Principal Design Systems Engineer (UX Platform & AI Experiences) ***Global***

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Design Systems Engineer (UX Platform & AI Experiences)

Company: CINC Systems

Location: Remote (Colombia)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX Platform & Design Systems Engineering

Date Posted: May 11, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of the DesignOps and UI Systems organization, focusing on building a unified Design System and component library.

• Drive the evolution of the UX Platform and AI Experiences, integrating cutting-edge technologies like Applied AI and Generative UI to enhance user interactions.

• Define and optimize the end-to-end design-to-development workflow, ensuring seamless integration of tools and processes for maximum efficiency and consistency.

• Champion accessibility standards (WCAG) and UI performance optimization, embedding these principles into the core of the platform.

• Foster a culture of craftsmanship, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration among design and engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while not strictly a Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, has significant overlap in its focus on process optimization, system implementation, and driving efficiency across product development. The emphasis on design systems, front-end architecture, and AI integration positions it within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) technology and operations ecosystem, particularly in how product development velocity and user experience impact market adoption and customer satisfaction. The "Principal" title and extensive experience requirement suggest a senior leadership position with strategic influence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the DesignOps and UI Systems function, overseeing the design system, component libraries, accessibility, performance, and comprehensive documentation.

• Develop and maintain a cohesive Design System and pattern library that guarantees consistency and efficiency across CINC's diverse product lines and multiple front-end frameworks.

• Architect and manage the complete design-to-development lifecycle, integrating essential tools such as Figma, Storybook, and automated design token pipelines.

• Collaborate closely with Platform Engineering and Product Line Engineering teams to ensure the delivery of stable, versioned, and easily consumable design system components.

• Champion and integrate Applied AI and Generative UI design patterns to enable intelligent, adaptive, and personalized user experiences throughout the product ecosystem.

• Establish and enforce scalable design review processes, stringent accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA or higher), and defined UI performance budgets for all new and existing features.

• Partner with AI and Product teams to conceptualize and design AI-assisted workflows, intelligent copilots, and contextual recommendations that significantly boost user productivity and build trust.

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a cross-functional team comprising design technologists, component engineers, and UX system designers, fostering their professional growth.

• Align user experience strategy with the company's platform modernization, modularization, and API-first principles in close partnership with Product and Architecture leadership.

• Define and implement clear design governance policies and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure adoption, consistency, and overall satisfaction among both internal and external users.

• Cultivate and manage strong stakeholder relationships across Engineering, Product, Marketing, and Executive leadership, adeptly balancing creative innovation with critical business priorities.

• Build and nurture a culture of exceptional craftsmanship, constructive feedback, and relentless continuous improvement, ensuring user insights and delivery data are integral to system evolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep integration of design and engineering, with a strong focus on scalable systems and AI-driven innovation. This is characteristic of mature GTM organizations that leverage technology to accelerate product development and enhance user adoption. The emphasis on process, governance, and collaboration underscores the operational rigor expected in this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Design, or a related field is expected, often demonstrated through a comprehensive portfolio and professional experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 12+ years of combined professional experience in design, front-end engineering, and user experience for complex software products.

• A minimum of 5 years in a dedicated DesignOps, Design Systems, or Design Engineering leadership capacity.

• Demonstrated success in designing user experiences for complex software products, particularly within finance, banking, or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, showing a deep understanding of data integrity, security, and compliance needs within user workflows.

• Proven hands-on experience designing for Applied AI use cases, including the development of contextual copilots, intuitive conversational interfaces, or actionable predictive insights.

• Tangible experience in designing and successfully delivering Generative UI systems that dynamically adapt to user context, roles, and available data.

• Substantial experience collaborating with Platform and Engineering teams to effectively operationalize design systems at an enterprise scale.

• Technical proficiency in modern front-end frameworks such as React, Next.js, or similar technologies, along with a strong grasp of design tokens, WCAG accessibility standards, and performance optimization techniques.

• Comprehensive understanding of product development workflows, agile methodologies, and continuous deployment (CI/CD) environments.

• Familiarity with observability platforms and feedback systems crucial for measuring and improving UX quality.

Required Skills:

• Design Systems Leadership: Proven ability to lead the strategy, development, and adoption of enterprise-level design systems.

• Front-End Architecture: Deep understanding of front-end development principles, component-based architecture, and modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Next.js).

• UX Strategy & DesignOps: Expertise in defining and optimizing design processes, workflows, and the operational aspects of design at scale.

• Applied AI & Generative UI: Demonstrated experience in conceptualizing and designing user experiences for AI-driven features and generative interfaces.

• Figma & Storybook: Proficiency in industry-standard design and component documentation tools.

• WCAG Accessibility: Strong knowledge of accessibility standards and practical implementation strategies.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively partner with diverse teams including Product Management, Engineering, and AI specialists.

• Technical Fluency: Understanding of design tokens, API-first principles, and system integration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with financial or ERP software design.

• Familiarity with Service Design or LeanUX principles.

• Knowledge of observability tools for UX quality measurement.

• Experience in change management and driving adoption of design systems.

• Skills in data visualization and creating impactful dashboards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (12+ years, with 5+ in leadership) and the specific mention of finance/ERP systems, AI, and Generative UI indicate a senior role focused on strategic impact and complex system design. The blend of design, engineering, and AI expertise is crucial for this position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory for consideration, showcasing relevant case studies that demonstrate expertise in Design Systems, UX Platform development, and AI/Generative UI experiences.

• Case studies should clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design and technical solutions implemented, and the measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, consistency improvements, user satisfaction metrics).

• Include examples of design system components, pattern libraries, and how they were implemented and adopted across product teams.

• Showcase experience with complex workflows, particularly in data-rich or compliance-heavy environments like finance or ERP.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in establishing and documenting design-to-development workflows, including the integration of tools like Figma, Storybook, and automated design token pipelines.

• Provide examples of how design governance, accessibility standards (WCAG), and UI performance budgets were defined, implemented, and maintained.

• Showcase documentation of AI-assisted workflows, copilots, or recommendation systems designed to enhance user productivity.

• Evidence of creating and managing comprehensive documentation for design system components and patterns, ensuring ease of use and adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio with case studies underscores the practical, results-oriented nature of this role. Candidates must be able to visually and narratively demonstrate their impact on system development, process efficiency, and user experience through concrete examples. This is a common requirement for senior roles in design and engineering leadership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Principal" title, extensive experience requirement (12+ years), specialized skillset (Design Systems, AI, Front-End Architecture), and the remote location in Colombia, the estimated salary range for this role is $90,000 - $140,000 USD annually.

📝 Enhancement Note: This estimate is based on market research for Principal-level Design Systems Engineers, UX Platform Leaders, and Senior Front-End Architects in technology companies, with adjustments for a remote position in Colombia. Colombia's cost of living is generally lower than major tech hubs in North America or Europe, but the role's seniority and global remote nature justify a competitive international salary. Data sources include industry salary reports, compensation benchmarks for similar roles in Latin America, and global remote work compensation trends.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage, potentially with international provider options or stipends.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and national holidays, with potential for additional paid time off for professional development.

• Professional Development Budget: An allocated budget for conferences, training, certifications, and online courses to support continuous learning in AI, UX, and front-end technologies.

• Remote Work Stipend: A budget to help set up an ergonomic and productive home office environment.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses based on individual and company performance.

• Stock Options or Equity: Possibility of equity participation, particularly for a senior leadership role in a growing SaaS company.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a local or international retirement savings plan.

• Global Collaboration Tools: Access to advanced collaboration and communication tools to facilitate seamless remote work.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week. While a remote role, core working hours may be established to facilitate collaboration with teams in different time zones, with flexibility for asynchronous work where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: Benefits are tailored to attract and retain senior talent in a remote, global setting, emphasizing professional growth, well-being, and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software as a Service (SaaS) for Community Association Management. CINC Systems provides core accounting and management software solutions, indicating a focus on B2B SaaS with a strong emphasis on data security, reliability, and regulatory compliance within a niche but significant market.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of powering "over 50,000 associations and 6 million homes" suggests a well-established, medium-to-large sized SaaS company with a significant customer base and likely a substantial engineering and product team. LinkedIn data indicates CINC Systems has between 201-500 employees.

Founded: CINC Systems was founded in 2005. This indicates a company with over 15 years of experience in the market, suggesting a stable foundation with a forward-looking vision for platform modernization and AI integration.

Team Structure:

• The Principal Design Systems Engineer reports directly to the CTO, signifying a high level of strategic importance and direct access to executive leadership.

• The role will lead a cross-functional team including design technologists, component engineers, and UX system designers, indicating a dedicated unit focused on the UX platform and design systems.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on using metrics for adoption, consistency, and satisfaction to drive system evolution, alongside user insights.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Designing and refining the end-to-end design-to-development workflow for maximum efficiency and consistency.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging tools and pipelines (e.g., automated design token pipelines) to streamline processes and reduce manual effort.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of established stability (founded in 2005, serving a large market) and aggressive innovation (building next-gen SaaS, focusing on AI and modularity). The reporting structure to the CTO highlights the strategic priority placed on this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the "Principal" level, signifying a senior individual contributor or a leader of a specialized team. It demands deep expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence product direction. In a GTM operations context, this is akin to a Senior Manager or Director of Engineering/Product Operations focusing on the user-facing technology stack.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), placing this role at a high level within the technology organization. This provides significant visibility and influence over technology strategy.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing the speed, consistency, quality, and innovation of CINC's SaaS platform. By establishing a robust Design System and incorporating AI/Generative UI, this role will enhance user productivity, satisfaction, and ultimately, customer retention and acquisition—key metrics for GTM success. It bridges the gap between UX vision and engineering execution, ensuring the product is not only functional but also delightful and efficient to use.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Deepen expertise in AI-driven UX, Generative UI, and advanced Design Systems, potentially leading to a Director-level role overseeing broader UX Platform or DesignOps functions.

• Technical Influence: Become a key technical advisor for platform modernization, AI strategy, and architectural decisions within CINC Systems.

• Cross-functional Acumen: Develop broader business understanding by working closely with Product, Marketing, and Sales leadership, understanding how UX and platform efficiency impact Go-To-Market strategies.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Build and scale a high-performing team, developing future leaders in design systems and front-end engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Principal level and direct reporting to the CTO indicate a significant growth trajectory. The role is positioned to be a key driver of technological advancement and operational efficiency within the product development lifecycle, offering substantial career progression opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, allowing employees to work from their chosen location.

Office Location(s): The role is specified as "Remote (Colombia)," indicating that candidates based in Colombia are preferred or eligible. However, the "Global" in the job title suggests potential flexibility for exceptional candidates outside Colombia, though this would need explicit confirmation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While remote, the role emphasizes strong collaboration through digital tools. Expect frequent virtual meetings, asynchronous communication, and shared digital workspaces.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to a modern technology stack including Figma, Storybook, front-end frameworks (React, Next.js), design token tools, and potentially AI development platforms.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a dedicated DesignOps/UX Platform team, as well as broader collaboration with Product, Engineering, and AI specialists across the company.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility for asynchronous work. However, candidates may need to align with core working hours to facilitate collaboration with colleagues in different time zones, particularly for key meetings and critical development sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first nature necessitates strong self-discipline and excellent communication skills. The focus on specific tools and cross-functional interaction implies a structured but flexible work environment designed for distributed teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and, crucially, your portfolio. Applications without a portfolio and relevant case studies will likely not proceed.

• Technical & Design Deep Dive: Interviews focused on your technical expertise in front-end architecture, design systems, and your strategic approach to UX platform development. This may involve discussing specific case studies from your portfolio.

• AI/Generative UI Focus: Discussions on your experience and vision for integrating AI and generative interfaces into product design.

• Leadership & Collaboration Assessment: Interviews to evaluate your leadership style, ability to mentor teams, manage stakeholders, and drive change within a cross-functional environment.

• Case Study Presentation/Challenge: You may be asked to present a detailed case study from your portfolio or tackle a hypothetical design systems/AI UX challenge.

• Final Round with CTO: A concluding interview with the CTO to assess strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall vision for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that directly align with the job description's requirements: Design Systems, UX

Platform, AI/Generative UI, complex workflows (finance/ERP), and demonstrable results.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline:

  • The Challenge: What problem were you solving?
  • Your Role & Responsibilities: Be specific about your contributions.
  • The Solution: Detail the design system, architecture, or AI integration.
  • The Process: Explain your workflow, tools used, and how you collaborated.
  • The Outcome: Quantify results (e.g., % increase in consistency, % reduction in development time, user satisfaction scores, adoption rates).

• Highlight AI & Generative UI: Ensure these aspects are prominent if you have relevant experience.

• Demonstrate Technical Fluency: Show how design and engineering were integrated, e.g., through code snippets, design token implementation, or Storybook examples.

• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-designed, easy to navigate, and free of errors.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design System Audit: Be prepared to analyze an existing system (even a hypothetical one) and suggest improvements.

• Component Design: You might be asked to design a new component or pattern that fits within a given system.

• AI Workflow Design: Conceptualize how AI could enhance a specific workflow for CINC's users.

• Process Optimization: Outline a plan to improve the design-to-development handover or design system adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical application and strategic thinking, with the portfolio serving as the primary gatekeeper and discussion catalyst. Candidates should prepare to articulate their impact with data and demonstrate a deep understanding of system thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (essential for UI design, collaboration, and component creation).

• Component Development & Documentation: Storybook (crucial for building, documenting, and showcasing UI components).

• Design Token Management: Tools for managing design tokens (e.g., Style Dictionary, custom pipelines) to ensure design and code consistency.

• Version Control: Git (e.g., GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) for managing code and design assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

• UX Analytics: Tools like Hotjar, FullStory, or Amplitude for understanding user behavior and identifying pain points.

• Performance Monitoring: Tools for tracking UI performance metrics and identifying bottlenecks.

• Dashboarding Tools: Potentially Tableau, Power BI, or internal tools for visualizing design system adoption and UX metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Not Directly Applicable: While CINC Systems is a SaaS provider, this role focuses on the product development stack, not the sales/marketing CRM. However, understanding how product features impact customer success is beneficial.

• CI/CD Tools: Jenkins, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or similar for automating build, test, and deployment processes for front-end components and applications.

• Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams for team communication and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Storybook is non-negotiable. A strong understanding of how design systems integrate with front-end frameworks and CI/CD pipelines is key. The emphasis on AI and Generative UI suggests familiarity with relevant AI/ML platforms or frameworks might be beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A commitment to high-quality design and engineering, ensuring polished, reliable, and performant user experiences.

• Consistency & Efficiency: Believing that well-defined systems and processes are the foundation for speed, scalability, and reduced errors.

• Collaboration & Empathy: Valuing open communication, constructive feedback, and understanding the needs of both internal teams and end-users.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Embracing new technologies like AI and Generative UI, staying ahead of trends, and proactively seeking opportunities for improvement.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using metrics and user feedback to inform design system evolution and strategic priorities.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively seeking partnerships with Product, Engineering, AI, and other GTM teams to ensure alignment and shared ownership of the UX platform.

• Process Review Culture: Regularly reviewing and iterating on design and development workflows to identify and eliminate friction points.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting best practices, providing training on the design system, and fostering an environment where learning and sharing are encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values and collaboration style are geared towards building a cohesive, innovative, and efficient product development organization, which is critical for a company modernizing its SaaS platform with advanced technologies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Adoption & Governance: Ensuring widespread adoption and consistent use of the design system across diverse product teams and potentially different front-end frameworks. Establishing effective governance without stifling innovation.

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Integrating cutting-edge AI and Generative UI features while maintaining the stability, performance, and accessibility of the core design system and platform.

• Scalability: Evolving the design system and its underlying infrastructure to support CINC's growing product portfolio and user base.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Managing diverse stakeholder needs and priorities across different departments (Product, Engineering, AI, Marketing) to ensure buy-in and cohesive execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & Generative UI Specialization: Opportunity to become a leading expert in applying AI and generative technologies to UX design and front-end development.

• Platform Strategy: Influence the long-term technical and architectural direction of CINC's SaaS platform.

• Leadership Development: Hone skills in leading and scaling design and engineering teams, mentoring talent, and driving organizational change.

• Industry Engagement: Represent CINC Systems at industry conferences, contribute to best practices, and build professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in design systems and platform engineering, requiring strategic problem-solving and strong influence. The growth opportunities are significant, offering pathways to leadership and deep technical specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to building and scaling a design system from the ground up or significantly evolving an existing one. What are the key phases and metrics for success?" (Focus on process, governance, adoption strategies, and KPIs).

• "How do you balance the need for design consistency with the desire for product teams to innovate and move quickly? What governance models have you found effective?" (Highlight collaboration, flexibility, and clear guidelines).

• "Imagine we want to integrate an AI-powered 'copilot' into our accounting workflows. How would you approach designing this experience from a system perspective, considering both user needs and technical feasibility?" (Demonstrate AI/Generative UI design thinking and system integration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our company description and the role, what do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for DesignOps at CINC Systems?" (Show research and strategic thinking).

• "How would you foster a culture of design system adoption and best practice sharing across multiple engineering teams?" (Focus on communication, training, and collaboration).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the problem, your journey, the solution, and the impact.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in leadership, strategy, and technical execution.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics (e.g., adoption rates, efficiency gains, consistency scores) to demonstrate the value of your work.

• Showcase Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the technical architecture, front-end implementation, and integration aspects of your projects.

• Connect to CINC: Explicitly draw parallels between your past work and the challenges and opportunities at CINC Systems, particularly regarding AI and complex workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, technical depth, leadership capabilities, and a clear understanding of how design systems and AI impact business outcomes. The portfolio is your primary artifact; be prepared to defend and elaborate on every aspect.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Design Systems Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on recruitingbypaycor.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in Design Systems, UX Platform development, AI-driven experiences, and complex software workflows (especially finance/ERP). Customize your resume to include keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Case Study Selection: Choose 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects. For each, prepare a clear narrative outlining the challenge, your role, the solution, the process, and quantifiable outcomes. Emphasize your work on AI, Generative UI, and complex system design.

• Technical Readiness: Brush up on your knowledge of React, Next.js, Figma, Storybook, design tokens, and WCAG accessibility standards. Be prepared to discuss your experience with front-end architecture and CI/CD pipelines.

• Company Research: Understand CINC Systems' mission, their market, and their stated goals for platform modernization and AI integration. Think about how your role will directly contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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.