Frontend + UX Designer (50/50 Hybrid)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Frontend + UX Designer

Company: Vercept

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2025-09-12

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (50/50)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role bridges the gap between user experience design and frontend engineering, focusing on the implementation of AI-powered products.

• Responsibilities include crafting intuitive and engaging user interfaces for complex AI systems, ensuring seamless user interaction.

• The position demands a strong blend of design sensibility, engineering rigor, and the ability to translate research into product features.

• Candidates will be expected to own the end-to-end user experience and frontend development for key product initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "50/50 Hybrid" designation and the emphasis on both design and implementation, this role is critically focused on product development lifecycle ownership from a user-facing perspective. The "AI-powered products" context suggests a need for innovative UX patterns tailored to machine learning interactions, which is a specialized area within UX/Frontend roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement user interfaces for AI-powered products, ensuring intuitive and engaging user experiences.

• Collaborate closely with engineers and researchers to translate complex AI capabilities into user-friendly interactions and seamless workflows.

• Own the frontend implementation of designed interfaces, building performant, responsive, and polished products using modern frameworks.

• Conduct and synthesize user research to inform product decisions, identify user needs, and validate design concepts.

• Develop and maintain design systems to ensure consistency and scalability across the product suite.

• Explore and create novel interaction patterns specifically for emerging AI user experiences.

• Iterate on designs and implementations based on user feedback, data analysis, and evolving product requirements.

• Maintain high standards of code quality and user experience in all frontend development efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a dual role: UX Design (research, ideation, prototyping) and Frontend Engineering (implementation, performance, polish). The "50/50" split indicates an expectation for equal contribution and ownership in both domains. The focus on "AI UX" suggests a need for creative problem-solving in a nascent design space.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Design, or a related field is typically expected for roles combining design and engineering. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in a combined Frontend Development and UX Design role, with a portfolio showcasing both design and implementation work. Experience with AI-centric product development is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in TypeScript and Node.js for backend logic and build tools.

• Strong UX and visual design skills, with a proven ability to create user-centric interfaces.

• Expertise in Figma, prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, ProtoPie), and building/utilizing design systems.

• Hands-on experience implementing designs using modern frontend frameworks, with a strong preference for React.

• Demonstrated creativity in exploring and developing novel interaction patterns, particularly for AI UX.

• Ability to conduct and synthesize user research (e.g., interviews, usability testing) to guide product decisions.

• Aptitude for working in ambiguity and managing evolving priorities, with a strong bias for iteration and clarity.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other frontend frameworks or libraries (e.g., Vue.js, Angular).

• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their frontend deployment strategies.

• Understanding of AI/ML concepts and how to translate them into user-friendly interfaces.

• Experience with A/B testing and data-driven optimization of user interfaces.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and best practices for inclusive design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must have" list clearly defines the core technical and design competencies. The emphasis on TypeScript, Node.js, and React indicates a modern, JavaScript-centric development stack. The requirement for AI UX creativity and user research points to a role that is not just about building interfaces, but about understanding and shaping new forms of human-computer interaction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design and development projects.

• Specific case studies demonstrating your process from user research and ideation through to frontend implementation and iteration.

• Examples of complex AI interactions you've designed and the rationale behind your design choices.

• Evidence of your proficiency in Figma, design systems, and React implementation.

• Projects that highlight your ability to work with TypeScript and Node.js in a frontend context.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your design process, from problem definition and user research to wireframing, prototyping, and final implementation.

• Detail your approach to user research, including methodologies used and how insights were translated into design decisions.

• Showcase your frontend development process, including coding standards, testing methodologies, and deployment strategies.

• Provide examples of how you've managed feedback loops and iterated on designs and code based on user input and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role split between UX Design and Frontend Engineering, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating proficiency in both areas. Candidates should prepare to walk through projects that clearly delineate their contributions to both the design system and the functional code, with a specific focus on how AI capabilities were made accessible and intuitive to users.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $200,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits package.

• 401(k) Plan for retirement savings.

• Meaningful Equity in the company, reflecting investment in the company's future.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in cutting-edge AI technologies.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in structuring workdays between home and office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a hybrid role in Seattle combining specialized design and engineering skills. The inclusion of equity is a significant draw, suggesting the company values long-term commitment and employee ownership. The benefits are standard but robust for a tech company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Research & Development, Technology. Vercept is positioned at the forefront of AI innovation, building transformative research into practical applications.

Company Size: Not explicitly stated, but the description suggests a growing, high-energy, and impact-driven team with a strong academic foundation. This implies a dynamic environment where individuals can have significant influence.

Founded: The company's founding date is not provided, but the mention of "long track record of academic excellence" and "fundamental, transformative research" suggests a company built on a strong scientific and research-driven ethos, likely originating from advanced academic or research institutions.

Team Structure:

• The team is described as "high-energy" and comprised of individuals with "academic excellence," including researchers with award-winning work.

• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, involving engineers, researchers, and designers.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making: User research and product performance metrics will guide development.

• Iterative development: A bias towards iteration and clarity suggests agile methodologies are likely employed.

• Research-centric innovation: The company's foundation in transformative research implies a culture that values deep technical understanding and novel problem-solving.

Company Website: https://vercept.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Vercept appears to be a research-heavy technology company focused on AI. The culture is likely fast-paced, innovative, and intellectually stimulating, attracting individuals passionate about pushing the boundaries of AI. The team structure will foster close collaboration between design, research, and engineering.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at the intersection of Product Design and Software Engineering, specifically focusing on the user-facing aspects of AI products. It is a mid-level (2-5 years) position that offers significant ownership and impact.

Reporting Structure: While not specified, a Frontend + UX Designer would typically report into a Product Design Lead, Engineering Manager, or Head of Product. They would work closely with product managers, AI researchers, and fellow engineers.

Operations Impact: The designer will directly influence how users interact with Vercept's core AI technologies, impacting user adoption, satisfaction, and the overall success of their AI products. This role is critical in bridging the gap between complex AI capabilities and real-world usability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI UX, a rapidly growing and specialized field.

• Leadership: Potential to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers/engineers, or contribute to the growth of design systems and frontend architecture.

• Skill Expansion: Further develop proficiency in cutting-edge AI technologies and their application in user interfaces.

• Project Ownership: Take on increasing responsibility for the design and implementation of new AI features and products.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to grow in a niche area (AI UX) while honing both design and engineering skills. The company's research focus suggests ample opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects, fostering significant professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company has a physical HQ in Seattle, and this role is designated as Hybrid (50/50), requiring approximately 2 days per week in the office.

Office Location(s): Seattle HQ. Specific details about the office environment (e.g., collaborative spaces, amenities) are not provided but can be inferred to be conducive to a tech-focused, research-driven organization.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for flexibility, balancing focused individual work at home with collaborative and in-person ideation at the office.

• Expect a dynamic environment where cross-functional teams (design, research, engineering) frequently interact.

• Access to modern design and development tools is implied, supporting efficient workflow.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week). The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in daily scheduling, provided core collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement signifies a commitment to work-life balance while still encouraging in-person collaboration and team cohesion, which is common in innovative tech companies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for alignment with required skills (TypeScript, Node.js, Figma, React, UX Design, AI UX).

• Skills Assessment: Potentially a technical challenge or coding exercise to evaluate frontend implementation skills.

• Design Challenge: A UX design problem or case study to assess design thinking, user research synthesis, and creative problem-solving for AI interactions.

• Interviews: Conversations with hiring managers, team members (designers, engineers, researchers) to assess technical proficiency, design sensibility, collaboration skills, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present and walk through their portfolio, explaining their design process, technical implementation, and rationale for key decisions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight the 50/50: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates equal strength in both UX Design and Frontend Engineering.

• Showcase AI UX: Include specific examples of how you've designed for AI, explaining the challenges and your innovative solutions.

• Process is Key: Detail your design and development process, emphasizing user research and iterative improvements.

• Technical Depth: For frontend implementations, discuss your approach to code quality, performance, and maintainability.

• Figma & React: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency with Figma and your ability to translate designs into functional React components.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI Interface Design: Anticipate design challenges focused on making AI capabilities accessible and intuitive. Think about how to manage user expectations, provide feedback on AI processes, and handle uncertainty.

• Frontend Implementation: Be ready to discuss best practices in React, state management, component design, and potentially TypeScript integration.

• User Research Synthesis: Practice articulating how you use user research to inform your design and development decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role will be rigorous, assessing both creative design thinking and technical development capabilities. A strong portfolio that explicitly showcases both skill sets, particularly within the context of AI, will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Frontend Framework: React (preferred), with strong experience in modern JavaScript/TypeScript.

• Languages: TypeScript, Node.js (for backend/tooling), JavaScript.

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (essential), other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, ProtoPie).

• Design Systems: Experience in creating, maintaining, or contributing to design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) and A/B testing tools would be beneficial for optimizing user interfaces.

CRM & Automation:

• Less directly relevant to this role's core responsibilities, but general familiarity with how frontend applications integrate with backend systems and data sources is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is clearly defined by React, TypeScript, Node.js, and Figma. Proficiency in these areas is non-negotiable. Experience with design systems is also a key technical requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to create groundbreaking AI technologies and user experiences.

• Excellence: A commitment to high academic and technical standards, reflected in the quality of work.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Impact: Focus on creating tangible, world-changing outcomes through their AI solutions.

• Adaptability: Comfort working in an environment with evolving priorities and a bias towards iteration.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect close, cross-functional collaboration between design, engineering, and research.

• Open communication and constructive feedback are likely encouraged to foster innovation and problem-solving.

• The hybrid model supports both focused individual work and dynamic team interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of academic rigor and fast-paced tech innovation. Team members are expected to be highly skilled, collaborative, and driven by a mission to make a significant impact with AI.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Novelty: Creating intuitive user experiences for emerging AI capabilities, where established patterns may not exist.

• Balancing Design and Engineering: Effectively managing the dual responsibilities of creating beautiful, functional designs and implementing them with robust code.

• Working in Ambiguity: Navigating evolving product roadmaps and technical challenges common in cutting-edge AI development.

• Cross-functional Communication: Ensuring clear and effective communication between design, research, and engineering teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI UX Specialization: Gaining deep expertise in a highly sought-after and evolving field.

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with state-of-the-art AI research and development.

• Skill Augmentation: Enhancing both design and engineering skill sets in a practical, product-focused environment.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced researchers and engineers within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is pioneering new UX paradigms for AI. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals looking to specialize in AI UX and contribute to transformative technology.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing user interfaces for complex AI systems. How do you ensure clarity, trust, and usability?

• Describe a time you had to balance competing priorities between design vision and technical feasibility.

• How do you incorporate user research into your design and development workflow? Provide specific examples.

• Explain your process for building or contributing to a design system and how you ensure consistency across applications.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why are you interested in Vercept and our mission to transform the world with AI?

• How do you approach working in ambiguous environments and with evolving priorities?

• Describe your experience collaborating with researchers and engineers. What makes for effective cross-functional teamwork?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives that highlight the problem, your process, the solution, and the impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For design elements, use visuals effectively. For code, demo functional features or discuss key implementation details.

• Highlight the 50/50 Split: Explicitly call out your contributions to both design and engineering in each relevant project.

• AI Focus: Emphasize any projects that involved AI or complex data, explaining how you tackled the unique UX challenges.

• Technical Details: Be ready to discuss your technical choices, such as why you selected React, specific TypeScript features, or Node.js tooling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a deep understanding of both design thinking and practical frontend implementation, with a clear ability to articulate their process and rationale, especially concerning AI-specific user experiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Frontend + UX Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your comprehensive portfolio through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating your combined UX design and frontend engineering skills, particularly those involving complex interfaces or AI.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as TypeScript, Node.js, Figma, React, UX Design, User Research, and AI UX. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical implementation details, and collaboration experiences. Prepare to walk through your portfolio with confidence.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Vercept's mission, research focus, and any publicly available information about their AI products to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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.