Product UX Designer (Part time Contract, Portugal Only)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product UX Designer

Company: Dragonboat Inc.

Location: Coimbra, Portugal

Job Type: Contract, Part-time

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-02-28

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

Remote Status: Fully Remote (Portugal Only)

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on enhancing the usability and interaction design of a leading AI platform for Strategic Product and Portfolio Management.

• Streamline complex workflows and navigation to improve user efficiency and product adoption.

• Introduce modern, elevated UI styles while ensuring consistent design patterns across the B2B SaaS application.

• Add thoughtful, user-centric design elements to elevate the overall product experience.

• Collaborate closely with the product engineering lead in a fast-paced, remote environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a Product UX Designer specifically focused on improving the user experience of a B2B SaaS AI platform. The emphasis is on practical, iterative design improvements to enhance usability and engagement, rather than foundational product development. The part-time, contract nature suggests a need for an experienced professional who can quickly integrate and deliver tangible design enhancements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research and analysis to identify pain points and opportunities for UX improvement within the Dragonboat AI OS.

• Design intuitive and efficient navigation systems and user flows for complex product and portfolio management features.

• Develop wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and solutions.

• Collaborate with the product engineering lead to implement and iterate on UI designs, ensuring a modern aesthetic and consistent user experience.

• Refine and document design patterns and style guides to maintain UI consistency and scalability across the platform.

• Identify and integrate "thoughtful touches" in the user interface that enhance user satisfaction and product enjoyment.

• Participate in design reviews and provide constructive feedback to stakeholders.

• Stay updated on the latest UX/UI trends and best practices in B2B SaaS product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are centered around iterative UX enhancement of an existing B2B SaaS product. This involves a blend of analytical (user research, pain point identification) and creative (designing intuitive flows, modern aesthetics) tasks, all geared towards practical improvements that directly impact user workflows and satisfaction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating design thinking and execution in relevant areas is paramount. A background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, Interaction Design, or a related field is beneficial.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience designing B2B SaaS products, with a proven track record of improving user navigation, interaction, and overall UI consistency.

Required Skills:

• B2B SaaS Product Design: Demonstrated experience in designing complex applications for business users.

• Usability & Interaction Design: Expertise in creating intuitive user flows, streamlined navigation, and engaging interactions.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency with industry-standard design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) for creating low-fidelity to high-fidelity prototypes.

• UI Consistency & Style Application: Ability to introduce modern design aesthetics while meticulously maintaining established design patterns and consistency.

• Independent Work Ethic: Proven ability to manage tasks, prioritize workload, and deliver high-quality design solutions autonomously.

• Collaborative Skills: Experience working effectively with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders in a remote setting.

• Adaptability: Strong capacity to adjust to evolving project requirements and feedback in a dynamic environment.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying user pain points and devising effective design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-driven platforms or data visualization tools.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Knowledge of user research methodologies and usability testing.

• Experience working in a fast-paced SaaS startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "B2B SaaS products in live, multi-role environments" suggests the need for a designer who understands the complexities of enterprise software where different user personas interact with the same product. Adaptability and the ability to work independently are highlighted due to the remote, contract nature of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of B2B SaaS UX Improvements: Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating how you've improved navigation, interaction, or UI consistency for B2B products.

• Workflow Streamlining Examples: Provide specific examples or case studies where you've successfully simplified complex user workflows.

• UI Style & Pattern Implementation: Include visual examples of how you've introduced modern design elements while maintaining or establishing consistent design patterns.

• Problem/Solution Documentation: Clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process, the solutions you proposed, and the impact of those solutions (quantifiable if possible).

• Tool Proficiency Demonstration: Briefly mention the primary design and prototyping tools used in your portfolio projects.

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Overview: Be prepared to articulate your end-to-end UX design process, from discovery and research to ideation, prototyping, and iteration.

• Collaboration Workflow: Explain how you typically collaborate with engineering and product teams to bring designs to life.

• Iteration and Feedback Integration: Demonstrate how you incorporate feedback and iterate on designs to achieve optimal user experience outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should be prepared to present specific examples of how they have improved B2B SaaS products, focusing on tangible outcomes like streamlined workflows and enhanced UI consistency. The ability to articulate their design process and collaboration methods will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given this is a part-time contract role (10-20 hours/week) for a UX Designer with 3+ years of experience in Portugal, a competitive hourly rate is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for experienced contract UX Designers in Portugal specializing in B2B SaaS, the estimated range would be €30 - €55 per hour, depending on experience and portfolio strength. This translates to approximately €1,200 - €4,400 per month for 10-20 hours per week.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Hours: The role offers flexibility within the 10-20 hours per week commitment, allowing for work-life balance.

• Remote Work: Fully remote position within Portugal, eliminating commute time and costs.

• Contractual Engagement: Opportunity to work on a focused project with a growing SaaS company.

• Professional Development: Exposure to AI platform design and strategic product management challenges.

• Direct Impact: Chance to significantly influence the user experience of a leading enterprise software product.

Working Hours: This is a part-time contract role requiring approximately 10-20 hours per week. Specific daily or weekly schedules can be negotiated, aligning with the needs of the project and the designer's availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on average contract rates for UX Designers in Portugal with mid-level experience, factoring in the B2B SaaS specialization and remote work. Benefits are typical for contract roles, emphasizing flexibility and remote work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software / Artificial Intelligence / Enterprise Software (Product & Portfolio Management)

Company Size: Startup (implied by "venture-backed, fast-growing SaaS startup")

Founded: Information not explicitly provided, but Dragonboat is described as a "fast-growing SaaS startup."

Team Structure:

• Product & Engineering: This role will work closely with the Product Engineering Lead, indicating a direct reporting or strong functional partnership within the product development team.

• Remote Teams: Dragonboat operates with remote teams in both Portugal and the US, suggesting a culture of distributed collaboration and asynchronous communication.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While focused on design, the role requires collaboration with Product and Engineering, implying a cross-functional approach to product development.

Methodology:

• AI-Driven Product Development: The company leverages AI for its platform, suggesting an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and innovative technology.

• Agile/Lean Principles: As a fast-growing SaaS startup, it's likely they employ agile or lean methodologies for product development and iteration.

• User-Centric Design: The emphasis on UX improvement indicates a commitment to understanding and serving user needs.

Company Website: dragonboat.io

📝 Enhancement Note: Dragonboat is positioned as an innovative AI platform provider in the Product & Portfolio Management space. The company culture is likely fast-paced, collaborative (despite being remote), and focused on leveraging technology to solve complex business problems. The Portuguese team's role is integrated into the broader US-based operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level (2-5 years experience) for a specialized UX Designer. It offers a focused opportunity to deepen expertise in B2B SaaS UX within a specific domain (Product & Portfolio Management).

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to or work very closely with the Product Engineering Lead. This implies direct guidance and collaboration on product features.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work will directly impact user adoption, satisfaction, and efficiency on the Dragonboat platform. By improving workflows and usability, they contribute to the product's market competitiveness and customer retention, indirectly driving revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deepen B2B SaaS UX Expertise: Gain specialized experience in designing for Product & Portfolio Management, a critical enterprise function.

• Expand AI/ML Product Design Understanding: Work with an AI platform, offering exposure to unique design challenges.

• Develop Remote Collaboration Skills: Hone abilities in asynchronous communication and virtual teamwork within an international setting.

• Potential for Future Engagements: Successful contract performance could lead to extended engagements or opportunities within the growing product team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, it provides a valuable opportunity for a UX Designer to gain specific domain expertise in enterprise SaaS and AI product design, enhancing their profile for future roles in these high-demand areas.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote (Portugal Only)

Office Location(s): Coimbra, Portugal (primary location specified, but the role is remote within Portugal).

Workspace Context:

• Home Office: The primary workspace will be the designer's home office, requiring self-discipline and effective remote work practices.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: Expect to use a suite of digital tools for communication (e.g., Slack, Zoom), project management (e.g., Jira, Asana), and design collaboration (e.g., Figma, Miro).

• Asynchronous Communication: Given the US/Portugal time zone difference, proficiency in asynchronous communication is essential, alongside scheduled synchronous meetings.

Work Schedule: Flexible part-time (10-20 hours/week), allowing the designer to structure their work around personal commitments, provided project deadlines and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role necessitates a self-starter attitude and strong organizational skills. Candidates should be comfortable with digital collaboration tools and managing their time effectively to meet project milestones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience and fit with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, showcasing relevant B2B SaaS UX case studies and design process.

• Technical/Design Discussion: Conversation with the Product Engineering Lead to delve into design decisions, problem-solving approaches, and technical feasibility.

• Cultural/Fit Interview: Assessment of adaptability, independent work ethic, and collaborative abilities in a remote context.

• Contractual Discussion: Finalization of terms, hours, and rate.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 3-5 strong projects that specifically showcase B2B SaaS UX improvements, navigation streamlining, and UI consistency.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your process, the design solutions, and the impact (quantifiable metrics are a strong plus).

• Highlight B2B SaaS Specifics: Emphasize how your designs address the unique challenges of enterprise software users.

• Demonstrate Modern Aesthetics: Show examples of clean, modern UI design that maintains consistency.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Articulate your design rationale, trade-offs made, and how you collaborated with engineering.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a small design challenge or a discussion on how you would approach a specific UX problem related to the Dragonboat product.

• Process Walkthrough: Practice explaining your design process concisely and effectively.

• Questions for the Company: Prepare thoughtful questions about the product roadmap, design challenges, and team collaboration to demonstrate engagement and interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio. Strong case studies demonstrating tangible improvements in B2B SaaS UX are essential. Preparation should focus on clearly articulating design decisions and the impact of their work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma or Sketch: Expected proficiency in industry-standard tools for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop): Useful for asset creation and image manipulation.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools like InVision, Framer, or built-in capabilities within Figma/Sketch for interactive prototypes.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Slack: For real-time communication and team discussions.

• Zoom/Google Meet: For video conferencing and virtual meetings.

• Jira/Asana or similar: For task management, bug tracking, and project workflow visualization.

• Miro/Mural: For collaborative whiteboarding, brainstorming, and user flow mapping.

Understanding of:

• AI/ML Concepts: Familiarity with how AI impacts user interfaces and user experience.

• Data Visualization: Ability to design clear and effective data visualizations, given the nature of the product.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern UI/UX design tools, particularly Figma or Sketch, is a must. Experience with collaborative remote work tools is equally important for effective integration into the distributed team.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to leverage AI and technology to create leading-edge solutions.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and solving user problems effectively through design.

• Efficiency: Focus on streamlining processes and automating manual work, both in the product and in team operations.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and communication, even in a remote, distributed environment.

• Adaptability: Acknowledgment of the fast-paced startup environment and the need to be flexible.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote-First: Practices and tools are geared towards effective collaboration across distances and time zones.

• Direct Communication: Expect clear, concise communication, likely utilizing asynchronous methods where appropriate.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Designers work closely with product and engineering to ensure alignment and successful implementation of designs.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that values constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in both the product and team processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values likely reflect a modern tech startup ethos: innovative, user-focused, efficient, and collaborative. The remote nature of the teams means that strong communication and a proactive approach to collaboration are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Modern Aesthetics with B2B Functionality: Introducing elevated design styles without compromising the usability and efficiency required by enterprise users.

• Streamlining Complex Workflows: Untangling and simplifying intricate user journeys within a product management platform.

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Effectively contributing and collaborating within a distributed team, potentially across significant time zone differences.

• Part-Time Contract Constraints: Delivering impactful design improvements within a limited weekly hour commitment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Domain Knowledge: Gaining deep insights into the Product and Portfolio Management domain.

• AI Product Design Exposure: Learning to design for AI-powered features and understanding their unique UX implications.

• Startup Environment Experience: Understanding the pace and iterative nature of a fast-growing SaaS company.

• Remote Work Best Practices: Enhancing skills in asynchronous communication, self-management, and virtual collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents an opportunity to tackle complex B2B SaaS UX challenges within a specialized domain, offering significant growth for a designer keen on enterprise software and AI product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you significantly improved the usability of a complex B2B SaaS product. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?"

• "How would you go about streamlining the navigation for a product that has many features and user roles, similar to a portfolio management tool?"

• "Walk us through your process for introducing a new UI style or design pattern into an existing B2B application while maintaining consistency."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for an AI platform like Dragonboat?"

• "How do you approach collaboration with remote engineering teams?"

• "Describe your experience working independently on design projects."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the "before" and "after" state, highlighting measurable improvements (e.g., reduced task completion time, increased feature adoption, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively – include wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and user flow diagrams.

• Explain Your Role and Process: Be clear about your specific contributions and the steps you took from problem identification to solution delivery.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: The Product Engineering Lead will likely ask detailed questions about your design decisions and problem-solving methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a strong understanding of B2B SaaS UX principles, a structured design process, and the ability to articulate the impact of design decisions. Portfolio presentation is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided SmartRecruiters link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest B2B SaaS UX projects, emphasizing navigation streamlining, interaction design, and UI consistency improvements. Use case studies that demonstrate your ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 3+ years of experience in B2B SaaS UX design. Use keywords such as "Usability Improvement," "Interaction Design," "B2B SaaS," "UI Consistency," and "Workflow Streamlining." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and the impact of your work. Be ready to present a selected case study from your portfolio and discuss how you would approach specific UX challenges for a product management platform.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Dragonboat's AI platform (dragonboat.io) and its target market. Understand the core functionalities of Product and Portfolio Management software to better contextualize your design approach.

⚠️ 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.

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