UX Designer (Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (Contract)

Company: Trase Systems

Location: Remote

Job Type: Contract

Category: Design / Product / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: May 01, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Design intuitive, user-centered experiences for AI agent-facing workflows and product features, ensuring seamless interaction with complex enterprise AI solutions.

• Lead the UX and visual design for the company website and marketing collateral, translating brand identity into engaging digital assets and campaign visuals that drive customer acquisition and engagement.

• Develop compelling executive and conference presentation decks, crafting clear narratives and visually impactful slides to articulate the company's vision and technical advancements in AI agents.

• Own the end-to-end design of product demos, creating cohesive user flows and interactive experiences that effectively communicate the value proposition of Trase Systems' AI platform.

• Drive consistency and adherence to design systems and brand guidelines across all product, marketing, and presentation touchpoints, fostering a unified brand experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "UX Designer," the responsibilities explicitly span product design, marketing design, and presentation design, indicating a need for a highly versatile and adaptable designer. The focus on "AI Agents" and enterprise solutions suggests a B2B context with a need for clear communication of complex technical concepts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design intuitive, user-centered experiences for agent-facing workflows and internal tools, focusing on usability and efficiency in AI-driven environments.

• Create comprehensive UX flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and detailed interaction patterns for both product features and compelling sales/executive demos.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers to translate complex technical requirements and user stories into clear, functional, and aesthetically pleasing designs.

• Lead the UX and visual design strategy for the Trase Systems company website, optimizing for user engagement, brand storytelling, and lead generation.

• Develop a wide range of marketing design assets, including landing pages, digital advertisements, social media graphics, and other promotional materials that align with campaign objectives.

• Design and refine executive-level presentation decks for both internal stakeholders and external audiences, ensuring clarity, impact, and brand consistency.

• Create visually engaging slide decks, signage, and demo visuals for technical and UX conferences, effectively communicating Trase Systems' cutting-edge AI agent technology.

• Own the entire demo experience design process, ensuring that product demonstrations clearly articulate value, showcase key functionalities, and address target audience needs.

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including product, engineering, and marketing, to gather requirements, provide design solutions, and ensure successful implementation of design initiatives.

• Maintain and evolve the company's design system and visual brand guidelines, ensuring consistent application across all digital and physical touchpoints.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks effectively and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can operate across multiple design disciplines (UX, UI, visual, presentation) and workstreams (product, marketing, executive). The emphasis on "AI Agents" and enterprise solutions necessitates a strong ability to simplify complex technical concepts into user-friendly interfaces and compelling narratives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is often preferred for roles of this nature.

Experience: 3–5+ years of professional experience in UX design, product design, or a related design discipline, with a significant portion of this experience ideally in a contract or agency setting to demonstrate adaptability and project ownership.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in User Experience (UX) design principles and methodologies.

• Strong track record in Product Design, translating user needs into functional interfaces.

• Demonstrated ability in Wireframing and creating detailed Information Architecture.

• Proficiency in Prototyping complex user flows and interaction patterns.

• Deep understanding of Interaction Design, focusing on user engagement and efficiency.

• Mastery of modern design tools, with a strong preference for Figma.

• Excellent Visual Design skills, including typography, color theory, and layout.

• Experience in Marketing Design, creating assets for digital campaigns and web.

• Capability in Presentation Design, crafting impactful slides for executive and technical audiences.

• Solid understanding of User-Centered Design (UCD) principles and their application.

• Ability to articulate design decisions and user stories through effective Storytelling.

• Experience with or ability to learn and maintain Design Systems.

• Familiarity with establishing and enforcing Brand Guidelines.

• Proven ability in Cross-Functional Collaboration with product, engineering, and marketing teams.

• Skill in designing for various Interaction Patterns and user journeys.

• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced, remote environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience designing for AI-driven products or complex enterprise software.

• Experience designing for both product interfaces and marketing surfaces (websites, landing pages).

• Familiarity with designing for AI Agents and their unique interaction paradigms.

• Experience in creating engaging Demo Experiences that clearly communicate product value.

• Background in designing for B2B SaaS products.

• Understanding of SEO principles as they relate to website UX and content design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "3-5+ years" coupled with the "Contract" nature of the role suggests they are looking for a mid-level to senior individual contributor who can hit the ground running. The explicit mention of Figma as preferred, alongside a general "modern design tools" requirement, indicates a need for proficiency in current industry-standard software. The emphasis on "AI Agents" and "enterprise leaders" points towards a need for designers who can translate complex technical concepts into accessible and valuable user experiences.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3–5 years of design work, with a strong emphasis on UX and product design case studies.

• Demonstrations of multi-surface design capabilities, including examples of web design (company websites, landing pages), product interfaces, and presentation decks.

• Clear articulation of the design process for each project, detailing problem identification, user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and final implementation.

• Case studies that highlight measurable impact and outcomes, such as improved user engagement, conversion rates, or efficiency gains.

• Examples of UI design for complex applications or enterprise software, demonstrating an ability to handle intricate information architecture and user flows.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio entries should clearly document the iterative design process, including user flows, wireframes, and prototypes at various fidelity levels.

• Evidence of user research methodologies employed, such as user interviews, usability testing, or persona creation, and how these insights informed design decisions.

• Documentation of how design decisions were translated into functional specifications for engineering teams.

• Examples of how design systems or style guides were utilized or developed to ensure consistency across multiple touchpoints.

• Case studies illustrating how design challenges were overcome through creative problem-solving and strategic thinking, with a focus on efficiency and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the breadth of responsibilities (product, marketing, presentations, demos), the portfolio should ideally feature distinct sections or projects demonstrating proficiency in each area. For AI-focused roles, showcasing how a designer has simplified complex information or created intuitive interfaces for technical users would be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75 - $100 per hour. This range is based on the provided information and typical market rates for contract UX Designers with 3-5+ years of experience in the US market, considering the specialized nature of AI and enterprise software. Factors influencing placement within this range include the depth and breadth of experience, the quality of the portfolio, and specific skill alignment with the role's requirements.

Benefits:

• Health care coverage (medical, dental, vision) provided and fully paid by the employer.

• Paid maternity and paternity leave for 14 weeks at employees' normal pay rate.

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO), subject to management approval, allowing for flexibility and work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning initiatives.

• Optional participation in a 401K savings plan.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options available.

• Potential for equity incentives, offering a stake in the company's growth.

• Mental health benefits accessible through the Tara Mind platform.

Working Hours: The role is described as a contract position. While specific daily hours are not stated, it's typical for contract roles to assume a standard 40-hour work week. The remote nature of the job allows for flexibility in scheduling, provided that collaboration with teams across different time zones is managed effectively and deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $75-$100/hour is competitive for a contract UX Designer role in the US, especially considering the focus on AI and the startup environment. The benefits listed are comprehensive, though it's explicitly stated they are for "full-time roles only." This is a critical distinction for a contract position, meaning the hourly rate must encompass all aspects of compensation beyond standard benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Enterprise Software, AI Agents. Trase Systems operates at the cutting edge of AI technology, focusing on making AI deployment and management uncomplicated for enterprises. They are positioned as innovators in the AI agent space, competing with major tech giants and leading leaderboards like Hugging Face's GAIA.

Company Size: Trase Systems was co-founded in 2023, suggesting it is a relatively young and rapidly growing startup. The specific employee count isn't provided, but the context implies a dynamic, agile, and potentially lean team environment where individuals can have significant impact.

Founded: 2023. This recent founding indicates a company in its growth phase, likely characterized by rapid development, innovation, and evolving processes. The founders, Joe Laws and Grant Verstandig, bring a vision of simplifying AI for enterprise leaders.

Team Structure:

• The role requires collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, Marketing Leads, and Executive leadership, indicating a cross-functional team structure.

• As a contract UX Designer, you will likely integrate into product development sprints and marketing initiatives, working closely with dedicated teams in these areas.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not directly a designer's primary responsibility, understanding data-driven decision-making is crucial. The company's focus on AI and optimization implies a strong reliance on metrics and performance analysis to guide product and design improvements.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The designer will be instrumental in designing intuitive workflows for AI agents and enterprise users, directly contributing to operational efficiency and user satisfaction.

• Automation & Efficiency Practices: The core product is an AI platform designed to drive efficiency and cost savings. Design will play a key role in making these automated processes accessible and easy to manage.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "AI, Uncomplicated" and bridging the "last mile" of AI adoption suggests a culture that values clarity, efficiency, and practical application of advanced technology. As a startup founded in 2023, expect a fast-paced, innovative, and potentially less formalized environment than a large corporation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This contract UX Designer role is positioned at a mid-level to senior individual contributor capacity. It requires significant autonomy and the ability to manage diverse design tasks without constant supervision. The role is crucial for shaping user experiences, brand perception, and external communication, making it a high-impact position within the organization.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a contract UX Designer typically reports to a Design Lead, Head of Product, or potentially a Marketing Lead, depending on the project focus. Given the cross-functional nature, there might be dotted-line reporting or close collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including executive leadership for presentation design.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is multifaceted:

• Product Adoption & User Satisfaction: By designing intuitive agent-facing workflows and product demos, the designer directly influences how users interact with and adopt Trase Systems' AI platform, contributing to customer retention and satisfaction.

• Brand Perception & Market Position: Through website UX, marketing collateral, and executive presentations, the designer shapes how Trase Systems is perceived in the market, reinforcing its brand as a leader in "AI, Uncomplicated."

• Sales Enablement: Polished product demos and executive presentations are critical tools for sales teams, directly impacting the company's ability to secure new clients and partnerships.

• Internal Efficiency: Designing clear internal tools and workflows can improve the efficiency of Trase Systems' own employees, especially as the company scales.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Diversification: This role offers a unique opportunity to expand skills across UX/product design, marketing design, and presentation design within a rapidly growing AI company.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with AI agents and enterprise-level AI deployment provides exposure to one of the most transformative technological fields.

• Impactful Contributions: As a contract role in a young company, there's substantial potential to make a visible impact and contribute to the foundational elements of product and brand experience.

• Potential for Future Opportunities: Strong performance in this contract role could lead to opportunities for longer-term engagements or even full-time positions as the company grows and its design needs evolve.

📝 Enhancement Note: The contract nature means direct "career progression" within Trase Systems might be limited to extensions or future roles. However, the breadth of experience gained is invaluable for a designer's overall career development, especially in high-demand areas like AI and B2B SaaS.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role operates entirely outside of a traditional office setting, offering flexibility in terms of work location.

Office Location(s): Remote, with an implied focus on candidates within the United States, as indicated by ai_remote_location_derived: ["United States"]. This suggests adherence to US labor laws and potential coordination with US-based teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite being remote, the role necessitates active collaboration with product managers, engineers, marketing leads, and executives. This requires strong virtual communication skills and proficiency with remote collaboration tools.

• Tools and Technology: Access to modern design tools, particularly Figma, is essential. The company likely utilizes a suite of digital collaboration and project management tools (e.g., Slack, Asana, Jira) to facilitate remote teamwork.

• Team Interaction: While physical interaction is absent, designers will engage in virtual meetings, design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and feedback loops to ensure alignment and drive projects forward.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (implied by "40 hours" in ai_working_hours) and contract-based. While specific daily hours are flexible due to the remote nature, candidates must be available to collaborate with teams, potentially across different US time zones, and meet project deadlines. This requires disciplined time management and proactive communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: For remote roles, especially contract positions, demonstrating self-discipline, proactive communication, and the ability to manage one's own schedule effectively is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they maintain productivity and collaboration in a remote setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience against the job requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, focusing on case studies that demonstrate their UX thinking, visual design skills, and ability to handle diverse design challenges (product, marketing, presentations). This stage will also involve behavioral and situational questions to assess problem-solving skills, collaboration style, and adaptability.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders such as Product Managers, Engineering Leads, or Marketing Managers to evaluate technical proficiency, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Executive or Leadership Interview: A final interview with a senior leader (potentially a founder) to discuss strategic alignment, understand the candidate's vision, and assess overall fit for the company's direction.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills across product, marketing, and presentation design. Emphasize projects that highlight your ability to handle complexity and deliver measurable results.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the outcomes achieved. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Highlight Versatility: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates your ability to design for different mediums (web, product UI, presentations) and audiences (users, customers, executives).

• Showcase AI/Complex Tech Experience (if applicable): If you have experience designing for AI, complex software, or B2B enterprise solutions, make these projects prominent. Explain how you simplified complex concepts.

• Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your workflow and specific techniques used within Figma.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your work clearly and concisely. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design decisions and rationale.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Expect a take-home design challenge or a live design exercise focused on a specific problem relevant to Trase Systems' product or marketing. This could involve designing a user flow for an AI agent feature, conceptualizing a website landing page, or outlining a presentation slide.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Prepare to articulate your approach to problem-solving, your understanding of user needs, and your ability to translate business objectives into design solutions.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your design solutions clearly and persuasively, anticipating questions about trade-offs, alternative solutions, and the impact of your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, interviewers will be looking for someone who can quickly understand requirements, work independently, and deliver high-quality results with minimal oversight. The portfolio is paramount, and candidates should be ready to deeply dive into the "why" behind their design choices.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly preferred for UX/UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma has robust prototyping capabilities, familiarity with other tools like InVision, Adobe XD, or Principle might be beneficial for specific use cases.

• Visual Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for asset creation and manipulation, especially for marketing materials and presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Website Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics to understand website user behavior and inform UX design decisions for the company website.

• Product Analytics: Understanding of tools (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel) that track user interactions within the product, which can inform UX improvements.

• Presentation Software: Expertise in tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating executive and conference presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a primary design tool, understanding how design impacts CRM data entry and lead generation (e.g., forms on landing pages) is beneficial. Familiarity with systems like Salesforce or HubSpot could be a plus.

• Marketing Automation Platforms: Awareness of how marketing designs integrate with platforms like Marketo or HubSpot for campaign execution.

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing design tasks and collaborating with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma suggests it's the central tool. However, a designer working across product, marketing, and presentations will likely need to be proficient in a broader suite of creative and collaboration tools. Understanding how design integrates with sales and marketing tech stacks is a valuable asset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Excellence: As a leader in AI Agents, Trase Systems likely values pushing technological boundaries and striving for high-quality, impactful solutions.

• Simplicity & Clarity: The company's slogan "AI, Uncomplicated" underscores a commitment to making complex technology accessible and user-friendly. Designers are expected to embody this value in their work.

• Agility & Adaptability: In a fast-paced startup environment, the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, learn new technologies, and iterate on designs is crucial.

• User-Centricity: Designing intuitive experiences for AI agents and enterprise leaders requires a deep focus on understanding user needs and pain points.

• Collaboration & Communication: Effective teamwork across remote, cross-functional teams is essential for success. Open communication and a willingness to share feedback are highly valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote-First & Asynchronous: Expect a collaborative style that leverages asynchronous communication tools (e.g., Slack, email) to accommodate different schedules and time zones, supplemented by synchronous meetings for key discussions and decisions.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers will work closely with product managers, engineers, and marketing teams, requiring an ability to understand diverse perspectives and translate them into cohesive designs.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture of constructive feedback is vital for iteration and improvement. Designers should be comfortable giving and receiving feedback on their work.

• Proactive & Ownership-Driven: Individuals are expected to take ownership of their projects, proactively identify challenges, and propose solutions, rather than waiting for direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI, Uncomplicated" and leading the Hugging Face GAIA leaderboard suggests a culture that values both cutting-edge innovation and practical, user-friendly application. Designers will need to be comfortable translating highly technical concepts into accessible interfaces and narratives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging AI Complexity and User Simplicity: A primary challenge will be designing intuitive user experiences for advanced AI agent technology, ensuring enterprise leaders can harness its power without being overwhelmed by complexity.

• Balancing Diverse Design Needs: Simultaneously managing product UX, marketing collateral, executive presentations, and demo experiences requires exceptional organizational skills and the ability to switch contexts rapidly.

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders in a fully remote setting can present communication hurdles that require proactive management.

• Startup Pace and Evolving Requirements: The fast-paced nature of a young startup means priorities can shift, and design requirements may evolve quickly, demanding adaptability and resilience.

• Defining and Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive brand identity across a wide array of touchpoints, from product interfaces to marketing campaigns and presentations, is a continuous challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI Agent Technology: Gain hands-on experience designing for cutting-edge AI, understanding its capabilities and limitations in enterprise contexts.

• Broadening Design Skillset: Develop expertise across product, marketing, and presentation design, making you a more versatile and valuable designer.

• Exposure to Enterprise B2B SaaS: Understand the unique design considerations and user needs within the enterprise software market.

• Building a Portfolio of High-Impact Work: Create compelling case studies showcasing your ability to drive user adoption, brand perception, and sales enablement through design.

• Networking and Mentorship: Opportunity to learn from experienced founders and team members in a high-growth AI company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a role that spans multiple design disciplines in a rapidly evolving tech startup. The growth opportunities are significant due to the exposure to AI technology and the need for versatile design skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex technical product. How did you ensure the user experience was intuitive and accessible?" (Focus on your process, user research, and simplification strategies.)

• "How would you approach designing a product demo for an AI agent system that needs to impress both technical VPs and business executives?" (Discuss narrative flow, visual storytelling, and audience segmentation.)

• "Imagine our website's primary goal is lead generation for enterprise clients. Walk us through how you would approach redesigning a key landing page to improve conversion rates." (Detail your UX thinking, A/B testing ideas, and content strategy.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Trase Systems and our mission to make AI uncomplicated?" (Connect your passion for design with the company's vision.)

• "How do you handle receiving critical feedback on your designs, especially from stakeholders with different priorities?" (Demonstrate your openness to feedback and collaborative problem-solving.)

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, remote startup environment. What strategies do you use to stay organized and productive?" (Highlight your self-management, communication, and adaptability skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process and tools used, the final solution, and the measurable outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., X% increase in conversion, Y% improvement in task completion time, Z reduction in support tickets).

• Focus on Process: Be ready to discuss your thought process, design decisions, and why you chose certain solutions over others. Highlight your problem-solving skills.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with Trase Systems' needs: complex tech, AI agents, B2B enterprise, marketing design, and presentation design.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Present your work clearly and efficiently. Practice your delivery to ensure it's engaging and professional. Be prepared for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be keen to assess your ability to handle ambiguity, work autonomously, and deliver high-quality design across a broad spectrum of needs. Your portfolio should be polished, and your interview responses should demonstrate strategic thinking and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles within a business context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this contract UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in UX/Product Design, Marketing Design, and Presentation Design, specifically mentioning your years of experience and proficiency with Figma. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most relevant projects that showcase your versatility across web, product, and presentation design. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your process, your solutions, and the impact.

• Prepare for a portfolio review: Be ready to present your chosen projects, articulate your design thinking, and discuss your experience with complex technologies and remote collaboration.

• Research Trase Systems: Understand their mission ("AI, Uncomplicated"), their position in the AI agent market, and their target audience (enterprise leaders). This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.