Sr UX Designer, Mobile

Slate Auto
Full-timeβ€’$119k-149k/year (USD)

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Sr UX Designer, Mobile

Company: Slate Auto

Location: Remote (United States)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-24

Experience Level: 7+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: Fully Remote

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Shape the future of vehicle interaction by designing intuitive and engaging mobile user experiences.

  • Drive end-to-end UX design processes, from discovery and strategy to final delivery and implementation.

  • Champion a user-centric design philosophy, ensuring customer needs are at the forefront of product development.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Brand, HMI, and Software, to bring innovative solutions to life.

  • Contribute to the strategic vision of Slate's product offerings, focusing on disruptive and ambiguous problem spaces.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is deeply embedded within product development, requiring a strong blend of strategic thinking, hands-on design craft, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "disruptive, ambiguous problem spaces" suggests a fast-paced, innovative environment where the candidate will have significant autonomy and impact.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead the UX strategy, planning, and review processes for key mobile product areas.

  • Take ownership of the complete design lifecycle for designated product features, from initial user research and concept validation through to detailed design specifications and delivery.

  • Develop comprehensive user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs that serve as clear blueprints for engineering teams.

  • Actively promote and advocate for user-centric design principles, employing various UX methodologies to gather insights, validate design decisions, and inform product direction.

  • Cultivate strong working relationships and effective communication channels with key stakeholders across Brand, Design (HMI), Engineering, and Software departments.

  • Strategically balance short-term tactical requirements with long-term strategic objectives to ensure the team consistently addresses the most critical user needs and business goals.

  • Deliver compelling presentations of design concepts, strategies, and outcomes to senior leadership and diverse stakeholder groups, effectively communicating the value and rationale behind design choices.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "own end-to-end design" and "promote, and advise stakeholders on, the user-centric approach" indicates a senior-level individual contributor role with significant influence. The requirement to balance strategic and tactical initiatives highlights the need for strong prioritization and project management skills within a dynamic product roadmap.

ࡁകࡾ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in User Experience Design, Human-Machine Interaction (HMI), Communications, or a closely related UX field. A Master's Degree in a similar field is considered a preferred qualification.

Experience: A minimum of 7 years of professional work experience in leading high-impact UX projects, with a strong emphasis on mobile applications and user interface design.

Required Skills:

  • Expertise in interface design and evaluation, with a comprehensive understanding and practical application of diverse UX approaches and methodologies.

  • A deep passion for emerging technologies, novel interaction models, and the design of modern apps and interactive interfaces.

  • High proficiency with contemporary design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma, and associated prototyping platforms.

  • Exceptional visual design, interaction design, and systems-thinking capabilities, enabling the creation of cohesive and scalable user experiences.

  • Demonstrated ability as a strategic thinker and collaborator, thriving in environments characterized by ambiguity and complex problem-solving.

  • Proven proactive engagement with teammates and a demonstrated initiative in driving new projects and improvements.

  • Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills, crucial for effective team collaboration and problem resolution.

  • Fluency in both written and spoken English.

  • A deep understanding of accessibility standards and inclusivity principles in UX design.

  • Comfort and proficiency in incorporating AI-assisted design and prototyping tools into the daily workflow. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience within the automotive or consumer electronics industries.

  • Prior experience working within an Agile development framework.

  • Proven ability to define and implement design frameworks, principles, and scalable experience patterns.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7+ years of experience specifically leading "high impact UX projects" suggests a need for candidates who can demonstrate significant contributions and leadership in previous roles. The emphasis on Figma, AI-assisted tools, and accessibility points to a focus on modern design practices and inclusive design principles.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase end-to-end UX design case studies demonstrating your process from problem identification through to solution delivery and impact.

  • Include examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups for mobile applications.

  • Highlight your strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and how you applied UX methodologies to inform design decisions.

  • Demonstrate proficiency with modern design tools like Figma, and present prototypes effectively.

  • Illustrate your understanding and application of accessibility and inclusivity principles in your designs. Process Documentation:

  • Detail your approach to user research, including methods used for discovery, synthesis, and validation.

  • Explain your process for translating user needs and business requirements into intuitive user interfaces and workflows.

  • Describe how you collaborate with engineering and product teams throughout the design and development lifecycle.

  • Provide examples of how you iterate on designs based on feedback, testing, and performance data.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "disruptive, ambiguous problem spaces" and "end-to-end design," the portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's process for navigating uncertainty, defining problems, and iterating towards impactful solutions. Case studies should emphasize strategic rationale and measurable outcomes.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $119,000 - $149,000 USD Annually.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

  • Life Insurance and Disability Insurance coverage.

  • Generous Paid Vacation time.

  • 401k retirement savings plan.

  • Potential eligibility for the company's Equity Program.

  • Potential eligibility for a discretionary Annual Incentive Program.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, consistent with a full-time role. Flexibility may be available given the remote nature of the position, allowing for adaptation around core collaboration needs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a benchmark for a Senior UX Designer in the US market, considering the stated experience level and the company's industry (automotive technology). The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a full-time role at a growing tech company. The mention of equity and annual incentives suggests opportunities for performance-based financial rewards.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology / Vehicle Manufacturing (with a focus on reindustrialization and customization).

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of a "growing team" and "start-up spirit" suggests a dynamic, potentially mid-sized to rapidly scaling organization.

Founded: The company's founding date is not provided, but the emphasis on "reindustrialization" and building vehicles in the USA points to a relatively new venture or a significant strategic shift.

Team Structure:

  • The UX team is likely part of a broader Product or Engineering organization.

  • This role reports to a UX Lead or Head of Product/Design, with direct collaboration across Brand, HMI, Engineering, and Software teams.

  • The culture is described as having a "start-up spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness," emphasizing "grit, determination, and attention to detail." Methodology:

  • A strong focus on user-centric design, validated through UX methodologies.

  • Emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and partnership.

  • A "Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy" approach to development and problem-solving.

  • Commitment to "Relentless Improvement" and building a "Positive Legacy."

Company Website: https://www.slate.auto/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Slate Auto appears to be a forward-thinking automotive company focused on innovation, customization, and domestic manufacturing. The culture is likely fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and values collaboration and continuous improvement, which is ideal for experienced designers ready to make a significant impact.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Individual Contributor (IC) role, signifying a high level of expertise and autonomy. The "Sr" title implies leadership in design thinking and execution without direct people management responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will report to a design leadership role (e.g., UX Manager, Director of Product Design) and will work closely with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and HMI specialists. This cross-functional interaction is key to shaping product direction.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is direct and critical. By defining how customers interact with Slate products, they will directly influence customer satisfaction, brand perception, and the adoption of new vehicle technologies. Their work contributes to a seamless and personalized customer journey, which is a key differentiator in the automotive market.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in automotive UX, HMI design, or emerging interaction models (e.g., AI integration).

  • Leadership: Transition into a Lead UX Designer role, mentoring junior designers and overseeing larger product initiatives.

  • Product Strategy: Contribute more heavily to product strategy and roadmap definition, leveraging design insights to drive business decisions.

  • Cross-Functional Mobility: Potentially move into Product Management or HMI Engineering roles with acquired experience.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Designer role, growth is often lateralβ€”deepening expertise and taking on more complex challengesβ€”or into team leadership. The emphasis on new technologies and ambiguous spaces suggests ample opportunity for innovation and skill expansion relevant to the evolving automotive tech landscape.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This offers flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere within the United States.

Office Location(s): While remote, the requirement for US work authorization suggests a focus on operating within US time zones for effective collaboration. Specific geographic hubs for potential team meetups or company events are not detailed but are common in remote-first companies.

Workspace Context:

  • A fully remote setup necessitates strong self-discipline and proactive communication.

  • Access to digital collaboration tools and cloud-based design platforms (like Figma) will be essential.

  • The environment supports asynchronous work where possible, balanced with real-time collaboration for critical design discussions and stakeholder reviews.

  • Expect a culture that values output and impact over physical presence.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (40 hours/week). While remote, adherence to core collaboration hours within US time zones will be expected to facilitate team integration and timely feedback loops.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this role requires candidates to be highly self-motivated and adept at virtual collaboration. The company's focus on "Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy" might translate into a more autonomous, results-driven remote work environment.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

  • Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Presentation of your portfolio showcasing relevant mobile UX projects. This may be followed by a design challenge, either take-home or live, to assess problem-solving skills, design process, and tool proficiency.

  • Hiring Manager/Team Interviews: In-depth discussions with the hiring manager and potential team members (UX designers, product managers, engineers) to evaluate your experience, strategic thinking, collaboration style, and technical skills.

  • Stakeholder Interview: Presentation of a design strategy or case study to senior stakeholders, assessing your communication, persuasion, and ability to articulate design value.

  • Final Round: Possibly a final interview with a senior leader to confirm fit and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate 3-4 of your strongest mobile UX case studies that highlight your ability to tackle ambiguous problems and deliver end-to-end solutions.

  • For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process you followed, key decisions made, and the impact/outcomes achieved.

  • Visually showcase your wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and final designs. Use interactive prototypes where possible.

  • Be prepared to discuss your specific contributions, challenges encountered, and how you leveraged UX methodologies and tools like Figma.

  • Emphasize your understanding of accessibility and inclusivity in your design choices. Challenge Preparation:

  • If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the prompt thoroughly. Prioritize user needs and business goals.

  • For live challenges, think aloud, explain your assumptions, and clearly articulate your design decisions.

  • For take-home challenges, treat it as a mini case study: define the problem, outline your approach, present your solution with rationale, and discuss potential next steps or considerations.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "disruptive, ambiguous problem spaces" and presenting to "senior stakeholders" means the interview process will likely probe strategic thinking, problem decomposition, and clear communication skills. A well-structured portfolio that demonstrates impact and a thoughtful approach to challenges will be crucial.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency here is a must.

  • Prototyping Platforms: Beyond Figma's capabilities, experience with tools like InVision, ProtoPie, or Adobe XD may be beneficial for more complex interactions.

  • AI-assisted Design & Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with emerging AI tools that can accelerate design processes, generate ideas, or assist in prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a primary responsibility, understanding how to interpret user analytics (e.g., from tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel) to inform design decisions is advantageous.

  • Familiarity with A/B testing principles and how UX designs are validated through data. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly applicable to the UX design role, but an understanding of how UX integrates with broader customer journeys managed by CRM systems could be beneficial.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly mentioned as a required skill, highlighting its central role in the design workflow. The inclusion of AI-assisted tools points to a company that embraces cutting-edge technology to enhance productivity and innovation in its design processes.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Safety First: A foundational value, implying that user safety and product integrity are paramount in design decisions.

  • Delight Customers: Focus on creating exceptional and memorable user experiences that exceed expectations.

  • One Team: Emphasizes collaboration, mutual respect, and shared ownership across all departments.

  • Relentless Improvement: A commitment to continuous learning, iteration, and enhancing both products and processes.

  • Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy: Encourages efficiency, resourcefulness, and innovative problem-solving with a startup mindset.

  • Respectful Collaboration: Fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and constructive feedback is encouraged.

  • Positive Legacy: A long-term vision focused on building something meaningful and impactful that contributes positively to society.

Collaboration Style:

  • Highly collaborative, with strong partnerships expected between UX, Brand, HMI, Engineering, and Software teams.

  • Open communication and proactive engagement are key, especially in a remote setting.

  • A culture that supports constructive feedback and iterative design processes.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company values are a blend of practical, execution-oriented principles ("Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy," "Relentless Improvement") and aspirational goals ("Delight Customers," "Positive Legacy"). This suggests an environment where hard work, innovation, and a focus on customer impact are highly valued.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Navigating Ambiguity: Designing for "disruptive, ambiguous problem spaces" requires strong problem-framing skills and comfort with uncertainty.

  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (Engineering, Brand, HMI) are aligned on UX strategy and design implementation can be complex.

  • Balancing Innovation and Feasibility: Integrating cutting-edge features while ensuring they are technically feasible and align with business objectives.

  • Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Maintaining strong team cohesion and design quality in a fully remote environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Emerging Technologies: Exposure to and hands-on experience with AI in design, new interaction models, and automotive tech advancements.

  • Strategic Impact: Opportunity to influence product roadmaps and business strategy through design insights.

  • Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from experienced design leaders within the company.

  • Industry Trends: Staying abreast of evolving UX best practices, accessibility standards, and automotive design trends.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be to leverage design expertise to bring clarity and structure to new and undefined areas of product experience. Growth opportunities are abundant for individuals who can demonstrate strategic thinking and adapt to a fast-paced, innovative setting.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to define a user experience for a product or feature that didn't exist before. How did you approach it?" (Focus on problem definition, research, iteration, and impact.)

  • "How do you balance user needs with business goals and technical constraints? Provide an example." (Highlight your strategic thinking and negotiation skills.)

  • "Walk me through your process for creating user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes. What tools do you use, and why?" (Demonstrate your technical proficiency and process.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Slate Auto and our mission to reindustrialize vehicle manufacturing?" (Showcase your research and genuine interest.)

  • "How do you contribute to a 'Fast, Frugal, and Scrappy' culture while maintaining high design quality?" (Connect your work style to company values.)

  • "Describe your experience working in a remote-first environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication?" (Address the remote work aspect directly.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative with a clear beginning (problem), middle (solution/process), and end (outcome/impact).

  • Visuals: Use high-quality visuals. Ensure prototypes are interactive and easily navigable.

  • Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on your most impactful contributions and decisions.

  • Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges, and the metrics used to measure success. Be ready to discuss your understanding of accessibility and inclusivity.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience in ambiguous problem spaces and how you apply UX methodologies to drive clarity and impact. Emphasizing your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with diverse teams in a remote setting will be key.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Sr UX Designer, Mobile position:

  • Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://recar.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/SLATEcareers/job/Remote/Sr-UX-Designer--Mobile_JR100775

  • Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 7+ years of experience in leading high-impact UX projects, specifically mentioning mobile design, Figma proficiency, and experience in ambiguous problem spaces. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 of your most relevant and compelling mobile UX case studies. Ensure they clearly demonstrate your end-to-end design process, strategic thinking, and impact. Make sure your portfolio is easily accessible and showcases interactive prototypes.

  • Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio and key case studies. Be ready to articulate your design process, rationale, and outcomes clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss your experience with accessibility and AI-assisted design tools.

  • Research Slate Auto: Understand the company's mission, values, and product focus. Be prepared to discuss why you are drawn to their specific industry and approach to vehicle manufacturing.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in UX or a related field and over 7 years of professional experience leading high-impact UX projects. Candidates must be proficient in Figma and have a deep understanding of accessibility and interaction models.