UX Mobile Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Mobile Designer

Company: TIAA

Location: Massachusetts - Virtual (Hybrid Onsite)

Job Type: Full-Time (Contractor)

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: May 06, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop intuitive and engaging user experiences for TIAA's native mobile applications across iOS and Android platforms.

• Create high-fidelity interactive prototypes and detailed design specifications for mobile interfaces, ensuring seamless integration with existing design systems.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and user researchers, to translate complex requirements into user-centered design solutions.

• Proactively identify opportunities for UX improvements, aligning user research insights with business objectives and platform constraints to enhance app quality and consistency.

• Champion best practices in mobile UX design, staying abreast of the latest design trends, platform-specific guidelines, and emerging technologies to drive innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided job description specifies a "Non-Employee Contingent Worker Role" which translates to a contractor position, despite "FULL_TIME" being listed in the employment type field. The role is explicitly stated as hybrid, requiring onsite presence, rather than fully remote, with the location listed as "Massachusetts - Virtual" suggesting a primary remote work setup with required onsite days in Massachusetts. The "UX Specialist II" title and "Career Level 8IC" indicate a mid-to-senior level individual contributor role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop native mobile interfaces for iOS and Android applications, focusing on user-centered principles and platform-specific best practices.

• Construct interactive prototypes in Figma that effectively demonstrate user flows, interactive elements, and the application of native design systems.

• Leverage and extend existing mobile design systems, contributing new patterns and components to ensure a cohesive and branded user experience across all mobile touchpoints.

• Conduct and interpret user research findings to inform design decisions, validate concepts, and identify potential gaps or areas for improvement in the customer journey.

• Collaborate with product management and engineering teams to define project scope, technical feasibility, and design requirements, ensuring alignment with business goals and user needs.

• Create comprehensive design documentation, including wireframes, mockups, user flows, and detailed specifications for handoff to development teams.

• Participate in design reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to elevate the quality and consistency of mobile UX across TIAA's digital products.

• Stay current with native mobile design trends, platform updates (iOS Human Interface Guidelines, Android Material Design), and competitor analysis to champion innovative design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been expanded to detail the specific UX design activities expected for a mobile designer, emphasizing prototype creation, design system contribution, and cross-functional collaboration, aligning with industry standards for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: University Degree Preferred (e.g., Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field).

Experience: 5+ Years of Required Experience; 7+ Years Preferred in UX/Product Design with a strong focus on native mobile applications.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Figma for UI design, interactive prototyping, and design system management.

• Deep understanding and practical application of native iOS and Android design patterns and system guidelines.

• Proven ability to create pixel-perfect, high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes for mobile applications.

• Experience in leveraging and contributing to established mobile design systems.

• Strong understanding of user research methodologies and the ability to translate research insights into actionable design improvements.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for complex financial services or enterprise applications.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG) and their implementation in mobile design.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with engineering teams.

• Experience with user testing platforms and methodologies.

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of mobile UX design projects with demonstrable impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "AI_key_skills" and "AI_requirements_summary" have been integrated and expanded to provide a more comprehensive list of essential and preferred skills, common for a UX Mobile Designer role at this experience level. The education requirement has been clarified to reflect industry norms.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of 3-5 native mobile design projects (iOS and Android) that showcase your expertise in Figma.

• Projects should demonstrate your ability to design for user journeys, identify UX gaps, and create cohesive experiences aligned with platform constraints.

• Include interactive prototypes that clearly exhibit user flows and key interactions.

• Showcase contributions to or creation of mobile-specific design system components or patterns.

Process Documentation:

• For each project, clearly articulate the design process followed, from initial research and ideation through to final design and handoff.

• Detail how you balanced user needs, business objectives, and technical limitations in your design solutions.

• Explain your approach to collaborating with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders throughout the design lifecycle.

• Document any challenges encountered and how you leveraged Figma or other tools to overcome them, ensuring brand alignment and platform consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific portfolio requirements are inferred based on the emphasis on Figma, native mobile design systems, and the need to balance user research with business objectives, common for UX roles requiring a strong portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $45.96/hr - $72.12/hr (Hourly Rate)

Benefits:

• As a Non-Employee Contingent Worker, benefits are typically provided by the third-party staffing agency. Specific benefits may include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual, potentially based on hours worked.

• Retirement savings plan options (e.g., 401k) may be available through the agency.

• Professional development opportunities, potentially including access to training or certifications.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. The role is described as hybrid, implying a combination of remote work and onsite presence at a TIAA facility in Massachusetts. Specific onsite days will be determined by business needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly sourced from the input. Benefits have been inferred based on the "Non-Employee Contingent Worker" status, indicating that benefits would be managed by the third-party supplier rather than TIAA directly.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Investment Management. TIAA is a leading provider of retirement services, insurance, and investment solutions for the academic, research, medical, and cultural fields.

Company Size: Large enterprise (TIAA is a Fortune 100 company with tens of thousands of employees globally). This implies a structured environment with established processes and a wide range of resources.

Founded: 1918. With a long history, TIAA has a deep-rooted culture focused on long-term financial security and client trust.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a larger UX/Product Design team, which itself is a function within Product Management or Technology.

• This team collaborates closely with Product Managers, Engineering teams (mobile developers, QA), and User Researchers.

Methodology:

• TIAA likely employs Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) for product development and design.

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, leveraging user research, analytics, and A/B testing to inform design strategies.

• A strong focus on customer-centricity, ensuring all designs meet the needs and expectations of TIAA's diverse client base.

Company Website: https://www.tiaa.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Information regarding TIAA's industry, size, and founding date has been integrated to provide context. The team structure and methodology have been inferred based on typical large financial services organizations and the nature of a UX design role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: UX Specialist II / Career Level 8IC. This signifies a mid-to-senior level individual contributor role. The individual is expected to be highly skilled in their discipline, capable of independent work, and a contributor to team best practices. They are expected to lead design initiatives within their scope and mentor junior designers if applicable.

Reporting Structure: While the role is a contractor, the UX Specialist II will report to a TIAA Design Manager or Lead for project direction and performance feedback. Day-to-day operational management and HR aspects will likely be handled by the third-party supplier.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts TIAA's customer engagement and satisfaction through the design of its mobile applications. Effective UX design can lead to increased user adoption, higher retention rates, improved client satisfaction, and ultimately, stronger financial outcomes for TIAA's clients and the organization. The role contributes to the "digital transformation" and modernization of TIAA's client-facing platforms.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced mobile UX patterns, accessibility, or specific areas like interaction design for financial products.

• Design Leadership: Potential to lead design for specific features or product areas, mentor junior designers, or contribute to the evolution of TIAA's design system.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working across different product teams and understanding the broader product development lifecycle within a large financial institution.

• Permanent Conversion: While not guaranteed, strong performance in a contingent role can sometimes lead to opportunities for permanent employment with TIAA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Career Level 8IC" has been translated into a description of the role's seniority and expected impact within the UX discipline, as well as potential growth paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Onsite. The role requires a combination of remote work and in-office presence in Massachusetts. This setup aims to balance flexibility with the benefits of in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): While listed as "Massachusetts - Virtual," TIAA has significant operations in Massachusetts, particularly in the Boston metropolitan area. Specific office locations may vary, but candidates should expect to work from a TIAA office in the state.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work in an open-plan office setting or designated team spaces designed for collaboration, with opportunities for spontaneous discussions and brainstorming.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office equipment, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized hardware for design and testing. The primary design tool will be Figma.

• Team Interaction: Regular participation in team meetings, design critiques, and cross-functional syncs. Opportunities to connect with peers and contribute to a shared design culture.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM Eastern Time), with flexibility often afforded in terms of specific start and end times, provided core collaboration hours are met and project deadlines are achieved. The hybrid model requires coordination for onsite days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid Onsite" work arrangement and the "Massachusetts - Virtual" location have been interpreted to describe a hybrid work environment with potential office locations within Massachusetts.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter from TIAA or the third-party supplier will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing key mobile UX projects. This will involve walking through design rationale, process, and outcomes. Expect detailed questions about Figma usage, design decisions, and handling of user research.

• Technical/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise (e.g., a take-home challenge or an in-person/virtual whiteboard exercise) to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and proficiency with Figma under timed conditions.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members to evaluate technical skills, cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of TIAA's business context.

• Final Round: Possibly a final interview with senior leadership or key stakeholders.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations around a narrative for each project: the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact.

• Figma Focus: Be prepared to deep-dive into your Figma files, explaining your component usage, prototyping techniques, and how you organized your work.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics or insights that demonstrate the positive impact of your design solutions (e.g., increased conversion, reduced task time, improved user satisfaction).

• Tailor to TIAA: Research TIAA's existing mobile apps and understand their target audience and business goals. Highlight projects that demonstrate relevant experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any design challenge prompt. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Prioritize: Focus on the core problem and deliver a well-reasoned solution, rather than trying to perfect every detail. Time management is key.

• Communicate Your Thinking: Clearly articulate your assumptions, design decisions, and rationale throughout the process. This is often more important than the final deliverable.

• Consider Edge Cases: Show you've thought about potential user scenarios, accessibility, and error states.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips have been tailored to a UX design role, emphasizing portfolio presentation, Figma proficiency, and design challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and design system management. Expect advanced usage.

• Mobile Design Systems: Experience with creating, maintaining, and utilizing native iOS and Android design systems. This includes understanding and applying component libraries.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Tools: Familiarity with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Qualtrics).

• Analytics Platforms: Understanding how to interpret data from mobile analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics for Mobile, Adobe Analytics) to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with project management and communication tools such as Jira, Confluence, Slack, or Microsoft Teams for cross-functional collaboration.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "AI_key_skills" and general requirements for a UX mobile designer have been used to populate this section with relevant tools, emphasizing Figma and mobile design system expertise.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of TIAA's clients, particularly in the context of their digital interactions.

• Excellence & Quality: Holding oneself to a high standard of quality in design output, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals, valuing input from product, engineering, and research.

• Innovation: Proactively seeking new and better ways to solve user problems and improve the digital experience.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards in design and decision-making, reflecting TIAA's core values in the financial services industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with product managers, engineers, and researchers to ensure designs are user-validated, technically feasible, and aligned with business objectives.

• Iterative Design: Embracing a culture of continuous feedback and iteration, where designs are refined based on ongoing input and testing.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights, best practices, and learnings within the design team and across other departments to foster collective growth and elevate design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description and financial services industry context have been used to infer TIAA's likely core values and collaboration style, focusing on aspects relevant to a UX design role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Platform Nuances: Designing for both iOS and Android requires a deep understanding of each platform's unique conventions and user expectations, while maintaining overall brand consistency.

• Complex Financial Domain: Translating complex financial concepts and data into simple, intuitive user experiences for a diverse client base can be challenging.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and alignment from various stakeholders (product, engineering, legal, compliance) on design decisions.

• Hybrid Work Coordination: Effectively collaborating and maintaining team cohesion in a hybrid work environment, ensuring seamless communication and productivity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Mobile Design: Opportunities to explore cutting-edge mobile UX trends, AR/VR integrations, or specialized interaction design techniques.

• Financial Services UX: Deepen understanding of user needs and design challenges specific to the financial services industry.

• Design System Contribution: Play a key role in evolving and expanding TIAA's mobile design system, gaining expertise in design system architecture and governance.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or be mentored by senior design leaders within TIAA.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities have been identified based on the specific role (UX Mobile Designer), industry (Financial Services), and work environment (hybrid).

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs and business requirements in a mobile design. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

• "How do you ensure your mobile designs are accessible and adhere to platform-specific guidelines for both iOS and Android?"

• "Walk us through your process for creating and utilizing a design system in Figma for a mobile application. What are the key benefits and challenges?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about TIAA and our mission, particularly in the context of financial services UX?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers and engineers in a hybrid work environment?"

• "Describe your experience working with complex or regulated industries like financial services. What considerations are important?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Figma Deep Dive: Be ready to share your screen and navigate through your Figma files. Explain your component structure, prototyping methods, and design process within the tool.

• Problem/Solution Framing: For each project, clearly articulate the user problem you were solving, your proposed solution, and why it was effective.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use your prototypes to demonstrate interactions and user flows. Explain the reasoning behind specific design choices.

• Quantify Results: Present any data or metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs. If direct metrics aren't available, discuss anticipated impacts or qualitative feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sample interview questions and portfolio presentation strategies have been crafted to align with the specific requirements and expectations of a UX Mobile Designer role, emphasizing Figma, native mobile design, and the financial services context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Mobile Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on TIAA's career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features native mobile design projects (iOS and Android) and highlights your expertise with Figma. Tailor your project selection to showcase relevant experience in user journey optimization and design system application.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 5-7+ years of experience in UX/Product Design, emphasizing mobile design responsibilities, Figma proficiency, and any experience in financial services or regulated industries. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, Figma workflows, and how you balance user needs with business objectives. Be prepared to discuss your approach to platform-specific design and accessibility.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with TIAA's mission, values, and their current mobile application offerings. Understand the company's position in the financial services industry and its commitment to client security and user experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with TIAA or their designated third-party supplier before making application decisions.