Mid Frontend Engineer (UI experience)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mid Frontend Engineer (UI Experience)
Company: Zipdev
Location: Colombia (Remote)
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Software Engineering / Frontend Development
Date Posted: 2025-07-28T22:53:19.21
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on designing, building, and testing robust frontend features using modern technologies like React and TypeScript for a fast-growing SaaS + AI startup in the HVAC design space.
• The engineer will be instrumental in scaling a modern web application, emphasizing clean, maintainable code and active contribution to architectural decisions.
• A key aspect of the role involves owning projects from their initial design phase through to successful deployment, requiring a proactive and results-oriented approach.
• The position demands identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks to ensure a seamless and efficient user experience, aligning with the company's commitment to rapid iteration and improvement.
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams is crucial for enhancing software quality and achieving project milestones effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Frontend Engineer," the responsibilities explicitly mention building and maintaining backend infrastructure using Firebase. This suggests a full-stack leaning or a strong collaboration with backend teams, making it crucial for candidates to be comfortable with or adaptable to backend technologies. The "mid" level designation typically implies 2-5 years of experience, aligning with the stated requirements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and rigorously test software features, with a primary focus on the user interface, utilizing React and TypeScript.
• Write clean, well-structured, and maintainable code, adhering to best practices and actively contributing to architectural discussions and decisions.
• Build and maintain scalable backend infrastructure, leveraging Firebase and associated technologies to support the core application.
• Take full ownership of projects, managing them from conceptual design and development through to successful deployment and post-launch monitoring.
• Proactively identify performance bottlenecks within the application and implement effective solutions and optimizations to enhance user experience and system efficiency.
• Operate with agility, moving quickly to deliver features while maintaining clear and consistent communication within a small, dynamic team environment.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and other engineers to translate business requirements into high-quality, user-centric software solutions.
• Contribute to code reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers and ensuring adherence to coding standards and architectural guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a need for end-to-end project ownership, which is common for mid-level roles in smaller, fast-paced startups. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to manage tasks independently and deliver results without constant supervision. The mention of "Firebase and related technologies" suggests a need for familiarity with cloud-based backend services, potentially including functions, databases, and authentication.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field is often preferred and can demonstrate a foundational understanding of software development principles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years of professional frontend development experience is required, with a strong emphasis on creating and implementing user interfaces.
• Proven experience in building complex web applications using React and TypeScript is essential.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of UI/UX principles to create intuitive and engaging user experiences.
• Experience with performance optimization techniques for web applications to ensure fast loading times and smooth interactions.
• Familiarity with web security best practices to protect user data and application integrity.

Required Skills:

• Frontend Development: Proficient in building dynamic and responsive user interfaces.
• React: Strong command of React.js for component-based UI development.
• TypeScript: Expertise in using TypeScript for static typing and enhanced code quality.
• UI/UX Principles: Solid understanding of user interface design and user experience best practices.
• Performance Optimization: Ability to identify and address performance bottlenecks in frontend applications.
• Web Security: Knowledge of common web vulnerabilities and security best practices.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for effective collaboration.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to tackle complex technical challenges.
• Self-Motivation: Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and make sound technical decisions.
• Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing relevant frontend projects and UI experience.

Preferred Skills:

• AEC/HVAC Background: Experience or familiarity with the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) or HVAC industries.
• Design Tools: Experience building complex design tools similar to CAD or EDA software.
• Data Visualization: Familiarity with data visualization libraries (e.g., D3.js, Chart.js) for presenting complex data effectively.
• Backend Technologies: Experience with Firebase or other cloud-based backend services.
• State Management: Proficiency with state management libraries like Redux or Zustand.
• Testing Frameworks: Experience with unit, integration, and end-to-end testing frameworks (e.g., Jest, React Testing Library, Cypress).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Nice to Haves" are significant indicators of the specific domain the client operates in. Candidates with experience in design tools or the AEC/HVAC sector will likely have a steeper learning curve in understanding the product's context and user needs, giving them a competitive edge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Showcase: A curated collection of 2-4 significant frontend projects that highlight your proficiency in React and TypeScript, demonstrating end-to-end development capabilities.
• UI/UX Focus: Projects should clearly illustrate your understanding and application of UI/UX principles, showcasing intuitive design and seamless user interactions.
• Code Quality: Examples that demonstrate clean, maintainable, and well-documented code, preferably hosted on a platform like GitHub, allowing for direct code review.
• Problem-Solving Demonstrations: Case studies within the portfolio that detail specific technical challenges encountered and the innovative solutions implemented, particularly related to performance optimization or complex UI implementations.
• Impact & Results: Quantifiable metrics or qualitative descriptions of the impact of your work, such as user engagement improvements, performance gains, or successful feature launches.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Examples of how you approach designing and structuring frontend workflows and component architectures for maintainability and scalability.
• Implementation & Optimization: Documentation or descriptions of how you implement features, including testing strategies and performance tuning methodologies.
• Collaboration Evidence: Demonstrations of how you collaborate with design and backend teams, potentially through project management tool integrations or communication logs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Mid Frontend Engineer" role with a focus on UI, the portfolio is paramount. It's not just about showing what you've built, but how you built it, emphasizing clean code, efficient processes, and a deep understanding of UI/UX. Highlighting projects that involved significant performance optimization or complex interactive elements will be particularly valuable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry standards for Mid Frontend Engineers with 2-5 years of experience in remote roles within Colombia, the estimated salary range is approximately COP $6,000,000 - $10,000,000 per month. This estimate considers the cost of living in Colombia, the demand for skilled frontend developers, and the startup environment.
• Note: This is an estimate. Actual compensation will be determined by the employer based on experience, skills, and interview performance.

Benefits:

• Remote Work: Fully remote position, allowing for flexibility and work-life balance, with no weekend work required.
• Paid Time Off: 10 business days of annual vacation, plus 5 National Holidays and 5 Company Holidays (including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and Zipdev Day).
• Financial & Wellness:
  • Health Care Reimbursement: Support for medical expenses.
  • Active Lifestyle Reimbursement: Encouragement and financial support for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
  • Quarterly Home Office Reimbursement: Assistance with setting up and maintaining a productive remote workspace.
  • Payroll Deduction Purchase Plans: Potential for various purchasing plans through payroll deduction.
• Professional Development:
  • Continuous Learning Bonus: Financial support for ongoing education and skill development.
  • Access to Training and Professional Development Platforms: Resources for upskilling and career growth.
• Longevity Bonus: Rewards for long-term commitment to the company.
• Parental Leave: Support for new parents.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time commitment of 40 hours per week, operating Monday through Friday. The remote nature offers flexibility in managing work hours within this framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is quite comprehensive for a startup, particularly the reimbursements for home office and active lifestyle, which cater to remote employees. The emphasis on continuous learning is a strong signal for career development. The salary range is an estimation for the Colombian market and can vary significantly.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software as a Service (SaaS) / Artificial Intelligence (AI) / HVAC Design Technology. The company operates in a niche but critical sector of the building industry, aiming to disrupt traditional design processes with technology. Company Size: Small team (<50 employees), described as "small team of experienced engineers." This implies a close-knit environment with significant individual impact. Founded: The client company is a "fast-growing SaaS + AI startup backed by top investors" and participated in "Techstars San Diego 2024." This indicates a relatively young company with significant growth potential and a strong focus on innovation. Zipdev: Zipdev acts as the hiring partner, implying this role is for one of their clients. Their own culture values authenticity and encourages candidates to be themselves.

Team Structure:

• Client Team: A small, agile team of experienced engineers, fostering a collaborative and fast-paced development environment. The Frontend Engineer will likely work directly with a small group of peers and potentially report to a Lead Engineer or CTO.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close interaction with product management and potentially design teams to translate requirements into functional features. Collaboration with backend engineers will also be essential, especially given the mention of Firebase responsibilities.
• Reporting: Likely reporting to a technical lead or manager within the client's organization, with direct interaction with founders or senior leadership due to the startup's size.

Methodology:

• Agile Iteration: The company "iterate quickly," suggesting an agile development methodology with rapid feedback loops and frequent deployments.
• Data-Driven Decisions: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "AI startup" and "performance bottlenecks" implies a data-informed approach to development and optimization.
• Ownership & Accountability: Engineers are expected to "own projects from design to deployment," emphasizing a culture of responsibility and accountability.

Company Website: Zipdev Careers Site (as provided in the input data)

📝 Enhancement Note: The startup environment is characterized by rapid change, high impact, and direct access to decision-makers. Candidates should be comfortable with ambiguity and a fast pace. Zipdev's emphasis on authenticity suggests a hiring process that values genuine personality and communication over rote answers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Frontend Engineer. This role is positioned for individuals who have moved beyond junior responsibilities and can independently manage significant features or smaller projects, contributing to architectural discussions and mentor junior engineers if any. Reporting Structure: The engineer will likely report to a senior technical leader within the client startup, such as a Lead Frontend Engineer, Engineering Manager, or CTO. The small team size means direct interaction with various stakeholders, including product and potentially founders. Operations Impact: As a core team member in a growing startup, this role has a substantial opportunity to influence the product's technical direction and user experience. The frontend is the direct interface with customers, so the engineer's work will have a visible impact on user acquisition, retention, and overall product satisfaction, directly contributing to the company's growth and revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in React, TypeScript, and modern frontend architecture, potentially specializing in performance optimization, UI/UX design systems, or advanced state management.
• Full-Stack Exposure: Given the mention of Firebase responsibilities, there's an opportunity to expand skills into backend development, cloud infrastructure (Firebase), and potentially DevOps practices.
• Leadership Potential: As the company scales, opportunities may arise to lead frontend initiatives, mentor junior engineers, or take on architectural lead roles.
• Domain Expertise: Develop deep knowledge of the HVAC design industry, becoming a valuable asset in a specialized market.
• Startup Growth: Be part of a high-growth startup journey, gaining experience in scaling a product and organization from an early stage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Mid" level suggests a clear path for growth into Senior Frontend Engineer or Lead Frontend Engineer roles, especially within a startup environment where rapid advancement is common. The blend of frontend and backend responsibilities offers a unique opportunity for well-rounded technical development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This means the work environment is decentralized, relying on digital tools for communication and collaboration. Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the requirement is for candidates located in Colombia. This may be due to legal, payroll, or timezone alignment reasons. Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration: Heavy reliance on communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom), project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana), and code repositories (e.g., GitHub).
• Independent Work: Expectation of self-discipline and effective time management to work autonomously from a home office.
• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, code reviews, and pair programming sessions to foster team cohesion and knowledge sharing.
• Tools & Technology: Access to modern development tools and potentially cloud-based collaboration environments. The home office reimbursement supports creating a suitable personal workspace. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. While remote, adherence to a standard work week is expected, with flexibility likely available in daily scheduling as long as responsibilities are met and collaboration needs are satisfied within reasonable working hours for the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature requires strong self-management skills. Candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous communication and proactive engagement to stay connected with the team and ensure project momentum. The focus on Colombia-specific remote work might indicate a need for timezone alignment with other team members or clients.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with a Zipdev recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Technical Assessment: This could involve a coding challenge (e.g., a small project, algorithm test) or a live coding session focusing on React and TypeScript.
• Portfolio Review & Technical Deep Dive: A session with the client's engineering team to discuss your portfolio projects in detail. Expect questions about your design choices, problem-solving approaches, and technical decisions.
• Behavioral/Cultural Interview: Assessing your fit with the startup's culture, focusing on collaboration, problem-solving, self-motivation, and communication.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a founder or senior leadership to discuss the role, company vision, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating advanced React/TypeScript skills, strong UI/UX implementation, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the problem you solved, your specific contributions, the technologies used, and the outcome (e.g., performance improvements, user satisfaction metrics).
• Showcase Code: Ensure your code is accessible (e.g., via GitHub), clean, well-commented, and organized. Highlight specific sections that demonstrate your mastery of React patterns, TypeScript features, or performance optimizations.
• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your projects, explain your technical decisions, justify your choices, and answer in-depth questions about your implementation details and challenges faced.
• UI/UX Emphasis: Specifically highlight how you applied UI/UX principles. Prepare to discuss wireframing, prototyping, user testing (if applicable), and accessibility considerations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice common frontend challenges focusing on JavaScript, React hooks, state management, and API interactions. Be prepared for algorithmic problems if they are part of the assessment.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions asking how you would approach specific technical problems, such as optimizing a slow-loading component or refactoring complex state management.
• Technical Discussions: Refresh your knowledge on core web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), modern frontend frameworks (React), type systems (TypeScript), and performance optimization techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Strong portfolio that shows you can thrive in this role" means candidates should treat portfolio preparation as a critical step. The interview process will likely be rigorous, testing both technical skills and cultural alignment with a fast-paced startup.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Frontend Framework: React.js
• Language: TypeScript
• Version Control: Git (likely GitHub)
• Package Manager: npm or Yarn
• Build Tools: Webpack, Vite, or similar bundlers/compilers.
• State Management: Potentially libraries like Redux, Zustand, Jotai, or React's Context API.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Monitoring: Tools like Lighthouse, WebPageTest, or browser developer tools for performance analysis.
• Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude for user behavior tracking (though frontend engineers might not directly manage these, understanding their integration is beneficial).
• Error Tracking: Sentry, Bugsnag, or similar for identifying and diagnosing runtime errors.

CRM & Automation:

• Backend Services: Firebase (likely including Firestore/Realtime Database, Authentication, Cloud Functions, Hosting).
• API Integration: RESTful APIs or GraphQL for communication between frontend and backend.
• Project Management: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for task tracking and workflow management.
• Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in React and TypeScript is non-negotiable. Familiarity with Firebase is a strong plus, especially given the requirement to "Build and maintain scalable backend infrastructure using Firebase." Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific tools within this stack.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Authenticity: Be genuine and transparent in interactions and work. Zipdev emphasizes this value, suggesting the client company likely shares it.
• Innovation & Speed: Drive innovation and iterate quickly to deliver value and adapt to market needs.
• Ownership & Accountability: Take responsibility for projects and outcomes, demonstrating a proactive and results-driven mindset.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work effectively with team members, communicate clearly, and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
• User-Centricity: Focus on creating exceptional user experiences and solving real user problems through technology.
• Continuous Learning: Embrace learning new technologies, improving skills, and staying updated with industry best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Expect a collaborative environment where feedback is frequent and processes are refined continuously.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with product, design, and backend engineering teams are essential for successful product development.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing knowledge, best practices, and solutions to complex problems, likely through code reviews, internal documentation, and informal discussions.
• Direct Communication: In a small team, communication is often direct and open, fostering quick decision-making and problem resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Be authentic" from Zipdev suggests a company culture that values genuine personality and open communication. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they embody these values in their work and interactions. The startup environment implies a culture of shared responsibility and collective problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Development Pace: Keeping up with the fast-paced iteration cycles and evolving project requirements in a startup environment can be demanding.
• Ownership Scope: Taking full ownership from design to deployment requires a broad skill set and the ability to manage multiple facets of a project.
• Scalability & Performance: Ensuring the application remains performant and scalable as the user base and feature set grow will be a continuous challenge.
• Domain Complexity: Gaining a deep understanding of the HVAC design domain and translating complex technical requirements into user-friendly interfaces.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong communication and team cohesion in a fully remote setting requires proactive effort.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Frontend Skills: Opportunities to master advanced React patterns, state management solutions, and performance optimization techniques.
• Backend Technologies: Gain hands-on experience with Firebase and cloud infrastructure, potentially leading to full-stack capabilities.
• Architectural Input: Contribute to and influence the technical architecture of a growing SaaS product.
• Industry Exposure: Develop expertise in the specialized field of HVAC design technology.
• Startup Acumen: Learn firsthand about building and scaling a technology company from the ground up.
• Professional Development: Access to training platforms and continuous learning bonuses supports ongoing skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for early-stage startups, offering significant growth potential for individuals who thrive in dynamic environments. The learning opportunities are substantial, allowing for significant career acceleration and skill diversification.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Approach: "Describe your process for building a new feature in React, from initial requirements to deployment. How do you ensure code quality and performance?" (Focus on workflow, testing, optimization).
• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a challenging UI problem you faced and how you solved it. What were the trade-offs you considered?" (Highlight analytical skills, decision-making, and technical depth).
• Collaboration: "How do you collaborate with designers and backend engineers to ensure a cohesive product? Describe a time you had a technical disagreement with a team member and how you resolved it." (Focus on communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution).
• Motivation & Fit: "Why are you interested in working for a SaaS + AI startup in the HVAC design space? What excites you about this role specifically?" (Emphasize passion for the domain, company mission, and role responsibilities).
• Portfolio Deep Dive: "Tell me about Project X from your portfolio. What was the most complex part, and what are you most proud of?" (Be ready to discuss every aspect of your showcased work).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Startup Environment: "How do you handle ambiguity and changing priorities in a fast-paced startup environment?" (Show adaptability and resilience).
• Remote Work: "What strategies do you use to stay productive and connected as a remote employee?" (Demonstrate self-discipline and communication skills).
• Authenticity: "How do you express your authentic self in a professional setting?" (Relate to Zipdev's value and how you contribute positively to team dynamics).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your solution, the implementation details, and the outcome. Use visuals (screenshots, live demos) effectively.
• Code Walkthrough: Be prepared to share your screen and walk through key parts of your codebase, explaining your architectural decisions, patterns used, and any optimizations implemented.
• Metrics Focus: Quantify the impact of your work whenever possible. If exact metrics aren't available, describe the qualitative improvements clearly.
• Interactive Elements: If possible, prepare a live demo of one of your projects to showcase the user experience and interactive components firsthand.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your projects and be ready to dive deeper based on interviewer questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their portfolio in detail, focusing on the "how" and "why" behind their technical decisions, not just the "what." Demonstrating a clear understanding of UI/UX principles and performance optimization will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Workable.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 2+ years of frontend experience with React and TypeScript. Quantify achievements related to UI development, performance optimization, and project ownership. Integrate keywords like "frontend development," "React," "TypeScript," "UI/UX," and "performance optimization."
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcasing 2-4 strong projects that demonstrate your UI/UX skills and technical capabilities. Make sure your code repositories (e.g., GitHub) are clean and accessible.
• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter (Optional but Recommended): Briefly explain why you are a strong fit for this specific role and company, touching upon your passion for building user interfaces and your experience with the required technologies. Mention your location in Colombia.
• Research the Client: Understand the basics of HVAC design and the SaaS/AI space to better articulate your interest and potential contributions.
• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in depth, answer technical questions related to React and TypeScript, and articulate your problem-solving approach and collaboration style.

⚠️ 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.