UX/UI Design Contractor

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Design Contractor

Company: inquirED

Location: Remote (United States)

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: UX/UI Design, Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-12

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Provide expert UX/UI design services for product initiatives and feature development across inquirED's digital platforms, focusing on user-centered experiences for teachers and students.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Design Leads, and Engineering partners to translate product requirements into intuitive and effective user interfaces.

• Design user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes for web-based educational products, ensuring a cohesive and consistent platform experience.

• Create detailed design documentation and developer handoff packages using Figma to facilitate smooth implementation and adhere to established workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX/UI Design Contractor," the core responsibilities and requirements strongly indicate a focus on product design within an educational technology (EdTech) context. The role emphasizes practical design execution, collaboration, and adherence to existing design systems and product ecosystems, aligning with a mid-level product designer profile.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design user flows and create comprehensive wireframes, from low-fidelity concepts to high-fidelity interactive prototypes, for web-based product experiences.

• Develop detailed design documentation, including interaction specifications, responsive behaviors across MUI breakpoints, states, usability considerations, WCAG/accessibility requirements (e.g., ARIA), and implementation notes for developer handoff packages.

• Contribute to and actively work within established design systems and product patterns, ensuring consistency and scalability across inquirED's digital platforms.

• Extend existing user experiences while meticulously maintaining visual and functional consistency across the entire platform.

• Participate effectively in feedback cycles, design reviews, and cross-functional product development processes, embracing iteration as a core part of the design workflow.

• Collaborate with project stakeholders and utilize project management tools such as Jira to deliver agreed-upon work products within established workflows and timelines.

• Ensure designs are user-centered, focusing on the needs of teachers and students to create meaningful educational experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can not only create visually appealing interfaces but also thoroughly document design decisions, technical considerations (like MUI breakpoints and ARIA), and work within a structured product development process. This suggests a need for strong documentation and collaboration skills beyond pure visual design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for roles of this nature.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, with a focus on web-based applications and product development. Experience in the EdTech sector is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and developer handoff.

• Proven experience designing responsive web applications with a deep understanding of usability principles and best practices.

• Expertise in WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and inclusive design principles, ensuring products are accessible to all users.

• Experience creating detailed design documentation and developer handoff packages that clearly communicate interactions, responsive behavior, states, and accessibility requirements.

• Familiarity with working within and contributing to established design systems and component libraries.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain project momentum, and consistently meet agreed-upon project milestones and deadlines. Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the educational technology (EdTech) industry.

• Familiarity with Material UI (MUI) breakpoints and styling conventions.

• Experience with prototyping tools beyond Figma for more complex interactions.

• Knowledge of user research methodologies and how to integrate findings into the design process.

• Experience using Jira or similar project management tools for workflow tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, responsive design, WCAG, and detailed handoffs points to a need for a designer who is both creative and highly detail-oriented, capable of bridging the gap between design and development effectively. The mention of "MUI breakpoints" suggests a potential use of Material UI in the tech stack, which is a valuable specific skill to highlight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end UX/UI design processes for web-based applications.

• Case studies should highlight problem definition, user research (if applicable), user flows, wireframing, high-fidelity design, prototyping, and the final solution.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Figma, with examples of complex interactions, responsive design solutions, and thorough developer handoff documentation.

• Include examples of work that adheres to design system principles or contributes to existing design systems.

• Showcase designs that address usability, accessibility (WCAG compliance), and inclusive design considerations.

• Provide clear explanation of design decisions, rationale, and the impact of your work on user experience and business goals. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating clear and detailed design documentation for developer handoff, including specifications for interactions, responsive behaviors, states, and accessibility requirements.

• Examples of how you have worked within or extended established design systems and component libraries.

• Demonstration of collaboration within product development workflows, including participation in design reviews, feedback cycles, and project management tools (e.g., Jira).

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for a design role. The requirements emphasize not just the final designs but the process, documentation, and collaborative aspects, particularly concerning developer handoff and design systems. Candidates should prepare to walk through their case studies, explaining their design choices and the rationale behind them.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contract position in the United States, the hourly rate will vary based on experience, location within the US, and the specific duration/scope of the contract. Based on industry benchmarks for mid-level UX/UI Design Contractors in the US, a typical range would be $45 - $75 per hour. This is an estimate and actual compensation will be discussed during the hiring process.

Benefits: As a contractor, standard employee benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are typically not provided. However, benefits may include:

• Flexible work schedule and remote work flexibility.

• Opportunity to work on impactful projects in the EdTech sector.

• Potential for contract extension based on performance and project needs.

• Direct collaboration with experienced Product Managers and Design Leads.

Working Hours: The position is part-time, with hours and duration to be discussed based on experience, availability, and project needs. While a standard 40-hour work week is common for full-time roles, this contract will likely be scoped for fewer hours, requiring efficient time management and prioritization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For contract roles, compensation is usually hourly. The provided range is a general estimate for the US market. Candidates should be prepared to negotiate their hourly rate based on their experience, portfolio, and the specific project requirements. It's crucial to clarify expectations regarding approximate weekly hours and contract duration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech). inquirED focuses on providing digital learning platforms and tools designed to support teachers and students.

Company Size: The company size is not explicitly stated, but the nature of a contractor role suggests a growing organization that utilizes external talent for specific project needs. This can offer opportunities for direct impact and visibility.

Founded: Founded in 2013, inquirED has been operating for over a decade, indicating a stable and established presence in the EdTech market.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Design Contractor will likely be part of a Product team, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Design Leads, and Engineering teams.

• The role involves working within an established product ecosystem, suggesting a structured approach to product development and design.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring effective communication and integration with various departments to ensure cohesive product development. Methodology:

• The design process emphasizes user-centered design principles, with a focus on creating meaningful educational experiences.

• Collaboration and feedback are highly valued, with an iterative approach to product development.

• Designers are expected to work within established design systems and product patterns, balancing consistency with innovation.

• Project management tools like Jira will be used to coordinate tasks and track progress within defined workflows.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working in EdTech means the product's success is directly tied to its impact on learning outcomes. Candidates should be passionate about education and understand the unique needs of teachers and students. The company's founding date suggests a mature understanding of the EdTech landscape.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level contractor (2-5 years of experience), focusing on execution within established frameworks. It's an opportunity to gain experience in EdTech product design and refine skills in collaboration and documentation.

Reporting Structure: The contractor will report to a Design Lead or Product Manager, receiving project direction and feedback from them, as well as collaborating closely with engineering partners.

Operations Impact: While a contractor role, the designs created will directly impact the user experience of teachers and students using inquirED's digital platforms. Successful designs can lead to improved engagement, learning outcomes, and overall platform effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in Figma, responsive web design, accessibility standards (WCAG), and working with established design systems. Gain experience in the EdTech domain.

• Project Experience: Contribute to significant product initiatives and feature development, building a stronger portfolio with real-world application examples.

• Networking: Build relationships with Product Managers, Design Leads, and Engineers, which can lead to future contract opportunities or full-time roles.

• Specialization: Gain exposure to specific design challenges within the educational technology sector, potentially leading to specialization in this niche.

📝 Enhancement Note: For contractors, growth is often measured by the breadth and impact of projects, skill enhancement, and portfolio building. This role offers a focused opportunity to excel in specific design competencies within a meaningful industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This is a remote-only position, allowing candidates to work from anywhere within the United States.

Office Location(s): Remote (United States). No specific physical office location is required.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is collaborative, requiring proactive communication and engagement with remote team members.

• Access to standard design tools (Figma) and project management software (Jira) is expected.

• Team interactions will primarily occur through virtual meetings, instant messaging, and collaborative design platforms.

• Candidates should be comfortable working independently and managing their own time effectively in a remote setting.

Work Schedule: Part-time, with hours and duration to be determined based on project needs and candidate availability. This offers flexibility but requires strong time management skills to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role necessitates strong self-discipline, proactive communication, and comfort with virtual collaboration tools. Candidates should ensure they have a suitable remote work setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design quality.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A meeting with a Design Lead or Product Manager to walk through your portfolio, discuss your design process, and understand your approach to problem-solving. Be prepared to elaborate on case studies, design decisions, and your experience with Figma, responsive design, and accessibility.

• Skills/Collaboration Assessment: Potentially a short design exercise or a discussion focused on your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to work within established design systems and workflows.

• Final Interview: A discussion with key stakeholders to assess cultural fit, confirm availability, and discuss contract terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best represent your skills in UX/UI design for web applications, focusing on those that demonstrate responsive design, accessibility, and collaboration.

• Detail Your Process: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions made, challenges encountered, and the final outcome or impact. Visuals are crucial.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Showcase examples of your Figma work, including complex prototypes, design system components, and detailed developer handoff documentation.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Describe how you worked with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders. If possible, include examples of feedback you received and how you incorporated it.

• Address Accessibility: Specifically point out how you considered and implemented WCAG and inclusive design principles in your work.

• Be Concise and Clear: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and your explanations are direct and to the point.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a specific feature or improving an existing one on an educational platform, considering user needs and technical constraints.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of design systems and how you maintain consistency.

• Practice explaining your design rationale clearly and concisely, especially regarding usability and accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary evaluation tool. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing a compelling portfolio that directly addresses the requirements outlined in the job description, particularly in relation to Figma, responsive design, and accessibility.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, high-fidelity design, prototyping, and developer handoff. Proficiency is a strict requirement.

• Jira: Likely used for project management, task tracking, and workflow coordination. Familiarity is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned, an understanding of how design impacts user behavior and metrics is valuable. Familiarity with analytics platforms may be a plus.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the critical tool for this role. Candidates should be able to demonstrate advanced proficiency, including creating component libraries, interactive prototypes, and comprehensive documentation within Figma.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on creating meaningful and effective experiences for teachers and students.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork, proactive communication, and valuing feedback from peers and stakeholders.

• Iteration & Improvement: Embracing feedback and iterative design processes to continuously refine product experiences.

• Attention to Detail: Commitment to creating high-quality, well-documented designs that are implementable and maintainable.

• Passion for Education: A genuine interest in contributing to the educational technology sector and improving learning experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and early sharing of work.

• Openness to feedback and constructive criticism.

• Cross-functional integration with Product Management and Engineering.

• Utilizing collaborative design platforms and project management tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values a collaborative and iterative design process. Candidates who can demonstrate these qualities in their application and interview will be well-positioned.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Working within established systems: Balancing creative problem-solving with the need to adhere to existing design systems and product patterns can be a challenge. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to extend rather than completely reinvent.

• Remote collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with a distributed team requires strong interpersonal and digital communication skills.

• Meeting deadlines: As a contractor, adhering to project milestones and deadlines is critical for project success and future engagements.

• EdTech nuances: Understanding the specific needs and constraints of the educational technology market requires research and thoughtful design.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• EdTech Domain Expertise: Gaining specific knowledge and experience in designing for the education sector.

• System Design Skills: Honing skills in working with and contributing to established design systems.

• Remote Work Best Practices: Developing strong self-management and virtual collaboration skills.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a robust portfolio with diverse case studies from a growing EdTech company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is integrating into an existing product ecosystem while bringing fresh design perspectives. The growth opportunities are centered on specialization and refining skills within a specific, impactful industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design within strict brand or design system guidelines. How did you balance creativity with constraints?" (Assesses ability to work within established systems.)

• "Walk us through a complex responsive design challenge you faced in a previous project. How did you ensure a consistent experience across different breakpoints?" (Assesses responsive design skills and problem-solving.)

• "How do you approach creating effective developer handoff documentation? What are the key elements you ensure are included?" (Assesses documentation and communication skills.)

• "Describe your process for ensuring designs meet WCAG accessibility standards. Can you give an example?" (Assesses accessibility expertise.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in the EdTech industry, specifically with inquirED?" (Assesses motivation and industry fit.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers? Describe a situation where collaboration was key to a design's success." (Assesses teamwork and communication.)

• "How do you handle constructive feedback on your designs?" (Assesses openness to iteration.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the solutions you designed, your process, and the outcomes. Use visuals effectively to support your points.

• Focus on Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made certain design decisions, linking them back to user needs, business goals, or technical considerations.

• Demonstrate Figma Skills: Highlight specific Figma features used, such as component creation, auto-layout, interactive prototypes, and detailed specification documentation.

• Emphasize Collaboration and Iteration: Discuss how you worked with others and how feedback shaped your designs.

• Highlight Accessibility: Point out specific instances where accessibility was a key consideration and how you addressed it.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a designer who is not only technically skilled but also a strong collaborator and communicator, capable of fitting into an existing product development process and contributing meaningfully to the EdTech space.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2-3 detailed case studies showcasing your UX/UI design process for web applications, with a strong emphasis on Figma, responsive design, and accessibility. Tailor your portfolio to highlight experiences relevant to educational products if possible.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your experience with Figma, responsive web design, WCAG compliance, and working within design systems. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on your role in product development and collaboration.

• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, clearly explaining your design decisions, process, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your experience with remote collaboration and working within established product ecosystems.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with inquirED's mission, products, and target audience (teachers and students). Understand their commitment to educational technology and user experience.

⚠️ 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.