technical realities and advocating for user needs within those constraints.

• Design System Evolution: Contributing to and evolving a comprehensive design system for a large-scale enterprise application requires careful planning and execution.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Keeping pace with evolving UX/UI best practices, design technologies, and user expectations in the rapidly changing tech landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized GIS Training: Opportunities to deepen understanding of geospatial concepts and their application in UI/UX.

• Advanced Design Methodologies: Access to workshops and resources on cutting-edge UX research, interaction design, and prototyping techniques.

• Leadership Development: Potential for training and mentorship in design leadership, project management, and team mentoring.

• Industry Conferences: Support for attending relevant design and technology conferences to gain new insights and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in complex software products. Esri's commitment to growth suggests a supportive environment for addressing these challenges and advancing one's career.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting requirements from product management and engineering. How did you reach a resolution?" (Focus on negotiation, compromise, and data-driven advocacy).

• "Walk us through your process for designing a complex feature within an existing design system. How do you ensure consistency while introducing new elements?" (Highlight Figma, pattern libraries, and iterative refinement).

• "How do you approach user research for a product like Map Viewer, which serves a wide range of users with different technical proficiencies?" (Discuss diverse methodologies, persona development, and translating research into actionable insights). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Esri and its mission in GIS technology?" (Research Esri's impact, values, and connect it to your design philosophy).

• "How do you foster collaboration within a cross-functional team, especially when working on an on-site product like Map Viewer?" (Emphasize communication, empathy, and shared goal orientation).

• "Describe a time you championed a user-centered design approach that faced resistance. How did you gain buy-in?" (Showcase your persuasive skills and ability to articulate the value of UX). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), your key contributions, and the outcome/impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your Figma skills, perhaps by showing how you've used components, auto layout, or collaboration features.

• Emphasize Data & Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. If you improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, or increased user satisfaction, present that data.

• Address Accessibility: Be prepared to discuss your approach to accessibility and how you've implemented WCAG standards.

• Geospatial Context: If you have GIS experience, explicitly connect it to your design thinking and how it informs your approach to map-based interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills, but also strategic thinking, strong communication, and a deep understanding of user-centered principles within a complex enterprise software context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Esri careers portal link provided.

• Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with enterprise SaaS, web applications, Figma, user research, and accessibility. Quantify achievements and responsibilities relevant to product design.

• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and showcases 3-4 strong case studies that demonstrate your process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Pay close attention to the requirements for Figma and accessibility.

• Research Esri: Understand Esri's mission, products (especially ArcGIS Map Viewer), and company values. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and technology.

• Practice your portfolio presentation: Rehearse walking through your case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your thought process and impact. Be ready to answer questions about your design decisions and collaboration experience.

⚠️ 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.