UX Designer, Senior

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer, Senior

Company: Blue Shield of California

Location: Oakland, California, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience (UX) / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-09T18:11:29

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Designs and defines technology products within the Stellarus Product and UX team, focusing on improving user experience in the healthcare sector.

• Collaborates with internal stakeholders and team members to create digital product solutions that effectively address user needs, expectations, and pain points.

• Contributes to a leadership model focused on developing talent, fostering critical thinking, building high-performing teams, and driving results through continuous learning.

• Plays a key role in scaling innovative healthcare solutions designed to enhance the overall healthcare experience for customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically within the "Stellarus" product group, a new venture launched in January 2025 by Ascendiun (which oversees Blue Shield of California and its subsidiaries). This implies a focus on innovation, scalability, and potentially a more agile or startup-like environment within a larger corporate structure. The role bridges product and UX design, emphasizing the end-to-end design process for digital solutions in healthcare.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and definition of digital product solutions, translating user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective user experiences.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and gather feedback to inform design decisions and validate concepts.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure design feasibility and successful implementation of digital products.

• Develop wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs for web and mobile applications.

• Champion user-centered design principles and best practices throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of product design, identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement within the healthcare technology space.

• Present design concepts and solutions to stakeholders, clearly articulating design rationale and user impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw description focuses on "designing technology products," the role of a Senior UX Designer in a healthcare context inherently involves deep user research, iterative prototyping, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams to solve complex problems. The emphasis on "solving and supporting our user’s needs, expectations, and pain points" indicates a strong need for empathy and a user-centric approach, requiring the candidate to demonstrate proficiency in understanding and translating user insights into actionable design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Alternatively, a High School Diploma or GED with an additional 4 years of relevant professional experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in UX Design, Product Design, User Research, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated experience in designing digital products, with a strong portfolio showcasing your design process and outcomes. Required Skills:

• UX Design: Proficiency in user-centered design methodologies, wireframing, prototyping, and interaction design.

• Product Design: Ability to translate business goals and user needs into cohesive and effective digital product solutions.

• User Research: Experience planning and conducting various forms of user research (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing) to gather actionable insights.

• User Testing: Skilled in planning, executing, and analyzing usability tests to identify design flaws and areas for improvement.

• Visual Design: Strong aesthetic sense and proficiency in creating visually appealing and consistent user interfaces.

• Portfolio: A compelling portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of the design process, problem-solving skills, and successful product outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Design: Experience incorporating motion graphics to enhance user experience and product engagement.

• Human Factors Engineering: Understanding of human cognitive and physical capabilities to design safe and efficient systems.

• Healthcare Technology: Familiarity with the healthcare industry, its specific user needs, and regulatory considerations.

• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate design solutions, and make informed decisions.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including product managers, engineers, and business leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title and the emphasis on leadership and critical thinking, candidates are expected to not only execute design tasks but also to guide the design process, mentor junior designers, and contribute strategically. The requirement for a portfolio is paramount, serving as tangible proof of skills and experience in problem-solving and design execution. The alternative education path suggests a value placed on practical experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 detailed case studies that illustrate your entire design process, from problem definition and user research to ideation, prototyping, testing, and final iteration.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Clearly articulate the user problem or business challenge addressed by each project and how your design solutions effectively solved it.

• Process Documentation: Demonstrate your methodology, including user research techniques, design tools used, and how you iterated based on feedback and data.

• Visual Artifacts: Include high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and any relevant user flows or journey maps.

• Impact Metrics: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide examples of how you've mapped out user workflows and identified opportunities for simplification and efficiency.

• System Implementation: Showcase experience contributing to or leading the implementation of design systems or style guides to ensure consistency across products.

• Collaboration & Handoff: Illustrate your process for collaborating with engineering and product teams, including clear design documentation and asset handoff.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for a Senior UX Designer must go beyond simply showcasing pretty visuals. It needs to tell a story about the candidate's strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to drive tangible results through user-centered design. For a healthcare tech company, demonstrating an understanding of complex user needs and regulatory environments within case studies would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Designers in the Oakland, CA area with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is $115,816 - $173,848 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

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

• Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage.

• Professional Development opportunities, including training, conferences, and tuition reimbursement.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for core business hours and potential for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range ($115,816 - $173,848) aligns with industry standards for a Senior UX Designer in a high-cost-of-living area like Oakland, CA, considering the 5-10 years of experience indicated. Benefits are typical for a large, established company like Blue Shield of California, catering to the well-being and professional growth of its employees. The "hybrid" work model suggests a structured approach to in-office days, likely balancing collaboration with individual work needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare, Health Insurance, Technology Services. Blue Shield of California operates within a highly regulated industry focused on improving health outcomes and affordability for its members. Stellarus, as a new venture, aims to disrupt and innovate within this space.

Company Size: Blue Shield of California is a large organization, likely employing thousands of individuals across various departments and subsidiaries. Stellarus, being a newer entity, may have a more focused, agile team structure.

Founded: Blue Shield of California was founded in 1939. Stellarus was launched in January 2025.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX Designer will be part of the Stellarus Product and UX team, reporting to the Director of UX Research and Product Design.

• This team likely comprises UX designers, UI designers, UX researchers, and product managers.

• Collaboration will extend to engineering teams, business analysts, and other internal stakeholders across the Ascendiun Family of Companies. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a leadership model focused on developing leaders at all levels, driving results, and fostering continuous learning.

• Stellarus's core values of agility, trust, drive, courage, and service suggest an approach that is adaptive, reliable, results-oriented, bold, and customer-focused.

• The "Workplace Model" indicates a hybrid approach, balancing in-person collaboration with flexibility, suggesting a structured yet adaptable operational rhythm.

Company Website: https://www.blueshieldca.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual identity of Stellarus (a new product group) within the established Blue Shield of California framework is crucial. Candidates should understand that while they benefit from the stability and resources of a large corporation, they will likely operate with the innovative spirit and agility expected of a new venture. The emphasis on values like agility and courage suggests a culture that encourages proactive problem-solving and embraces change.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role. It requires a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to influence design direction and mentor junior team members. The role is critical in shaping the user experience of new healthcare technology products.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer reports to the Director of UX Research and Product Design. This indicates a clear line of management within the Stellarus product group, with potential for interaction with broader Ascendiun leadership.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the usability, desirability, and effectiveness of digital healthcare products. Successful UX design directly influences user adoption, satisfaction, health outcomes, and operational efficiency within the healthcare ecosystem. By creating intuitive and accessible solutions, the Senior UX Designer contributes to Blue Shield of California's mission of improving healthcare quality and affordability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead UX Designer or Managerial role within the Stellarus team or broader Ascendiun organization.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, or healthcare-specific UX challenges.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working across various product lines and business units within the Ascendiun Family of Companies.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the UX discipline within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies clear expectations for leadership and strategic contribution. Candidates should highlight instances where they've guided projects, mentored others, or influenced product strategy. Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrating impact and taking on increasing responsibility within a growing organization like Stellarus.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company utilizes a hybrid workplace model, requiring employees to come into the office two days per week for most teams. This indicates a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office location specified is Oakland, California. Blue Shield of California may have other office locations, but this role is based in Oakland.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to foster purposeful in-person collaboration, connection, and creativity. Expect regular team meetings, design critiques, and brainstorming sessions.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard design software, collaboration platforms, and potentially specialized healthcare tech tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for frequent interaction with UX/Product team members, engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders, both in-person and virtually.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility managed by managers. The hybrid model implies that certain days will be designated for in-office work, aligning with team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "two days per week" in-office expectation is a key detail for candidates assessing their work-life balance and preferred working style. It suggests a deliberate approach to maximizing the benefits of in-person interaction while retaining flexibility. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they thrive in such a hybrid environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Director of UX Research and Product Design focusing on experience, leadership potential, and alignment with team goals.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A session where candidates present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and potentially complete a design exercise or case study relevant to healthcare UX.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with potential peers (other designers, researchers, product managers) to assess collaboration style and technical skills.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic thinking and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your end-to-end UX process and problem-solving skills.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight Healthcare Context: If possible, include projects with healthcare or complex regulated industry experience. If not, emphasize transferable skills in user empathy, data analysis, and stakeholder communication.

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design decisions at each stage.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss trade-offs, unexpected challenges, and how you adapted your approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research current trends and challenges in healthcare UX, digital health, and health insurance.

• Practice Whiteboarding/Prototyping: Be prepared for exercises that require quick ideation and visualization of concepts.

• Articulate Your Process: Clearly explain your thinking and how you would approach a given problem, even if you don't have time to fully solve it.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical component for a UX role. Candidates should prepare a presentation that not only showcases their work but also their strategic thinking, communication skills, and ability to navigate complex design challenges, particularly within the healthcare domain.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Design: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (or similar industry-standard tools).

• User Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, Qualtrics (or similar tools for surveys and feedback collection).

• Collaboration Tools: Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web/app analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and measure design impact.

• Experience interpreting data and using it to inform design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for UX, an understanding of how CRM systems and customer data inform user journeys can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools like Figma is almost a given. For a Senior role, demonstrating an understanding of how to leverage analytics and user research platforms to drive design decisions and measure success is crucial. Familiarity with agile development workflows (Jira, Confluence) is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Agility: Embracing change, adapting quickly to new information, and iterating on designs efficiently.

• Trust: Building reliable systems and fostering trustworthy relationships with users and stakeholders through transparent design and communication.

• Drive: Proactively identifying opportunities for improvement and pushing projects forward with enthusiasm and determination.

• Courage: Willingness to challenge the status quo, experiment with new ideas, and advocate for user needs even when difficult.

• Service: Designing with a deep understanding and commitment to serving the needs of healthcare consumers and stakeholders.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with product managers, engineers, researchers, and business stakeholders to ensure holistic product development.

• Iterative Feedback: Participating in regular design critiques, providing constructive feedback, and incorporating feedback into design iterations.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning by sharing best practices, insights, and design resources within the team and wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (agility, trust, drive, courage, service) are key indicators of the desired cultural fit. Candidates should prepare examples that demonstrate how they embody these values in their daily work and design process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Healthcare Complexity: Designing for a highly regulated industry with diverse user needs (patients, providers, administrators) and complex workflows.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Synthesizing input from various stakeholders with potentially competing priorities.

• Driving Innovation: Introducing new technologies and design approaches within an established corporate structure.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the success of UX initiatives in a domain where outcomes can be long-term and multifaceted.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences: Access to attend leading UX and healthcare technology conferences.

• Skill Development: Opportunities for training in advanced design techniques, user research methodologies, or emerging technologies.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders or to mentor others, fostering professional growth.

• Exposure to New Ventures: Working with Stellarus provides a unique opportunity to be part of building new products from the ground up.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should acknowledge these challenges and frame them as opportunities for growth and problem-solving. Demonstrating an understanding of the unique complexities of healthcare UX will be highly valued.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex user journey within a regulated industry. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, user empathy, and problem-solving).

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in your design process?" (Highlight collaboration, negotiation, and trade-off evaluation).

• "Walk us through a project where user research significantly changed the direction of your design. What was the insight, and how did you implement it?" (Emphasize research methodology and impact). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what excites you about Stellarus and Blue Shield of California's mission, and how do you see your UX skills contributing to it?" (Showcase company research and alignment with values).

• "How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams, especially engineers and product managers?" (Demonstrate teamwork and communication strategies).

• "Describe your experience with agile development methodologies and how you integrate UX into that process." (Highlight adaptability and process integration). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of the problem and your role, then dive deep into your process, showcasing key artifacts (wireframes, prototypes, research findings). Conclude with the solution and measurable impact.

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Focus on the "why" behind your decisions.

• Interactive Elements: If presenting digitally, be prepared to demonstrate interactive prototypes.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time, focusing on the most critical aspects of each project. Aim for 15-20 minutes for the presentation, leaving ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design philosophy and how it aligns with the company's values and mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in UX/Product Design, user research, and digital product development, especially any healthcare-related projects.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your years of experience, key skills (UX Design, Product Design, User Research, Prototyping), and educational background. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Walkthrough Practice: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your design process and problem-solving skills. Be prepared to discuss trade-offs and outcomes.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Blue Shield of California's mission, values, and the Stellarus initiative. Understand the healthcare industry landscape and potential user challenges.

⚠️ 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.