Creative & Web Designer (Contractor - Part-time)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Creative & Web Designer (Contractor - Part-time)

Company: Skorpios Technologies, Inc.

Location: Temecula, California, United States

Job Type: Contractor, Part-time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote-first with preference for Southern California-based contractors for occasional on-site meetings)

🚀 Role Summary

• Execute a hybrid work model, balancing remote collaboration with potential in-person meetings in Southern California for strategic design initiatives.

• Drive visual communication and user experience enhancements for cutting-edge Silicon Photonics technology solutions within AI datacenters and foundry services.

• Develop and maintain dynamic web presences, including websites and landing pages, leveraging modern design platforms and coding languages.

• Create and manage a diverse range of high-impact digital assets crucial for marketing campaigns, brand consistency, and overall GTM strategy execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is explicitly for a Creative & Web Designer, its placement within a technology company focused on advanced solutions (Silicon Photonics for AI datacenters, foundry services) suggests a need for design operations that are deeply integrated with product marketing and GTM efforts. The emphasis on translating brand guidelines and creating marketing materials indicates a need for design to directly support sales enablement and market positioning. The hybrid nature and preference for Southern California residents for occasional in-person collaboration hint at a company culture that values both flexibility and strategic face-to-face interaction, particularly for creative ideation and team alignment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and update visually appealing, user-friendly websites and landing pages using platforms such as WordPress, Webflow, Framer, or custom code, ensuring alignment with brand identity and marketing objectives.

• Create a comprehensive suite of high-quality digital assets, including graphics, illustrations, icons, banners, social media visuals, and other marketing collateral, to support ongoing campaigns and brand initiatives.

• Translate and enforce brand guidelines across all digital and print materials, ensuring a consistent, modern, and impactful brand presence across all touchpoints.

• Collaborate closely with marketing, product, and engineering teams to conceptualize and design integrated campaigns, email templates, and engaging digital experiences that resonate with target audiences.

• Optimize all web designs for peak performance, accessibility standards (WCAG), and mobile responsiveness to ensure a seamless user experience across all devices and platforms.

• Proactively update and maintain existing websites, ensuring content freshness, design alignment with current trends, and technical functionality.

• Participate actively in creative brainstorming sessions, contributing innovative ideas and effectively presenting design concepts to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic GTM support. The emphasis on "marketing campaigns," "brand guidelines," and "digital experiences" indicates that this role is not purely aesthetic but directly contributes to the company's market presence and customer engagement strategies. The need to "optimize designs for performance, accessibility, and mobile responsiveness" points to a modern design operations approach, focusing on user experience and technical best practices, which are critical for digital marketing success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in Graphic Design, Web Design, Digital Media, or a related field is highly beneficial. Equivalent practical experience and a robust portfolio will be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a Creative Designer, Web Designer, or in a similar role, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality design solutions.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A strong, compelling portfolio showcasing a diverse range of web design and creative/visual work is mandatory.

• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Web Development Platforms: Demonstrated proficiency in Webflow or WordPress (including experience with page builders like Elementor or Divi).

• Web Technologies: Solid understanding of HTML and CSS; basic knowledge of JavaScript is a significant advantage.

• UI/UX Principles: Comprehensive understanding of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) principles, including wireframing and prototyping.

• Responsive Design: Proven ability to design and implement responsive layouts that adapt seamlessly across various devices and screen sizes.

• Design Systems: Experience with or understanding of design systems for maintaining consistency and scalability.

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet tight deadlines independently.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Location: Based in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, or Inland Empire areas) for potential in-person collaboration.

• Industry Experience: Prior experience working with startups, agencies, or small-to-medium businesses, particularly in technology sectors.

• Motion Design: Familiarity or experience with motion design tools such as Adobe After Effects or Lottie.

• 3D Tools: Exposure to or proficiency in 3D design software.

• Branding & Typography: Deep understanding of branding principles, typography, and current web design trends (specifically looking ahead to 2025-2026).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as the primary validation of skills. The blend of design software (Figma, Adobe CC) and web development platforms (WordPress, Webflow) indicates a need for a designer who can bridge the gap between creative conceptualization and functional web implementation. While not strictly required, knowledge of JavaScript and motion/3D tools suggests an openness to candidates with more advanced technical and creative capabilities, indicating potential for future growth within the role. The preference for Southern California residents underscores the hybrid work model and the company's desire for occasional face-to-face collaboration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Web Design Case Studies: Detailed case studies demonstrating the design process from concept to completion for at least two distinct website or landing page projects, highlighting problem identification, design solutions, and user impact.

• Visual Design Projects: A curated selection of high-impact visual design work, including branding elements, marketing collateral, social media graphics, or illustrations, showcasing versatility and creative execution.

• Technical Integration Examples: Evidence of understanding and implementation of responsive design principles, cross-browser compatibility, and basic HTML/CSS integration within web projects.

• Tool Proficiency Demonstration: Visual examples or descriptions of how Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and WordPress/Webflow were utilized to achieve project goals, emphasizing efficiency and creative problem-solving.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Ability to articulate and document design workflows, from initial brief and concept development through to final asset delivery and implementation.

• Design System Application: Examples or explanations of how design systems were used or could be implemented to ensure brand consistency and streamline design processes across multiple projects.

• Performance Optimization: Documentation or case studies detailing how designs were optimized for web performance, accessibility, and mobile responsiveness, including any A/B testing or user feedback incorporated.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a creative and web design role, the portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of process and problem-solving. The emphasis here is on showing how the candidate approaches design challenges, not just the final output. This includes documenting their workflow, showcasing technical understanding (responsive design, HTML/CSS integration), and illustrating how they translate brand strategy into tangible visual assets. The ability to articulate process and demonstrate optimization techniques is crucial for a role that bridges creative vision with functional execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a part-time (20 hours/week) Creative & Web Designer with 5-10 years of experience in the Temecula, CA area, the estimated hourly rate is between $40 - $65 USD. This range accounts for the specialized skill set, contract nature of the role, and the demand for experienced design professionals in the technology sector.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Schedule: A predictable 20-hour weekly schedule offers significant flexibility for work-life balance.

• Competitive Hourly Rate: Compensation commensurate with experience and skills, reflecting the value brought to cutting-edge technology projects.

• Innovative Project Exposure: Opportunity to work on exciting, disruptive Silicon Photonics technology for AI data centers and novel chip development, offering a stimulating and forward-thinking work environment.

• Remote-First with Hybrid Options: Primarily remote work with the option for occasional in-person collaboration, prioritizing convenience while allowing for strategic team interaction.

Working Hours: A flexible 20-hour work week, with potential core hours to be determined based on team needs and project demands, allowing for significant autonomy in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on aggregated data from reputable compensation platforms (e.g., Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, Salary.com) for similar roles in the specified geographic region (Temecula, CA) and experience level. The contract and part-time nature of the role are key factors in this estimation. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the job description, highlighting aspects particularly attractive to contract professionals. The "remote-first with preference for Southern California-based contractors" indicates a hybrid approach, which is becoming increasingly common and valued.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Silicon Photonics, Semiconductor Foundry Services, AI Datacenters)

Company Size: Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is likely a growing technology firm, potentially ranging from 50-250 employees, indicated by its focus on specialized, next-generation technology and the need for agile, versatile roles.

Founded: Skorpios Technologies was founded in 2010, suggesting a decade-plus of experience in developing advanced semiconductor and photonics solutions, building a foundation of expertise and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Creative & Web Designer will likely be part of a lean Marketing or GTM team, collaborating closely with product marketing, engineering leads, and potentially sales enablement functions.

• Reporting structure will probably be to a Marketing Manager or Director, with direct project-based collaboration across various departments.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creativity is key, design decisions will likely be informed by marketing analytics, user feedback, and performance metrics to ensure effectiveness.

• Agile Development Support: The designer will support fast-paced product development cycles, requiring adaptability and quick iteration on design assets and web content.

• Brand Stewardship: Maintaining and evolving a strong, consistent brand identity across all platforms is a core operational focus.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Skorpios Technologies operates at the forefront of advanced technology, focusing on Silicon Photonics for AI datacenters and foundry services. This implies a culture that values innovation, technical expertise, and precision. The company's founding date (2010) suggests a mature yet dynamic organization. The design role will be critical in communicating complex technical solutions to diverse audiences, requiring a blend of technical understanding and creative storytelling. The emphasis on "nextgen" and "disruptive" technology points to a fast-paced, forward-thinking environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a specialized, part-time contractor role focused on executing creative and web design tasks. It represents an opportunity for an experienced designer to contribute to a high-tech company without the full-time commitment, offering flexibility and project-based engagement.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a marketing lead or manager, receiving project briefs and feedback. While not a management role, it involves significant autonomy in task execution and creative problem-solving.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the company's market perception, brand consistency, and the effectiveness of its marketing campaigns. High-quality visuals and user-friendly web experiences are crucial for conveying the sophistication of Skorpios' technology and attracting potential clients and partners in the competitive semiconductor and AI datacenter markets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific design tools (Figma, Webflow) or gain exposure to advanced areas like motion graphics or 3D design if desired.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the high-growth sectors of Silicon Photonics, AI, and semiconductor foundry services, enhancing industry-specific knowledge.

• Portfolio Expansion: Work on impactful projects for a leading-edge technology company, significantly enriching the designer's professional portfolio.

• Potential for Continued Engagement: Successful contractors may have opportunities for extended contracts or future project-based work based on performance and company needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a part-time contractor role, "career growth" here is more about skill enhancement, portfolio building, and gaining specialized industry experience rather than traditional hierarchical advancement. The impact of the role is significant in terms of external perception and marketing effectiveness. The company's focus on "nextgen" technology suggests that staying current with design trends and tools will be key for any long-term engagement or future opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Remote-first with preference for Southern California-based contractors for occasional on-site meetings or workshops." This implies a flexible work environment that prioritizes remote productivity while valuing in-person collaboration for specific strategic sessions.

Office Location(s): The company headquarters is in Temecula, CA, with potential for meetings to occur there or at other designated locations within the Southern California region (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Inland Empire).

Workspace Context:

• Remote Autonomy: The primary workspace is remote, allowing for personalized productivity setups and flexible working hours within the 20-hour weekly limit.

• Collaborative Tools: Expect to utilize digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, project management software) for communication and feedback with the team.

• In-Person Engagement: Occasional on-site meetings will provide opportunities for direct team interaction, brainstorming, and building stronger working relationships.

Work Schedule: A flexible 20-hour weekly schedule is offered, with the understanding that core hours might be established to facilitate team collaboration and project alignment, especially during in-person sessions or critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote-first with preference for Southern California-based contractors" detail is crucial. It signals a modern, flexible approach to work but also highlights the company's desire for occasional face-to-face interaction, likely for brainstorming, strategic alignment, or team building. This is common in creative roles where visual collaboration can be highly effective in person. The flexibility in the 20-hour week is a key benefit for contractors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume, portfolio link, desired hourly rate, and introductory note to assess qualifications and fit.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, discussing specific projects, design decisions, and your approach to problem-solving. Be prepared to articulate your process and the results achieved.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a small design exercise or technical question focusing on core skills like Figma, Webflow/WordPress, or HTML/CSS to gauge practical application.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion about your experience, working style, availability, and how you can contribute to Skorpios' marketing and GTM objectives. This is also an opportunity to ask questions about the company and the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest and most relevant projects that showcase both web design and creative visual work. Prioritize projects that demonstrate problem-solving and impact.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the design process undertaken (ideation, wireframing, design, testing), the tools used, and the outcomes or results achieved.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work with different styles, platforms (WordPress, Webflow), and asset types (web graphics, marketing materials).

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, positive client feedback).

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to speak in detail about your design choices, technical considerations, and how you handle feedback and revisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review Company Materials: Familiarize yourself with Skorpios Technologies' current website, branding, and any publicly available marketing materials to understand their aesthetic and messaging.

• Understand the Technology: Gain a basic understanding of Silicon Photonics, AI datacenters, and foundry services to better contextualize the design challenges and communicate effectively.

• Practice Articulation: Rehearse explaining your design process and portfolio projects concisely and compellingly, focusing on clear communication and strategic rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes the portfolio as the central piece of evidence. Therefore, candidates must treat their portfolio as a strategic document, not just a gallery. The interview will likely delve into the "why" behind design decisions and the "how" of execution, especially concerning performance and responsiveness. Being able to translate complex technical information into visually appealing and understandable designs will be a key assessment point.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (essential for UI/UX design, collaboration, and prototyping).

• Graphic Design: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop for image manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics, InDesign for layout/print).

• Web Development Platforms: WordPress (with page builders like Elementor/Divi) and/or Webflow (for website creation and content management).

• Coding: HTML, CSS (required for web implementation and understanding of responsive design), JavaScript (bonus skill).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics to understand website performance and user behavior is beneficial.

• Design Feedback Tools: Platforms that facilitate client feedback on designs (e.g., InVision, Figma's commenting features).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct requirement, understanding how design assets integrate with marketing automation platforms or CRM systems could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around industry-standard design and web development tools. Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Experience with WordPress and/or Webflow is crucial for website development. A foundational understanding of HTML/CSS is necessary for effective web design implementation, and JavaScript knowledge is a valuable differentiator. Familiarity with analytics tools will help the designer understand the impact of their work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A commitment to exploring and implementing cutting-edge design solutions that reflect the company's forward-thinking technology.

• Precision & Quality: A dedication to high-quality execution in both visual design and web development, mirroring the precision required in semiconductor technology.

• Collaboration: A proactive and communicative approach to working with cross-functional teams, valuing diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.

• Efficiency: A focus on streamlined workflows and effective use of design tools to deliver results within project timelines and budget constraints.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The designer will be expected to work closely with marketing, product, and engineering teams, translating technical information into accessible visual content.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: An open approach to receiving and incorporating feedback from stakeholders to refine designs and ensure alignment with project objectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design insights, best practices, and creative ideas to foster a collaborative and innovative team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Skorpios' focus on advanced technology, the company culture likely emphasizes innovation, technical excellence, and a results-oriented approach. For a designer, this translates to creating visually compelling and technically sound work that effectively communicates complex ideas and supports business objectives. The collaboration style will be key to bridging the gap between technical teams and marketing efforts.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Technology: The primary challenge will be to visually represent and communicate highly technical concepts (Silicon Photonics, AI datacenters) in an accessible and compelling manner.

• Balancing Creative Vision with Brand Consistency: Maintaining creative freedom while adhering to strict brand guidelines and technical requirements.

• Managing Multiple Projects with Limited Hours: Effectively prioritizing and executing tasks within a 20-hour work week, requiring strong time management and organizational skills.

• Keeping Pace with Technology and Design Trends: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, web technologies, and industry best practices to stay relevant.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Tool Proficiency: Opportunity to master advanced features within Figma, Webflow, or explore motion graphics software like After Effects.

• Industry Insight: Deepen understanding of the semiconductor and AI technology sectors, providing valuable context for design work.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with impactful projects for a reputable technology company, showcasing expertise in a high-demand field.

• Remote Work Best Practices: Hone skills in remote collaboration, asynchronous communication, and self-management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The main challenge lies in bridging the gap between highly technical subject matter and effective visual communication. This requires not only design skills but also the ability to learn and understand the core technology. The growth opportunities are centered on specialized skill development and gaining experience in a cutting-edge industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a complex technical concept, like Silicon Photonics, and translating it into a visually compelling marketing asset or website element." (Focus on your problem-solving approach, research methods, and iterative design process).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across various digital platforms and marketing materials, especially when working remotely?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines, use of design systems, and communication strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Skorpios Technologies and our work in Silicon Photonics and AI datacenters?" (Showcase research into the company's mission, technology, and market position).

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineering or product teams who may have a different technical perspective than a marketing or design team?" (Emphasize your communication skills, ability to listen, and collaborative problem-solving).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your role and approach, the solution, and the outcome.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-resolution images and clear descriptions.

• Process Emphasis: Clearly articulate your design process for key projects, showcasing wireframes, mockups, and iterative stages.

• Tool Demonstration: Be ready to explain how specific tools (Figma, Adobe CC, WordPress/Webflow) were used to achieve project goals and solve problems.

• Focus on Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight projects that best align with Skorpios' needs, especially those involving technology, branding, and effective web experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just creative talent but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration skills, especially in the context of a technical company and a remote/hybrid work environment. The portfolio presentation is critical for showcasing practical skills and the ability to deliver tangible results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Creative & Web Designer position:

• Submit your resume, a link to your portfolio, your desired hourly rate, and a brief note explaining your fit and availability for 20 hours/week via the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features web design projects (WordPress, Webflow) and creative visual assets, highlighting your ability to translate technical concepts and adhere to brand guidelines.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of experience in creative and web design, proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress/Webflow, and your understanding of UI/UX principles and responsive design.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, showcasing specific portfolio projects that demonstrate problem-solving and impact, and preparing to discuss your experience with technical clients or complex subject matter.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Skorpios Technologies, their Silicon Photonics technology, AI datacenter solutions, and their current branding to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during the interview process.

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