Senior UX/UI Designers On-site Abu Dhabi - Octopus by RTG (8 months)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer (On-site, 8-Month Contract)

Company: Octopus by RTG (part of Robusta Technology Group)

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: Contract

Category: Design Operations / Product Design

Date Posted: June 21, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design of cutting-edge digital products, focusing on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) excellence across multiple platforms.

• Own, build, document, and maintain scalable design systems in Figma, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and high-quality execution.

• Bridge the gap between design and development through seamless handoffs, alignment with system guidelines, and proactive support for implementation.

• Drive innovation in interaction patterns, navigation models, and responsive visual systems, ensuring alignment with product and tech roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a contract position for 8 months, emphasizing the need for an experienced designer who can quickly integrate and deliver impactful results within a defined timeframe. The focus on "Octopus by RTG" and "Robusta Technology Group" suggests a dynamic environment that connects global talent for client organizations, often with a strong emphasis on AI.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define intuitive interaction patterns, navigation models, and responsive visual systems across various digital platforms (web, mobile, etc.).

• Develop comprehensive user experience deliverables, including user flows, journey maps, wireframes, and high-fidelity interactive prototypes.

• Architect, build, document, and meticulously maintain robust design systems within Figma, establishing foundational elements like grids, spacing, typography, color palettes, and reusable UI components.

• Ensure design systems are scalable, adhere to accessibility standards (WCAG), and are strategically aligned with evolving product and technology requirements.

• Manage design system version control, enforce consistent naming conventions, and maintain detailed documentation, potentially utilizing tools like Zeroheight.

• Prepare clean, well-annotated, and organized design files for development teams using Figma and associated handoff tools.

• Collaborate closely with front-end developers to achieve pixel-perfect implementation and ensure designs are translated accurately into functional features.

• Actively participate in Quality Assurance (QA) processes and design reviews to identify and resolve discrepancies between design intent and the implemented product.

• Contribute to the adoption and utilization of design tokens and detailed component specifications to streamline developer workflows and enhance efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on design systems and developer collaboration, indicating a need for a candidate who understands the entire product development lifecycle from a design perspective. The "Octopus by RTG" context implies working with diverse client brands, requiring adaptability in design approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BA/BS degree in Design (Interaction Design, Visual Communication, HCI, Industrial Design) or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5+ years of dedicated experience in designing digital products, with demonstrable expertise in UX, UI design, and the creation and management of design systems.

Required Skills:

• Deep proficiency in Figma, including advanced skills in managing component libraries, creating variants, and applying design tokens.

• Proven ability to build, document, and maintain comprehensive design systems that support scalability and consistency.

• Strong understanding of responsive design principles and mobile-first design strategies.

• Working knowledge of accessibility standards, particularly WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).

• Solid understanding of front-end development technologies, including HTML, CSS, and frameworks like React, to facilitate effective design-developer collaboration.

• Excellent skills in creating user flows, journey maps, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes.

• Strong systems-thinking mindset with excellent organizational and documentation capabilities.

• Experience with smooth developer handoff processes and supporting implementation. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the Financial Services Sector.

• Proven track record of creating and scaling enterprise-grade design systems from their inception.

• Familiarity with Quality Assurance (QA) practices for validating visual and functional integrity of UI components in production environments.

• Exposure to agile product development methodologies and familiarity with tools such as JIRA, Zeplin, Storybook, or Git-based version control systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred skills emphasizes the need for deep Figma and design system expertise. Experience in financial services and scaling design systems from scratch are significant advantages, suggesting the company values candidates with proven experience in complex or regulated industries and those who can establish foundational design infrastructure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and problem-solving methodologies.

• Include detailed case studies of at least one significant design system you have built or substantially contributed to, illustrating its structure, components, and impact.

• Present examples of your UX deliverables, such as user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes, clearly articulating the design decisions behind them.

• Demonstrate your proficiency in Figma, including examples of complex component creation, variant usage, and design token implementation.

• Highlight your experience with developer handoff processes, including annotated designs and collaboration with engineering teams. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or examples of how you've documented design systems, including style guides, component libraries, and accessibility guidelines.

• Illustrate your process for creating and iterating on user flows and journey maps to solve complex user problems.

• Showcase how you collaborate with developers, including examples of communication, feedback loops, and problem-solving during implementation.

• Document your approach to ensuring design consistency and quality across multiple platforms and product iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on design systems and developer handoff, the portfolio should explicitly detail the candidate's process for creating, documenting, and maintaining design systems, as well as their methods for collaborating with engineers. Demonstrating an understanding of design tokens and accessibility standards within the portfolio will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX/UI Designers with 5+ years of experience in Abu Dhabi, the estimated salary range for this 8-month contract position is AED 25,000 - AED 38,000 per month. This estimate accounts for the specialized skills required, the contract nature of the role, and the cost of living in Abu Dhabi.

Benefits:

• Competitive contract rate commensurate with experience and expertise.

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge digital products for a key partner organization focused on AI.

• Exposure to diverse client brands and projects through Octopus by RTG's tailored hub solutions.

• Potential for professional development and networking within the Robusta Technology Group ecosystem.

• Contribution to building and scaling robust design systems.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with the potential for some flexibility depending on project demands and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a contract position, the salary is estimated based on market rates for similar roles in Abu Dhabi, considering the experience level and specialized skills. Benefits are typically less comprehensive for contract roles compared to full-time permanent positions, focusing more on the project engagement and rate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Services, Software Development, Talent Solutions. Octopus by RTG is part of Robusta Technology Group (RTG), which has a strong background in delivering tech projects across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. RTG is a leading tech group in the Egyptian market. Octopus specializes in building global tech teams for client organizations, often with a focus on AI.

Company Size: Robusta Technology Group (RTG) has a significant presence, evidenced by its decade of experience and over 300 projects delivered. Octopus by RTG acts as a specialized arm, suggesting a dynamic and growing operational footprint.

Founded: Robusta Technology Group (RTG) has a decade of experience, implying a foundation around 2016. Octopus is a newer initiative within RTG, focused on creating tailored hub solutions.

Team Structure:

• The design team will likely be a core part of product development, working closely with product managers, engineers, and potentially other designers or researchers.

• Designers are expected to operate with a degree of autonomy, leading design initiatives and contributing to strategic product discussions.

• Collaboration is key, especially between design and development, ensuring seamless integration of design systems and product features. Methodology:

• The emphasis on design systems and developer handoff suggests a structured, process-driven approach to product development, likely incorporating agile methodologies.

• Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement are implied through the focus on user feedback, QA, and iterative design processes.

• The company's model of "tailored hub solutions" indicates a client-centric approach, requiring adaptability and a focus on delivering specific client needs.

Company Website: https://robustagroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's model of providing "tailored hub solutions" means designers might be working on diverse projects for different client brands, requiring adaptability and a strong understanding of how to align design with specific brand identities and business objectives. The focus on AI for partner organizations suggests an innovative and forward-thinking environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level, indicating that the designer is expected to take ownership of significant design areas, mentor junior team members (if applicable), and contribute to design strategy. The "lead the design" aspect suggests a leadership capacity within the design domain.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Product, or a similar senior management role overseeing product development. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX/UI Designer will have a direct and significant impact on the usability, aesthetic appeal, and overall success of digital products. Their work in building and maintaining design systems will drive efficiency, consistency, and scalability across the product portfolio, directly influencing user satisfaction and business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced design system architecture, accessibility compliance, or specific product domains (e.g., AI interfaces, financial services).

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the evolution of design processes and standards within Octopus by RTG or its client projects.

• Broader Impact: Gain exposure to a variety of client businesses and industries, expanding strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities across different market contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a senior role, the opportunity for mentorship and strategic input is significant. While it's an 8-month contract, the experience gained in building scalable design systems and working within a global talent hub model can be highly valuable for future career progression in operations-focused design roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," indicating a physical office presence in Abu Dhabi. This suggests a traditional office environment conducive to in-person collaboration and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This location implies potential benefits related to working in a major business hub in the Middle East, with access to a diverse professional community.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to facilitate close collaboration with development teams and product stakeholders, enabling fluid communication and rapid problem-solving.

• Access to necessary design tools (Figma, etc.) and potentially other project management or collaboration software (JIRA, etc.) will be provided.

• The environment is likely fast-paced, given the project-based nature of Octopus by RTG's operations and the 8-month contract duration, requiring adaptability and efficiency.

Work Schedule: A typical full-time work schedule is expected, aligning with standard business hours in Abu Dhabi. However, the nature of contract work and client-driven projects may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines or critical development milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Abu Dhabi is a key factor. Candidates should consider commute times and the benefits of working within a physical team environment for this role. The structured nature of an office setting can be advantageous for design system development and cross-functional collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role requirements.

• Technical Interview: Likely a deep dive into your UX/UI process, design system experience, Figma proficiency, and understanding of developer handoff. Expect questions about your approach to specific design challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you present your key projects, focusing on your design system work, problem-solving strategies, and collaboration examples.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, communication skills, and ability to integrate into the team and client environments.

• Final Offer: Based on the successful completion of all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Design Systems: Dedicate significant space to showcasing your design system work. Detail its structure, components, how you managed it, and its impact. Use Figma prototypes or live examples where possible.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process for key projects, from research and ideation through to final implementation. Explain the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include examples or case studies that illustrate your collaboration with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders. Highlight how you ensured smooth handoffs and addressed implementation challenges.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the impact of your designs and design systems on user experience and business goals.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize your experience with Figma, responsive design, accessibility, and front-end technologies, as these are critical for this position.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to building and scaling a design system from scratch or significantly improving an existing one.

• Practice articulating complex design concepts and decisions clearly and concisely, as you will need to explain them to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Familiarize yourself with common design challenges in areas like financial services or AI interfaces, if possible, to demonstrate relevant problem-solving skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to walk through their design system projects in detail, explaining their architecture, component library, and their role in facilitating efficient development and consistent user experiences.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. Deep proficiency is a must.

• Zeroheight (or similar): Potentially used for design system documentation. Familiarity is a plus.

• JIRA: Common for agile project management and tracking design tasks.

• Zeplin: A popular tool for developer handoff, though Figma's built-in features are increasingly used.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a designer tool, understanding how design impacts analytics (e.g., conversion rates, user engagement) is beneficial. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or similar platforms can be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Generally not a primary focus for UX/UI designers, but an understanding of how designs integrate into broader CRM or marketing automation workflows might be useful in some contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is paramount. The role also implies a need for strong organizational skills and the ability to work with developer-focused tools for seamless handoffs. Experience with design system documentation platforms like Zeroheight is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Craft: A commitment to high-quality design, attention to detail, and a passion for creating exceptional user experiences.

• Collaboration & Communication: Openness to feedback, proactive communication with cross-functional teams, and a team-oriented approach to problem-solving.

• Efficiency & Scalability: A focus on creating design solutions that are not only effective but also efficient to implement and scale, particularly through well-structured design systems.

• Innovation & Adaptability: A willingness to explore new design approaches, adapt to evolving technologies (like AI), and embrace new client requirements.

• User-Centricity: A deep understanding of user needs and a commitment to designing solutions that genuinely address those needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with product managers, developers, and potentially QA testers, fostering a collaborative environment where design is integrated early and often.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to continuously improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where best practices, design patterns, and learnings are shared across the team and potentially with client organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes delivering value to clients through robust technology solutions. For a designer, this means being adaptable, client-focused, and committed to producing high-quality, efficient design work that meets specific business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Project Cycles: As an 8-month contract role within a hub-building model, designers may face tight deadlines and the need to adapt quickly to new client projects and brands.

• Design System Maintenance: Keeping design systems up-to-date, scalable, and adopted across multiple projects and potentially different client teams can be an ongoing challenge.

• Bridging Design & Development Gaps: Ensuring seamless implementation and resolving technical constraints requires strong communication and problem-solving skills between design and engineering.

• Client-Specific Requirements: Adapting design approaches and system components to meet the unique needs and brand guidelines of various client organizations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design System Mastery: Gaining hands-on experience in architecting, scaling, and managing enterprise-grade design systems.

• Cross-Industry Exposure: Working with different client brands and potentially industries (e.g., Financial Services, AI) to broaden design expertise and strategic thinking.

• Agile & Collaborative Workflows: Enhancing skills in agile methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration.

• Emerging Technologies: Gaining insight into AI-focused product development and how design plays a role in these innovative areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be the contract duration and the need to onboard quickly onto client projects. The growth opportunities lie in the intensive experience gained with design systems and the diverse project exposure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience building and maintaining a design system. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, scaling, and documentation.)

• "How do you approach developer handoff to ensure pixel-perfect implementation and maintain design integrity?" (Discuss tools, communication, and collaboration.)

• "Walk us through a complex UX/UI challenge you faced and how you used Figma to solve it. What was the outcome?" (Highlight your problem-solving skills and tool proficiency.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and adhere to WCAG standards?" (Discuss your process and specific considerations.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Octopus by RTG and our model of building global tech teams?" (Show understanding of their business model and your fit.)

• "How do you collaborate with product managers and engineers? Describe your ideal working relationship." (Assess your teamwork and communication style.)

• "What role do you believe design systems play in a fast-paced tech environment like ours?" (Connect your expertise to their operational needs.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your presentation logically, starting with the problem, your solution, your process, and the impact.

• Focus on Design Systems: Dedicate a substantial portion of your presentation to your design system work, detailing its components, logic, and benefits.

• Showcase Figma Skills: Demonstrate your proficiency in Figma by showing complex components, interactive prototypes, and well-organized file structures.

• Highlight Collaboration: Use specific examples to illustrate how you collaborate with developers and other stakeholders, emphasizing successful handoffs and problem resolution.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, present metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the positive impact of your design work on user experience and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your design system philosophy and practical application. Questions will likely probe your ability to translate complex design requirements into tangible, scalable components and to work effectively within a client-focused, project-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of UX/UI design experience, specific achievements in design systems, proficiency in Figma, and any relevant experience in financial services or AI. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest design system projects, detailing your process, Figma expertise, and developer handoff strategies. Include at least one significant case study on design system creation or scaling.

• Prepare for the Interview: Practice articulating your design process, design system methodology, and collaborative approach. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss specific project details.

• Research Octopus by RTG: Understand their business model of building tailored tech hubs and their focus on AI. This will help you articulate your interest and fit during the interview.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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