🎨 Senior Product Designer (UX/UI) | Remote | 🇺🇸 US Startup Helping Frontline Workers 💙

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer (UX/UI)

Company: Atomic HR (for a US Startup Helping Frontline Workers)

Location: Remote (with a preference for candidates legally able to work in Canada, though the role is fully remote and async-friendly)

Job Type: Part-Time Contract

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: February 09, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years (Senior Level)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a Senior Product Designer role focused on UX/UI for a mission-driven SaaS startup that supports frontline workers by connecting them to essential benefits.

• The position requires a full-cycle design ownership, encompassing both user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for mobile and web applications.

• Key responsibilities include translating complex, regulated workflows into accessible and intuitive user experiences, with a strong emphasis on accessibility standards.

• The role involves close collaboration with engineering teams, utilizing user feedback and analytics to drive product improvements, and building a scalable component system.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description mentions the company is a US Startup and the role is remote, the location_requirements_raw specifies "Canada." This suggests candidates in Canada are preferred or that the role is open to individuals who can legally work in Canada, even if the company is US-based. The "Remote Solely" ai_work_arrangement and the broad locations_raw across Latin America might indicate a global remote-first approach, but the Canada requirement is a specific constraint to note. The Part-Time Contract nature (10-20 hours/week) is a critical aspect for candidates to understand.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research and engage with internal teams to deeply understand the processes involved in discovering, applying for, and managing benefits programs.

• Translate user needs and complex requirements into detailed user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity UI designs using Figma.

• Design mobile-first experiences that prioritize usability, clarity, and compliance with regulatory standards.

• Develop and maintain a clean, reusable component library and design system to ensure consistency and support rapid iteration across the product.

• Champion and implement accessibility best practices, specifically adhering to WCAG 2.1 AA standards, from the initial design phase.

• Collaborate closely with the engineering team throughout the development lifecycle to ensure accurate implementation of designs and to navigate technical constraints effectively.

• Leverage user feedback and product analytics to identify areas for improvement and to inform design decisions for iterative enhancements.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the product's user experience by providing insights from design, user research, and industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a "full-cycle designer" role, indicating that the candidate will be responsible for the entire design process from research to implementation collaboration. The focus on "messy, regulated workflows" and specific industries like "healthcare, finance, government, or benefits-related SaaS" points to the need for a designer comfortable with complex domains and compliance requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in designing complex web or mobile products.

Required Skills:

• UX Design: Strong user experience thinking, ability to map complex user journeys, and create intuitive user flows.

• UI Design: Excellent visual design craft, attention to detail, and ability to create polished, user-friendly interfaces.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in tools like Figma for creating wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.

• Accessibility Standards: Demonstrated experience and deep understanding of WCAG 2.1 AA compliance and its implementation in design.

• Component System Development: Experience in building and maintaining scalable component libraries and design systems.

• User Research & Feedback: Ability to conduct user interviews, gather feedback, and translate insights into design improvements.

• Collaboration: Strong ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with engineering and product teams, particularly in a remote, async-friendly environment.

• Problem-Solving: Capacity to tackle complex, real-world workflows and simplify them into accessible user experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Frontend Development Literacy: Basic understanding of HTML/CSS or component-level thinking to facilitate better collaboration with engineers.

• Mobile-First Design: Experience specifically designing for mobile applications and responsive web interfaces.

• Analytics Interpretation: Ability to interpret user analytics data to inform design decisions.

• SaaS Product Experience: Experience with SaaS platforms, particularly those serving enterprise clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "frontend development literacy" is a significant plus, indicating the company values designers who can bridge the gap between design and development, ensuring feasibility and efficient handoffs. The emphasis on "real shipped features" in the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Shipped Features: Showcase real-world features you've designed that have been successfully launched.

• Impact Demonstration: Clearly articulate your specific contribution to each project and the measurable impact your design decisions had on usability, clarity, and user outcomes.

• Problem-Solution Examples: Present case studies that detail complex problems (e.g., regulated workflows, sensitive data handling) and how your design solutions addressed them effectively.

• Process Walkthroughs: Include examples of your design process, from user research and ideation to wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration with engineering.

• Accessibility Focus: Highlight projects where you actively incorporated and championed accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Demonstrate how you've analyzed and improved existing user workflows to enhance efficiency and user satisfaction.

• Design System Contributions: If applicable, showcase your involvement in creating or contributing to design systems and component libraries, explaining their benefits.

• Iterative Design: Provide examples of how you've used user feedback and analytics to iterate on designs and drive product improvements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Illustrate how you've worked with engineering and product management to bring designs to life, including handoff processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are very specific, emphasizing demonstrable impact and process. Candidates should prepare case studies that not only show aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of user needs within complex domains. The "simplify a real-world workflow" aspect of the design challenge is a key indicator of what they value.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive hourly USD rate, flexible based on experience and fit.

• Estimated Range: For a Senior Product Designer with 5+ years of experience in a specialized SaaS field, working 10-20 hours per week, the hourly rate could range from $60 to $100+ USD per hour. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level contract design roles in the US tech market, considering the specialized nature of the work (healthcare/benefits SaaS, accessibility) and the demand for experienced remote talent.

Benefits:

• Fully Remote: Work from anywhere, with a preference for candidates able to work legally in Canada.

• Flexible Hours: Async-friendly environment allowing for flexible scheduling around core collaboration times.

• Mission-Driven Work: Opportunity to contribute to a product that provides essential services and has a significant positive social impact.

• Agile Team: Collaborative and fast-paced environment with a focus on speed, clarity, and impact.

• Growth Potential: Chance to be the first full-cycle designer and shape the product's UX/UI direction.

• Competitive Rate: Attractive hourly compensation commensurate with experience and expertise.

Working Hours: Approximately 10-20 hours per week, with flexibility and an async-friendly approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is presented as an hourly rate, typical for contract roles. The estimated range is provided to give candidates a benchmark, acknowledging that the final rate will depend on negotiation and specific qualifications. The benefits emphasize flexibility, mission alignment, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in a growing startup.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: SaaS (Software as a Service), focused on Benefits Administration, Healthcare Technology, and Social Impact.

Company Size: Fast-growing, venture-backed startup. The specific size isn't detailed, but a "growing quickly" team suggests it's beyond the early-stage seed round, likely in the Series A or B phase, with a dynamic and evolving culture.

Founded: Not specified, but described as "fast-growing" and "venture-backed," indicating a modern, tech-focused organization.

Team Structure:

• Operations: This role is the first full-cycle Product Designer, implying a lean, focused team. The designer will likely report to a Head of Product or CEO/CTO in the early stages.

• Collaboration: Close collaboration with engineering is a core requirement. Expect frequent interaction with product management and potentially leadership. The culture is described as "focused, collaborative," valuing "speed, clarity, and mission impact."

• Remote & Async: The team operates as a fully remote, async-friendly unit, emphasizing clear written communication and efficient virtual collaboration.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: User feedback and analytics are key drivers for product improvements.

• Agile Iteration: The team values speed and rapid iteration, working closely with engineering to ship quickly.

• Mission-Oriented: A strong focus on the social impact of the product, supporting frontline workers and underserved communities.

• Pragmatic Approach: The team is described as "pragmatic," suggesting a focus on actionable solutions and efficient execution.

Company Website: Atomic HR Company Website (Note: This is the hiring platform, not necessarily the startup's direct website, but it provides context about Atomic HR's services.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is geared towards impact, speed, and remote collaboration. Candidates should be comfortable with a startup environment, where roles might evolve, and direct contribution is highly visible. The emphasis on "frontline workers" and "essential benefits" suggests a mission that resonates with employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer (Contract). This role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned designer to establish the foundational UX/UI framework for a critical product. While a contract role, it provides significant influence and visibility.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports directly to a Product Lead, Head of Product, or a senior executive (e.g., CTO, CEO) given the "first full-cycle designer" nature of the role.

Operations Impact: The designer will have a direct and substantial impact on the usability, accessibility, and adoption of a platform designed to deliver essential life-changing benefits. Success in this role will directly influence the company's ability to serve its target user base and achieve its mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Foundational Role: Opportunity to build and own the entire UX/UI practice and design system from the ground up.

• Product Shaping: Influence the strategic direction and user-centricity of a product with significant social impact.

• Specialized Expertise: Deepen expertise in designing for regulated industries (healthcare, government benefits) and complex user needs.

• Leadership Potential: As the company grows, this role could evolve into a Design Lead or Head of Design position, potentially transitioning to full-time employment.

• Skill Expansion: Exposure to fast-paced startup environments, cross-functional collaboration, and iterative product development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role offers substantial growth potential, especially for a designer looking to make a significant mark. The opportunity to build and define design processes and systems in a growing startup is a key differentiator. Candidates should assess their career goals against the possibility of long-term engagement or transition to a permanent role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. The company operates without a physical office, promoting a distributed workforce.

Office Location(s): While the company is a US startup, the role is open to remote candidates, with a specific mention of being legally able to work in Canada. The broad locations_raw across Latin America might indicate flexibility for talent acquisition, but the primary constraint seems to be the ability to work legally in Canada for this specific listing.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative & Async: The work environment is structured for asynchronous communication, requiring strong written communication skills and self-discipline. Virtual collaboration tools will be essential.

• Tooling: Expect access to standard design and collaboration tools (Figma, Slack, project management software).

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings for check-ins, design reviews, and collaboration with engineering and product teams. The culture values direct communication and pragmatic problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Flexible hours are offered, aligning with an async-friendly workflow. The role requires approximately 10-20 hours per week, allowing for balance with other commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote and async nature of the work environment demands a high degree of self-management and proactive communication. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and effectively communicating their progress and needs digitally.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• 1️⃣ Intro Chat (30 min): Focus on assessing overall experience, suitability for a remote/async role, and cultural fit with the company's mission and values.

• 2️⃣ Portfolio + Design Challenge (60 min): This is a critical stage. Candidates will present their portfolio, highlighting relevant case studies. They will also be given a design challenge focused on simplifying a real-world workflow, likely related to benefits or government programs. Preparation should focus on clearly articulating your process and impact.

• 3️⃣ Meet Engineering (45 min): Discussion focused on collaboration, design handoff processes, understanding technical constraints, and ensuring a smooth working relationship between design and development.

• 4️⃣ Final Call with Leadership (30 min): A conversation with company leadership to discuss culture alignment, long-term vision, and the offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best align with the requirements: complex workflows, regulated industries (healthcare, finance, government), mobile-first design, and strong accessibility implementation.

• Show Your Process: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, the tools used, key decisions made (and why), and the final outcomes/impact. Use visuals extensively.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data (user feedback, analytics, conversion rates, efficiency gains) to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Highlight Accessibility: Explicitly detail your contributions to accessibility in your chosen projects, mentioning WCAG standards where applicable.

• Tell a Story: Frame your case studies as narratives that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to deliver user-centered solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research common benefits access programs (e.g., government assistance, childcare subsidies, nutrition programs) and the typical challenges users face in navigating them.

• Focus on Simplification: The challenge will likely involve taking a complex, perhaps bureaucratic, process and making it straightforward for users. Think about information architecture, clear calls to action, and intuitive navigation.

• Async Communication: Be prepared to present your solution clearly and concisely, anticipating potential questions from an engineering or product perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate a candidate's end-to-end design capabilities, problem-solving skills, and collaborative potential. The design challenge is a significant component, so practicing how to articulate complex design decisions clearly and concisely is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as the primary design tool. Proficiency in Figma for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and collaboration is essential.

• Design Systems/Component Libraries: Experience in building or working with scalable component libraries within Figma or similar tools.

• User Research Tools: While not specified, expect to use tools for user interviews, surveys, and potentially usability testing (e.g., Zoom, Lookback, Maze).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics for tracking user behavior and informing design decisions.

• Data Visualization: Ability to interpret and present data clearly, potentially using tools like Tableau or Looker if integrated into the product stack.

CRM & Automation:

• Collaboration Tools: Slack for communication, Jira/Asana/Trello for project management, Google Workspace/Microsoft 365 for documentation.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable. The ability to leverage analytics and contribute to or manage a design system are key technical skills that will be evaluated. Familiarity with common remote collaboration tools is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Impact: A strong commitment to improving the lives of frontline workers through accessible benefits.

• Speed & Agility: A pragmatic approach to rapid iteration and quick delivery of value.

• Clarity & Simplicity: A focus on making complex processes easy to understand and navigate.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication, especially in a remote setting.

• User-Centricity: Placing the needs and experiences of frontline workers at the forefront of design decisions.

• Accessibility: A foundational commitment to inclusive design for all users.

Collaboration Style:

• Async-First: Emphasis on clear written communication, documentation, and thoughtful asynchronous interactions.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Close working relationships with engineering and product management to ensure seamless design-to-development handoffs and alignment on goals.

• Feedback-Rich: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and used for continuous improvement.

• Pragmatic Problem-Solving: A focus on finding effective solutions efficiently, without unnecessary bureaucracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with the company's mission and values, particularly the focus on social impact and supporting underserved communities. The ability to thrive in a remote, async, and fast-paced startup environment is crucial.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Simplifying Complexity: The core challenge is translating intricate, often bureaucratic, government and corporate benefit programs into user-friendly digital experiences.

• Balancing Usability and Compliance: Designing in regulated industries requires a delicate balance between intuitive user flows and strict adherence to legal and compliance requirements (e.g., WCAG, data privacy).

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating and building strong relationships with a distributed team without constant in-person interaction.

• Startup Pace: Navigating the dynamic and fast-changing environment of a growing startup, which may involve shifting priorities and evolving processes.

• Being the First: Establishing design best practices, processes, and a design system from scratch as the sole designer.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Domain Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of benefits administration, frontline worker needs, and the complexities of related SaaS solutions.

• Design System Leadership: Opportunity to define and lead the development of a foundational design system.

• Strategic Impact: Direct influence on product strategy and user experience for a mission-critical platform.

• Startup Growth: Experience the rapid scaling and evolution of a venture-backed tech company.

• Remote Work Mastery: Hone skills in asynchronous communication, remote collaboration, and self-management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are significant but also offer substantial growth opportunities. Candidates should highlight their experience in overcoming similar hurdles and their enthusiasm for tackling these complex problems.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Prepare to discuss your approach to understanding complex user needs in regulated industries. How do you balance user desirability with business/compliance requirements?

• Be ready to articulate your philosophy on accessibility and how you integrate WCAG 2.1 AA standards into your design process from start to finish.

• Discuss how you would approach building a design system from the ground up for a growing startup and what your priorities would be.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research the company's mission and the challenges faced by frontline workers. Be prepared to discuss why this mission resonates with you.

• Understand the implications of designing for a "fast-growing, venture-backed startup" and how you adapt to such environments.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio presentation around 2-3 key case studies. For each, clearly state the problem, your role and responsibilities, your design process, specific challenges, solutions, and measurable outcomes.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the "why" behind your design decisions and the tangible results achieved. Quantify where possible.

• Demonstrate Process: Show your sketches, wireframes, user flows, and final UI designs, explaining the rationale at each stage.

• Accessibility: Dedicate a section or clearly call out how accessibility was integrated into your projects.

• Conciseness: Given the time limits, be concise and impactful. Practice your delivery to stay within the allocated time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing not just design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a clear understanding of the company's mission and operational context (remote, startup, regulated industry).

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Atomic HR.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience in complex SaaS products, particularly in healthcare, finance, or government benefits. Showcase projects demonstrating UX/UI mastery, WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, and experience with Figma.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of experience, highlights achievements with quantifiable results, and mentions proficiency in relevant design tools and methodologies. Use keywords like "UX," "UI," "Product Design," "Figma," "Accessibility," and "SaaS."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and impact for your portfolio case studies. Prepare to discuss your experience with remote work, async collaboration, and simplifying complex workflows. Be ready for a design challenge.

• Company Research: Understand the company's mission to help frontline workers and the types of benefits they facilitate. Familiarize yourself with the challenges in this sector.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding remote work logistics, specific benefits, and contract duration, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.