UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: RealNetworks

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: May 21, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Primarily On-Site (Hybrid considered for exceptional candidates)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end UX and visual design identity for a new, AI-powered consumer platform, defining its core experience and user interaction language.

• Leverage cutting-edge AI-assisted design tools to rapidly generate concepts, iterate on layouts, and produce testable prototypes at an accelerated pace.

• Collaborate daily and in real-time with engineering and product management teams to seamlessly translate ideas into high-quality, executable features.

• Lead user research initiatives and translate findings directly into actionable design decisions, fostering a user-centric development approach without formal research structures.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a contractor position, emphasizing rapid development and direct impact on a foundational product. The heavy emphasis on AI design tools suggests a need for candidates who are early adopters and can demonstrate efficiency gains through their use. The "wear multiple hats" and "move without heavy process" phrasing indicates a startup-like environment within a larger company, requiring adaptability and a proactive approach.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• End-to-End Design Ownership: Take full ownership of the user experience (UX), human interface, and overall design language of a novel AI-powered consumer product, dictating its aesthetic and functional appeal.

• AI-Powered Prototyping: Utilize AI-assisted design tools to rapidly generate concepts, iterate on UI layouts, and produce interactive, testable prototypes, significantly compressing the concept-to-prototype cycle.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner daily with engineering and product management to ensure swift and high-quality execution of design ideas, fostering a cohesive and agile development process.

• User-Centric Design Leadership: Proactively lead user research efforts, synthesizing insights to inform design decisions and drive the product's user-centric evolution.

• Design System Development: Build and maintain a lightweight, scalable design system to ensure consistency and efficiency as the product grows and evolves.

• Product Strategy Contribution: Actively contribute to product thinking and strategic discussions, providing opinions and insights on product direction beyond just design execution.

• AI Feature Design: Conceptualize and design AI-driven features that feel intuitive, human, and seamless to the end-user, avoiding technical complexity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product input and hands-on execution, with a strong emphasis on leveraging AI tools for speed and efficiency. The expectation to lead user research without a dedicated function implies a need for self-sufficiency and strong analytical skills in interpreting user feedback.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field is typically expected for roles of this seniority, though a strong portfolio can often substitute.

Experience: 4+ years of dedicated UX/product design experience, with a significant focus on consumer mobile applications.

Required Skills:

• UX/Product Design Expertise: 4+ years of experience in UX and product design, specifically for consumer mobile applications.

• Portfolio: A robust portfolio showcasing successful projects in social, media, or content-driven apps (e.g., photo sharing, video platforms, social networks).

• Modern Design Tools: Fluency with Figma, including its AI features and plugins.

• AI Prototyping Tools: Hands-on experience and fluency with AI-powered rapid prototyping platforms such as Galileo, Uizard, Relume, or Midjourney. This is a core, non-negotiable requirement.

• AI Tool Application: Demonstrated track record of using AI-based design tools to accelerate the concept-to-prototype timeline.

• Agile Team Experience: Proven ability to thrive in small, fast-moving teams where wearing multiple hats and operating with minimal process is common.

• User Experience Instinct: A strong, innate sense for simplicity, clarity, and intuitiveness in user experience design.

• User Research Acumen: Ability to conduct and lead user research and translate findings into design solutions independently.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for privacy and safety features (e.g., consent flows, permissions management, content controls).

• Familiarity with the nuances of designing for AI-powered product features to ensure intuitive user interaction.

• Background in consumer lifestyle products, particularly those related to parenting or family.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for AI design tool fluency (Figma AI, Galileo, Uizard, etc.) is a critical differentiator. Candidates must be prepared to showcase how they've integrated these tools to achieve measurable speed improvements in their design process. The preference for specific app categories (social, media, content) and family-oriented products suggests the target user base and product domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Consumer Mobile App Focus: Showcase a minimum of 4 years of UX/product design work specifically on consumer mobile applications.

• Social/Media/Content Experience: Highlight projects within social media, video platforms, photo sharing, or similar content-driven applications that demonstrate an understanding of user engagement and content consumption patterns.

• AI Tool Integration: Provide clear examples and case studies demonstrating the use of AI-assisted design tools (e.g., Galileo, Uizard, Midjourney, Figma AI) to compress design cycles and accelerate prototyping. Quantify the speed improvements where possible.

• End-to-End Process: Illustrate your ability to own the entire design process, from initial concept and user research to final polished UI and interaction design, including contributions to product thinking.

• Design System Contribution: Include examples of design system components or frameworks you have contributed to or maintained, showing scalability and consistency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate how you approach designing user workflows, with particular emphasis on how AI tools can optimize and accelerate these processes.

• Rapid Iteration & Prototyping: Showcase your methodology for rapid iteration, using AI-powered platforms to turn briefs into interactive, testable prototypes swiftly.

• User Research Integration: Explain your approach to conducting user research and integrating findings into design decisions, even in the absence of a formal research team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary evaluation tool. Candidates must go beyond static mockups to demonstrate their process, particularly their innovative use of AI tools for rapid concept generation and prototyping. Quantifiable results and a clear narrative about how AI accelerated their workflow will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the provided salary data ($5,000 - $10,000 per month) and the role's seniority (5-10 years experience), the estimated annual contract rate falls within the range of $60,000 - $120,000 USD. This range reflects the contract nature of the role, the specialized AI tool requirements, and the Seattle market.

• Methodology: The provided monthly salary range ($5,000 - $10,000) was annualized by multiplying by 12. This is a standard conversion for contract roles. The range is further contextualized by the job title (UX Designer), experience level (5-10 years), and location (Seattle, WA), which generally commands higher compensation for tech roles. The specific emphasis on advanced AI design tools also warrants a premium.

Benefits:

• Competitive Contract Rate: A strong compensation package commensurate with experience and the specialized skill set required.

• Flexible Work Arrangement: While primarily on-site in Seattle, remote work may be considered for exceptional candidates with a proven track record of remote success.

• Impactful Role: The opportunity to define the design identity of a groundbreaking AI-powered consumer product from its inception.

• Visibility & Influence: Work within a small team where individual contributions are highly visible and directly impact product direction and success.

Working Hours: The role is listed with 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time equivalent contract. Flexibility may be present given the startup-like environment and focus on output over strict hours, especially for remote candidates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary provided is a monthly contract rate, which is common for freelance or temporary positions. Candidates should clarify expectations regarding payment terms, potential for extension, and any other contractor-specific benefits or deductions. The "remote considered for exceptional candidates" clause suggests a strong preference for in-person collaboration but offers a potential avenue for remote work if the candidate's profile is exceptionally strong.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consumer Technology, AI, Software Development. RealNetworks is a pioneer in digital media delivery and streaming technologies, now pivoting into AI-driven consumer platforms.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the input, RealNetworks is an established technology company. This means the project likely benefits from existing infrastructure and resources, but the immediate team is described as "small" and "fast-moving," suggesting an agile, startup-like environment within the larger organization. This offers a unique blend of stability and dynamic innovation.

Founded: RealNetworks was founded in 1994. This long history in the tech industry provides a foundation of experience and market understanding, now being applied to cutting-edge AI consumer products.

Team Structure:

• Small & Agile: The design role is on a "small, fast-moving team." This implies direct collaboration and minimal bureaucracy.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The designer will work "directly with engineering and product management every day," indicating a highly integrated team structure where design is embedded within the core development unit.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a Product Lead or Engineering Lead, given the close collaboration and lack of a formal design function mentioned.

Methodology:

• AI-First Design: A core methodology is the integration of AI-assisted design tools to accelerate concept generation, prototyping, and iteration.

• Agile & Iterative: Decisions are made "in conversation, in real time," suggesting an agile, iterative approach to product development rather than strict design cycles.

• User-Centricity: While not a formal function, the designer is expected to "lead user research and translate insights into design decisions," embedding user feedback into the development process.

Company Website: https://realnetworks.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history in tech, combined with its current focus on AI and consumer platforms, suggests a blend of established expertise and forward-thinking innovation. The small, integrated team structure is key to understanding the day-to-day work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Designer role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, given the 4+ years of experience requirement and the expectation to "own it all" – from UX and interaction language to product thinking. The emphasis on defining a product's identity from the ground up indicates a significant level of autonomy and responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The designer will work "directly with engineering and product management every day." This suggests a flat reporting structure within the immediate project team, likely reporting to a Product Manager or Head of Product/Engineering for the specific AI consumer platform initiative.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and profound impact on the success of a new AI-powered consumer product. By defining the user experience, interaction language, and overall design identity, this designer will shape how users perceive and interact with a cutting-edge technology, directly influencing user adoption, engagement, and satisfaction, which are critical drivers of revenue and market success for a consumer platform.

Growth Opportunities:

• Foundational Design Leadership: The opportunity to establish the design vision for a new product category at an early stage, potentially leading to ongoing design leadership as the product scales.

• AI Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design tools and methodologies, becoming a highly sought-after specialist in this rapidly evolving field.

• Product Strategy Influence: Grow from an execution-focused role to a more strategic product contributor, shaping the roadmap and vision of the AI consumer platform.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Enhance skills in collaborating effectively with engineering and product management in a fast-paced, agile environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential beyond traditional UX design, particularly in shaping a new product's identity and becoming an expert in AI-assisted design. The ability to influence product strategy is a key differentiator for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Seattle, WA, and is described as "Primarily On-Site." This suggests a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration is valued. However, the company is "open to a more flexible arrangement" for the "right candidate with a strong track record of delivering remotely," indicating a hybrid possibility.

Office Location(s): Seattle, WA, specifically with a postal code of 98104-4419, placing it in the downtown/Pioneer Square area, a hub for tech companies in the city.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The emphasis on "proximity drives the kind of creative collaboration" suggests an office designed to foster interaction, with shared spaces and open communication channels.

• Modern Tooling: Expect access to modern design tools and technologies, particularly AI-powered design platforms, as these are core requirements for the role.

• Integrated Team Dynamics: The daily interaction with engineering and product management means the workspace will likely be set up to facilitate seamless communication and joint problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time contractor. While the preference is for on-site presence, the mention of flexibility for remote candidates suggests that performance and output may be prioritized over strict adherence to physical location, allowing for some adaptability in scheduling for successful candidates, particularly if working remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Primarily On-Site" nature with flexibility for remote candidates implies that while the ideal candidate is local and willing to come into the office, remote work is a possibility for those with exceptional qualifications and a demonstrated ability to perform effectively from a distance. Understanding the company's specific definition of "flexibility" will be key.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's core requirements, especially regarding AI design tools and portfolio relevance.

• Portfolio Review (Deep Dive): A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio. Expect to walk through 2-3 key projects, focusing on:

  • The problem statement and your role.
  • Your design process, with a specific emphasis on how AI tools were used to accelerate concept generation, iteration, and prototyping.
  • Key design decisions and the rationale behind them.
  • User research insights and how they informed the design.
  • The final outcome and impact of the project.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Meet with engineering and product management representatives to assess collaboration style, technical understanding, and ability to work within a fast-paced, integrated team. Expect to discuss how you approach design challenges in real-time.

• Product Thinking/Strategy Discussion: A conversation to gauge your ability to contribute to product strategy beyond execution, discuss your opinions on what should be built, and how you approach designing for AI features.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to confirm cultural fit and overall suitability for the contract role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase AI Tool Mastery: Dedicate a significant portion of your presentation to demonstrating how you've utilized AI design tools (Galileo, Uizard, Midjourney, Figma AI, etc.) to achieve faster results. Be ready to explain the tools, your workflow, and the tangible benefits (e.g., reduced iteration time, faster prototyping).

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and the efficiency gains from using AI tools. This could include reduced user task completion times, increased engagement, or faster prototype delivery.

• Tell a Story: Frame your projects as narratives. Explain the challenge, your thought process, your unique contributions (especially with AI), and the successful outcome.

• Focus on "Own It All": Highlight instances where you took broad ownership, contributed to product strategy, and operated effectively with minimal process.

• Simplicity & Clarity: Ensure your presentation itself is clear, concise, and visually appealing, mirroring the design principles you champion.

Challenge Preparation:

• Rapid Concept Generation: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a new AI-driven feature under tight time constraints, leveraging AI tools.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Case studies might involve designing an intuitive interface for a complex AI function or simplifying a user flow for a family-oriented app. Think about how you'd break down the problem and prototype solutions quickly.

• Communication & Collaboration: Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical constraints or user feedback with non-designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI tools means candidates must be prepared to speak extensively and with demonstrable examples about their proficiency and innovative use of these technologies. The interview process is designed to assess not just design skill but also speed, adaptability, and strategic thinking within an integrated team.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design and prototyping tool. Proficiency in Figma, including its AI features and plugins, is a mandatory requirement. Expect to use it for UI design, wireframing, and creating interactive prototypes.

• AI-Powered Rapid Prototyping Platforms: A critical requirement. Candidates must be fluent in tools like Galileo, Uizard, Relume, or Midjourney for accelerated concept generation and prototyping. The ability to integrate these with Figma will be key.

• User Research Tools: While not explicitly listed, candidates should be prepared to use or facilitate basic user research, potentially employing tools for surveys, interviews, or usability testing.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core UX design responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily emphasizes modern, AI-driven design tools. Proficiency in Figma is standard, but the explicit requirement for AI prototyping platforms is a defining characteristic of this role and will be a major focus during the evaluation process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Speed: A strong emphasis on leveraging new technologies, particularly AI, to move quickly and push boundaries. The culture values rapid iteration and concept-to-prototype speed.

• Collaboration & Integration: Design is not siloed; it's deeply integrated with engineering and product management. Success relies on open communication, real-time feedback, and shared ownership.

• User-Centricity & Impact: While not a formal research function, the team values understanding user needs and translating them into impactful design solutions that users will love.

• Simplicity & Clarity: A drive to create intuitive, human-centered experiences that avoid technical jargon and complexity, especially when designing for AI.

• Ownership & Autonomy: Team members are expected to "own it all," taking initiative, wearing multiple hats, and contributing to product thinking beyond their immediate responsibilities.

Collaboration Style:

• Daily, Real-Time Interaction: Expect constant communication and collaboration with engineering and product management. Design decisions are made "in conversation."

• Agile & Iterative: The team moves without "heavy process," favoring quick discussions and immediate action over formal, lengthy cycles.

• Feedback-Driven: While the designer leads research, the collaborative environment suggests a culture where feedback is actively sought and given across disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is best described as entrepreneurial and agile, operating within a more established company. The emphasis is on speed, innovation, and direct collaboration, with a strong focus on leveraging AI to achieve these goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for AI Intuitiveness: The primary challenge is translating complex AI capabilities into user experiences that feel effortless and human, avoiding technical barriers.

• Rapid Pace & Limited Process: Operating in a small team with minimal process requires constant adaptation, self-direction, and the ability to make decisions quickly.

• Defining a New Product Identity: Establishing the visual and interaction language for a brand-new consumer platform from the ground up is a significant creative and strategic challenge.

• Balancing On-Site Preference with Remote Flexibility: For candidates not based in Seattle, navigating the "primarily on-site" preference while demonstrating remote capability will be a key hurdle.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Tool Mastery: Become an expert in cutting-edge AI design tools, gaining a competitive edge in the evolving UX landscape.

• Foundational Product Design: Develop deep experience in shaping a product's core identity from its earliest stages, offering significant career capital.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Skills: Hone abilities in working seamlessly with engineering and product management in a highly integrated, fast-paced environment.

• Product Strategy Acumen: Gain hands-on experience contributing to product vision and roadmap decisions, moving beyond pure execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges that are also significant growth opportunities. Overcoming the hurdles of designing for AI and working at a rapid pace will directly contribute to the candidate's development as a highly skilled and adaptable UX professional.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used AI-assisted design tools to significantly speed up your design process. What tools did you use, what was the outcome, and how did you measure the efficiency gain?" (Focus on quantifiable results and specific tool usage.)

• "How would you approach defining the visual and interaction language for a new AI-powered consumer app aimed at families, ensuring it feels intuitive and human?" (Prepare to discuss your process, core principles, and how you'd incorporate user feedback.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about designing for AI-powered consumer products, and what do you see as the biggest design challenges in this space?" (Demonstrate passion for AI and awareness of its complexities.)

• "How do you typically collaborate with engineers and product managers on a daily basis, especially in a fast-paced environment with minimal process?" (Highlight your adaptability, communication style, and experience in integrated teams.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• AI Tool Integration is Key: For each project presented, clearly articulate which AI tools you used and how they specifically aided your process (e.g., "Used Galileo to generate 5 initial layout concepts in under an hour," or "Leveraged Midjourney for initial mood board ideation").

• Quantify Speed & Impact: Where possible, use metrics to show how your designs improved user experience or how AI tools accelerated delivery.

• Focus on "Own It All": Emphasize projects where you took broad ownership, contributed to product strategy, and demonstrated initiative beyond standard UX tasks.

• Storytelling: Craft compelling narratives for your case studies, highlighting your problem-solving approach, design rationale, and the successful outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to deeply discuss their experience with specific AI design tools like Galileo, Uizard, and Midjourney within their portfolio presentations. The ability to articulate how these tools were used to achieve speed and efficiency will be paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to highlight your experience with consumer mobile apps, social/media/content platforms, and most importantly, your proficiency and innovative use of AI-assisted design tools (Figma AI, Galileo, Uizard, etc.). Quantify any efficiency gains achieved.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords related to UX Design, Product Design, Mobile App Design, Figma, AI Design Tools, Rapid Prototyping, User Research, and Design Systems. Clearly articulate your 4+ years of relevant experience and any experience in fast-paced, integrated teams.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your AI tool integration workflow and quantifiable results. Prepare to discuss your approach to designing for AI and your collaboration style in agile environments.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with RealNetworks' history and their current focus on AI-driven consumer platforms. Understand their stated values of innovation, speed, and collaboration to better align your responses 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.