UI Developer, Associate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Developer, Associate

Company: Pacific Gas And Electric Company

Location: Oakland, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UI Development

Date Posted: June 12, 2025

Experience Level: Associate (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🎨 Role Summary

• Contribute to the design and implementation of user interfaces for innovative web applications, focusing on intuitive user experiences and visually appealing interfaces.
• Develop responsive designs utilizing modern front-end technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, and ReactJS.
• Ensure web applications are optimized for performance and maintain cross-browser compatibility, adhering to established UI/UX design principles.
• Collaborate closely with the development team to translate design mockups and wireframes into functional user interfaces.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement intuitive user experiences and visually appealing user interfaces, focusing on front-end development and UI implementation.
• Develop and maintain responsive web applications using standard web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, and the ReactJS framework.
• Optimize web applications for performance, ensuring fast load times and smooth user interactions across various devices and browsers.
• Troubleshoot and debug UI-related issues, identifying and resolving front-end bugs to ensure a seamless user experience.
• Stay current with the latest UI design trends, front-end development technologies, and web standards to propose and implement relevant improvements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience is required. Coursework or projects involving web development and user interface design are beneficial.

Experience: A minimum of 1 year of programming analysis experience is required. This could include internships, personal projects, or professional experience demonstrating the ability to analyze requirements and develop software solutions. A strong portfolio showcasing front-end development skills and implemented UI designs is highly recommended.

Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript/TypeScript for building web interfaces.
• Demonstrated experience with the ReactJS library for front-end development and component-based architecture.
• Solid understanding of responsive design principles and techniques for creating adaptive user interfaces across different screen sizes.
• Knowledge of cross-browser compatibility issues and strategies for ensuring consistent rendering across major web browsers.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to identify, analyze, and resolve front-end development challenges.
• Strong attention to detail in implementing pixel-perfect designs and ensuring high visual fidelity.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment, communicating technical concepts clearly with developers and potentially designers.
• A passion for creating user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces, demonstrating an understanding of user experience fundamentals.

Preferred Skills:

• Internship or project experience involving Generative AI development, demonstrating an interest in emerging technologies and their application in UI development.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure, understanding how front-end applications interact with cloud services.
• Knowledge of back-end technologies like Python/FastAPI, providing a broader understanding of the full-stack development process.
• An understanding of challenges and opportunities within the energy sector, demonstrating industry awareness relevant to PG&E's business.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Include examples of web applications or user interfaces you have built, demonstrating your proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, and ReactJS.
• Showcase projects that highlight your implementation of responsive design, illustrating how your interfaces adapt to different devices and screen sizes.
• Present case studies or project descriptions that explain your approach to building the UI, focusing on the technical implementation and challenges overcome.
• If applicable, include examples of projects where you collaborated with designers or back-end developers, demonstrating your teamwork and handoff capabilities.

Process Documentation:

• Briefly describe your process for implementing UI designs from mockups or wireframes, including tools and workflows used.
• Explain your approach to ensuring cross-browser compatibility and optimizing front-end performance.
• Detail any methods you use for debugging UI issues and ensuring code quality.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 to $120,000 per year. This range is specific to the Oakland, CA locality and is based on factors including specific skills, education, certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, and internal equity. While the company estimates placement towards the middle or entry point for this role, the final decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits:

• Competitive health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision) are typically offered by large corporations like PG&E, providing comprehensive coverage for employees and their families.
• Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k) with potential company matching contributions, supporting long-term financial planning.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays) is standard, allowing for work-life balance and personal time.
• Opportunities for professional development and training may be available, supporting continuous learning in UI development and related technologies.
• Additional benefits may include life insurance, disability coverage, and employee assistance programs.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. As a hybrid role, there will be a blend of on-site work at the Oakland location and remote work, offering some flexibility while maintaining team collaboration.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Utilities. Pacific Gas and Electric Company is one of the largest combination natural gas and electric utilities in the United States, serving a vast area in northern and central California. This context implies a focus on stability, reliability, and potentially complex enterprise-level systems relevant to infrastructure management and customer service.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (approximately 20,000). Working in a large organization means established processes, potential for specialization, and opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams. The UI Developer will likely work within a structured IT department, potentially on internal applications or customer-facing portals related to energy services.

Founded: 1905. PG&E has a long history in the energy sector, indicating a mature organization with established infrastructure and systems. Innovation efforts, such as those within the Enterprise Strategy and Architecture (ES&A) Innovation & Operations team, likely focus on modernizing existing systems and developing new solutions for efficiency and customer engagement.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Enterprise Strategy and Architecture (ES&A) Innovation & Operations team, suggesting a focus on leveraging technology for strategic initiatives and operational improvements.
• The UI Developer will work closely with a development team, implying collaboration with back-end developers, potentially designers, and other IT professionals.
• Being an "Individual Contributor" at the "Associate" level suggests working under guidance, likely reporting to a team lead or manager within the ES&A team.

Methodology:

• While not explicitly stated, large IT departments often utilize structured development methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall. Given the focus on innovation, an Agile approach (Scrum, Kanban) is probable, emphasizing iterative development and collaboration.
• UI development within this context would likely involve working with established design systems and guidelines to ensure consistency across enterprise applications.
• Development processes would include coding, testing, debugging, and deployment cycles, likely utilizing version control systems.

Company Website: http://www.pge.com

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Associate. This is an entry-level position designed for individuals with foundational UI development skills and limited professional experience. The focus is on developing core competencies, learning established processes, and contributing to specific project tasks under supervision.

Reporting Structure: As an Individual Contributor within the ES&A Innovation & Operations team, the Associate UI Developer will likely report to a team lead, senior developer, or manager who will provide guidance, task assignments, and performance feedback. Collaboration with other team members is expected.

Design Impact: The UI Developer's impact will be primarily on the front-end implementation of web applications. By creating functional and visually appealing interfaces, they directly contribute to the user experience and usability of the software developed by the team. Their work ensures that users can effectively interact with the applications.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a mid-level or Senior UI Developer role within the IT department, taking on more complex tasks and potentially mentoring junior team members, typically over 2-5 years with demonstrated proficiency.
• Specialization in specific areas such as front-end performance optimization, accessibility (WCAG standards), or working with advanced front-end frameworks and libraries.
• Opportunities to contribute to or transition into related areas like UX design (if interest and skills develop), full-stack development, or technical leadership roles within the IT organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Hybrid. This role involves a combination of working from home and working from the PG&E office in Oakland, CA. The hybrid model offers flexibility while allowing for in-person collaboration with the team when needed.

Office Location(s): Oakland, CA (94612). The primary office location is in Oakland, which is a major urban center accessible by public transportation and located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Design Workspace Context:

• The office environment in Oakland likely provides dedicated workspace, potentially including collaborative areas for team meetings and discussions.
• Access to necessary hardware, software, and internet connectivity would be provided for on-site work.
• Interaction with team members and other colleagues in person facilitates brainstorming, pair programming, and real-time problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with working hours likely aligned with standard business hours in the Pacific Time Zone. The hybrid model may offer some flexibility in daily schedules, but core hours for team collaboration will likely be expected.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Initial screening by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and experience. Prepare to discuss your resume and general interest in the role and PG&E.
• Technical interview(s) focusing on your front-end development skills (HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, ReactJS). Be prepared to discuss past projects, solve coding problems, and explain your approach to building user interfaces.
• Portfolio review where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, explaining your role, the challenges you faced, and your technical solutions. Focus on demonstrating your coding skills and implementation process.
• Behavioral or team fit interview(s) to assess your collaboration skills, problem-solving approach under pressure, and how you align with the team and company culture.
• Potential final interview with a hiring manager or senior leader to discuss your career goals and overall fit for the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select 2-4 projects that best showcase your proficiency in the required technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, ReactJS).
• For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions and the technical challenges you addressed.
• Walk through your implementation process, explaining design choices from a developer's perspective and how you ensured responsiveness and performance.
• Be prepared to explain the code structure, component usage in ReactJS, and any libraries or tools you utilized.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect potential coding exercises or technical assessments during the interview process. These might involve building a small UI component or solving a front-end problem.
• Practice coding in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ReactJS, focusing on common UI patterns and responsive design implementation.
• Be ready to explain your thought process while coding and articulate your technical decisions.

ATS Keywords:

• Design Skills: User Interface (UI), Responsive Design, Cross-Browser Compatibility, User Experience (UX - foundational understanding).
• Tools: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, ReactJS, Version Control (e.g., Git), Code Editors (e.g., VS Code).
• Methodologies: Agile, Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Problem Solving, Debugging.
• Soft Skills: Teamwork, Communication, Attention to Detail, Collaboration, Problem Solving.
• Industry Terms: Web Applications, Front-End Development, User Experience, Enterprise Systems, Utility Sector.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• HTML: Essential for structuring web content. Proficiency required for semantic HTML and building accessible interfaces.
• CSS: Crucial for styling and layout. Expertise in responsive design techniques (like Flexbox or Grid) and potentially CSS preprocessors (Sass, Less) is valuable.
• JavaScript/TypeScript: Core programming languages for front-end logic and interactivity. TypeScript knowledge is a strong plus for building scalable and maintainable applications.
• ReactJS: The primary front-end library specified. Strong skills in building components, managing state, and understanding the React ecosystem are required.

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Likely use of collaboration platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams for team communication.
• Version control systems, prominently Git, for code management and team collaboration on codebase changes.
• Potential use of project management tools like Jira or Asana for task tracking and workflow management.

Research & Testing:

• While not explicitly a research-focused role, basic understanding of how UI decisions are informed by user feedback or testing is beneficial.
• Debugging tools within browser developer consoles will be frequently used for troubleshooting UI issues.
• Potential exposure to unit testing frameworks for front-end code (e.g., Jest, React Testing Library) as part of the development process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Focus on creating user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces, indicating a value placed on the end-user experience and the aesthetics of the applications.
• Emphasis on collaboration and working effectively in a team environment, highlighting the importance of communication and shared goals within the development team.
• Passion for continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest UI trends and technologies, suggesting a culture that supports professional growth and innovation in front-end development.
• Attention to detail in implementing designs and ensuring quality, reflecting a commitment to delivering robust and reliable software.

Collaboration Style:

• Likely involves close collaboration with fellow developers on the team, potentially including code reviews and pair programming.
• Interaction with other IT professionals, potentially including back-end developers, quality assurance testers, and project managers.
• Communication with stakeholders to understand requirements and gather feedback on the user interface.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Working within the constraints of enterprise-level systems and potentially integrating with legacy back-end infrastructure, requiring adaptability and creative problem-solving in UI implementation.
• Ensuring accessibility (WCAG compliance) for a diverse user base, which is crucial for a utility company serving the public. This requires understanding and applying accessibility best practices in front-end development.
• Balancing the need for innovation with the requirement for stability and reliability in critical utility systems, demanding careful consideration of technical decisions and thorough testing.
• Keeping up with the rapid evolution of front-end technologies while working within established organizational processes and technology stacks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Gaining practical experience in building and deploying enterprise-level web applications using ReactJS and related technologies.
• Learning about the energy sector and the specific challenges and opportunities related to technology in this industry.
• Opportunities to develop expertise in areas like front-end performance optimization, accessibility, or working with cloud platforms (AWS/Azure) and back-end technologies (Python/FastAPI) if desired.
• Mentorship from more experienced developers and opportunities to learn from senior team members.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to translating design mockups into functional UI components using ReactJS. Have specific examples from your portfolio ready.
• Explain your process for ensuring responsive design and cross-browser compatibility. Discuss tools and techniques you use.
• Describe how you approach debugging front-end issues. Provide examples of a challenging bug you've solved.

Company Culture Questions:

• Research PG&E's mission, values, and recent technology initiatives. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in working for a utility company and specifically in their IT department.
• Discuss your experience working in a team environment and how you collaborate with other developers and potentially designers.
• Ask questions about the team structure, development methodology, and how the UI team collaborates with other parts of the organization.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on the technical implementation details of your projects. Explain your code structure, use of React components, and how you handled data flow.
• Clearly articulate the technical challenges you faced and how you overcame them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills.
• Showcase projects that are relevant to building web applications, especially those with interactive elements and responsive layouts.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link on the PG&E careers website.
• Carefully review your resume to ensure it highlights your proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, and ReactJS, using relevant ATS keywords.
• Prepare your portfolio by selecting projects that best demonstrate your front-end development skills and ability to implement user interfaces effectively. Focus on technical execution and process.
• Practice explaining your portfolio projects, focusing on the technical challenges and solutions, as you will likely walk through them during interviews.
• Research Pacific Gas and Electric Company, particularly their technology initiatives and the role of the IT department, to demonstrate your interest and understanding during interviews.