User Interface Designer III

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Interface Designer III

Company: First Citizens Bank

Location: Georgia, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Interface Design / Digital Experience Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-10T19:11:00

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (within Georgia)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation and iteration of high-fidelity User Interface (UI) prototypes and visual designs for First Citizens Bank's digital products, services, and channels.

• Conduct rigorous user research and usability testing to ensure digital experiences are efficient, intuitive, accessible, and aligned with client expectations.

• Serve as a specialist in UI design, leveraging a deep understanding of the bank's Design Language System (DLS) to maintain brand consistency and a cohesive user experience.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including designers, product owners, product managers, developers, and business stakeholders, to deliver exceptional digital solutions.

• Offer creative solutions and explore innovative approaches to expand skill sets and contribute to the continuous improvement of the bank's digital design capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a User Interface Designer III, indicating a senior-level individual contributor with expertise and the ability to operate independently on complex design challenges. The remote option is restricted to Georgia, suggesting a need for potential occasional on-site collaboration or compliance with state-specific regulations. The focus on "Digital Experience Operations" highlights the blend of creative design with the operational execution and optimization of digital touchpoints.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Interface Design & Prototyping: Develop and iterate on high-fidelity UI prototypes, visual designs, and digital design assets, ensuring seamless integration with the bank's Design Language System (DLS) for consistent branding and user experience across all digital platforms.

• User Research & Usability Testing: Design and execute comprehensive user research plans, including usability testing protocols, to gather critical insights into user engagement, acceptance, and pain points, directly informing design iterations and enhancements.

• Accessibility & User Experience Optimization: Ensure all digital products, services, and channels provide an efficient, easy-to-use, and accessible experience that meets and exceeds client expectations, adhering to WCAG AA standards.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Feedback Integration: Actively participate in design critiques and reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to elevate the quality of designed experiences, and collaborate closely with product, engineering, and business teams throughout the design lifecycle.

• Technical & Operational Support: Provide expert consultation and support in UI design for digital products, channels, and corporate initiatives, translating business requirements into effective and user-centric design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to UI design, research, and collaboration, with a strong focus on operationalizing design principles and ensuring the successful delivery of user-centric digital experiences within a financial services context. The requirement to "operate independently once briefed" signifies a level of autonomy expected for a Designer III.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in User Interface Design, Graphic Design, Front-End Development, or a related field, OR

• High School Diploma or GED with equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in User Interface Design with a Bachelor's Degree.

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in User Interface Design with a High School Diploma or GED.

• Demonstrated experience in the Financial Services Industry is preferred. Required Skills:

• Digital Design Mastery: Proficient in creating high-fidelity UI prototypes, visual designs, and digital assets using industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Design System Proficiency: Deep understanding and practical application of Design Language Systems (DLS) to ensure brand consistency and efficient design workflows.

• User-Centered Design Principles: Strong grasp of user research methodologies, usability testing principles, and the ability to translate research findings into actionable design improvements.

• Front-End Development Understanding: Familiarity with modern front-end development practices, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, semantic markup, and responsive web design principles.

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of WCAG AA standards and best practices for designing accessible digital experiences.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions, provide constructive feedback, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Content Management Systems (CMS) such as Adobe Experience Manager or Contentful.

• Understanding of how research and analytics data can inform and guide design decisions.

• Familiarity with motion graphics and animation in digital design.

• Experience with web application development and system design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications clearly delineate a blend of creative design skills, technical understanding of front-end development, and a user-centric approach driven by research and accessibility. The preference for financial services experience suggests an understanding of the unique regulatory and user needs within this sector. The "5-10 Years" AI-derived experience level aligns well with a Designer III role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating your end-to-end UI design process for complex digital products or features. Each case study should highlight problem identification, user research, design exploration, prototyping, usability testing, and final implementation outcomes.

• Process Optimization Examples: Include examples of how you leveraged UI design to solve specific business challenges or improve user workflows, quantifying the impact where possible (e.g., reduced task completion time, increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores).

• System Implementation Standards: Demonstrate understanding of how UI designs integrate with underlying systems and development processes. Showcase examples where you considered technical feasibility, content management systems (CMS), and front-end development constraints.

• Design Language System Application: Provide clear examples of how you have utilized or contributed to Design Language Systems (DLS) or style guides, illustrating your ability to maintain consistency and scalability in your designs.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Detail your approach to mapping user journeys, designing intuitive workflows, and iterating on designs based on user feedback and testing.

• Implementation & Automation: Show how your UI designs translate into efficient implementation for front-end developers, including well-annotated wireframes, interactive prototypes, and asset handoff processes.

• Measurement & Analysis: Include examples of how you use analytics data and user feedback to measure the success of your designs and identify areas for further optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Applicants should focus on showcasing their ability to integrate UI design with operational efficiency, user research, and technical implementation within a financial services context. Demonstrating a data-driven approach to design and an understanding of how UI impacts business objectives will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a User Interface Designer III with 5-10 years of experience in the Georgia metropolitan area, the estimated annual salary range is $95,000 - $130,000 USD. This estimate accounts for the senior level of the role, the specialized UI design skills required, and the cost of living in a major US state.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday schedule.

• Retirement Savings Plan (e.g., 401(k)) with company match.

• Life and Disability Insurance coverage.

• Professional Development opportunities, including training, conferences, and certifications.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and work-life support.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses. Working Hours:

• Standard Full-Time: Approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility: While core hours may apply for team collaboration, there is potential for flexible scheduling to accommodate remote work arrangements and individual productivity peaks, especially given the remote nature of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for a UI Designer III in a US state with significant metropolitan areas like Georgia. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and final negotiation. The benefits listed are typical for a large financial institution like First Citizens Bank and are designed to support employee well-being and long-term careers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking). First Citizens Bank operates in a highly regulated and competitive industry where trust, security, and customer experience are paramount. This context influences design decisions towards reliability, clarity, and ease of use.

Company Size: First Citizens Bank is a large, established financial institution, part of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. This size implies robust processes, a structured environment, and opportunities for impact within a significant organization.

Founded: First Citizens Bank was founded in 1898, underscoring its long-standing history and stability. This heritage suggests a culture that values tradition while adapting to modern technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The UI Designer III will be part of a broader Digital Experience or Product Design team, likely comprised of other UI designers, UX researchers, UX writers, and potentially UX strategists.

• Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Design Lead, Manager of UX/UI Design, or a Director of Digital Product.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works closely with Product Managers, Product Owners, Business Analysts, Developers (Front-end and Back-end), QA Testers, Marketing, and Compliance teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using user research, usability testing data, and analytics to inform design decisions and measure success.

• Agile Development: Likely operates within an Agile or Hybrid Agile framework, requiring iterative design processes, close collaboration with development sprints, and adaptability to changing requirements.

• Design System Utilization: Strong adherence to and contribution to the bank's Design Language System (DLS) to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Company Website: https://jobs.firstcitizens.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights the importance of operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and a customer-centric approach in the financial services sector. A Designer III will need to navigate these complexities while delivering innovative digital solutions. The team structure suggests a collaborative environment where design is integrated into the broader product development lifecycle.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a User Interface Designer III, representing a senior individual contributor. It signifies a level of expertise where the designer is expected to lead design efforts for specific features or products, mentor junior designers, and contribute strategically to the design process and standards within the team. The scope includes complex problem-solving and independent execution.

Reporting Structure: As a senior designer, you will likely report to a Design Manager or Director, who oversees multiple design projects and teams. You will collaborate closely with Product Managers and Development Leads on specific product initiatives.

Operations Impact: Your work will directly influence the user experience of First Citizens Bank's digital platforms, impacting client satisfaction, engagement, and retention. By creating intuitive and accessible interfaces, you will contribute to operational efficiency, reduce support costs, and enhance the bank's brand perception in the digital space. Successful UI design can also drive adoption of new digital services and features, contributing to revenue growth and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as accessibility design, interaction design for complex financial transactions, or advanced prototyping techniques.

• Leadership Development: Transition into a Lead Designer role, managing a small team or a critical product area, or moving into a UX Strategy or Product Management track.

• Mentorship & Training: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, contribute to the company's Design Language System (DLS), and participate in ongoing professional development through workshops, conferences, and certifications.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related roles within Product Management or Digital Experience Strategy, leveraging acquired product and user understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a User Interface Designer III at a large institution like First Citizens Bank offers significant opportunities for specialization and leadership. The emphasis on operational impact highlights how design contributes directly to business objectives in the financial sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a Fully Remote position, with the stipulation that the role can only be hired within Georgia. This suggests a primary work arrangement from a home office.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the requirement to be based in Georgia implies potential access to physical First Citizens Bank offices for occasional meetings, team events, or collaborative sessions, particularly if located near a major hub like Atlanta.

Workspace Context:

• Home Office Setup: Candidates are expected to maintain a productive and secure home office environment conducive to focused design work and virtual collaboration.

• Virtual Collaboration Tools: Extensive use of video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management tools for seamless communication and teamwork with colleagues across different locations.

• Design Tool Integration: Access to and utilization of cloud-based design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma) that facilitate real-time collaboration and feedback.

Work Schedule:

• Standard Business Hours: While remote, adherence to standard business hours within the Georgia time zone (e.g., EST/EDT) is generally expected to facilitate synchronous collaboration with internal teams and stakeholders.

• Flexibility: Potential for some flexibility in daily schedules, allowing for efficient time management around core meeting times and personal productivity needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role requires strong self-discipline, excellent virtual communication skills, and a reliable home office setup. The Georgia residency requirement is key for compliance and potential in-person interactions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review your application and resume, assessing your qualifications against the job requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A virtual meeting with hiring managers and/or senior designers to present your portfolio. This will involve discussing your case studies, design process, problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency with design tools and front-end concepts. Be prepared to articulate your design rationale and the impact of your work.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Interview: An interview with potential team members from product management, development, or other related departments to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with a senior leader or director to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and the bank.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your UI design skills, problem-solving abilities, and impact. Prioritize projects that align with financial services or complex digital products.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes or learnings. Use visuals effectively to guide the narrative.

• Highlight Process & Rationale: Don't just show final screens. Explain why you made certain design decisions, referencing user research, best practices, and business goals.

• Demonstrate Technical Understanding: Be ready to discuss your familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, and accessibility standards, and how these informed your UI design.

• Showcase DLS & Consistency: If possible, include examples where you applied a Design Language System or maintained visual consistency across multiple screens or products.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You may be given a short design challenge or asked to critique an existing digital experience. Prepare by thinking about user needs, business objectives, accessibility, and potential improvements.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach ambiguous design problems or resolve conflicting stakeholder requirements.

• Industry Knowledge: Brush up on current UI design trends, best practices in financial services UX, and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior design role will be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio review and practical application of design principles. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not only their creative skills but also their strategic thinking and collaborative capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UI/UX Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly preferred, given its industry prevalence), Sketch, Adobe XD.

• Visual Design & Asset Creation: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop.

• Collaboration & Communication: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (understanding how to interpret data to inform design).

• User Feedback Platforms: Tools for collecting feedback and conducting surveys.

CRM & Automation:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms like Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) or Contentful is a plus, understanding how designs are implemented and managed.

• Design System Management: Tools or platforms used for managing and distributing design system components.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Figma is likely a key requirement given its widespread adoption in modern design teams. Understanding how UI designs integrate with CMS and analytics platforms is crucial for demonstrating a holistic approach to digital product development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A core value focused on understanding and meeting the evolving needs of clients through intuitive and accessible digital experiences.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively across departments, valuing diverse perspectives, and contributing to a supportive team environment where feedback is welcomed.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A commitment to exploring new design approaches, leveraging technology, and constantly seeking ways to enhance user experiences and operational efficiency.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high standards of design quality, ethical practices, and taking ownership of design outcomes and their impact.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: Striving to create streamlined processes and user flows that are both easy to use and contribute to the bank's operational goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and frequent communication among team members and stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Actively participating in design critiques, offering and receiving honest, actionable feedback to elevate design quality.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working closely with product managers, developers, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful product delivery.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing insights, best practices, and learnings within the design team and across relevant departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at First Citizens Bank likely emphasizes a blend of traditional financial service values (integrity, stability) with modern digital expectations (innovation, client-centricity). A successful candidate will demonstrate strong collaboration skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality, user-focused digital experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Designing user-friendly and modern interfaces within the strict regulatory framework of the financial services industry.

• Integrating with Legacy Systems: Potentially working with or designing for older systems that may have technical limitations, requiring creative workarounds.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring consistent user experience across various digital touchpoints that may be managed by different teams or departments.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technology: Continuously adapting to new design tools, methodologies, and front-end development capabilities to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Workshops: Access to training on cutting-edge UI/UX techniques, accessibility best practices, and new design software features.

• Industry Conferences & Webinars: Opportunities to attend relevant events (e.g., UXPA, AIGA, industry-specific FinTech conferences) to stay abreast of industry trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship opportunities with senior design leaders within First Citizens Bank.

• Internal Skill Development: Participation in internal training sessions focused on financial products, compliance, and emerging technologies relevant to banking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical of senior positions in established financial institutions. Overcoming these challenges presents significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI design challenge you faced in a past project and how you approached it, detailing your process and the outcome." (Focus on problem-solving, methodology, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure your UI designs are accessible and compliant with WCAG AA standards, especially within a regulated industry like finance?" (Highlight knowledge of accessibility and regulatory considerations.)

• "Walk us through your process for collaborating with product managers and developers to bring a UI design from concept to implementation." (Demonstrate teamwork and understanding of the development lifecycle.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest UI design trends and technologies, and how do you incorporate them into your work?" (Showcase continuous learning and adaptability.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for First Citizens Bank, specifically within our digital experience team?" (Research the bank's mission, values, and recent digital initiatives.)

• "How would you contribute to our Design Language System (DLS) or enhance existing design patterns?" (Show understanding of design systems and potential contributions.)

• "Describe a time you received constructive criticism on your design work and how you responded." (Assess receptiveness to feedback and growth mindset.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, begin with the business problem or user need, clearly state your role and responsibilities, detail your design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), highlight key design decisions and rationale, and conclude with the results or learnings.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced error rates, increased user satisfaction).

• Showcase Process, Not Just Pixels: Explain why you made certain choices. Reference user research, usability testing, and business goals to justify your design decisions.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, technical constraints, and how you handled trade-offs.

• Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly, stays within the allotted time, and clearly communicates your expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative UI design skills, a deep understanding of user-centered processes, technical awareness, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a corporate financial environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Interface Designer III position:

• Submit your application through the First Citizens Bank careers portal at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in UI design, user research, prototyping, and familiarity with relevant tools (Figma, Adobe Suite) and front-end concepts (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, WCAG). Quantify your achievements with metrics where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a compelling portfolio showcasing 3-5 of your strongest UI design case studies. Ensure it demonstrates your process, problem-solving skills, outcomes, and understanding of user-centered design and accessibility. Be prepared to present it virtually.

• Research First Citizens Bank: Understand their mission, values, recent digital initiatives, and their position in the financial services market. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Your Interview Responses: Prepare for common UI/UX interview questions, behavioral questions, and be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on your design rationale and impact.

⚠️ 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.