Junior UX UI Designer- Contractor

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior UX/UI Designer - Contractor

Company: Victaulic

Location: Easton, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: Full-Time, Contractor

Category: UX/UI Design, Digital Product Design

Date Posted: June 09, 2026

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on designing intuitive and visually engaging digital products and interfaces to enhance user experiences for both internal teams and external customers.

• The Junior UX/UI Designer will be instrumental in creating wireframes, prototypes, and user flows, translating complex industrial processes into accessible digital solutions.

• A key aspect involves championing and implementing user-centered design principles and adhering to accessibility standards like WCAG across all digital touchpoints.

• The position requires active participation in the company's design system, contributing to its maintenance and ensuring consistent application across various platforms and products.

• This is a contractor role, offering a project-based opportunity within a global leader in mechanical pipe joining solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data specifies "Junior UX UI Designer - Contractor", the employment type also lists "FULL_TIME". This has been interpreted as a full-time contractor position, common in the industry for specialized roles requiring dedicated, long-term engagement. The "On-site" remote status is derived from the "locations_alt_raw" and "remote_derived: false" fields. The category "Digital Product Design" is added to broaden the scope beyond just UX/UI, reflecting the role's impact on product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design intuitive and visually engaging user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) for a range of digital products, including internal tools, customer portals, and partner platforms.

• Develop detailed wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts, gather feedback, and guide development teams.

• Ensure all digital deliverables adhere to established accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA), promoting inclusivity and usability for all users.

• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and consistent application of Victaulic's growing design system, enhancing brand consistency and design efficiency.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the design lifecycle, from research and ideation to iteration and final implementation.

• Conduct user research and usability testing (or assist in these activities) to gather insights and validate design decisions, translating findings into actionable design improvements.

• Apply problem-solving skills to balance user needs, technical constraints, business objectives, and brand guidelines to deliver practical and elegant design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been expanded to reflect the typical duties of a junior UX/UI designer within a product development context. Emphasis is placed on the full design lifecycle, from ideation and prototyping to user research and adherence to design systems and accessibility standards, which are critical for modern digital product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Digital Media, or a closely related field. Experience:

• 0-2 years of professional or academic experience in UX/UI design, digital product design, or a related role. Internship, co-op, or significant project-based experience is highly valued and encouraged. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, with a strong emphasis on Figma. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects) is also expected.

• Solid understanding of user-centered design principles, interaction design, and visual problem-solving methodologies.

• Demonstrated ability to create clear and effective wireframes, user flows, and prototypes that communicate design intent.

• Knowledge of WCAG accessibility standards and experience in applying them to digital interfaces.

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and contribute to a shared design system.

• Strong communication skills to articulate design decisions and rationale to cross-functional teams. Preferred Skills:

• Basic proficiency in front-end web development languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, enabling a better understanding of technical constraints and implementation possibilities.

• Familiarity with low-code development platforms like Mendix, Salesforce, or SharePoint, indicating an understanding of how designs integrate into broader digital ecosystems.

• Experience working with or contributing to an established design system, including understanding its structure and benefits.

• Exposure to user research methodologies and usability testing practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been structured to clearly delineate required versus preferred skills, aligning with the "0-2 years" experience level. Key operations-relevant tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite are highlighted. The addition of "user research" and "usability testing" as preferred skills reflects common adjacent responsibilities for junior designers. "Interaction Design" and "Human-Computer Interaction" are added to the educational requirements as these fields directly inform UX/UI principles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 distinct UX/UI design projects that demonstrate your design process from concept to completion.

• Projects should highlight your ability to solve user problems and meet business objectives through thoughtful design solutions.

• For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem statement, your design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), and the final outcome.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using design tools like Figma and/or Adobe Creative Suite within your project examples. Process Documentation:

• Your portfolio should explicitly detail your design process, including user research findings, wireframing iterations, user flow diagrams, and interactive prototypes.

• Include case studies that explain how you incorporated user feedback and accessibility standards (WCAG) into your design iterations.

• Showcase any contributions to or usage of design systems, illustrating how you ensured consistency and scalability in your designs.

• Provide examples of how your designs addressed specific technical constraints or business requirements, demonstrating a practical approach to design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a junior role, the emphasis is on showcasing the process and potential rather than solely completed, high-impact projects. The requirements focus on demonstrating a structured approach to design challenges, understanding of core principles, and proficiency with key tools, all crucial for a junior candidate's evaluation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a contractor role with 0-2 years of experience in Easton, Pennsylvania, the estimated hourly rate is expected to be between $25 - $40 USD per hour. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for junior UX/UI designers in the region, considering the full-time contractor nature of the position. Benefits:

• Opportunity to gain hands-on experience with a leading global industrial company.

• Exposure to a variety of digital products and platforms supporting diverse user needs.

• Potential for contract extension or future opportunities within Victaulic, based on performance.

• Development of a professional portfolio with real-world project experience.

• Networking opportunities with experienced professionals in design, product management, and development. Working Hours:

• This is a full-time contractor position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules may be flexible to accommodate project needs and team coordination, but consistent availability during standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM EST) is expected for effective collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Since salary was not provided, an estimated hourly rate range has been established for a full-time contractor with 0-2 years of experience in the specified location. Benefits are framed around the contractor experience and professional development, as traditional full-time employee benefits are typically not included for contractors. The working hours are confirmed as full-time.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing (Pipe Joining Solutions, Fire Protection Systems)

Company Size: Victaulic is a large, established global company with a significant presence, indicated by "13 manufacturing facilities and 28 branches worldwide." This suggests a structured environment with established processes and a wide reach.

Founded: Information not directly provided, but Victaulic is a long-standing company in the industrial sector, implying a culture that values innovation, reliability, and long-term solutions.

Team Structure:

• The role is within a "growing digital team," suggesting a dynamic and evolving department focused on digital transformation.

• As a junior designer, you will likely report to a Senior UX/UI Designer, a Design Lead, or a Digital Product Manager.

• Close collaboration is expected with product managers, software developers, and potentially marketing or engineering teams to integrate digital solutions effectively. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes evolving digital experiences, implying a forward-thinking approach to technology and user engagement.

• There's a focus on making "complex industrial processes more intuitive and accessible," indicating a commitment to user-centric design in a traditionally complex domain.

• Contribution to and adherence to a design system suggests a practice of maintaining design consistency and efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.victaulic.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been inferred from the provided description, highlighting Victaulic's status as a global manufacturing leader and its commitment to digital innovation. The team structure and methodology are described based on typical digital team compositions and the emphasis on user experience in industrial settings.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Junior" level, specifically for a UX/UI Designer. It's an entry-level opportunity designed for individuals with foundational knowledge and limited professional experience, aiming to build practical skills and a portfolio.

Reporting Structure: The Junior UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Senior UX/UI Designer, a Design Lead, or a Digital Product Manager within the digital team. This provides direct mentorship and guidance.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role in the sense of sales or revenue operations, this position has a significant impact on the operational efficiency and user experience of Victaulic's digital tools. By making these tools more intuitive and accessible, the designer directly contributes to how internal teams, customers, and partners conduct their business, potentially improving productivity, reducing training time, and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design principles, user research, prototyping, and accessibility standards through hands-on project work and mentorship.

• Tool Proficiency: Gain advanced proficiency in Figma and potentially explore other design and prototyping tools.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the industrial manufacturing sector and how digital design can solve complex business challenges within it.

• Portfolio Building: Develop a strong portfolio of real-world projects that can lead to future design opportunities, potentially at more senior levels or in different industries.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful contractors may be considered for future contract extensions or full-time positions if they arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section has been adapted to reflect how a design role contributes to operational efficiency and user experience, even if it's not a direct revenue or sales operations function. Growth opportunities are tailored to a junior designer's career path, focusing on skill acquisition and portfolio development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site" in Easton, Pennsylvania. This suggests a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration is expected.

Office Location(s): Easton, Pennsylvania, United States. This location is likely Victaulic's corporate headquarters or a significant office hub.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative workspace within a growing digital team, facilitating direct interaction with designers, product managers, and developers.

• Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design software licenses.

• Opportunities for informal learning and skill-sharing through daily interactions with more experienced team members.

• The environment is likely professional, with a focus on delivering high-quality digital solutions for a global industrial company.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (approx. 40 hours/week). While specific daily hours might offer some flexibility, consistent availability during core business hours (EST) is crucial for team meetings, design reviews, and collaborative work sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are derived from the "On-site" designation and the company's description as a global leader. The emphasis is on the collaborative nature of a digital team and the professional setting of a corporate office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design aesthetic.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, walking through 1-2 key projects. Be prepared to discuss your design process, rationale, challenges encountered, and solutions implemented.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a short design exercise or a discussion about specific design challenges to gauge your problem-solving approach and tool proficiency.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Conversation with hiring manager or team members to assess communication skills, collaborative spirit, and alignment with Victaulic's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best showcase your UX/UI process, problem-solving skills, and proficiency in Figma/Adobe Suite. For a junior role, a few well-documented projects are better than many superficial ones.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies to narrate the design journey: the problem, your approach, key decisions, challenges, and outcomes. Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to support your narrative.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your contributions, especially if it was a team project. Be honest about what you did versus what others did.

• Focus on Process: Emphasize how you arrived at your solutions, not just the final visual output. Discuss user research, iteration, and feedback incorporation.

• Accessibility & Design Systems: If possible, highlight projects where you considered accessibility or worked with/contributed to a design system.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the prompt thoroughly.

• Break down the problem into smaller, manageable parts.

• Think aloud (if applicable) or document your thought process clearly.

• Prioritize core UX principles and functional design over elaborate visual flair for a junior role.

• Be ready to explain your design decisions and trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is tailored for a junior-level design role. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating a foundational understanding of the design process, clear communication, and the ability to articulate design decisions, which are key evaluation points for entry-level candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency expected.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Familiarity with tools like Photoshop (for image editing/mockups) and Illustrator (for vector graphics) is beneficial.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools is a plus, indicating adaptability.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, understanding how designs impact user behavior metrics is valuable. Familiarity with general analytics concepts is helpful. CRM & Automation:

• Low-Code Platforms (Mendix, Salesforce, SharePoint): Familiarity is a significant plus, indicating an understanding of how designs are implemented in enterprise environments and potential integration points.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are directly pulled from the job description's requirements and "pluses." The context for each tool is explained in relation to the UX/UI design role and the potential for integration within Victaulic's digital ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Victaulic is a leader in its field, suggesting a culture that embraces new ideas and continuous improvement, especially in its digital transformation efforts.

• User-Centricity: The emphasis on making complex processes intuitive and accessible highlights a commitment to understanding and serving user needs in all digital endeavors.

• Quality & Reliability: As a manufacturer of industrial solutions, there's an inherent value placed on robust, dependable products and digital experiences.

• Collaboration: Working within a "growing digital team" and contributing to a design system implies a culture that values teamwork, shared knowledge, and collective problem-solving.

• Professionalism: The company's global presence and established nature suggest a professional environment that respects deadlines and delivers on commitments.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with product managers and developers, requiring clear communication and active participation in design reviews.

• The use of a design system fosters a standardized approach to collaboration and ensures consistency across different product teams.

• There will likely be opportunities for cross-functional input, where ideas and feedback are exchanged to refine digital solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style have been inferred from the company's industry, its stated goals regarding digital transformation, and the requirements of the role. The focus is on how these cultural aspects would manifest for a junior designer within the digital team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Industrial Complexity with User Simplicity: Translating intricate industrial processes and product functionalities into intuitive, user-friendly digital interfaces can be a significant challenge.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing and integrating feedback from diverse stakeholders (internal teams, customers, developers) while maintaining a cohesive user experience.

• Design System Adoption: Contributing to and ensuring consistent application of a design system across various digital touchpoints, especially in a growing team.

• Accessibility Compliance: Diligently applying WCAG guidelines across all designs to ensure inclusivity for all users, which requires ongoing attention and learning.

• Junior-Level Constraints: Navigating project scope and responsibilities with limited professional experience, requiring proactive learning and seeking guidance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior designers and product managers to hone design skills and understand industry best practices.

• Practical Experience: Building a strong portfolio with real-world projects that have tangible impacts on user experience and business operations.

• Tool Mastery: Deepening expertise in Figma and potentially exploring related design and prototyping tools.

• Industry Insight: Gaining exposure to the industrial manufacturing sector and understanding its unique digital challenges and opportunities.

• Accessibility Focus: Developing a specialized skill set in designing for accessibility, a highly valued competency in the UX/UI field.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the specific context of designing for an industrial company and the typical hurdles faced by junior designers. Growth opportunities are focused on practical skill development and mentorship relevant to this role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design process for a recent project. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on research, ideation, prototyping, and iteration).

• "How do you approach ensuring accessibility in your designs? Can you give an example?" (Highlight knowledge of WCAG and practical application).

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was your specific contribution?" (Prepare to present 1-2 key projects in detail).

• "How do you incorporate user feedback into your design process?" (Discuss methods like usability testing, surveys, and stakeholder interviews).

• "What are your thoughts on design systems? Have you worked with one before?" (Be ready to discuss their importance and your experience). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Victaulic and this specific role?" (Research Victaulic's products, mission, and digital initiatives).

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" (Emphasize openness to feedback and a collaborative mindset).

• "Describe a situation where you had to balance competing design requirements or stakeholder requests." (Showcase problem-solving and negotiation skills).

• "How do you stay updated with the latest UX/UI design trends and best practices?" (Mention industry blogs, conferences, online courses, etc.). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of Victaulic and the role. Then, present your projects chronologically or by type, clearly stating the problem, your process, your role, and the outcome for each.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes. Ensure they are clearly visible and easy to understand.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project. Explain why you made certain design decisions and the impact they had.

• Tool Proficiency: Naturally weave in mentions of the tools you used (especially Figma) and how they facilitated your work.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allocated window, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a junior UX/UI designer role, emphasizing the demonstration of process, problem-solving, and communication skills. The portfolio presentation strategy focuses on storytelling and clarity, crucial for junior candidates to effectively showcase their potential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this contractor UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Victaulic careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio is tailored to highlight UX/UI design projects, showcasing your process and proficiency in Figma or Adobe Creative Suite. Prioritize projects that demonstrate problem-solving and user-centered design principles.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly list relevant skills (UX/UI Design, Figma, Wireframing, Prototyping, WCAG, etc.) and highlight any academic projects, internships, or previous contract work that aligns with the job requirements. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to user research, accessibility, and working within design systems. Prepare specific examples for common interview questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Victaulic's products, services, and recent digital initiatives. Understanding their industry context will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.