Sr. Product Designer - Map Viewer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Product Designer - Map Viewer

Company: Esri

Location: Portland, OR

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-08-06

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and validate user experiences for ArcGIS Map Viewer, a critical web-based tool for spatial analysis and data visualization.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, developers, and SDK engineers to define and enhance front-end capabilities.

• Conduct user research and usability testing to identify and implement product improvements.

• Develop comprehensive design documentation including personas, user journeys, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Champion user-centered design principles and contribute to team process improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr. Product Designer," the responsibilities strongly lean into UX/UI design with a focus on product development lifecycle integration. The role requires a blend of strategic design thinking and hands-on execution within a complex enterprise SaaS environment. The emphasis on shaping "front-end capabilities" and collaborating with "SDK and engineering partners" suggests a deep involvement in the technical implementation aspects of design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end mapping experiences for ArcGIS Map Viewer, employing participatory and iterative design methodologies.

• Collaborate with product managers, developers, and other cross-functional team members to translate user needs and business requirements into intuitive interfaces.

• Develop detailed 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 and potential SDK enhancements that support future Map Viewer functionalities.

• Conduct user research, including usability testing, surveys, and customer interviews, to gather feedback and validate design decisions for both prototypes and developed features.

• Propose and implement improvements to team design processes, collaborating with leadership and stakeholders.

• Present holistic design solutions that address business, brand, and user requirements, leveraging wireframes and prototypes as key communication tools.

• Act as a design leader by staying abreast of product design technologies and trends, advocating for user-centered design principles within the team and broader organization.

• Perform peer reviews of designs, gather usability feedback, and conduct quality assessments of implemented designs, ensuring adherence to design standards.

• Effectively communicate conceptual ideas, design rationale, and the user-centered design process to developers, engineers, product managers, and other cross-functional stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level contribution, not just execution. The expectation to "shape front-end capabilities" and "collaborate with SDK and engineering partners" indicates a need for a designer who can influence technical direction and understand the implications of design on development. The emphasis on "team process improvements" and "design leadership" points to a role that involves mentoring and strategic input beyond individual design tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Master's degree in Human Factors, HCI, Graphic Design, or a related field (Recommended Qualification). Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in product design for enterprise SaaS or web-based applications.

• Demonstrated experience in user research and usability testing across various methodologies (e.g., moderated sessions, A/B testing, surveys) is recommended.

• Proven track record of collaborating with developers to address and resolve accessibility-related challenges. Required Skills:

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

• Strong understanding and practical application of accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.0 and Section 508 Compliance.

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership and initiative, exceeding responsibilities to drive impactful outcomes for products and teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly.

• Experience in developing personas, user journeys, information architecture diagrams, wireframes, visual designs, and prototypes.

• Ability to conduct user research and translate findings into actionable design improvements. Preferred Skills:

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

• Experience with localization or internationalization considerations in design.

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

• Experience conducting user research and usability testing across various methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Figma proficiency and adherence to pattern libraries emphasizes the need for a designer who can work within established design systems and contribute to their evolution, crucial for enterprise SaaS. The strong emphasis on accessibility (WCAG 2.0, Section 508) indicates a commitment to inclusive design, a key differentiator for senior roles. The recommendation for GIS experience is highly specific and crucial for candidates to highlight if they possess it.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• An online portfolio is mandatory, demonstrating a range of design abilities including conceptual thinking, interaction design, and a strong understanding of client objectives.

• Showcase multiple shipped features and products, providing context for your design contributions and decision-making process.

• Include examples that highlight your ability to work with established design systems, pattern libraries, and frameworks, particularly within Figma.

• Demonstrate how you have addressed user needs and business requirements through your design solutions, with a focus on impact and outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Provide case studies or project examples that detail your involvement in the full design lifecycle, from discovery and research through to implementation and iteration.

• Showcase your approach to user research, including methodologies used, participant recruitment, and how insights were translated into design recommendations.

• Illustrate your wireframing, prototyping, and visual design processes, explaining the rationale behind key design decisions.

• Include examples of how you have collaborated with developers and product managers, detailing your contribution to cross-functional team workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Sr. Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It must go beyond just visual aesthetics to demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles applied to complex enterprise software. The emphasis on "shipped features and products" and "impactful outcomes" means candidates should quantify their contributions where possible.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range for this role is $112,320 to $176,592 USD per year. This range is an estimate based on the company's disclosed compensation information and is influenced by factors such as skill set, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and business needs. Benefits:

• Health & Welfare: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Life Insurance: Basic and supplemental life insurance for employees and their families.

• Retirement: 401(k) plan combined with profit-sharing programs.

• Paid Time Off: Minimum accrual of 80 hours of vacation leave per year.

• Holidays: Twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. This role is on-site, implying a traditional office work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Product Designer in a major metropolitan area like Portland, OR, reflecting the company's commitment to attracting top talent for specialized roles. The inclusion of profit-sharing in the 401(k) plan is a notable benefit that signifies employee value. The "On-site" designation for this role is critical for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and services. Esri is a global leader in GIS, providing innovative solutions that help organizations map and analyze their data to make better decisions.

Company Size: Esri is a large organization, likely with hundreds to thousands of employees globally, indicated by its established presence and extensive product portfolio.

Founded: Esri was founded in 1969, giving it a long history and deep expertise in the GIS industry. This longevity suggests stability, a strong market position, and a culture that has evolved over decades.

Team Structure:

• The role is within a UX/UI team, which likely consists of fellow designers, UX researchers, and potentially design operations specialists.

• This team collaborates closely with product management and engineering (developers, SDK partners) on the ArcGIS Map Viewer product.

• The structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, with designers acting as integral members of product development squads.

• Reporting lines likely lead up to a Design Manager or Director, with senior designers expected to provide guidance and mentorship. Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: A core philosophy, with emphasis on user research, usability testing, and iterative design to ensure products meet user needs.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Designs are validated through user research and analytics, with a focus on measurable outcomes.

• Agile Development: Collaboration with development teams suggests an agile or iterative development process where design is integrated throughout.

• Process Improvement: A stated value, indicating a culture that encourages continuous refinement of workflows and practices.

Company Website: https://www.esri.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: Esri's long history in GIS is a key differentiator, meaning the company culture likely values deep domain expertise, innovation, and a commitment to solving complex spatial problems. The emphasis on "creating positive global change" through GIS suggests a mission-driven organization. The "design leader" aspect of the role implies a culture that values design's strategic input.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires a significant level of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to influence design direction and processes. The role is not entry-level and demands a proven track record of successfully delivering complex design solutions.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead Designer within the UX/UI team. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads for the ArcGIS Map Viewer product, forming a core part of the product development triad.

Operations Impact: The designs created for ArcGIS Map Viewer directly impact how millions of users worldwide interact with and derive insights from location-based data. This role has a significant influence on user adoption, satisfaction, and the overall success of a flagship Esri product, contributing to the company's mission of solving global challenges through GIS.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership & Mentorship: Opportunity to lead design critiques, mentor junior designers, and influence design strategy.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in geospatial design, accessibility, or front-end capability shaping.

• Product Ownership: Gain significant experience with a high-impact, widely used enterprise SaaS product.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to and lead initiatives to refine team workflows and design methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Develop strong partnerships with product management and engineering, potentially leading to broader influence within product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr." title and responsibilities suggest a clear path for growth into Lead Designer, Design Manager, or specialized UX roles within Esri. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a highly specialized and impactful product category (GIS), which can be a significant career differentiator.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role in Portland, OR, suggesting a traditional office environment designed for in-person collaboration and team synergy.

Office Location(s): Portland, Oregon. While specific office details aren't provided, Esri typically has well-equipped office spaces that foster collaboration and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site nature is intended to foster close collaboration with design peers, product managers, and engineers, facilitating rapid iteration and feedback loops.

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to standard design software (Figma), development tools, and potentially internal Esri platforms and resources necessary for creating sophisticated GIS interfaces.

• Team Interaction: Daily face-to-face interaction with team members will be a key aspect, enabling spontaneous discussions, whiteboarding sessions, and co-creation activities.

Work Schedule: While standard work hours are 40 hours per week, the on-site nature often implies flexibility within typical business hours to accommodate collaborative sessions and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit "On-site" requirement is a critical factor. Candidates should consider how this aligns with their preferred working style and local commute. The emphasis on collaboration suggests an environment where designers are embedded within product teams and actively participate in daily stand-ups and planning sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their online portfolio, detailing specific projects, design process, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your role, decisions, and outcomes.

• Design Challenge/Exercise: May involve a take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual design exercise simulating a real-world problem relevant to Map Viewer. This assesses problem-solving, ideation, and execution skills.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with potential peers (designers, product managers, engineers) to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and technical acumen.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager to assess leadership potential, strategic thinking, and overall fit with the team and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio around compelling narratives for each project. Clearly articulate the problem, your process, your role, the challenges, and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Process Emphasis: Detail your design process, from research and ideation to iteration and final implementation. Highlight how you used Figma and adhered to design systems.

• Accessibility & Research: Showcase examples of your user research, usability testing, and how you incorporated accessibility best practices (WCAG, Section 508).

• Technical Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you collaborated with developers and influenced front-end capabilities or SDKs.

• Conciseness: Focus on your most impactful work. Quality over quantity is key. Ensure your portfolio is easily navigable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Product: Familiarize yourself deeply with ArcGIS Map Viewer. Understand its core functionalities, user base, and competitive landscape.

• Problem-Solving Framework: Prepare a structured approach to design challenges, focusing on clarifying requirements, exploring solutions, and justifying your recommendations.

• Geospatial Context: If you have GIS experience, be ready to leverage it. If not, demonstrate an ability to quickly grasp domain-specific challenges.

• Communication: Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a mixed audience of designers, product managers, and engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also to articulate the "why" behind their design decisions and the measurable impact of their contributions. Expect to be challenged on your design process, collaboration skills, and understanding of enterprise SaaS constraints.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as a required skill. Candidates must be highly proficient in Figma for UI design, prototyping, and working with UI Kits and pattern libraries.

• Design Systems: Experience with and contribution to established design systems and pattern libraries is essential.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with user analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Pendo) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions is valuable.

• Ability to interpret data from user research and usability testing to drive design improvements. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user interfaces integrate with backend systems and data structures is important for enterprise SaaS design. Familiarity with how design impacts user workflows within larger systems is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The heavy reliance on Figma and adherence to design systems indicates a need for designers who can maintain consistency and scale design efforts efficiently within a large organization. Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental value, driving all design decisions to ensure products are intuitive, effective, and meet user needs.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams (product management, engineering) to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Driven: Utilizing research, testing, and analytics to inform and validate design choices.

• Innovation: Encouraging creativity and exploring new approaches to solve complex spatial problems through design.

• Impact: Focusing on delivering designs that have a tangible, positive impact on users and the business.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality design execution and attention to detail.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Designers are integrated into product development teams, working closely with PMs and engineers throughout the product lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open feedback, design critiques, and knowledge sharing to foster continuous improvement.

• Empathy & Respect: A culture that values empathy for users and mutual respect among team members, fostering effective teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: Esri's stated values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with the emphasis on "creating positive global change," suggest a company culture that is mission-driven and values social responsibility. The collaboration style is likely agile and iterative, with designers playing a pivotal role in ensuring product success through close teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of GIS Data: Designing intuitive interfaces for complex geospatial data and analysis tools requires a deep understanding of the domain and user needs.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating user requirements into designs that are feasible within existing or evolving front-end capabilities and SDKs.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and buy-in on design solutions across diverse stakeholders (product, engineering, leadership).

• Maintaining Design Consistency: Upholding design standards and pattern library adherence across a large, evolving product like Map Viewer.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Opportunity to become an expert in GIS and map-based UI design.

• Accessibility Leadership: Deepen expertise and potentially lead accessibility initiatives within the design team.

• Front-End Influence: Gain experience influencing SDK development and front-end architecture from a design perspective.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and grow into leadership roles.

• Industry Trends: Stay at the forefront of UX/UI trends, particularly in enterprise SaaS and geospatial technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be translating the complexity of GIS functionality into user-friendly interfaces. Growth opportunities are significant for those looking to specialize in a niche but impactful technology domain and influence product direction at a senior level.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex product you've designed. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them using user-centered design principles?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How do you approach designing for accessibility? Walk us through an example where you integrated WCAG or Section 508 compliance into your design." (Highlight your understanding and practical application).

• "Explain your process for collaborating with developers and product managers on enterprise SaaS products. How do you ensure design intent is accurately implemented?" (Emphasize communication, iteration, and feedback loops). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Esri and our mission to use GIS for positive global change?" (Research Esri's impact and connect it to your own values).

• "How do you stay current with design technologies and trends, and how have you applied them in your work?" (Demonstrate continuous learning and proactive adoption).

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a design decision. How did you present your rationale and gain buy-in?" (Showcase communication, persuasion, and strategic thinking). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically. Start with an overview of Esri and Map Viewer, then dive into 2-3 key projects.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solutions -> Outcomes (quantify where possible).

• Figma & Systems: Explicitly show how you used Figma and adhered to or contributed to design systems/pattern libraries.

• User Research & Accessibility: Dedicate time to explaining your research methodologies and how accessibility was integrated.

• Technical Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss your interactions with engineers and how you influenced front-end capabilities.

• Conciseness: Keep your presentation focused and within the allotted time. Allow ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect interviewers to probe deeply into your design process, your decision-making rationale, and your ability to collaborate effectively. The ability to articulate the "why" behind your design choices and demonstrate measurable impact will be key. Be ready to discuss specific Figma workflows and how you integrate with development teams.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Esri careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your online portfolio to highlight projects most relevant to enterprise SaaS, web applications, user-centered design, and ideally, map-based UIs. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your Figma proficiency and adherence to design systems.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of product design experience, specific accomplishments in Figma, user research, accessibility, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project impacts. Prepare specific examples for common interview questions related to problem-solving, collaboration, and design rationale. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Esri, its mission, its products (especially ArcGIS Map Viewer), and its culture. Understand how your skills and values align with the company's goals and commitment to positive global change.

⚠️ 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.