Sr/Staff Software Engineer (UX Design) (Remote - US)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr/Staff Software Engineer (UX Design)

Company: BNSF Railway

Location: Remote (US)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX Design / Product Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-01

Experience Level: Mid-Senior to Staff (6+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote (US Contiguous 48 States)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end user journey design for AI-native intelligent physical logistic systems, focusing on proactive and trustworthy customer experiences.

• Collaborate closely with engineering and product teams to translate cutting-edge AI capabilities into meaningful and actionable user interfaces.

• Champion the development and reusability of design system components to ensure consistency and efficiency across multiple AI-driven experiences.

• Leverage technical understanding of front-end stacks to design performant and scalable UX solutions for both internal and external customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Sr/Staff level, indicating a need for significant autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence design direction. The emphasis on AI-native experiences and supply chain logistics suggests a specialized domain requiring both deep UX expertise and an understanding of operational workflows. The "Software Engineer (UX Design)" title implies a strong partnership with development teams, requiring an understanding of technical constraints and implementation feasibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently own and execute the design and delivery of end-to-end user journeys for specific product areas, working synergistically with Front-end and partner teams.

• Deeply understand customer and user requirements, integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities to craft proactive, trustworthy, and intuitive experiences across various platforms (e.g., mobile, desktop).

• Iterate designs based on direct customer and end-user feedback to drive key metrics, adoption, and overall user satisfaction.

• Actively advocate for and contribute to the reusability of UX patterns and design system components, fostering connections and consistency across diverse BNSF digital experiences.

• Apply technical understanding of front-end stacks and modern design tools to ensure the creation of performant, scalable, and maintainable user experiences.

• Engage actively with engineering, product, and business teams through the creation and refinement of mocks, prototypes, and detailed design specifications using tools like Figma.

• Bring best practices in UX design to the Supply Chain industry, demonstrating a deep understanding of Supply Chain and Logistics roles, personas, and their expectations for technology tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design ownership, hands-on execution, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "shipping" products and driving "metrics and adoption" indicates a results-oriented environment. The requirement to understand Supply Chain and Logistics roles underscores the need for domain-specific empathy and application of UX principles to operational challenges.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience at the intersection of Computer Science, Interaction Design, HCI, or a related field, with a focus on building technology and AI-based software experiences. Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in Product Design, driving UX initiatives alongside technical teams.

• Proven capability in designing scalable UX solutions in close collaboration with engineering teams.

• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple priorities and delivering iterative solutions in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

• Familiarity and genuine interest in Supply Chain and rail-related products and technologies. Required Skills:

• Expertise in Product Design and UX Design principles, with a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end user journey design.

• Proficiency with modern design tools such as Figma for creating mocks, prototypes, and design specifications.

• Working knowledge of front-end technology stacks and their implications for UX design and performance.

• Experience in developing and utilizing design systems and understanding of reusable UX components.

• Understanding of AI-driven experiences, including designing for proactive and trustworthy interactions.

• Working knowledge of usability principles, techniques, and best practices for multimodal and AI-native experiences.

• Ability to understand customer and user requirements and translate them into effective design solutions. Preferred Skills:

• Strong foundation in Engineering or Computer Science, or a core UX Design background, with demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams.

• Career experience blending Design and Product roles, enabling a clear definition of product vision ("what") and a solid understanding of technical implementation ("how").

• Experience with UX metrics that drive iterative adoption, both with external and internal customers.

• A curious mindset and willingness to innovate at the forefront of UX evolution in an AI-native, intelligent, multi-modal world.

• Ability to work now and in the future without BNSF’s assistance in obtaining, maintaining, or extending employment authorization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred qualifications suggests that candidates with a strong technical background (CS/Engineering) and direct experience in supply chain or logistics will be highly competitive. The emphasis on "shipping" and "iterative solutions" points towards an Agile development environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate end-to-end user journey design for complex digital products, ideally with a focus on AI-driven features or operational workflows.

• Showcase experience in building or contributing to design systems, highlighting reusable components and their impact on design consistency and efficiency.

• Include case studies that detail the problem, your design process, technical considerations, user research, iteration, and measurable outcomes (metrics and adoption).

• Present examples of how you have collaborated with engineering teams, illustrating your understanding of technical constraints and implementation feasibility.

• Highlight projects that involve AI integration, proactive experiences, or the design of trustworthy digital systems. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you document design decisions, user flows, and system interactions to facilitate collaboration with engineering and product teams.

• Illustrate your approach to user research, persona development, and incorporating feedback into iterative design processes for continuous improvement.

• Showcase your understanding of design operations, including how you manage design assets, maintain design systems, and ensure adherence to best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of UX design principles in a technical and operational context. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, decision-making rationale, and the impact of their work using concrete examples, especially those involving AI and complex systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• L5 (Senior): $150,000 - $200,000 USD per year

• L6 (Staff): $200,000 - $250,000 USD per year

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided for two distinct levels (L5 and L6), indicating flexibility in hiring based on candidate experience and qualifications. This range is competitive for Sr/Staff level UX Design roles in the US, especially for remote positions with a large enterprise like BNSF Railway. The final offer will consider location, skills, experience, and training.

Benefits:

• Retirement: Industry-leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health care options (medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support), Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions, life and disability insurance provided at no cost.

• Family Support: Parental, pediatric, and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, dependent care spending account with employer match.

• Perks & Discounts: Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services, and wellness support.

• Incentives: Annual bonus through the Incentive Compensation Program.

• Time Off: Generous leave / time off policies.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be available, but core collaboration hours will likely align with business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: BNSF offers a robust benefits package, typical of large, established companies, with a strong emphasis on long-term financial security (401k, Railroad Retirement) and comprehensive health and family support. The inclusion of an annual bonus and generous leave policies further enhances the compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Freight Rail Transportation & Logistics

Company Size: Large Enterprise (BNSF operates across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces, employing a significant workforce).

Founded: 1860 (BNSF Railway has a long and established history, with its current form emerging from mergers and acquisitions in the late 20th century).

Team Structure:

• The role sits within BNSF | Tech, the technology division focused on innovation and transformation.

• The UX Design team is likely integrated within product development squads, working closely with product managers, software engineers, and data scientists.

• Expect a matrixed reporting structure, with direct reporting to a UX design lead or manager, and strong collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders. Methodology:

• BNSF | Tech aims to be customer-centric, data-driven, and human-centered, leveraging AI to elevate products.

• Emphasis on designing for proactive and trustworthy experiences, implying a focus on user control, transparency, and reliability in AI-powered features.

• Adoption of modern design tools and practices, including Figma and design systems, to foster efficiency and consistency.

• Commitment to inclusion, belonging, and equal opportunity for all employees.

Company Website: https://jobs.bnsf.com/us/en

📝 Enhancement Note: BNSF Railway is a major player in the North American logistics sector. Its technology division, BNSF | Tech, is actively investing in modernizing its operations through AI and user-centric design. This suggests a company undergoing significant digital transformation, offering opportunities for impact in a traditional industry. The culture values safety, inclusion, and excellence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Sr/Staff UX Designer

• This level signifies a senior individual contributor role with significant responsibility for designing complex user experiences. It requires not only strong execution skills but also the ability to think strategically, mentor junior designers, and influence product roadmaps. The "Staff" designation often implies a broader impact across multiple teams or product lines. Reporting Structure:

• Likely reports to a Director or Senior Manager of UX Design within BNSF | Tech.

• Works closely with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and other cross-functional stakeholders to define product strategy and execute on design initiatives. Operations Impact:

• Directly influences the usability, efficiency, and adoption of critical customer-facing and internal tools that support BNSF's vast logistics operations.

• By designing proactive and trustworthy AI-driven experiences, this role can enhance operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and potentially drive revenue through better service delivery.

• The focus on design systems and reusable components contributes to faster development cycles and more consistent user experiences across the BNSF digital ecosystem. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven UX, multimodal design, or specific supply chain/logistics applications.

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead UX Designer role, managing projects or small teams, or a UX Manager/Director position.

• Cross-Functional: Move into Product Management or other strategic roles within BNSF | Tech by leveraging deep understanding of user needs and business objectives.

• Skill Development: Opportunities for training and development in emerging AI technologies, advanced design methodologies, and industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Sr/Staff level indicates a significant opportunity for career advancement. BNSF's commitment to technology transformation suggests a fertile ground for UX professionals to make a substantial impact and grow their careers within the company, potentially moving into more senior design, product, or leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-First with occasional travel.

Office Location(s): Primarily remote within the contiguous 48 states of the United States. Occasional travel (up to 20%) to BNSF's corporate headquarters in Fort Worth, TX, for in-person meetings is required. Travel expenses will be covered by BNSF.

Workspace Context:

• As a remote role, candidates will be expected to maintain a productive home office environment.

• Collaboration will occur primarily through digital tools and virtual meetings.

• The role requires strong self-discipline, time management, and communication skills to thrive in a distributed team setting.

• Access to BNSF's technology stack and collaboration platforms will be provided. Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While remote, adherence to core business hours and availability for team collaboration is expected. Travel requirements are up to 20%.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the flexibility of remote work, a significant draw for many professionals. However, the requirement for occasional travel to headquarters is important to note. The success in this environment will depend on strong self-management and effective virtual collaboration skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: Conversation with the hiring manager to discuss experience, role expectations, and alignment with team goals.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Presentation of your portfolio, showcasing relevant projects. This is often followed by a design exercise or a deep dive into specific portfolio case studies. Prepare to discuss your process, rationale, and outcomes.

  • Expect questions related to AI-driven experiences, design systems, and collaboration with engineering.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential peers (engineers, product managers, other designers) to assess collaboration style and technical acumen.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic thinking and long-term impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 3-4 projects that best demonstrate your experience with UX design, AI integration, design systems, and complex workflows, ideally related to logistics or enterprise software.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, challenges overcome, and the measurable impact (metrics, adoption, user feedback).

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with engineers, product managers, and stakeholders, emphasizing your ability to translate technical needs into design solutions and vice-versa.

• Showcase AI & Systems Thinking: Specifically address projects involving AI features, proactive design, and the creation or use of design systems. Explain your approach to ensuring trustworthiness and usability in AI-powered interfaces.

• Prepare for Figma/Tool Demos: Be ready to walk through your design files in Figma or other relevant tools, explaining your design choices and rationale.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for case studies or design exercises that might involve defining a user journey for a supply chain scenario, proposing UX improvements for an existing tool, or designing a new AI-powered feature.

• Focus on demonstrating your structured problem-solving approach, user-centric thinking, and ability to articulate design decisions clearly and concisely under pressure.

• Practice presenting your work and rationale efficiently, as time will likely be limited.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and impact. Expect a rigorous evaluation focused on practical skills, collaborative ability, and alignment with BNSF's digital transformation goals in AI and UX.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (explicitly mentioned), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), InVision, Axure RP.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Trello, Asana, Microsoft Teams, Slack.

• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Hotjar.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for tracking user behavior and product performance (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Amplitude, Pendo).

• Data visualization tools for reporting on UX metrics and impact (e.g., Tableau, Power BI). CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for UX design, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing/sales automation platforms can provide context for customer-facing applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a must. The role requires familiarity with a broad spectrum of design and collaboration tools commonly used in agile software development environments. Understanding how UX impacts product adoption and business metrics is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety: Paramount in the rail industry, likely influencing the design of tools to ensure operational safety and prevent errors.

• Inclusion & Belonging: A stated commitment to fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and have equal opportunities.

• Excellence: Driving high standards in technology and operations to achieve business goals.

• Customer-Centricity: A core vision for BNSF | Tech, emphasizing the creation of user-focused products.

• Data-Driven: Utilizing data and analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies like AI to transform the freight rail industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working closely with engineering, product management, and business stakeholders.

• Iterative Feedback: A culture that encourages continuous feedback loops with users and internal teams to refine designs.

• Transparent Communication: Utilizing digital tools to maintain open and clear communication within a remote and distributed team.

• Agile Methodologies: Likely operating within Agile frameworks, requiring adaptability and close collaboration within development sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of traditional industrial values (safety) with modern tech company aspirations (innovation, customer-centricity, inclusion). Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a large, established organization undergoing digital transformation, valuing both process and innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Domain Complexity: Navigating the intricacies of the supply chain and logistics industry, understanding its unique user needs and operational constraints.

• AI Integration Nuances: Designing for AI requires careful consideration of transparency, trust, bias, and user control, especially in critical operational contexts.

• Legacy Systems & Transformation: Balancing the integration of new AI-driven experiences with existing legacy systems and processes within a large enterprise.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating and building strong relationships within a distributed team environment.

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Ensuring that innovative UX solutions do not compromise the safety and reliability critical to rail operations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & ML UX: Gain hands-on experience designing for cutting-edge AI and machine learning applications in a real-world industrial setting.

• Supply Chain & Logistics Domain Expertise: Develop deep knowledge of a critical industry, enhancing your value as a specialized UX designer.

• Design System Expansion: Contribute to and learn from the evolution of a large-scale enterprise design system.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to learn from engineers, data scientists, and business experts within BNSF | Tech.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to resources for professional development in UX, AI, and design operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of AI, UX, and a vital industrial sector. The challenges are significant but offer substantial growth potential for designers willing to dive deep into the domain and embrace new technological frontiers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed an AI-driven feature. What were the key considerations for user trust and transparency?"

• "How would you approach designing a proactive notification system for logistics managers that leverages AI insights?"

• "Walk me through your process for designing and implementing a new component for a design system. How do you ensure adoption by other designers and engineers?"

• "How do you balance user needs with technical constraints when designing for complex enterprise software?"

• "What metrics would you track to measure the success and adoption of a new UX feature for our supply chain operations?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in the freight rail industry and specifically at BNSF?"

• "How do you contribute to an inclusive and collaborative team environment, especially in a remote setting?"

• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineering, product management)."

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in UX design, AI, and design systems?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction -> Problem Statement -> Your Role -> Design Process -> Key Solutions & Rationale -> Challenges & Iterations -> Outcomes & Metrics -> Learnings.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., X% increase in task completion, Y% reduction in errors, Z% higher adoption rate).

• Articulate Trade-offs: Be ready to discuss design decisions where you had to make trade-offs due to technical limitations, business requirements, or user feedback.

• Focus on AI & Systems: Emphasize projects that showcase your ability to design for AI and contribute to or utilize design systems. Explain how you ensure consistency and scalability.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation, not a monologue. Be prepared to answer questions thoughtfully and demonstrate your passion for user-centered design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing your experience with AI, design systems, and your ability to thrive in a large enterprise undergoing technological change. Be ready to defend your design decisions with data and a clear understanding of user and business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official BNSF job portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience with UX design, AI-driven experiences, design systems, and enterprise/logistics software. Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating these skills.

• Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Design," "Product Design," "AI-Driven Experiences," "Design Systems," "Figma," "Supply Chain," and "Logistics" to ensure ATS compatibility. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and project outcomes, especially for AI and design system projects. Prepare specific examples for common behavioral and technical interview questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research BNSF Railway, BNSF | Tech, and the broader freight rail industry. Understand their mission, values, and current technological initiatives to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.