UX Expert - Online Payments - Mercado Pago

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Expert - Online Payments - Mercado Pago

Company: Mercado Libre

Location: Governador Valadares, Southeast, Brazil

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the technical development of innovative and secure digital experiences for Mercado Pago, focusing on online payments.

• Translate complex financial business and operational challenges into clear, reliable, and scalable user interfaces.

• Lead end-to-end processes from discovery and prototyping to production implementation, ensuring high efficiency and seamless integration of design intent.

• Leverage AI-native workflows to accelerate the cycle from problem identification to hypothesis, prototyping, production, and learning.

• Collaborate closely with design, product, and engineering teams to define robust solutions and make high-impact decisions that balance quality, speed, and business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid of UX/Product Design and Frontend Engineering, with a strong emphasis on leveraging AI to streamline and enhance the design and development lifecycle. The "Operations" aspect comes from managing the complex workflows and systems involved in delivering financial products at scale.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the technical construction of digital experiences for Mercado Pago, transforming complex business and financial operation problems into clear, reliable, and scalable interfaces.

• Manage the full product development lifecycle, from discovery and prototyping to implementation, ensuring efficient translation of design intentions into production-ready experiences.

• Build and evolve AI-native workflows that integrate product context, research findings, Design System components, code, and validation metrics to reduce the problem-to-learning cycle time.

• Convert design concepts into functional code and vice-versa to create production-ready prototypes and final experiences using real-world codebase components and constraints.

• Design, implement, and orchestrate AI agents and tools to optimize exploration of user flows, interface generation, documentation, visual testing, accessibility checks, and technical consistency validation.

• Strategically partner with design, product, and engineering professionals to define robust solutions, anticipate technical constraints, and make high-impact decisions that balance quality, speed, and overall impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a unique blend of design and engineering leadership, with a significant focus on implementing and optimizing AI-driven processes within the product development lifecycle. This goes beyond traditional UX roles by requiring hands-on technical contribution and AI orchestration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5-10 years of demonstrated experience in product design, frontend engineering, design systems, or closely related hybrid roles, with a proven track record of delivering complex digital products.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in user experience (UX) design, interaction design, and product design principles.

• Proficiency in translating visual design decisions into stable, production-ready code.

• Mastery of modern frontend technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and TypeScript.

• Demonstrated experience with component frameworks and ensuring quality, maintainability, accessibility, and performance in code.

• Practical experience applying generative AI for design and development, including using models for interface generation, review, and testing.

• Experience creating, configuring, or evaluating agentic workflows, focusing on context definition, tool integration, prompt engineering, and safety guardrails for automation. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI orchestration tools and platforms.

• Familiarity with financial services or e-commerce platforms.

• Knowledge of A/B testing and performance optimization techniques within a production environment.

• Experience with Design Systems implementation and governance.

• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a rare combination of advanced UX/Product Design skills and strong Frontend Engineering capabilities, critically augmented by hands-on experience with Generative AI and AI Agents. This suggests a role focused on the future of product development, where AI is a core enabler.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product development projects demonstrating the transformation of complex business problems into intuitive and scalable user experiences.

• Include examples of code implementations, highlighting proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and TypeScript, and how design principles were translated into functional components.

• Present case studies that detail the application of AI, particularly generative AI, in design and development workflows, illustrating problem-solving, efficiency gains, or novel solutions.

• Demonstrate experience with Design Systems, including contributions to or utilization of component libraries and style guides.

• Provide evidence of creating or managing agentic workflows, outlining the problem, the AI agents used, their configuration, and the outcomes achieved. Process Documentation:

• Document a complex product development project from initial concept to production, detailing user research, problem definition, design iterations, technical implementation, and post-launch analysis.

• Illustrate how AI was integrated into the workflow to enhance efficiency, creativity, or problem-solving capabilities.

• Explain the process of translating design into code and vice-versa, detailing any specific tools, frameworks, or methodologies used.

• Provide examples of how technical constraints and real-world codebase limitations were managed during the design and implementation phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio and process documentation requirements are highly specific, demanding tangible proof of the unique skill set. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate not only design and coding prowess but also their practical application of AI in a product development context, emphasizing efficiency and innovation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on Mercado Libre's presence in Brazil and the senior nature of this hybrid role, an estimated annual salary range for a UX Expert with 5-10 years of experience in a major Brazilian city like Governador Valadares could be between R$ 150,000 to R$ 250,000. This estimate considers market rates for senior UX/Frontend roles, the specialized AI skill set, and the cost of living in Brazil.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Meal vouchers and potentially food allowances.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Access to Mercado Livre's internal learning platforms and resources.

• Potential for stock options or performance-based bonuses.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

• Hybrid work model with flexibility, allowing for a balance between remote and in-office work.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for project deadlines and collaborative needs. The hybrid model allows for some autonomy in structuring the work week, balancing in-office days at the Melicidade site with remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on general market data for senior tech roles in Brazil and the specialized nature of the position. Specific benefits are standard for large tech companies in the region. The hybrid model is explicitly mentioned as requiring time at the "Melicidade site."

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce and Financial Technology (FinTech). Mercado Livre is a leading technology company in Latin America, democratizing commerce and financial services. Mercado Pago is its digital payments platform, a critical component of this mission.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Mercado Libre has over 10,000 employees globally). This size indicates robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and significant market impact.

Founded: 1999. With over two decades of operation, Mercado Libre has a strong legacy, established processes, and a deep understanding of the Latin American market.

Team Structure:

• The UX Expert will likely be part of a product squad or a dedicated UX/Product team within Mercado Pago's Online Payments division.

• Reporting structure typically involves a UX Lead, Product Manager, or Engineering Manager, with close collaboration across cross-functional teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving direct interaction with Product Managers, UI Designers, Frontend Engineers, Backend Engineers, AI/ML Specialists, and Data Scientists. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data and insights from user behavior, A/B tests, and AI analysis to inform product strategy and design choices.

• Agile Development: Projects are managed using agile methodologies, promoting iterative development, rapid prototyping, and continuous feedback loops.

• AI-Native Approach: A core philosophy of integrating AI into workflows to enhance efficiency, creativity, and problem-solving across the entire product lifecycle.

Company Website: https://www.mercadolibre.com/ and https://www.mercadopago.com.br/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context underscores Mercado Libre's scale, mission-driven culture, and leadership in LATAM's digital economy. The role is situated within a dynamic FinTech environment that prioritizes innovation, data, and AI.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior to Senior level (5-10 years experience). It involves technical leadership and strategic contribution, moving beyond individual contribution to influencing team direction and process innovation.

Reporting Structure: The UX Expert will likely report to a higher-level design manager, product lead, or engineering lead, and will work closely with product managers and other engineers within a product squad.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the user experience of Mercado Pago's online payment systems, influencing customer acquisition, retention, transaction success rates, and overall platform trust. By optimizing these experiences and leveraging AI, the role contributes significantly to Mercado Libre's mission of democratizing commerce and financial services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design and development, becoming a go-to specialist in AI agents and generative AI for product teams.

• Leadership Progression: Advance into roles such as Senior UX Expert, Lead UX Designer, or Frontend Engineering Lead, managing projects and mentoring junior team members.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into Product Management or dedicated AI/ML Product roles, leveraging a deep understanding of both user needs and technical capabilities.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to the evolution of Mercado Pago's design and development methodologies, particularly in the adoption and integration of cutting-edge AI technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a leading tech organization, particularly for those looking to specialize at the intersection of UX, engineering, and AI. The emphasis on AI makes it a forward-looking career choice.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model. Employees are expected to work from the Melicidade site for a portion of the week, with the remainder of the time spent working remotely. This setup aims to balance in-person collaboration and team building with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): Melicidade site (specific address not provided but implied to be a significant company hub). The role is based in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with the expectation of utilizing company facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages collaboration through in-office interactions, team meetings, and workshops, while remote days allow for focused individual work.

• Tools and Technology: Access to a modern technology stack, including advanced design and development tools, AI platforms, and internal company systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design, product, and engineering peers for brainstorming, problem-solving, and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility in managing workdays, allowing for focused sprints and collaborative sessions as needed, aligning with agile development practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Melicidade" site is identified as a key location for this hybrid role, suggesting it's a central hub for innovation and collaboration within Mercado Libre. The environment is designed to foster both focused work and dynamic teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required skills, particularly in UX/Product Design, Frontend Engineering, and AI application.

• Technical Interview(s): Deep dives into your experience with modern frontend technologies, design principles, and practical application of generative AI and AI agents. Expect coding challenges and system design discussions.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where you will walk through selected projects, detailing your role, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the impact achieved, with a strong focus on AI integration and efficiency gains.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions to assess your problem-solving approach, collaboration style, and alignment with Mercado Libre's mission and values.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Final discussions to confirm mutual fit and address any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI Integration: Clearly showcase projects where you've used generative AI or AI agents to solve design or development problems, detailing the process, tools, and outcomes. Quantify the impact (e.g., reduced cycle time, improved efficiency).

• Demonstrate Hybrid Skills: Present projects that clearly illustrate your ability to bridge design and code, showing how you translate concepts into functional, production-ready interfaces.

• Process & Methodology: Explain your approach to tackling complex problems, your iterative design process, and how you manage the full lifecycle from concept to deployment.

• Quantifiable Results: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects, focusing on aspects like user satisfaction, conversion rates, performance improvements, or efficiency gains driven by your work.

• Tailor to Mercado Pago: Research Mercado Pago's current offerings and challenges to tailor your portfolio presentation, showing how your skills can address their specific needs in online payments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Exercises: Be prepared for practical frontend coding challenges (HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript) that may involve building components or solving specific UI problems.

• System Design: Anticipate questions about designing scalable and efficient user interfaces or workflows, potentially incorporating AI elements.

• AI Workflow Design: Prepare to discuss how you would design an AI agent or an AI-native workflow for a specific design or development task relevant to online payments.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Practice articulating your thought process for solving complex UX and technical challenges, using past project examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a strong portfolio that substantiates claims of hybrid UX/Engineering skills and practical AI application. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate technical proficiency and strategic thinking in using AI to optimize workflows and deliver impactful user experiences.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Frontend Frameworks: React, Vue.js, or Angular (specifics may vary, but modern component-based frameworks are key).

• Languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript.

• AI/ML Platforms: Experience with platforms for generative AI (e.g., OpenAI APIs, Google AI Platform) and AI agent orchestration.

• Design Systems: Tools for creating and managing design systems (e.g., Storybook, Figma, Zeroheight).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar tools for tracking user behavior and performance metrics.

• A/B Testing Tools: Optimizely, VWO, or internal A/B testing frameworks for validating design hypotheses.

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, or internal dashboards for presenting performance data and insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Design Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD for UI/UX design and prototyping.

• Code Editors: VS Code, Sublime Text, or similar.

• Version Control: Git, GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket for code management and collaboration.

• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello for agile workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern frontend technologies and a strong understanding of AI platforms are paramount. Familiarity with design systems and analytics tools is also crucial for this role, enabling data-informed design and efficient workflow management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and solving user problems through intuitive and effective design, particularly in the critical domain of online payments.

• Innovation: A drive to explore and implement cutting-edge technologies, especially AI, to create novel solutions and push the boundaries of what's possible in product development.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, encouraging open communication and shared problem-solving across design, engineering, and product disciplines.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to high standards in both design and code, ensuring products are reliable, performant, accessible, and maintainable.

• Impact & Ownership: A focus on delivering tangible business and user value, taking ownership of projects from conception through to successful implementation and iteration.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration between UX, Product, and Engineering teams, fostering a shared understanding of goals and challenges.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: A culture of continuous feedback, where designs and code are regularly reviewed and refined based on input from peers and stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, learnings from AI experiments, and technical insights across the team and wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Mercado Libre, particularly within Mercado Pago, is mission-driven, focused on innovation (especially AI), and emphasizes strong cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-impact solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Design and Code at Scale: Effectively translating complex UX designs into robust, scalable, and performant frontend code within a large organization's codebase.

• Integrating AI Seamlessly: Implementing generative AI and AI agents in a way that genuinely enhances workflows without introducing complexity or compromising user experience and security.

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Rapidly adopting new AI technologies while ensuring the stability, security, and reliability of critical online payment systems.

• Navigating Hybrid Work Dynamics: Maximizing productivity and collaboration within a hybrid work model, ensuring effective communication and team cohesion.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Specialization: Opportunities to become a leading expert in applied AI for product development, potentially attending AI conferences or pursuing certifications.

• Advanced Frontend Techniques: Continuous learning in modern frontend architectures, performance optimization, and accessibility standards.

• Leadership Development: Mentorship programs and training to develop leadership skills for managing projects, teams, and strategic initiatives.

• Industry Exposure: Access to internal and external training, workshops, and potentially conferences related to UX, AI, FinTech, and e-commerce.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents exciting challenges at the forefront of AI integration in product development, offering significant opportunities for specialized growth and leadership in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex financial product problem you solved using a combination of UX design and frontend engineering. How did you ensure the solution was scalable and user-friendly?" (Focus on your problem-solving process, technical implementation, and user-centricity.)

• "Walk me through a project where you implemented generative AI or AI agents to improve a design or development workflow. What was the problem, your approach, the tools used, and the measurable impact?" (Be ready to detail your AI implementation strategy, challenges, and results.)

• "How do you balance the need for rapid innovation with the requirement for stability and security in critical systems like online payments?" (Discuss your risk assessment, testing methodologies, and iterative deployment strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Mercado Pago and its mission to democratize financial services in Latin America?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent achievements.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers, designers, and engineers, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Highlight your communication skills, adaptability, and teamwork approach.)

• "Mercado Libre is known for its data-driven culture. How do you incorporate data and user feedback into your design and development process?" (Provide examples of using analytics, A/B testing, or user research.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the solution (emphasizing the hybrid UX/Eng/AI aspects), the challenges, and the quantifiable outcomes.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, code snippets (if appropriate and anonymized), and live demos (if possible) to illustrate your work.

• Emphasize AI Impact: Dedicate specific time to explaining how AI was leveraged, the specific benefits it brought (e.g., speed, efficiency, novel solutions), and how you managed its implementation.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your technical choices, design decisions, and the reasoning behind your AI integrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating a unique blend of skills, demonstrating practical AI application, and showcasing a solid understanding of product development lifecycle management within a high-impact FinTech environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your hybrid UX/Frontend Engineering expertise and, crucially, your practical experience with generative AI and AI agents. Ensure these projects demonstrate end-to-end ownership and quantifiable impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "UX Expert," "Online Payments," "Mercado Pago," "Frontend Engineering," "TypeScript," "Generative AI," and "AI Agents." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on clearly explaining your thought process, technical implementation, and the specific benefits derived from AI integration. Be ready to discuss challenges and solutions.

• Research Mercado Pago: Understand their mission, current product offerings in online payments, and recent innovations. Familiarize yourself with their company culture and values to articulate your alignment during interviews.

⚠️ 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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