Contract Product UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Contract Product UX Designer

Company: Clean Power Research

Location: Bellevue, Washington, United States

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Product Design / UX Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-23

Experience Level: 4+ Years

Remote Status: Primarily Remote, with occasional on-site collaboration in Bellevue, WA

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical individual contributor position focused on designing intuitive and data-driven user experiences for complex cloud-based energy software.

• The Contract Product UX Designer will be responsible for the full product design lifecycle, from discovery and ideation through high-fidelity design and validation.

• A key aspect of this role involves collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineers to translate intricate concepts into user-friendly interfaces and workflows.

• The position requires a strong understanding of data visualization and the ability to design for complex, data-centric web applications within the renewable energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product UX Designer," the responsibilities and required skills heavily lean into UX/UI design for enterprise software, particularly in a data-intensive domain. The "Contract" nature is crucial, implying a focus on project deliverables and independent contractor status.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with Product Managers and Engineers to deeply understand user problems, product requirements, and technical constraints, translating these into effective design solutions.

• Drive the design and refinement of new features and existing user experiences for Clean Power Research's cloud software, ensuring intuitive and engaging interactions.

• Contribute to the ideation and definition of new user experiences by actively participating in multidisciplinary team discussions and design sprints.

• Employ a user-centered design process, delivering design artifacts (e.g., user flows, IA diagrams, wireframes, mockups, prototypes) with appropriate fidelity for each stage of the product development lifecycle.

• Actively contribute to the development, maintenance, and documentation of reusable design system components to ensure consistency, flexibility, and extensibility across products.

• Generate innovative design concepts and deliver high-quality designs that address complex user needs and shape the future direction of the company's software offerings.

• Transform complex technical concepts and data into clear, engaging, and intuitive user experiences that empower users in the energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic design thinking and tactical execution. The focus on "complex cloud-based energy software," "data-driven experiences," and "complex concepts" suggests a need for a designer adept at handling intricate information architecture and UI challenges.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Product Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in user experience design, with a significant emphasis on interaction design and designing complex web applications.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated strong product thinking, with expertise in navigation design, user flows, interaction design, information architecture, and information visualization.

• A clean, modern design aesthetic coupled with meticulous attention to detail and a passion for simplifying complex user experiences.

• Proven experience designing complex, data-centric web applications, with a deep understanding of creating intuitive and delightful interfaces.

• Fluency in core UX best practices, including user-centered design methodologies, interaction design principles, and information architecture techniques.

• Proficiency in building and contributing to shared design systems, including defining component architecture and variant structures, and writing clear documentation for designers and engineers.

• Ability to translate ambiguous requirements into clear user flows, information architecture diagrams, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Experience working across multiple levels of design fidelity, from low-fidelity wireframes to pixel-perfect design specifications.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma, including mastery of components, auto layout, and the creation and maintenance of design libraries.

• Strong time management and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage workload independently and meet agreed-upon project timelines. Preferred Skills:

• Experience planning and executing lightweight, rapid, iterative usability testing.

• A demonstrable passion for renewable energy and advancing the transition to clean energy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma proficiency, design systems, and handling "data-centric web applications" points towards a need for a designer who can contribute to a mature design practice and tackle challenging information design problems. The "passion for renewables" is a strong cultural fit indicator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio is mandatory for interview consideration, showcasing strong product thinking.

• Must demonstrate proficiency in navigation design, user flows, interaction design, information architecture, and information visualization.

• Include examples of designing complex, data-centric web applications and how you simplified intricate user experiences.

• Showcase experience in building and contributing to design systems, including component architecture and documentation.

• Portfolios should clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to work across multiple design fidelities, from wireframes to high-fidelity mockups. Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should ideally include case studies that detail the design process, from problem definition and user research to ideation, iteration, and final solution.

• Demonstrate how you translated ambiguous requirements into tangible design artifacts.

• Showcase examples of collaboration with engineers and how designs were implemented.

• For preferred skills, include examples of lightweight usability testing and its impact on design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is explicitly stated as mandatory for interviewing. This underscores the importance of visual communication and process demonstration in the hiring decision for this design role. The focus on "complex, data-centric" applications suggests portfolio pieces should reflect this complexity.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55 - $70 per hour (flat rate).

Benefits:

• This is an independent contractor (1099) role.

• As an independent contractor, the individual is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, equipment, and benefits.

• No employee benefits are provided as part of this contract engagement.

Working Hours: Approximately 35-40 hours per week, based on project needs and agreed-upon deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is explicitly stated as an hourly flat rate for an independent contractor. This is a critical detail for candidates assessing the financial aspects of the role, as it differs significantly from traditional employment. The $55-$70/hour range is competitive for experienced UX designers in the Bellevue, WA area, especially for contract roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Technology / Software. Clean Power Research is advancing the energy transformation with cloud software solutions for utilities, energy professionals, and consumers. Their products are used by major utilities and renewable energy companies.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of serving "10 of the top 10 Fortune 500 utilities" and being a "growing company" suggests a well-established mid-to-large size organization with significant market presence.

Founded: Information not explicitly provided in the job description, but the company's focus on "advancing the energy transformation" and "new software technologies" implies a forward-thinking and innovative company culture.

Team Structure:

• The Contract Product UX Designer will be an individual contributor, working within multidisciplinary teams.

• Collaboration will be primarily with Product Managers and Engineers, indicating a cross-functional, agile development environment.

• There are no people management responsibilities associated with this role. Methodology:

• The company utilizes cloud software and focuses on delivering "data-driven experiences" and "intuitive, data-centric" applications.

• The design process emphasizes user-centered design, rapid iteration, and the development of reusable design system components.

• The role involves transforming "complex concepts into engaging and intuitive user experiences."

Company Website: http://www.cleanpower.com/about-us/careers/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company operates in a critical and evolving sector (energy transformation). This suggests a culture that values innovation, technical expertise, and a mission-driven approach. The contractor role implies a project-focused, results-oriented work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor (4+ years) focused on specialized design execution rather than management. It offers the opportunity to deepen expertise in UX design for complex, data-intensive enterprise software within a specific industry.

Reporting Structure: The contract designer will report to and collaborate with Product Managers and Engineers, likely within project-specific teams.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly influences the usability and effectiveness of critical software used by major utilities and energy companies. By making complex data and workflows intuitive, the designer contributes to streamlined decision-making, improved efficiency, and successful energy program management.

Growth Opportunities:

• While this is a contract role with a defined duration (approx. 5 months), successful performance could lead to future contract extensions or opportunities for similar engagements with Clean Power Research.

• The role provides an opportunity to gain specialized experience in the renewable energy tech sector, enhancing marketability for future roles in this domain.

• Exposure to advanced design systems and complex enterprise software design challenges will foster skill development in interaction design and information architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this context is primarily skill-based and project-based rather than a traditional linear career path within the company due to its contract nature. The opportunity lies in expanding a specialized portfolio and gaining domain expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily remote, with potential for occasional on-site collaboration in the Bellevue, WA area as mutually agreed upon. This offers significant flexibility.

Office Location(s): Bellevue, Washington, United States (for potential on-site collaboration).

Workspace Context:

• The remote nature of the role allows for a flexible work environment, suitable for individuals who thrive on autonomy.

• Collaboration will occur through digital tools, emphasizing clear communication and documentation.

• The company's focus on cloud software suggests a digitally-enabled workspace with access to modern collaboration platforms.

• Occasional on-site meetings would provide opportunities for in-person team interaction and brainstorming.

Work Schedule: Flexible, with an expectation of approximately 35-40 hours per week, contingent on project needs and agreed-upon deliverables. This allows for time management and independent scheduling within project constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "primarily remote" aspect is a key differentiator. The "occasional on-site" requirement suggests that candidates should ideally be located within commuting distance of Bellevue, WA, or be willing to travel for specific, pre-arranged meetings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume, a link to your portfolio, and a cover letter detailing interest and relevance to the renewable energy space.

• Portfolio Review Presentation: A portfolio review presentation is a mandatory step for interview consideration. This is where candidates will showcase their product thinking, design process, and relevant work.

• Interviews: Likely to involve discussions with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers to assess design skills, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

• Final Evaluation: Will focus on design quality, problem-solving approach, ability to handle complex data, and alignment with project deliverables and timelines.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your skills in designing complex, data-centric applications and demonstrate your product thinking.

• Structure Your Presentation: Clearly outline the problem, your role, the design process (research, ideation, iteration), the solution, and the outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to walk through your Figma files, demonstrating your use of components, auto layout, and design system contributions.

• Emphasize Data Visualization: Showcase how you’ve made complex data understandable and actionable through design.

• Explain Your Process: Articulate your user-centered design approach and how you translated requirements into solutions.

• Address Collaboration: Briefly explain how you collaborated with engineers and other stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a specific feature or solving a UX problem related to energy data or workflow management.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale concisely.

• Understand the company's products (PowerClerk, SolarAnywhere) to frame your answers within their context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory portfolio review presentation is a significant hurdle. Candidates must be prepared to articulate their design process and showcase their work effectively, focusing on the specific demands of designing complex, data-driven software.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced proficiency is required for wireframing, mockups, prototyping, and maintaining design libraries and design systems. This is the core design tool for this role.

• Design System Tools: Experience with building, maintaining, and documenting components within a shared design system.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a tool to use, the role requires designing for "data-driven experiences" and "data-centric applications." Understanding how data is visualized and used by end-users is crucial.

• Experience with usability testing tools is a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the UX Designer role, but understanding how users interact with CRM-like functionalities within enterprise software could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is highlighted as a mandatory, advanced skill. The emphasis on design systems and data visualization implies that familiarity with tools or methodologies that support these areas would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Advancing the energy transformation through new software technologies.

• Data-Driven: Creating software that informs, streamlines, and values energy decisions through data.

• User-Centricity: Designing intuitive and engaging experiences for complex cloud software.

• Efficiency: Streamlining energy programs and processes through configurable, no-code platforms.

• Mission-Driven: A passion for renewables and advancing the transition to clean energy.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with Product Managers and Engineers in multidisciplinary teams.

• Emphasis on clear communication and documentation, especially in a remote-first environment.

• A focus on delivering defined project outcomes and deliverables within agreed timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be mission-oriented, focused on innovation within the clean energy sector, and values a user-centric, data-informed approach to software development. The collaborative style is essential for success in a cross-functional team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for complex, data-intensive enterprise software requires a deep understanding of user needs and information architecture.

• Translating ambiguous requirements into clear, intuitive user experiences requires strong problem-solving and communication skills.

• Working as a contract employee involves managing expectations, delivering within fixed timelines, and being self-sufficient with benefits and taxes.

• Balancing the need for innovative design with the constraints of an established enterprise-grade system and existing design components. Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Gain specialized experience in UX design for the renewable energy technology sector.

• Deepen expertise in designing complex, data-centric cloud applications.

• Enhance skills in Figma, design systems, and user-centered design methodologies through practical application.

• Develop project management and independent work skills inherent to contract roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in acquiring specialized domain knowledge and refining design skills on complex projects, which can significantly enhance a designer's portfolio and marketability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a complex project in your portfolio. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on data-centric applications, PowerClerk/SolarAnywhere context).

• Figma & Design Systems: "How do you approach building and maintaining a design system in Figma? Can you show an example of a complex component you designed?"

• Problem Solving: "Imagine a utility needs to manage energy program applications. How would you approach designing an intuitive, no-code workflow for them?" (Relate to PowerClerk).

• Data Visualization: "Describe a time you had to visualize complex data for users. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Clean Power Research and the clean energy sector?" (Prepare to articulate your passion).

• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers and engineers, especially in a remote setting?"

• "How do you ensure your designs are implemented accurately and efficiently?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start Strong: Clearly state the project's goal and your role.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes to showcase your solutions.

• Process Emphasis: Detail your user-centered design process, including any research or testing conducted.

• Figma Showcase: Be ready to navigate your Figma files to demonstrate your technical skills and design system approach.

• Impact & Outcomes: Quantify results where possible or explain the qualitative improvements your design delivered.

• Conciseness: Respect the allocated time for your presentation and focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio presentation. Candidates must be prepared to articulate their design thinking, technical execution (especially in Figma), and their ability to handle complex, data-driven problems within the energy sector.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this contract Product UX Designer position:

• Click the provided application link to submit your resume.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features projects demonstrating your experience with complex, data-centric web applications, interaction design, and information architecture. Highlight your Figma skills and any design system contributions.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize the 4+ years of UX design experience, specific skills mentioned (Figma, design systems, user-centered design), and any experience relevant to enterprise software or data visualization.

• Cover Letter Crafting: Write a compelling cover letter that specifically addresses your interest in Clean Power Research, the renewable energy space, and how your UX design skills align with the role's requirements, particularly the "complex cloud-based energy software" aspect.

• Portfolio Presentation Practice: Prepare a concise and impactful presentation of your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects that best showcase your product thinking and ability to design for data-intensive applications. Practice articulating your design process and rationale.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Clean Power Research's mission, products (PowerClerk, SolarAnywhere), and the broader clean energy industry to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.