Principal UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal UX Designer Company: Encora Location: United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) Design Operations Date Posted: September 12, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years Professional Experience

🚀 Role Summary

• This Principal UX Designer role focuses on driving innovation and elevating product offerings through exceptional user experiences, operating as a strategic thought partner for product leaders and stakeholders.
• The position requires a deep understanding of user-centered design principles, coupled with the ability to conduct and guide user research to inform product strategy and design decisions.
• A key aspect of this role involves establishing and maintaining consistent design patterns through a design system, ensuring a cohesive user journey across various business areas.
• The Principal UX Designer will also be responsible for mentoring junior design staff and leading new practices within the design team, fostering a culture of continuous process improvement and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor with significant influence on product strategy and design execution, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on design skills, and leadership capabilities. The emphasis on AI and Machine Learning suggests a focus on modernizing internal employee experiences or enhancing product capabilities with intelligent features.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic thought partner to product leaders and stakeholders, advocating for the user's voice throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with Product, Engineering, User Research, and Design teams to drive strategic discovery and champion best practices in UX process within agile frameworks.
• Gather user insights through research to help stakeholders explore and solve complex, long-term product challenges.
• Lead design efforts and contribute hands-on to the design of complex, cross-functional product investments.
• Establish and drive consistent design patterns through the company's design system to ensure a cohesive user experience across all product touchpoints.
• Provide creative direction and conduct design reviews to ensure the overall product vision is met and user-centricity is maintained.
• Offer leadership within the design team by introducing new practices, influencing adoption of new methods, and continuously seeking opportunities for process improvement and efficiency.
• Mentor and develop more junior members of the design staff, sharing expertise to enhance the team's overall skillset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design execution, and team enablement. The expectation to "cascade context up to leadership and strategy down to teams" indicates a critical communication and alignment role. Driving dual-track agile suggests a need for a strong understanding of iterative product development and close collaboration with engineering.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required, demonstrating a strong academic foundation in design or a related field.

Experience: 10+ years of professional experience, with a significant emphasis on UX strategy, product design, and delivering complex digital products from concept to launch.

Required Skills:

• A robust digital portfolio showcasing a high bar for quality, impeccable attention to detail, and a strong track record of user-centered design solutions.
• Demonstrated mastery in at least two core design disciplines (e.g., visual design, UX design, prototyping, front-end development, user research, experiment design).
• Expertise in at least two additional core design disciplines.
• Foundational knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Machine Learning (ML) to inform design decisions and explore new opportunities.
• Proven ability to work through ambiguity, acquire information independently, and operate effectively in both individual and team environments.
• Strong organizational and analytic thinking skills, with the capacity to translate technically complex content into clear user scenarios, flows, and diagrams.
• Proven ability to create alignment among senior management on ideas, projects, and processes.
• Proven track record of collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and at all levels of the organization.
• Deep understanding of design system principles, components, and patterns, with experience as both a consumer and contributor.
• Ability to make strategic, user-centered design decisions while remaining open to continuous iteration based on evolving needs and requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience mentoring junior designers and providing constructive feedback to elevate design quality and team capabilities.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and experience working within dual-track agile frameworks.
• Proven ability to win hearts and minds around user-centered design and the criticality of usability.
• Experience exploring AI technology's potential to enhance employee experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for mastery in multiple design disciplines points to a need for a T-shaped or comb-shaped skill profile. The explicit mention of AI, NLP, and ML suggests that candidates with experience in designing AI-powered features or internal tools that leverage these technologies will be particularly well-suited. The emphasis on stakeholder alignment and translating complex technical content underscores the strategic communication aspect of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end product design processes for complex digital products.
• Evidence of strategic thinking, user research integration, and iterative design methodologies.
• Examples showcasing the ability to create and maintain design systems, including component libraries and pattern guidelines.
• Demonstrations of how user feedback and data were used to inform and iterate on design solutions.
• Projects that highlight collaboration with product management, engineering, and other stakeholders.
• Examples that reflect a strong understanding of AI, Natural Language, and Machine Learning applications in user experience.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of user journey mapping, information architecture, wireframing, and high-fidelity prototyping.
• Include documentation of user research methodologies employed (e.g., interviews, usability testing, surveys) and how insights were translated into design actions.
• Present examples of how design decisions were justified through data, heuristic evaluations, or stakeholder consensus.
• Demonstrate experience with version control and design handoff processes to engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of the candidate's strategic thinking, design execution capabilities, and ability to lead complex projects. Emphasis should be placed on showcasing the process rather than just the final output, particularly how user insights and strategic goals were integrated. Demonstrating experience with design systems and AI/ML applications will be key differentiators.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Principal UX Designer with 10+ years of experience in the US, particularly for a remote role, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $140,000 and $200,000+. This range can vary based on specific location (even for remote roles, cost of living can influence compensation bands), the candidate's specific skill set, and the overall compensation strategy of the company.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with potential company match.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and certifications.
• Potential for stock options or performance-based bonuses.
• Home office stipend or equipment allowance for remote employees.
• Access to mental health and wellness programs.

Working Hours: The role supports EST work hours, implying a standard 40-hour work week with potential for flexibility. The remote nature allows for some autonomy in structuring the workday, provided core collaboration and availability windows are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary expectations for Principal-level roles in the US, especially for fully remote positions supporting specific time zones, are generally competitive. Benefits packages often include robust health coverage, retirement savings plans, and professional growth opportunities, which are attractive to senior-level operations professionals. The EST work hours requirement is important for candidates to note for scheduling and collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Encora operates in the technology sector, likely focusing on software development, digital transformation, or IT consulting services, given its role as an employer. Their specific niche within the tech industry will influence the types of products and employee experiences they are working on.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the input, the need for a Principal UX Designer suggests a mid-to-large-sized organization with established product development processes and a growing emphasis on user experience. A larger company size often implies more complex organizational structures and a broader range of products and services.

Founded: Information on the founding date of Encora is not provided, but its presence on Greenhouse suggests a structured hiring process typical of established companies.

Team Structure:

• The Principal UX Designer will likely be part of a dedicated UX Design team, possibly within a larger Product or Engineering organization.
• This team will include other designers (UX/UI, researchers) and will report to a Design Lead or Director.
• Collaboration will be extensive with Product Managers, Engineers, User Researchers, and other key stakeholders across various business units and product lines.

Methodology:

• The company utilizes agile methodologies, specifically mentioning "dual track agile," indicating a focus on both discovery (user research, ideation) and delivery (development, iteration).
• A strong emphasis is placed on user-centered design principles, data-driven decision-making, and continuous process improvement.
• The development and utilization of a design system are central to their approach to ensuring consistency and efficiency in product design.

Company Website: https://www.encora.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Encora's positioning as a company that values "crafting exceptional user experiences" and "delivering beloved products" suggests a culture that prioritizes user satisfaction and product quality. The Principal UX Designer role is key to embedding this user-centricity across the organization and driving best practices in design operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Principal level, signifying a senior individual contributor position. It carries significant responsibility for strategic direction, design quality, and mentorship. It's a leadership role within the design function, influencing product roadmaps and design standards.

Reporting Structure: The Principal UX Designer will likely report to a Head of Design, Director of Product Design, or a similar senior leadership role within the product development organization. They will collaborate closely with Product Management and Engineering leadership.

Operations Impact: The Principal UX Designer will have a direct impact on the success of Encora's products by ensuring they are intuitive, engaging, and meet user needs effectively. This directly influences user adoption, satisfaction, and potentially revenue through improved product performance and employee productivity. Their work on the design system also impacts the efficiency and scalability of the entire product development process.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: Potential to move into a Design Management or Lead role, overseeing a team of designers.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI/ML UX, design systems, or user research strategy.
• Strategic Influence: Increased involvement in product strategy, roadmap planning, and company-wide design initiatives.
• Mentorship: Formalizing mentorship programs and developing design talent within the organization.
• Cross-functional Leadership: Leading design initiatives that span multiple product areas or business units.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title indicates a path beyond senior contributor, offering opportunities for leadership and strategic influence. Growth is likely tied to expanding the scope of design impact, leading larger initiatives, and developing design talent. The role is ideal for someone looking to shape design culture and processes within a growing tech organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is advertised as 100% remote, meaning there is no physical office requirement. The work environment is virtual, emphasizing digital collaboration tools and asynchronous communication where appropriate.

Office Location(s): While the job is remote, it supports EST work hours. This implies the company may have a significant presence or client base in the Eastern Time Zone of the United States, and candidates are expected to align with this timezone for team collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration: The primary workspace will be digital, relying heavily on collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), video conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet), and project management tools.
• Design Tool Proficiency: Access to and proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite) will be essential.
• Team Interaction: Regular participation in virtual team meetings, design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and one-on-one check-ins with managers and peers.

Work Schedule: The role requires adherence to EST work hours, suggesting a standard 40-hour work week. While remote work often offers flexibility, core hours for meetings and collaboration will be aligned with EST.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of the role requires excellent self-management, communication skills, and comfort with digital collaboration tools. Candidates should be prepared to actively engage in virtual team activities and maintain productivity without direct physical oversight. Adherence to EST hours is crucial for effective team integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and candidate interest.
• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing key projects, their process, and their impact. A design challenge or exercise, possibly related to AI/ML UX or a complex product feature, may be given to assess practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other designers to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and strategic thinking.
• Leadership Interview: Meeting with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Design, VP of Product) to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall alignment with the company's goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio around compelling narratives for each project, clearly outlining the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the measurable impact.
• Process Focus: Emphasize your design process, highlighting how you incorporated user research, iterative feedback, and strategic thinking to arrive at the final design.
• AI/ML Relevance: If possible, include projects that demonstrate your understanding or application of AI, Natural Language, or Machine Learning in user experiences.
• Design System Examples: Showcase your experience with design systems, whether as a consumer or contributor, demonstrating an understanding of scalability and consistency.
• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and your contributions are clearly articulated.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly understand the problem statement, target users, and business goals.
• Think Aloud: Practice articulating your thought process as you work through the challenge, explaining your assumptions, decisions, and trade-offs.
• Prioritize: Focus on the most critical aspects of the problem and demonstrate effective prioritization of design tasks.
• User-Centricity: Continuously tie your design decisions back to user needs and business objectives.
• Presentation Skills: Prepare to present your solution clearly and concisely, highlighting key design elements and justifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Principal role is rigorous, focusing heavily on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and demonstrable impact. Candidates should prepare to deeply discuss their portfolio and articulate their design philosophy, especially concerning AI/ML and design systems. A practical design challenge is highly probable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP. Proficiency in at least one primary tool (likely Figma or Sketch) is expected.
• Collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet for communication and virtual meetings.
• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, Monday.com for managing tasks and workflows.
• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Hotjar for gathering user feedback and analytics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude for product usage analytics and performance tracking.
• Tableau, Power BI, Looker for data visualization and dashboard creation.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX impacts CRM and sales processes may be beneficial.
• Familiarity with tools like Salesforce, Marketo, or HubSpot for context on user journeys within broader business systems.
• Integration tools like Zapier or custom API knowledge could be relevant for understanding data flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expertise in industry-standard design tools like Figma is crucial. Familiarity with collaboration platforms and project management software is essential for a remote role. While not a direct operations or analytics role, understanding how design impacts user journeys within CRM and analytics platforms will provide valuable context and demonstrate a holistic approach to product development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs in all design decisions.
• Collaboration: Valuing cross-functional teamwork and open communication with Product, Engineering, and other stakeholders.
• Excellence & Quality: Upholding a high standard for design execution, attention to detail, and delivering beloved products.
• Innovation: Encouraging exploration of new technologies, such as AI/ML, to create better user experiences.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking opportunities to refine processes, improve efficiency, and elevate design practices.
• Mentorship & Growth: Fostering a supportive environment where team members can learn, grow, and develop their skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Transparent: Engaging early and often with stakeholders, sharing designs openly, and providing constructive feedback.
• Data-Informed: Utilizing user research and analytics to guide design decisions and validate solutions.
• Partnership-Oriented: Working as a true partner with Product and Engineering, aligning on goals and driving shared outcomes.
• Constructive Debate: Engaging in healthy debate and problem-solving to arrive at the best solutions for users and the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a strong user focus, collaborative spirit, and a drive for quality and continuous improvement. The Principal UX Designer is expected to embody these values and actively promote them within the design team and across cross-functional partners.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Navigating complex requirements and stakeholder priorities to deliver solutions that satisfy both users and business objectives.
• Driving Adoption of Design Standards: Ensuring consistent application of the design system and UX best practices across a potentially diverse product portfolio.
• Integrating AI/ML into User Experiences: Effectively designing for new and evolving AI capabilities, ensuring usability, transparency, and ethical considerations.
• Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Maintaining strong communication, alignment, and a sense of team cohesion in a fully remote environment.
• Mentoring and Up-skilling: Developing junior talent and ensuring the broader team stays current with design trends and technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI/ML Design Specialization: Deepening expertise in designing for AI-powered features and understanding the nuances of human-AI interaction.
• Design System Leadership: Contributing to the evolution and governance of the company's design system.
• Product Strategy Involvement: Gaining exposure to higher-level product strategy and roadmap planning.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Leading design initiatives that require significant coordination across multiple departments.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to professional development resources to stay abreast of the latest UX trends, tools, and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges common to senior design positions, particularly in rapidly evolving areas like AI and in distributed work environments. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to make a strategic impact and advance their career in design leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing an AI-powered feature to help employees manage their workload more effectively, considering potential biases or ethical implications?" (Focus on process, user research, AI considerations, and ethical design).
• "Describe a time you had to align senior leadership on a significant design decision or process change. What was your strategy?" (Focus on communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills).
• "How do you ensure a consistent and cohesive user experience across multiple products that may have originated from different teams or have different technical constraints?" (Focus on design systems, pattern libraries, and process standardization).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Encora and this specific Principal UX Designer role?" (Research Encora's mission, values, and recent news).
• "How do you foster a user-centered design culture within a team and across an organization?" (Discuss your approach to advocacy, education, and collaboration).
• "How would you measure the success of your design work and its impact on the business?" (Prepare to discuss UX metrics, KPIs, and ROI).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction, Problem Statement, Your Role & Process, Solutions & Iterations, Impact & Outcomes, Key Learnings.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved task completion times, reduced support tickets).
• Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you collaborated with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Showcase AI/ML Understanding: If applicable, clearly articulate your thought process and design decisions related to AI/ML features in your portfolio projects.
• Anticipate Questions: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and the challenges you faced.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and deep understanding of user-centered design, particularly in the context of AI/ML and design systems. Be ready to demonstrate how you drive impact and influence stakeholders.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Encora careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your experience with complex digital products, strategic UX thinking, design systems, and ideally, any work involving AI/ML. Ensure clear articulation of your process and impact.
• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of experience, leadership in UX strategy, and proficiency in core design disciplines and relevant tools. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice discussing your portfolio projects, focusing on the "why" behind your design decisions, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable results achieved. Be ready to articulate your approach to mentorship and process improvement.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Encora's business, mission, values, and any recent product launches or news. Understand their approach to technology and user experience.

⚠️ 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.