Principal UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal UX/UI Designer

Company: Konrad

Location: San José, Costa Rica

Job Type: Hybrid

Category: UI/UX Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-05

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🎨 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor design teams while collaborating with clients and cross-functional teams to create exceptional user experiences.
• Define and execute high-quality UX, visual, and interaction designs, balancing business goals with user needs.
• Set a high bar for design quality and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and feedback.
• Navigate complex stakeholder dynamics with clarity and empathy, driving projects from discovery to execution.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Design best-in-class experiences and interfaces with high attention to craft, usability, and polish.
• Deliver thoughtful, pixel-perfect design systems, interactions, and flows in Figma.
• Apply UX research, usability insights, and product data to refine and evolve designs.
• Facilitate and lead stakeholder reviews, including feedback prioritization.
• Align cross-disciplinary teams around a shared product vision and design approach.
• Identify emerging design trends and best practices for strategic investment.
• Mentor designers and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and feedback.
• Support design operations, project scoping, and resource planning when needed.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in UX/UI design, including 3+ years in a leadership role. A strong portfolio showcasing high-quality work across experience, visual, and interaction design is required.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Figma and strong skills with prototyping tools.
• Ability to synthesize research, data, and business requirements into actionable designs.
• Strong communicator with experience presenting to senior stakeholders and clients.
• Driven to lead creative workflows, inspire teams, and drive design excellence.
• Passionate about collaboration, mentorship, and growing design culture.
• Experience in informing project timelines and scope prioritization.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in branding or design operations.
• Advanced English Level required.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating your design process, from research and discovery to final execution.
• High-quality visuals showcasing your design aesthetic and attention to detail.
• Examples of your ability to collaborate with stakeholders and incorporate feedback into your designs.
• Demonstration of your understanding of user-centered design principles and usability best practices.

Process Documentation:

• Include your design thinking approach, user research methods, and how you incorporate user feedback into your designs.
• Showcase your ability to create design systems and style guides to ensure consistency across platforms and products.
• Demonstrate your proficiency in Figma and other relevant design tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in San José, Costa Rica is approximately ₡7,500,000 - ₡9,500,000 per year (USD $12,500 - $15,800 per year), based on market research and company size.

Benefits:

• Mentorship Program
• Socials, Outings & Retreats
• Culture of Learning & Development
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits Package
• Flexible Working Hours
• Work from Home Flexibility
• Service Recognition Programs

Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible working hours and the option to work from home.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Konrad is a global digital agency and innovation firm that helps the world's top companies succeed in the digital age, specializing in software development, digital marketing, and user experience design.

Company Size: Konrad has over 500 employees across offices in New York, Toronto, Vancouver, London, Miami, and San José.

Founded: 2007

Team Structure:

• The design team at Konrad consists of UX/UI designers, product designers, and visual designers, working in cross-functional teams with developers, project managers, and strategists.
• The team follows a flat hierarchy, with designers reporting directly to design directors or managers.
• Konrad encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing across teams and disciplines.

Methodology:

• Konrad follows a design-driven approach to building cutting-edge digital solutions, focusing on user-centered design and design thinking.
• The design process involves research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration, with a strong emphasis on usability and accessibility.
• Konrad uses Figma as its primary design tool, with additional tools such as Sketch, Adobe XD, and InVision for specific projects.

Company Website: konrad.com

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a strategic leader with a strong design background and proven experience in driving design quality and team development.

Reporting Structure: The Principal UX/UI Designer will report directly to the Design Director or Manager and will be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of designers.

Design Impact: In this role, you will have a significant impact on the design direction of projects and will be responsible for ensuring that design quality is maintained across all deliverables and platforms.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Konrad continues to grow, there will be opportunities for the Principal UX/UI Designer to take on additional responsibilities, such as managing a larger team or leading a design practice within the company.
• Konrad offers a culture of learning and development, with opportunities for designers to expand their skills and advance their careers through mentorship programs, workshops, and industry events.
• Designers at Konrad have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects for clients across various industries, allowing for continuous learning and growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Konrad's offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster creativity and innovation. The San José office is located in the heart of the city, with easy access to public transportation and amenities.

Office Location(s): 503 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, US; 482 Front St W, 4th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5V 0W1, CA; Ofimall San Pedro, 8vo piso, San José, Cartago N/A, CR; 455 Granville St, Vancouver, British Columbia, CA

Design Workspace Context:

• Konrad's design teams work in open-plan offices, with dedicated design spaces and access to the latest design tools and technology.
• The company encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing, with regular design critiques, workshops, and team-building activities.
• Konrad's design teams work closely with other departments, including strategy, technology, and project management, to ensure that design is integrated into all aspects of the product development process.

Work Schedule: Konrad offers flexible working hours and the option to work from home, with a hybrid work arrangement that balances remote work with in-office collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• The design interview process at Konrad consists of three stages: a portfolio review, a design challenge, and a final interview with the design team and hiring manager.
• Candidates are expected to present their design process, including research, ideation, prototyping, and testing, as well as their ability to incorporate feedback and iterate on their designs.
• Konrad values candidates who can think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with stakeholders and team members.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your design process, showcasing your ability to balance business goals with user needs and incorporate feedback into your designs.
• Include case studies that demonstrate your experience working with stakeholders and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Showcase your proficiency in Figma and other relevant design tools, with a focus on creating high-quality, pixel-perfect designs.
• Tailor your portfolio to the specific role and company, highlighting your relevant experience and skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare for a design challenge that focuses on your ability to apply user-centered design principles, incorporate feedback, and iterate on your designs within a tight deadline.
• Familiarize yourself with Konrad's design process and methodology, and be prepared to discuss how you would apply them to a hypothetical project.
• Research Konrad's clients and industry focus, and be ready to discuss how your design skills and experience align with the company's goals and values.

ATS Keywords: UX Design, UI Design, Figma, Prototyping, User Research, Design Thinking, Stakeholder Management, Mentorship, Collaboration, Communication, Project Management, Design Trends, Design Quality, Design Operations, Design Systems, Branding, Design Thinking, User-Centered Design, Design Process, Design Challenge, Portfolio Review, Design Interview, Design Culture, Design Team Dynamics, Design Impact Measurement

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma - Konrad's primary design tool, used for creating design systems, interactions, and flows.
• Sketch - Used for specific projects that require a different design toolset.
• Adobe XD - Occasionally used for collaboration with external stakeholders or clients.
• InVision - Used for prototyping and user testing, with a focus on usability and accessibility.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Zeplin - Konrad's primary design handoff tool, used for generating design tokens, styles, and components for developers.
• InVision - Used for collaboration with stakeholders and clients, with a focus on usability testing and feedback integration.
• Confluence - Konrad's project management tool, used for tracking design tasks, progress, and feedback.

Research & Testing:

• UserTesting - Konrad's primary user testing platform, used for gathering user feedback and validating design decisions.
• Google Analytics - Used for analyzing user behavior and optimizing design performance.
• Hotjar - Used for heatmapping and session recording, with a focus on identifying usability issues and opportunities for improvement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• User-centered design - Konrad prioritizes user needs and feedback in all design decisions, with a focus on creating intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable experiences.
• Collaboration - Konrad encourages cross-functional collaboration and knowledge-sharing, with a focus on driving design quality and team development.
• Continuous learning - Konrad fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth, with regular design critiques, workshops, and industry events.
• Design excellence - Konrad strives for design excellence in all aspects of the product development process, with a focus on creating high-quality, pixel-perfect designs.
• Innovation - Konrad values creativity, experimentation, and risk-taking, with a focus on driving digital innovation for clients and their customers.

Collaboration Style:

• Konrad's design teams work in cross-functional teams, with a focus on collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management.
• Design critiques are a regular part of Konrad's design process, with a focus on providing and incorporating feedback to drive design quality and team development.
• Konrad's design teams work closely with other departments, including strategy, technology, and project management, to ensure that design is integrated into all aspects of the product development process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Navigating complex stakeholder dynamics and balancing business goals with user needs.
• Managing design projects with tight deadlines and competing priorities.
• Keeping up-to-date with emerging design trends, tools, and best practices.
• Driving design quality and team development in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Konrad offers a mentorship program, with opportunities for designers to learn from experienced team members and develop their skills and careers.
• Konrad hosts regular design critiques, workshops, and industry events, with a focus on continuous learning and growth.
• Konrad encourages designers to explore new tools, technologies, and design methodologies, with a focus on driving innovation and excellence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, including research, ideation, prototyping, and testing, as well as your ability to incorporate feedback and iterate on your designs.
• Prepare for questions about your experience working with stakeholders and collaborating with cross-functional teams, with a focus on driving design quality and team development.
• Konrad values candidates who can think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with stakeholders and team members.

Company Culture Questions:

• Research Konrad's design culture, values, and methodology, and be prepared to discuss how you align with the company's goals and priorities.
• Prepare for questions about your experience working in a collaborative, user-centered design environment, with a focus on driving design quality and team development.
• Konrad values candidates who are passionate about design, with a focus on continuous learning, growth, and innovation.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tailor your portfolio to the specific role and company, highlighting your relevant experience and skills.
• Showcase your design process, with a focus on balancing business goals with user needs and incorporating feedback into your designs.
• Prepare for questions about your design decisions, with a focus on your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with stakeholders and team members.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through the Konrad Careers page.
• Tailor your portfolio to highlight your design process, user-centered design approach, and ability to collaborate with stakeholders and team members.
• Optimize your resume for design roles, with a focus on highlighting your relevant experience, skills, and keywords.
• Prepare for design challenges and interviews, with a focus on your design process, user-centered design approach, and ability to collaborate with stakeholders and team members.
• Research Konrad's design culture, values, and methodology, and be prepared to discuss how you align with the company's goals and priorities.