Remote UI/UX Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal UI/UX Designer Company: Jobgether (Partner Company) Location: Michigan, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: UI/UX Design & Product Experience Date Posted: February 13, 2026 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: 100% Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual and user experience design strategy for a prominent music application, ensuring a best-in-class user journey for a dedicated user base.
• Drive the end-to-end design process, from initial concept and user research to final execution and iteration across multiple platforms (web, mobile).
• Foster a collaborative design environment, working intimately with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to translate business objectives and user needs into intuitive and engaging interfaces.
• Provide strong design leadership and mentorship to junior designers, elevating the overall quality and consistency of design output within the team.
• Champion user-centric design principles, leveraging user feedback, data analytics, and design reviews to continuously improve the application's usability and aesthetic appeal.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company, indicating that Jobgether acts as an intermediary for the application process. The core of the role focuses on high-level UI/UX design leadership within a product-centric organization, specifically for a music application. The "Principal" title and 10+ years of experience requirement suggest a senior individual contributor or team lead position with significant autonomy and impact on product direction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the visual design and user interface (UI) architecture for all aspects of the music application, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing user experience across web and mobile platforms.
• Define and maintain the design system, style guides, and component libraries to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency in design and development workflows.
• Collaborate closely with product management to understand user needs, market trends, and business requirements, translating these into innovative design solutions.
• Partner with engineering teams to ensure the accurate and high-fidelity implementation of designs, providing clear specifications, assets, and ongoing support throughout the development lifecycle.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and gather feedback from users and internal stakeholders to inform design decisions and drive iterative improvements.
• Manage and conduct thorough design reviews, providing constructive critique and guidance to ensure the highest standards of quality and user satisfaction.
• Mentor and guide junior UI/UX designers, fostering their professional development and ensuring adherence to design best practices and team standards.
• Proactively identify and solve complex user problems through creative and effective design solutions, contributing to the overall product strategy and roadmap.
• Stay abreast of the latest UI/UX design trends, tools, and technologies, integrating new approaches to enhance product innovation and user engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual design contribution, process ownership (design system, reviews), and leadership/mentorship. The emphasis on collaboration with both product and engineering, along with user feedback and iterative improvement, points to a highly integrated role within the product development lifecycle, typical for senior design leaders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in UI/UX design, with a proven track record of leading design initiatives and delivering successful digital products.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in UI/UX design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and interaction design.
• Strong visual design skills, including typography, color theory, layout, and iconography, with a keen eye for aesthetic detail.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, with a strong preference for Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD).
• Proven experience in leading design projects from concept through to execution, managing the entire design lifecycle.
• Experience working within Agile development methodologies and familiarity with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence) for project management and collaboration.
• Excellent leadership and mentoring capabilities, with a history of guiding and developing design talent.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly to diverse audiences.
• A robust portfolio showcasing a range of problem-solving through design, demonstrating impact on user experience and business objectives.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for music or entertainment applications.
• Familiarity with front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better inform design feasibility.
• Experience with user research methodologies, including usability testing, user interviews, and persona development.
• Knowledge of design systems and their implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree in a related field is standard, but the 10+ years of experience and "Principal" title signify a senior level. The emphasis on Figma and Adobe Suite is crucial. Experience with Agile and Atlassian tools is common for roles integrated with engineering teams. The portfolio is highlighted as a key differentiator for demonstrating problem-solving impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates your ability to solve complex user problems through thoughtful and innovative design solutions.
• Showcase end-to-end design processes, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and user testing.
• Highlight specific examples of how your design decisions directly impacted user satisfaction, engagement, and business metrics.
• Include case studies that detail your role, the challenges faced, your design approach, and the final outcomes with quantifiable results.
• Demonstrate proficiency in user interface (UI) design, interaction design, and visual design across various platforms (web, mobile).

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of managing and iterating on design processes, including participation in or leadership of design reviews and feedback sessions.
• Examples of contributions to or creation of design systems, style guides, or component libraries.
• Documentation of how user feedback and data were incorporated into design iterations and improvements.
• Understanding and application of Agile methodologies within a design context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are critical for this senior role. Candidates must present well-documented case studies that prove impact and problem-solving capabilities, not just aesthetic skills. Demonstrating an understanding of process management and iterative design is as important as the final output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Principal" title, 10+ years of experience, and 100% remote US-based nature of the role, a competitive salary is expected. For a Principal UI/UX Designer in Michigan, industry benchmarks suggest a range of $140,000 - $190,000 USD per year. This estimate considers the high demand for senior design talent, the specialized skills required, leadership responsibilities, and the cost of living in a major US state.

Benefits:

• 100% Remote Work Environment: Enables flexibility and work-life balance, allowing employees to work from anywhere within the US.
• Flexible Working Hours: Accommodates different time zones and personal schedules, promoting autonomy within US time zones.
• Opportunities for Professional Growth and Development: Access to training, workshops, conferences, and other resources to enhance skills and advance career paths.
• Creative and Inclusive Work Culture: A supportive environment that values innovation, diversity, and employee well-being.
• Access to Cutting-Edge Design Tools and Resources: Provision of the latest software, hardware, and professional development opportunities to facilitate excellent design work.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (assumed, standard for full-time roles).
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays (assumed, standard for full-time roles).

Working Hours: The role requires approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility to arrange working hours within US time zones. This allows for asynchronous collaboration and personal scheduling needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on the "Principal" title, required experience, remote nature, and location. Standard benefits are inferred, aligning with typical full-time offerings for senior roles in tech. The flexibility in working hours is a key benefit for remote positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The partner company operates within the Music and Entertainment Technology sector, focusing on a music application. This implies a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment where user engagement and experience are paramount. The company is likely passionate about music and technology, aiming to connect artists and fans or enhance the music listening experience.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Jobgether's typical placement roles are within growing tech companies. Given the need for a "Principal" designer, the company is likely a mid-sized to large startup or a well-established tech company with a significant product presence, potentially numbering from 50 to 500+ employees. This size suggests a structured but dynamic environment where design can have a substantial impact.

Founded: The founding date is not provided. However, the presence of a "Principal" designer role implies the company has matured beyond its initial startup phase and is investing in senior talent to refine its product experience.

Team Structure:

• The UI/UX Designer will likely be part of a Product or Design team. This team may include Product Managers, other UI/UX Designers (potentially junior or mid-level), UX Researchers, and potentially a Design Lead or Head of Design, to whom this role might report or collaborate closely with.
• Close collaboration with Engineering teams (Front-end, Back-end, Mobile Developers) and Product Marketing is expected.
• The reporting structure likely involves reporting to a Head of Product, Head of Design, or a senior engineering leader, depending on the company's organizational chart.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Expect a strong emphasis on using analytics, user feedback, and A/B testing to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Agile Development: The team likely operates using Agile methodologies, requiring design to be adaptable, iterative, and integrated with development sprints.
• User-Centricity: A core tenet will be deeply understanding user needs and pain points to create intuitive and delightful experiences.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Design is not siloed; it's a collaborative effort involving input and feedback from various departments.

Company Website: Jobgether's website is https://jobgether.com/. The partner company's website is not directly provided in the listing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The context here is inferred based on the role description and the industry. The "Principal" title implies a company that values experienced design leadership and is likely invested in product quality. The focus on a music application suggests a creative and user-focused culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is at the Principal level, signifying a senior individual contributor or team lead role. It demands a high degree of autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence product direction. The individual is expected to not only execute design but also to mentor others and contribute to design strategy and process improvement.

Reporting Structure: The Principal UI/UX Designer will likely report to a Head of Design, VP of Product, or a similar senior leadership role. They will collaborate extensively with Product Managers and Engineering Leads, acting as a key design voice within cross-functional teams.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant. By owning the visual and user experience design for a music application, the Principal Designer directly influences user acquisition, retention, engagement, and overall brand perception. Successful design implementation can lead to increased user satisfaction, higher conversion rates, and a stronger competitive position in the music tech market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership and Mentorship: Opportunity to formally or informally lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and shape the design culture of the company.
• Strategic Influence: Contribute to product strategy, roadmap planning, and the definition of the company's design vision.
• Skill Specialization/Broadening: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UI/UX, or broaden skills into product strategy, design systems management, or even team management.
• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the competitive music tech industry, working with cutting-edge tools and potentially contributing to disruptive innovations.
• Career Advancement: Potential to move into a Design Manager, Director of Design, or Head of Product role within the company or at other organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" designation is key here. It indicates a role with significant influence and potential for growth beyond individual contribution, into leadership and strategic decision-making within the product development lifecycle.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is 100% remote, meaning there is no physical office requirement. This offers maximum flexibility in terms of location.

Office Location(s): While the job is listed with "Michigan, United States," this likely refers to a primary state of operation or tax jurisdiction for the company, rather than a mandatory office location. The "100% remote" designation means employees can work from anywhere within the United States, adhering to US time zones for collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Autonomy: Employees are expected to manage their own workspace and schedule, requiring self-discipline and effective time management.
• Digital Collaboration: Communication and collaboration will heavily rely on digital tools such as Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and project management software.
• Access to Tools: The company provides access to necessary design tools (Figma, Adobe Suite) and potentially hardware, ensuring designers have the resources to perform their duties effectively.
• Virtual Team Interaction: Opportunities for team interaction will be through virtual meetings, design critiques, and team-building activities hosted online, fostering a sense of connection despite the physical distance.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. A key benefit is the flexibility to arrange working hours within US time zones, allowing for better work-life integration and accommodating personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on flexibility and remote work means the candidate must be a self-starter. The "Michigan" location might be a legal or HR anchor point, but the remote nature is the primary environmental factor.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening (Jobgether): Your application will be processed by Jobgether's AI-powered matching system, which assesses your fit against core requirements. Top candidates are then shortlisted and shared with the hiring company.
• Hiring Manager/Recruiter Screen: A brief call to discuss your background, experience, and interest in the role, and to answer initial questions.
• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: This is typically the core of the interview process. You will be asked to present your portfolio, highlighting key projects and your problem-solving process. You may also receive a design challenge to complete within a given timeframe, which you'll then present and discuss.
• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders, including Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other designers, to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Design, VP Product) to discuss strategic alignment and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and impact, particularly those showcasing leadership and end-to-end design.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process you followed, the challenges you encountered, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes. Use visuals effectively.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, improved user satisfaction scores).
• Highlight Leadership: If applicable, showcase instances where you mentored others, led design discussions, or influenced product strategy.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the music app context and the requirements for collaboration with product and engineering teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Thoroughly analyze any design challenge prompt, identifying key constraints and objectives.
• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within realistic timeframes. Focus on delivering a well-reasoned solution rather than a perfectly polished final product.
• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to explain your design decisions at every step, linking them back to user needs and business goals.
• Consider Trade-offs: Demonstrate an understanding of technical constraints and business realities by discussing potential trade-offs in your design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The process starts with an AI screen via Jobgether, then moves to standard interview stages. The portfolio presentation and potential design challenge are critical, requiring candidates to demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership, not just visual design skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a must.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for vector graphics, and potentially Adobe XD for prototyping.
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with tools like InVision, Principle, or Axure may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and track design impact.
• A/B Testing Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Optimizely, VWO, or built-in A/B testing frameworks within analytics tools.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how design integrates with user journeys managed by CRM systems could be a plus.
• Project Management & Collaboration:
  • Atlassian Suite (Jira, Confluence): Required for Agile workflow management, task tracking, and documentation.
  • Communication Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for daily communication and virtual meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is paramount. The mention of Atlassian tools and Agile methodologies indicates tight integration with engineering workflows. Familiarity with analytics tools is crucial for demonstrating design impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of the music app's users, ensuring their experience is intuitive, enjoyable, and valuable.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas, pushing design boundaries, and finding novel solutions to user and business challenges.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Data-Informed Decisions: Valuing the use of data and analytics to guide design choices and measure success, balancing intuition with evidence.
• Continuous Improvement: Embracing iteration, learning from feedback, and constantly seeking ways to enhance products and processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: The design team works closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing, acting as a bridge between user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility.
• Constructive Feedback: A culture of open and honest feedback during design reviews and team discussions, aimed at improving the quality of the product.
• Agile Integration: Design work is integrated into Agile sprints, requiring close collaboration with development teams to ensure timely delivery and adherence to sprint goals.
• Shared Ownership: While the Principal Designer leads, there’s an expectation of shared ownership of the product's success, with all team members contributing to problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a modern tech company culture focused on user experience, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, particularly within a product development context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Continuously finding the optimal balance between creating delightful user experiences and meeting business objectives within a competitive market.
• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting quickly to changing user feedback, market trends, and business priorities in the dynamic music tech industry.
• Maintaining Design Consistency Across Platforms: Ensuring a unified and high-quality user experience across web, mobile, and potentially other future platforms.
• Mentoring and Leading Design Talent: Effectively guiding and developing junior designers while still managing individual design responsibilities.
• Effective Communication in a Remote Setting: Ensuring clear and consistent communication and collaboration across distributed teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like interaction design, animation, accessibility, or design systems.
• Product Strategy Involvement: Gaining exposure to and contributing to high-level product strategy and roadmap planning.
• Leadership Development: Formal or informal opportunities to hone leadership, mentoring, and team management skills.
• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Potential for attending leading design and tech conferences to stay current with industry trends.
• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Learning more about product management, engineering processes, and business operations through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in fast-moving tech environments. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for career advancement and skill expansion beyond core design competencies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements (e.g., user needs vs. business goals) in a design project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, negotiation, and impact.)
• "Walk us through your process for designing a new feature for a mobile application. What steps do you take from ideation to handoff to engineering?" (Demonstrate your end-to-end design methodology and collaboration with engineering.)
• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers? Can you provide an example of how you helped a team member improve their design skills or approach?" (Showcase leadership and team development capabilities.)
• "Tell us about a design decision you made that was unpopular but ultimately proven correct. What was your rationale, and how did you handle the feedback?" (Highlight your conviction, data-driven approach, and resilience.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the music app industry and our specific product?" (Research the company and its competition thoroughly.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest UI/UX trends and tools, particularly those relevant to consumer apps?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive, collaborative culture." (Align your answer with the company's stated values and the remote work context.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear story arc: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Results.
• Emphasize "Why": Don't just show what you did; explain why you made those decisions. Connect your choices to user needs, business goals, and design principles.
• Showcase Your Process: Include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and iterations to demonstrate your thought process and problem-solving approach.
• Quantify Impact: Use data, metrics, or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, technical feasibility, and alternative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, collaborative skills, and a deep understanding of the design process and its impact. Tailoring responses to the music app context is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Jobgether portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that demonstrate your leadership in UI/UX design, end-to-end process management, and quantifiable impact, especially if any relate to consumer applications or content platforms.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10+ years of experience, leadership, proficiency in Figma and Adobe Suite, Agile experience, and any relevant achievements in user engagement or product success.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, explaining your design rationale, and articulating the business impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your mentoring experience.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Jobgether and any available information about their partner company. Understand the music app space and identify potential design challenges and opportunities for the product.

⚠️ 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.

---