Sr. UX Product Designer - 10904

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Product Designer

Company: ICSI.

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: April 16, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user experience initiatives for critical customer and employee-facing applications within a multidisciplinary UX team.

• Champion user-centered design principles and best practices, influencing product and design decisions throughout the product lifecycle.

• Lead the end-to-end design process for complex applications, transforming them into intuitive and user-friendly experiences.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Engineering and Product Owners, to deliver effective and efficient solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a W2 contract position with no benefits, as explicitly stated. The emphasis on a "Portfolio and Product based culture" and aligning the UX organization suggests a strategic shift within ICSI, making this a key role for shaping future digital experiences. The requirement for a "Sr. UX Product Designer" indicates a need for seasoned professionals capable of independent work and mentorship.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, prototype, and deliver a range of UX deliverables, including personas, user flows, research plans, test scripts, and low to high-fidelity mockups.

• Design the visual style, interface, and interaction flow of applications and experiences, ensuring adherence to design standards and the patterns of an established design system.

• Develop conceptual diagrams, wireframes, visual mockups, and prototypes that incorporate systems thinking and robust information architecture.

• Create and execute research strategies based on desired outcomes, developing usability test plans, scripts, and scenarios for prototypes, and formulating/testing hypotheses during design iterations.

• Utilize various research techniques, such as heuristic reviews, user interviews, and remote/in-person usability testing, to assess and improve the ease-of-use and comprehension of designs.

• Lead end-to-end UX design processes, from initial ideation through to final execution, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality user experience.

• Mentor and guide other designers, fostering a collaborative environment for growth and knowledge sharing within the UX team.

• Ensure all designs are responsive and adaptive, catering to both desktop and mobile platforms for a seamless user experience across devices.

• Collect, analyze, present, and action feedback from stakeholders and user testing, managing necessary changes to UX deliverables.

• Present work clearly and compellingly to stakeholders, effectively leveraging storytelling and presentation skills to communicate design rationale and impact.

• Provide timely status updates on work progress, including any issues or risks, utilizing project management tools like Rally, Jira, or Aha!.

• Communicate effectively with all team members to facilitate smooth workflow and task completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a broad scope of UX work, from strategic planning and research to detailed interaction and visual design. The emphasis on "systems thinking" and "information architecture" suggests a need for designers who can understand and articulate complex systems. The explicit mention of specific project management tools (Rally, Jira, Aha!) indicates the importance of familiarity with agile project tracking.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and experience in UX design, interaction design, or a related field is paramount.

Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of hands-on experience as a UX practitioner with a proven background in user experience design, interaction design, information architecture, or a closely related discipline.

Required Skills:

• UX Research: Expertise in planning and conducting various user research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, heuristic reviews, usability testing).

• Interaction Design: Proficient in designing intuitive and engaging user interfaces and interaction flows.

• Visual Design: Ability to create aesthetically pleasing and functional visual designs that align with brand and design system standards.

• Information Architecture: Skill in organizing and structuring content and navigation for optimal user flow and comprehension.

• UX Strategy: Capacity to define and articulate the overall UX vision and approach for products and applications.

• Prototyping: Hands-on experience in creating interactive prototypes (low to high fidelity) to test and communicate design concepts.

• Wireframing: Proficiency in creating detailed wireframes to map out user interfaces and functionality.

• Usability Testing: Experience in developing test plans, scripts, and conducting usability tests to gather actionable insights.

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity and experience working within agile development environments.

• Systems Thinking: Ability to understand and design for complex interconnected systems.

• Responsive & Adaptive Design: Knowledge of designing for various screen sizes and devices.

• Stakeholder Presentation: Strong ability to present design work and rationale clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

• Storytelling: Skill in crafting compelling narratives around design decisions and user needs.

• Design Systems: Experience working with and contributing to design systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific project management tools such as Rally, Jira, or Aha!.

• Familiarity with content strategy and UX writing principles.

• Experience mentoring or guiding junior designers.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3+ years of experience positions this as a mid-to-senior level role. The extensive list of required skills indicates that candidates are expected to be well-rounded UX professionals capable of handling multiple facets of the design process. The preference for specific project management tools suggests an emphasis on workflow efficiency and team collaboration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of case studies showcasing end-to-end UX design projects, demonstrating your process from problem identification through to solution delivery.

• Examples of strategic UX thinking, including how you translated business requirements and user needs into effective design solutions.

• Demonstrations of your proficiency in interaction design, visual design, and information architecture, with clear articulation of design decisions.

• Evidence of your experience with user research, usability testing, and how you incorporated feedback to iterate on designs.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed case studies that clearly outline your design process, including research methodologies, ideation techniques, wireframing, prototyping, and final design outputs.

• Documentation of how you used systems thinking and information architecture principles to solve complex design challenges.

• Examples of how you collaborated with engineering and product teams, and how you presented your work to stakeholders.

• Evidence of how you managed feedback and iterated on designs based on user testing and stakeholder input.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Sr." title and the emphasis on leading end-to-end processes, a robust portfolio is critical. Candidates should be prepared to walk through specific projects, detailing their role, the challenges faced, their design process, and the measurable impact of their solutions. The focus on "systems thinking" and "information architecture" should be clearly represented in the portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a W2 contract position, the compensation will be an hourly rate. Based on industry benchmarks for a Sr. UX Product Designer with 3+ years of experience in Fort Worth, TX, this rate is estimated to be between $55 - $75 per hour, depending on experience and skill set.

Benefits:

• This is a W2 Contract position with no benefits provided by ICSI.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time engagement, estimated at 40 hours per week.

• On-site work in Fort Worth, TX, requiring consistent presence during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for similar contract roles in the specified location and experience level. Candidates should confirm the exact hourly rate and contract terms directly with ICSI. The lack of benefits is a key factor for contractors to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: ICSI. (icsi.edu) operates within the education sector, likely focusing on academic institutions or educational technology. This context implies a mission-driven environment with a focus on user needs related to learning, administration, or research.

Company Size: ICSI. is likely a medium to large organization, given the "Sr." title and the need for a structured UX team. The company website suggests it might be an educational institution with various departments and a significant number of employees and students.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Design: The emphasis on a "multidisciplinary UX team" and driving "user experience" indicates a commitment to user-centered design principles.

• Agile Development: The mention of agile methodologies suggests a fast-paced, iterative approach to product development.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires working closely with Engineering and Product Owners, highlighting a collaborative environment.

• Data-Informed Decisions: The expectation to "collect, analyze, present and action feedback" points to a data-driven approach to design refinement.

Company Website: http://www.icsicad.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding ICSI.'s specific mission within the education sector will be crucial for tailoring portfolio examples and interview responses. The "CAD" in the URL might suggest a focus on Computer-Aided Design or a specific academic program.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level Product Designer role, requiring significant autonomy and the ability to influence design direction. It's a key individual contributor position with potential for mentorship.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the User Experience (UX) and Digital Customer Experience team within IT. This suggests a centralized UX function within the organization's technology department.

Operations Impact: The Sr. UX Product Designer will directly impact the usability and effectiveness of customer and employee-facing applications. Their work will influence user satisfaction, adoption rates, and potentially operational efficiency by creating intuitive workflows.

Growth Opportunities:

• Mentorship: The opportunity to mentor and guide other designers provides a path for developing leadership skills.

• Project Ownership: Leading projects from inception through development offers significant ownership and exposure to strategic decision-making.

• Skill Expansion: Working across disciplines (research, interaction, visual, strategy) allows for broad skill development within the UX field.

• Influence: The ability to influence product and design decisions provides a platform for significant impact within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contractor role, formal growth paths may be less defined than for full-time employees. However, the opportunity to gain experience with complex applications, mentor others, and influence product strategy is significant. Candidates seeking to expand their UX toolkit and gain experience in a new industry context will find value here.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is strictly on-site in Fort Worth, TX, indicating a traditional office environment.

Office Location(s): Fort Worth, Texas. Specific office details are not provided, but candidates should expect a professional corporate or institutional setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role emphasizes working within a cross-functional team and collaborating with Engineering and Product Owners.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design and project management tools (Jira, Rally, Aha!, prototyping software) is expected.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with UX team members, product managers, and engineers.

Work Schedule:

• This is a full-time contract role, typically 40 hours per week.

• The on-site requirement means adherence to standard business hours and office presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key consideration. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office setting and the associated commute. The collaborative nature of the role suggests an environment where in-person communication and brainstorming are valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation: Expect to present several case studies from your portfolio, detailing your process, rationale, and outcomes for each project. Be prepared to discuss your role, challenges, and how you applied UX principles.

• Technical/Skills Interview: A discussion focused on specific UX skills, methodologies, and your approach to common design challenges. This may include scenario-based questions.

• Cross-functional/Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential collaborators (e.g., Product Managers, Engineers) to assess communication style, collaboration fit, and ability to articulate design concepts.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, career goals, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest case studies that best represent your end-to-end UX process and highlight relevant skills (e.g., complex applications, systems thinking, research-driven design).

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the steps you took, the rationale behind your decisions, and the outcomes achieved. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the success of your designs.

• Tailor to ICSI: If possible, subtly tailor your presentation to reflect an understanding of the education sector or the types of applications ICSI. might develop.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, how you handle feedback, and your collaboration style.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You may be given a short take-home design challenge or a live whiteboarding exercise to assess your problem-solving skills and design thinking on the spot.

• Focus on Process: Even in a short exercise, demonstrate your structured approach to understanding the problem, ideating solutions, and justifying your choices.

• Communication: Clearly articulate your thought process and any assumptions you make.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Sr. UX role will heavily rely on the portfolio. Candidates should be ready to defend their design choices and articulate the "why" behind their solutions. The emphasis on "systems thinking" and "information architecture" means these aspects should be prominent in their case studies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure, or similar.

• Wireframing Tools: Tools like Balsamiq, Miro, or functionalities within design suites for creating wireframes.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools for creating interactive prototypes to simulate user flows and test designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UX impacts user journeys within CRM or related customer-facing systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with project management tools like Rally, Jira, Aha! is explicitly required for status updates and workflow tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't list specific design tools, candidates should be prepared to discuss their preferred tools and their proficiency. The explicit mention of project management tools is a strong indicator of the team's workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Advocacy: A strong commitment to understanding and representing the needs of the end-user.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and effective communication across disciplines to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas and approaches to create exceptional user experiences.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to iterating on designs based on feedback and data to enhance product quality.

• Process Adherence: Respect for established design standards and methodologies, while also being open to optimizing them.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Working closely with Product Owners, Engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure design feasibility and alignment with business objectives.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, honest, and constructive feedback among team members.

• Data-Driven Dialogue: Using research findings and user data to support design discussions and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely leans towards a professional, collaborative, and results-oriented environment within the IT and UX departments. Understanding how ICSI.'s mission in education influences their approach to user experience will be key to aligning with their values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Transforming Complex Applications: The primary challenge will be taking large, complex applications and simplifying them into intuitive user experiences, requiring strong problem-solving and systems thinking skills.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing and synthesizing feedback from various stakeholders (Product Owners, Engineering, potentially end-users) to arrive at optimal design solutions.

• Agile Iteration: Adapting to the fast-paced nature of agile development, requiring quick iteration and decision-making while maintaining design quality.

• Cross-Disciplinary Influence: Influencing product and design decisions in a new product-based culture, requiring strong communication and strategic persuasion skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: The opportunity to mentor junior designers and hone leadership skills.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in the education technology sector, understanding unique user needs and challenges.

• Process Refinement: Contributing to and learning from the evolving UX processes within ICSI.'s new product-centric culture.

• End-to-End Project Ownership: Deepening expertise by managing projects from initial concept through to final delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are also growth opportunities. Successfully navigating these challenges will demonstrate a candidate's senior-level capabilities and readiness for further responsibility.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex application or user flow. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on systems thinking, user empathy, and iterative design.)

• "How do you approach balancing conflicting stakeholder requests or feedback?" (Highlight your negotiation, communication, and decision-making process.)

• "Walk us through a project where you utilized user research to significantly impact design decisions." (Emphasize your research methodology, insights, and how they translated into actionable design changes.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about ICSI. and our mission in education?" (Research the company website and any relevant industry news.)

• "How do you see your UX approach contributing to a product-based culture?" (Relate your experience to influencing product strategy and user-centricity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the results. Use a consistent narrative flow.

• Visual Storytelling: Use mockups, wireframes, and prototypes effectively to illustrate your points. Don't just show static images; explain the user flows and interactions.

• Focus on "Why": Be prepared to explain the rationale behind every major design decision you made.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced task completion time, positive user feedback).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about specific design choices, research methods, and collaboration experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with design systems, information architecture, and systems thinking in detail, as these are highlighted as key areas for this role. Practicing the presentation of case studies aloud is highly recommended.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on ICSI.'s careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and highlights projects demonstrating your end-to-end UX process, especially those involving complex applications, systems thinking, and user research. Tailor your presentation to showcase your ability to influence product decisions.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 3+ years of UX experience, emphasizing key skills like UX Research, Interaction Design, Information Architecture, Prototyping, and Agile Methodologies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear communication, design rationale, and quantifiable outcomes. Prepare answers to common UX interview questions and be ready to discuss your experience with tools like Jira or Rally.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research ICSI. and its mission within the education sector. Understand their potential user base and the types of digital applications they might offer to better align your responses with their context.

⚠️ 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.