UX/UI Designer - Mine Intelligence

Caterpillar Inc.
Full-timeShanghai, China

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer - Mine Intelligence

Company: Caterpillar Inc.

Location: Shanghai, Shanghai, China

Job Type: Full time

Category: UX/UI Design, Industrial Software Design

Date Posted: September 1, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead the UI/UX design strategy for complex industrial autonomous mining operations platforms, focusing on high information density and safety-critical interactions.

  • Develop intuitive human-machine interfaces (HMI) for autonomous driving, fleet management, remote operation, and data visualization systems within mining environments.

  • Conduct in-depth user research and usability testing to translate intricate mining processes, equipment status, and operational KPIs into clear, efficient user experiences.

  • Establish and maintain a unified Design System for industrial autonomous systems, ensuring consistency across desktop, control room, large screen, and remote cockpit interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a highly specialized industrial domain (autonomous mining) requiring a deep understanding of complex operational workflows, safety protocols, and the translation of intricate data into actionable user interfaces. The emphasis on "Mine Intelligence" suggests a focus on data-driven decision-making and advanced analytics visualization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Spearhead UI/UX design for the autonomous mining operations platform, encompassing fleet dispatch, vehicle monitoring, production operations, and equipment status displays.

  • Design and optimize map and spatial interaction elements, including 2D/3D mine maps, road topology, vehicle positioning, loading/unloading points, and restricted zones.

  • Translate complex scheduling algorithms and production processes into understandable user interactions, designing workflows for task creation, modification, vehicle dispatch, manual intervention, and anomaly handling, including algorithm explainability.

  • Develop HMI for remote takeover/teleoperation and on-site management tablets, focusing on multi-video feeds, vehicle status, map integration, control inputs, and situational awareness during operational control.

  • Establish a unified alert and anomaly handling UX, defining mechanisms for alert prioritization, aggregation, filtering, acknowledgment, and escalation to prevent alarm flooding and streamline the "discover-diagnose-resolve-recover" operational loop.

  • Design real-time and historical dashboards for operational and management analysis, covering metrics like TPH, cycle time, equipment efficiency, energy consumption, and system health, enabling drill-down from management views to individual vehicle data.

  • Build and maintain a unified Design System for industrial autonomous driving, standardizing typography, color palettes, components, states, icons, map elements, and alert systems across various terminals and user interfaces.

  • Conduct user research within mining environments, performing interviews, task analyses, and usability tests with dispatchers, remote operators, and field engineers to gather feedback and iteratively improve product design, tracking learning curves, task efficiency, and error rates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant focus on translating complex, safety-critical industrial processes into user-friendly interfaces. The role demands not just visual design skills but also a strong capability in information architecture, workflow design, and data visualization tailored for high-stakes operational environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Interaction Design, Industrial Design, Visual Communication, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in UI/UX design or product design, with a strong emphasis on complex Business-to-Business (B2B) or industrial software design.

Required Skills:

  • Proficiency in user research methodologies, including interviews, task analysis, and usability testing.

  • Expertise in information architecture, user flow mapping, wireframing, and prototyping.

  • Advanced visual design skills for industrial applications, focusing on clarity, efficiency, and safety.

  • Proven experience in developing and implementing Design Systems for complex software products.

  • Proficiency with leading design tools such as Figma.

  • Strong capability in designing for complex information systems and high-density interfaces.

  • Demonstrated ability in data visualization techniques for operational and analytical dashboards.

  • Excellent logical abstraction and cross-functional collaboration skills, enabling effective communication with product managers, algorithm engineers, front-end developers, systems engineers, safety teams, and field operations.

  • Willingness to conduct on-site research and user interviews in mining environments. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience designing for autonomous driving operation platforms, Fleet Management Systems (FMS), Automated Haulage Systems (AHS), SCADA/DCS, smart mining solutions, or digital twin platforms.

  • Experience with Remote Driving/Teleoperation HMI, Geographic Information System (GIS)/mapping products, multi-screen control room setups, in-vehicle HMI, or safety-critical systems HMI.

  • Experience with large-scale B2B SaaS, enterprise software, complex data visualization, and building comprehensive Design Systems.

  • Basic understanding of HTML/CSS and front-end development principles to comprehend engineering implementation boundaries and component reusability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills strongly indicate that candidates with experience in specialized industrial automation, autonomous systems, and safety-critical interfaces will have a significant advantage. The mention of HTML/CSS suggests a desire for designers who can bridge the gap between design and development, understanding technical constraints.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX/UI design processes for complex B2B or industrial software applications.

  • Include case studies that detail user research findings, information architecture, user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final visual designs.

  • Highlight experience with data visualization, presenting how complex datasets were translated into actionable insights for users.

  • Showcase examples of a developed Design System, illustrating its components, guidelines, and application across different interfaces and user roles.

  • Provide evidence of experience with safety-critical systems or high-stakes operational environments, emphasizing how design decisions mitigate risk and enhance operational efficiency. Process Documentation:

  • Document the user research methodology employed, including participant recruitment, interview protocols, and analysis techniques.

  • Detail the process of defining information architecture and creating intuitive user flows for complex workflows.

  • Illustrate the iterative design process, including wireframing, prototyping, and incorporating feedback from user testing and stakeholder reviews.

  • Explain the approach to building and maintaining a Design System, including component definition, style guides, and collaboration with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates must be prepared to present detailed case studies that not only showcase design execution but also the strategic thinking behind their solutions, particularly how they addressed complexity, safety, and operational efficiency in an industrial context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a UX/UI Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Shanghai, China, within a multinational corporation like Caterpillar, the estimated annual salary range is ¥250,000 - ¥450,000 CNY. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX/UI roles in major Chinese tech hubs, considering the specialized nature of industrial software and autonomous systems design.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health insurance package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

  • Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.

  • Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

  • Professional development opportunities, such as training, workshops, and conference attendance.

  • Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options.

  • Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

  • Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this full-time position are approximately 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. Some flexibility may be expected based on project needs and global team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for senior UX/UI designers in Shanghai, China, and the specialized requirements of this role. Actual compensation will be determined by Caterpillar Inc. based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the prevailing market rates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Equipment Manufacturing, Technology, Digital Solutions. Caterpillar Inc. is a global leader in the construction and mining equipment industry, increasingly focusing on advanced technologies, digital services, and autonomous solutions to enhance customer productivity and sustainability.

Company Size: Caterpillar Inc. is a large multinational corporation with over 100,000 employees worldwide. This scale implies robust organizational structures, established processes, and significant resources for innovation and employee development.

Founded: Caterpillar was founded in 1925, bringing decades of experience and a strong legacy in industrial manufacturing. This long history suggests a culture that values reliability, durability, and continuous improvement, now integrating cutting-edge digital and autonomous technologies.

Team Structure:

  • The UX/UI Designer will likely be part of a broader Technology, Digital, and Data team, potentially within a dedicated product group focused on Mine Intelligence or Autonomous Systems. This team structure would include product managers, software engineers (front-end and back-end), algorithm specialists, data scientists, and other UX/UI designers.

  • Reporting structures are likely to be hierarchical, with the designer reporting to a UX/UI Lead, Design Manager, or Product Development Manager.

  • Cross-functional collaboration will be paramount, requiring close work with product management, engineering (software, systems, safety), algorithm development, and crucially, with field engineers and operations personnel to understand real-world mining use cases. Methodology:

  • Data analysis and insights are central to "Mine Intelligence," meaning designs will need to support data-driven decision-making and performance tracking.

  • Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be core to designing efficient and safe autonomous operations.

  • Automation and efficiency practices will be a key outcome of the designed systems, aiming to improve productivity and reduce operational costs in mining.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Caterpillar is a blend of traditional industrial strength and modern technological innovation. For operations and design roles, this means valuing robustness and reliability while embracing digital transformation and cutting-edge solutions like autonomous systems and data intelligence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior or lead level within UX/UI design, specifically focusing on industrial applications. It requires a candidate who can independently drive design strategy for complex systems, mentor junior designers, and influence product direction within the Mine Intelligence domain. The scope extends beyond typical consumer or enterprise software to safety-critical industrial control systems.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Manager or a Head of Product for the Mine Intelligence division. This position offers opportunities to collaborate closely with senior product managers, lead engineers, and potentially directors of engineering or digital solutions.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the safety, efficiency, and productivity of autonomous mining operations. Well-designed interfaces can reduce operational errors, improve response times to critical events, enhance situational awareness for operators, and ultimately boost production output and reduce costs for Caterpillar's customers. The "Mine Intelligence" aspect implies a direct contribution to data-driven strategic decisions within mining operations.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in industrial UX/UI design, autonomous systems, data visualization, or HMI for safety-critical applications.

  • Leadership: Transition into a Lead UX/UI Designer role, managing a team of designers, or moving into a Product Management role within the digital solutions space.

  • Skill Development: Gain exposure to advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, digital twins, and large-scale simulation environments within the mining context.

  • Cross-Functional Mobility: Explore opportunities in product strategy, user research management, or even technical program management within Caterpillar's digital transformation initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers substantial growth potential by immersing the designer in a critical, high-impact area of industrial technology. The ability to shape the future of autonomous mining operations through user-centric design is a unique career development opportunity.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position based in Shanghai, China. The work environment will likely be a modern office setting within Caterpillar's facilities, designed to foster collaboration among diverse technical teams.

Office Location(s): Shanghai, Shanghai, China. This location is a major global hub for technology and innovation, offering access to a rich talent pool and a dynamic business environment.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace will be collaborative, encouraging interaction with product managers, software engineers, algorithm developers, and other designers.

  • Access to advanced design tools (Figma, etc.) and potentially specialized hardware or simulation environments relevant to autonomous vehicle HMI and control rooms will be provided.

  • Opportunities for frequent interaction with the core Mine Intelligence and Autonomous Systems teams will facilitate deep understanding of the operational challenges and technological solutions.

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule is Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. While standard hours apply, the demanding nature of industrial operations and global collaboration may occasionally require flexibility to meet project deadlines or address urgent operational issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Shanghai underscores the need for close collaboration with local engineering and product teams, as well as potential for on-site visits to operational sites or customer facilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios, focusing on relevant experience in industrial/B2B UX/UI, design systems, and data visualization.

  • Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, detailing 2-3 key case studies. This will be followed by in-depth questions about their design process, problem-solving approach, and experience with complex systems. Expect discussions on information architecture, user research methods, and design system implementation.

  • Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with product managers, lead engineers, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills, understanding of technical constraints, and cultural fit within the team.

  • Final Interview: A discussion with a senior leader (e.g., Director of Digital Solutions, Head of Product) to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall alignment with Caterpillar's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your end-to-end design process for each case study, from research to final design.

  • Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs (e.g., improved task completion time, reduced error rates, increased user adoption, efficiency gains).

  • Highlight Complexity: Showcase projects involving complex information architecture, high data density, and safety-critical considerations.

  • Design System Expertise: Dedicate a section or case study to your experience with Design Systems, detailing creation, implementation, and maintenance.

  • Industrial Relevance: Emphasize any experience with industrial software, autonomous systems, control rooms, or data visualization for operational decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve analyzing a complex industrial scenario, proposing an HMI solution, or optimizing an existing interface for a mining operation.

  • Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on user needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of how your design contributes to operational efficiency, safety, and "Mine Intelligence."

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a rigorous evaluation of design skills, process, and the ability to apply them to a highly specialized industrial context. A strong, well-documented portfolio is non-negotiable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Design & Prototyping: Figma (primary), Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Illustrator, Photoshop), Sketch.

  • User Research & Testing: Tools for remote usability testing, survey platforms, user interview recording and analysis software.

  • Design System Management: Tools for documenting and distributing design system components and guidelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Experience with data visualization tools and principles is essential. While specific tools aren't listed, familiarity with platforms that support dashboard creation and data analysis (e.g., Tableau, Power BI concepts, or custom-built internal tools) is beneficial.

  • Understanding how to design interfaces that facilitate the tracking and reporting of key operational metrics. CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data and operational data are managed and potentially integrated into broader enterprise systems is valuable.

  • Familiarity with workflow automation principles as they apply to user interfaces and operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is explicitly mentioned as a requirement. The role also implies a need for strong data visualization skills, suggesting that experience with dashboard design and understanding how to present complex operational data effectively is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Safety First: A paramount value in industrial and autonomous systems design, emphasizing the reduction of risk and prevention of errors through intuitive interfaces.

  • Efficiency & Productivity: Designs are expected to directly contribute to improving operational efficiency, reducing cycle times, and increasing output in mining operations.

  • Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to create cutting-edge solutions for autonomous mining.

  • Data-Driven Decisions: Valuing the use of data and analytics to inform design choices and measure impact.

  • Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams to achieve common goals.

  • Customer Focus: Designing solutions that meet the real-world needs and challenges of Caterpillar's customers in the mining sector.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Highly collaborative, working closely with product managers, software engineers, algorithm specialists, and systems engineers.

  • Feedback-Driven: An environment that encourages constructive feedback and iterative design improvements based on user testing and stakeholder input.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share insights and best practices within the design team and across broader technical groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a pragmatic, results-oriented approach, where design is a critical enabler of operational success and safety in a high-stakes industrial environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Complexity Management: Designing for highly complex, data-rich industrial systems with stringent safety requirements.

  • Domain Expertise: Rapidly acquiring and applying deep knowledge of mining operations, autonomous vehicle technology, and industrial control systems.

  • Balancing Needs: Integrating the needs of diverse users (dispatchers, remote operators, engineers, managers) and balancing them with technical feasibility and business objectives.

  • User Accessibility: Ensuring interfaces are usable and effective for operators who may be under high stress or in challenging environmental conditions.

  • Design System Scalability: Building and maintaining a robust Design System that can scale across multiple products, terminals, and evolving functionalities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Specialized Training: Access to training in industrial UX, autonomous systems design, advanced data visualization, and HMI for safety-critical applications.

  • Industry Exposure: Opportunities to visit mining sites, observe operations firsthand, and engage directly with end-users to gain invaluable domain knowledge.

  • Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior designers or product leaders within Caterpillar's digital divisions.

  • Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending industry conferences and pursuing relevant certifications in UX/UI design and related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in specialized industrial design, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a cutting-edge field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you designed an interface for a complex, data-intensive system. What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on information architecture, data visualization, and user workflows).

  • "How would you approach designing a remote operation HMI for an autonomous mining vehicle, considering situational awareness and safety-critical controls?" (Focus on HMI principles, multi-modal feedback, and risk mitigation).

  • "Walk us through your process for creating a Design System. What are the key components, and how do you ensure adoption and consistency across multiple products and teams?" (Focus on systematic design thinking, component libraries, and collaboration).

  • "How do you conduct user research in industrial settings, and how do you translate those findings into actionable design improvements?" (Focus on user research methodologies, empathy, and iterative design). Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about working with Caterpillar and specifically on autonomous mining solutions?" (Showcase research into Caterpillar's digital strategy and your passion for industrial technology).

  • "How do you handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders (e.g., engineering vs. product management)?" (Demonstrate negotiation, prioritization, and communication skills).

  • "How do you ensure your designs contribute to operational efficiency and safety, rather than just aesthetic appeal?" (Emphasize a results-oriented, user-centric approach). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Organize your portfolio around 2-3 detailed case studies that best represent your skills for this role.

  • Narrative: Tell a story for each case study – the problem, your process, the solution, and the impact.

  • Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows, data visualizations) to illustrate your points.

  • Process Emphasis: Detail your research, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases.

  • Metrics & Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. If not, articulate the qualitative benefits clearly.

  • Design System Example: Include a specific example of your Design System work, highlighting its structure and application.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of industrial design principles, safety considerations, and the ability to translate complex technical requirements into user-friendly, efficient interfaces.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Caterpillar Careers portal.

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in complex B2B/industrial software, autonomous systems, HMI design, data visualization, and Design Systems. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Curate your portfolio: Select case studies that best showcase your skills in industrial UX/UI, user research, information architecture, and data visualization. Ensure it includes examples of Design System work.

  • Prepare for the interview: Practice articulating your design process and problem-solving approach, focusing on how your work drives operational efficiency and safety in industrial contexts. Research Caterpillar's digital initiatives and their role in autonomous mining.

  • Research the company: Understand Caterpillar's mission, values, and their strategic direction in technology and digital solutions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.


Application Requirements

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field and at least 5 years of experience in complex B2B or industrial software design. Proficiency in Figma and the ability to translate complex operational data into intuitive user interfaces are essential.