π Job Overview
Job Title: Sr UX Designer
Company: Photon
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Job Type: Full-time
Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design
Date Posted: 2026-09-21
Experience Level: Mid-Senior (2-6+ years)
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
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Design and deliver intuitive, accessible, and engaging digital experiences across web, mobile, and SaaS platforms.
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Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, usability testing, and competitive analysis, to inform design decisions.
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Develop user personas, journey maps, information architecture, and user flows to articulate user needs and product strategy.
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Create wireframes, prototypes, and interactive designs to effectively communicate and validate design concepts.
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Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, UI Designers, Developers, and Researchers, throughout the entire product lifecycle.
π Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer, indicated by the 2-6+ years of experience requirement. The emphasis on end-to-end case studies and the need to balance user needs, technical constraints, and business goals suggests a strategic and impactful role within the product development process. The specific mention of SaaS product design implies a focus on complex enterprise applications.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Lead the definition of UX solutions by understanding user needs, business objectives, and intricate product requirements.
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Execute and support user research initiatives, including user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and competitive analysis to uncover actionable insights.
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Develop comprehensive user documentation such as user personas, journey maps, information architecture diagrams, user flows, and experience maps.
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Design detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final user experiences for a range of digital products, including web and mobile applications.
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Translate complex business and technical requirements into simple, intuitive, and user-friendly interface designs.
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Partner with UI Designers to ensure a cohesive and seamless transition from UX concepts to polished visual design.
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Create and iterate on prototypes to effectively communicate and validate design concepts with stakeholders and end-users.
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Conduct rigorous usability testing sessions and systematically incorporate user feedback into iterative design improvements.
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Work in close partnership with development teams to ensure accurate and effective implementation of UX designs, adhering to technical specifications.
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Foster strong collaboration with Product Managers, Business Teams, Engineering, and other key stakeholders throughout the entire product development lifecycle.
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Proactively identify usability issues, pain points, and opportunities for enhancing existing products and user experiences.
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Maintain and actively contribute to the evolution of design systems, UX guidelines, reusable patterns, and comprehensive documentation.
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Ensure all designs adhere strictly to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), usability best practices, and responsive design principles.
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Clearly and persuasively present design decisions, rationale, and recommendations to diverse stakeholder groups.
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Strategically balance competing demands of user needs, technical constraints, and overarching business goals to achieve optimal outcomes.
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Continuously stay abreast of emerging UX methodologies, cutting-edge design trends, new technologies, and evolving industry best practices.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily emphasize a user-centered design process, from research and ideation to implementation and iteration. The requirement to "translate complex requirements into simple, intuitive, and user-friendly experiences" and "balance user needs, technical constraints, and business goals" highlights the strategic nature of the role, requiring a deep understanding of product strategy and execution. The mention of design systems and accessibility indicates a focus on scalable and inclusive design practices.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree or equivalent practical experience in UX Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, Psychology, or a closely related field.
Experience: 2β6+ years of progressive experience in UX Design, Product Design, or Interaction Design, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion.
Required Skills:
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Proven expertise in user-centered design principles and modern UX methodologies.
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Strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX design process, problem-solving abilities, user research findings, interaction design solutions, and comprehensive case studies.
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Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, FigJam, Miro, Adobe XD, or similar alternatives.
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Deep understanding of designing for web, mobile, SaaS products, and other digital interfaces.
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Knowledge of responsive design principles, accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), information architecture, and common interaction patterns.
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Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to deconstruct complex challenges.
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Superior communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions effectively using user insights, research data, and product objectives.
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Ability to clearly explain design rationale and strategic thinking behind design choices. Preferred Skills:
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Experience working within Agile development methodologies or cross-functional product teams.
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Familiarity with or experience in contributing to design systems and style guides.
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Experience conducting and synthesizing competitive analysis.
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Understanding of front-end development concepts and their impact on UX design.
π Enhancement Note: The experience range (2-6+ years) suggests that candidates with solid foundational experience as well as those with more extensive leadership or strategic design experience will be considered. The portfolio requirement is critical, emphasizing the need for candidates to demonstrate a full design lifecycle approach rather than just visual design skills. Proficiency in Figma/FigJam is a strong indicator of the company's current toolset.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a minimum of 3-5 detailed end-to-end case studies.
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Each case study should clearly articulate the problem statement, user research methodology, design process, key decisions, challenges encountered, and measurable outcomes.
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Demonstrations of user research artifacts (e.g., personas, journey maps) and interaction design deliverables (e.g., wireframes, prototypes) are essential.
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Evidence of applying user-centered design principles and iterative design improvements based on feedback or testing.
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Ability to articulate the business impact and ROI of design solutions through data and metrics where possible. Process Documentation:
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Showcase examples of how you document UX processes, including user flows, information architecture, and interaction specifications.
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Provide evidence of contributions to or creation of design systems, UX guidelines, or pattern libraries.
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Demonstrate an understanding of how to translate research findings into actionable design documentation for development teams.
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Include examples of how you collaborate with development teams on implementation details and ensure design fidelity.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "end-to-end case studies" and "measurable outcomes" suggests the company values designers who can not only create aesthetically pleasing interfaces but also solve business problems and demonstrate tangible impact. The requirement for process documentation indicates a need for organized and communicative designers who can contribute to scalable design practices.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Given the location (Vancouver, BC, Canada) and the mid-to-senior experience level (2-6+ years) for a UX Designer role, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $80,000 - $120,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the exact seniority level determined during the interview process.
Benefits:
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Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
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Generous paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
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Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and workshops.
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Contribution to retirement savings plans (e.g., RRSP matching).
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Potential for performance-based bonuses.
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Collaborative and innovative work environment.
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Access to cutting-edge design tools and technologies.
Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility offered depending on team needs and project deadlines.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry benchmarks for UX Designers in Vancouver, Canada, considering the specified experience level. Actual compensation will be determined by the hiring team. The benefits listed are typical for full-time roles in the tech industry in Canada and are inferred based on standard offerings.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Photon operates within the Technology sector, likely focusing on Software Development, Digital Transformation, or IT Consulting, given the nature of UX design roles. The specific products or services Photon offers will define the market context for the UX Designer.
Company Size: The provided LinkedIn data indicates a company size of 1,001-5,000 employees. This suggests Photon is a medium to large enterprise, offering a structured environment with potential for diverse projects and career paths, but also potentially more established processes and hierarchies.
Founded: Founded in 1997, Photon has a long-standing presence in the tech industry, implying stability, established methodologies, and a wealth of experience. This history suggests a company that has adapted to evolving technological landscapes.
Team Structure:
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The UX Design team is likely integrated within product development squads or dedicated design departments, collaborating with Product Managers, UI Designers, and Engineering.
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Reporting structure will probably involve a Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or Head of Product/Design, depending on the organizational hierarchy.
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Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet of this role, requiring seamless interaction with diverse teams to achieve product goals. Methodology:
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The company likely employs Agile or hybrid methodologies for product development, emphasizing iterative design and continuous feedback loops.
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Data analysis and user insights are expected to be foundational to design decisions, driving a user-centered approach.
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Workflow planning and optimization are critical for ensuring efficient product development cycles and delivering high-quality user experiences.
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Automation practices may be leveraged in design tooling, testing, or development handoff to enhance efficiency.
Company Website: https://www.photon.com/
π Enhancement Note: The company size and founding date suggest a stable, established organization with significant resources and a mature approach to product development. The integration of UX designers into cross-functional teams is standard for modern tech companies, emphasizing collaboration and shared ownership of product success.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level UX Designer. It requires a solid foundation in UX principles and methodologies, coupled with the ability to work independently on complex projects, contribute strategically to product direction, and mentor junior designers. The scope includes end-to-end design ownership and significant collaboration with stakeholders.
Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, UX Manager, or a Product Development Lead. They will work closely with Product Managers, UI Designers, and Engineers, forming part of a cross-functional product team.
Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is critical for driving user adoption, satisfaction, and retention, directly influencing key business metrics such as conversion rates, engagement, and customer lifetime value for Photon's digital products and SaaS offerings. Effective UX design can reduce development rework, improve customer support efficiency, and enhance brand perception.
Growth Opportunities:
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Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like user research, interaction design, information architecture, or accessibility.
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Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX Designer role with increased project leadership, mentorship responsibilities, and strategic input. Potential for Lead UX Designer or Design Manager roles.
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Skill Development: Opportunities to learn new design tools, technologies, and methodologies, attend industry conferences, and pursue certifications.
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Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by working on diverse product lines or contributing to different stages of the product lifecycle.
π Enhancement Note: The growth path for a UX Designer typically involves increasing strategic influence, leadership, and specialization. The emphasis on end-to-end ownership and stakeholder collaboration at this level suggests a strong potential for advancement into more senior or managerial positions within Photon's product or design teams.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This setup typically fosters strong team cohesion, spontaneous collaboration, and direct mentorship.
Office Location(s): The job listing specifies Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This location is known for its thriving tech scene, offering access to a diverse talent pool and a dynamic professional community. Specific office details would be provided during the application process.
Workspace Context:
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The workspace is likely designed to support collaboration, with meeting rooms, open-plan areas, and dedicated desks for team members.
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Access to up-to-date design software (Figma, etc.), hardware, and potentially specialized research tools will be provided.
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Opportunities for informal and formal interactions with colleagues across product, design, and engineering teams will be abundant, encouraging knowledge sharing and problem-solving.
Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule of approximately 40 hours per week is expected. While the role is on-site, a degree of flexibility may be available to accommodate project needs or personal circumstances, subject to team and management approval.
π Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a major tech hub like Vancouver suggests a dynamic, collaborative environment. The company's size (1000-5000 employees) implies a well-equipped office space with resources designed to support creative and collaborative work.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and experience.
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Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting key case studies and explaining their design process, decision-making, and impact. This is a critical step for evaluating UX thinking and problem-solving.
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Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise may be given, either as a take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual whiteboard session, to assess design skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication under pressure.
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Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, fellow Designers, and Engineers to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration style, and technical proficiency.
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Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader or hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm offer details.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant case studies that showcase a range of skills and project complexities.
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Tell a Story: Structure each case study as a narrative: problem, process, solution, and outcome. Clearly articulate your role and contributions.
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Highlight Process: Emphasize your thinking, research methods, iterative design process, and how you addressed challenges. Show your thought process, not just the final visuals.
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Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success and business value of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced task completion time, improved user satisfaction scores).
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Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handle feedback and critiques.
Challenge Preparation:
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Understand the typical UX design challenges: problem definition, ideation, wireframing, user flow mapping, or critique of existing designs.
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Practice articulating your thought process verbally and visually (e.g., on a whiteboard).
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Be ready to ask clarifying questions to ensure you fully understand the problem.
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Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving approach and design thinking, not just delivering a perfect solution within a limited time.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess a candidate's design thinking, problem-solving skills, collaboration abilities, and communication effectiveness. The portfolio presentation is paramount, serving as the primary vehicle for demonstrating expertise.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Figma/FigJam: Expected to be the primary tools for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative ideation. Proficiency is a key requirement.
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Adobe XD: May be used for prototyping or specific design tasks, especially if there's a legacy component or specific team preference.
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Miro: A collaborative online whiteboard tool, likely used for brainstorming, journey mapping, user flow creation, and team workshops.
Analytics & Reporting:
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While not explicitly listed, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and measure design impact would be beneficial.
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Experience interpreting data from these tools to inform design decisions is highly valued. CRM & Automation:
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Generally, UX Designers don't directly manage CRM or automation tools, but understanding how these systems function and interact with the user interface can be advantageous, especially in SaaS environments.
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Familiarity with project management tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for task tracking and team collaboration is common.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, FigJam, Miro, and Adobe XD indicates the company's current design technology stack. A UX Designer is expected to be highly proficient in these tools. Understanding analytics and project management tools enhances a candidate's ability to integrate design into broader business and development workflows.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all design decisions.
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Collaboration: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively, sharing ideas and feedback openly.
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Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the exploration of new design approaches and technologies.
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Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to delivering high-quality, polished, and well-crafted user experiences.
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Data-Driven Decisions: Valuing research and data to inform design choices and measure impact.
Collaboration Style:
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Integrated Teams: Working closely within cross-functional product teams, contributing actively to sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.
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Open Feedback: Encouraging a culture of constructive criticism and open dialogue regarding design concepts and solutions.
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Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, design patterns, and learnings through internal workshops, documentation, or informal discussions.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on user-centricity and collaboration aligns with modern UX design practices. The value placed on data-driven decisions and quality craftsmanship suggests a professional and impact-oriented design team.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively navigating and reconciling potentially conflicting requirements from various stakeholders (product, engineering, marketing, sales).
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Translating Complexity: Simplifying highly complex technical or business processes into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, especially within a SaaS context.
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Maintaining Design Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive user experience across a growing product suite and diverse platforms, while contributing to and adhering to design systems.
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Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with rapid advancements in UX methodologies, design tools, and platform capabilities.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Advanced Training: Access to specialized courses, workshops, and certifications in areas like UX research, service design, or accessibility.
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Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend leading UX conferences (e.g., UXPA, IA Summit, NN/g) and network with peers.
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Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior design leaders or to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership skills.
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Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to product management, engineering principles, and business strategy to broaden understanding of the product lifecycle.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the strategic and problem-solving aspects of the role, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards continuous professional development and career advancement within the design field.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for negotiation and compromise, and how you used user data to support your decisions.)
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"Walk me through a complex problem you solved with UX design. What was the problem, your process, and the impact of your solution?" (Be ready to detail your entire end-to-end case study, emphasizing your thought process and metrics.)
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"How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive? Can you give an example?" (Demonstrate your understanding of accessibility standards and practical application.) Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you about Photon and this specific UX Designer role?" (Research Photon's products, mission, and recent news. Connect your skills and interests to their work.)
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"How do you approach collaboration with product managers and engineers?" (Highlight your experience in cross-functional teams and your communication style.)
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"How do you measure the success of your designs?" (Discuss your use of analytics, user feedback, and key performance indicators.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure for Clarity: Use a consistent template for each case study: Problem, Research, Design Process (Wireframes, Prototypes, Iterations), Solution, Outcomes/Impact, and Lessons Learned.
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Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals (mockups, prototypes, user flow diagrams) to illustrate your points. Annotate key design decisions.
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Focus on 'Why': For every design decision, be prepared to explain the "why" β what user problem it solved, what research informed it, or what business goal it supported.
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Engage Your Audience: Make your presentation interactive. Ask clarifying questions and be open to discussion. Practice your timing to ensure you cover your key points effectively.
π Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing not just design skills, but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication, especially in the context of cross-functional collaboration and business impact.
π Application Steps
To apply for this UX Designer position:
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Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.
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Tailor your resume: Highlight experience and skills directly relevant to UX design, product design, user research, and the specified tools (Figma, etc.), using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.
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Curate your portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, easily navigable, and prominently features 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating your end-to-end UX process and impact. Optimize for mobile viewing if applicable.
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Prepare your presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, clear articulation of your thought process, and demonstrating how your designs solve user problems and achieve business objectives.
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Research Photon: Understand their products, target audience, and company mission to better tailor your application and prepare for interview questions about your interest and cultural fit.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 2 to 6 years of UX or product design experience. A strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end case studies and proficiency in design tools like Figma is required.