UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Robots and Pencils

Location: Canada - Remote

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Design thoughtful, high-quality digital experiences for client engagements, integrating AI into enterprise operations.

• Partner closely with client product teams and internal stakeholders to transform complex ideas into clear, intuitive, and engaging user interfaces.

• Develop and maintain design systems that ensure consistency, scalability, and flexibility across a range of products and industries.

• Conduct UX research, including usability testing and user interviews, to drive data-informed design decisions and iterative improvements.

• Leverage AI-assisted design tools within Figma to enhance efficiency, creativity, and the overall quality of design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for a UX/UI Designer who can operate within an applied AI engineering firm. The emphasis on "Robots and Pencils" (engineering paired with creativity) and the rapid 30-45 day production cycle for AI solutions suggests a need for a designer who is not only skilled in craft but also adept at rapid iteration, cross-functional collaboration, and delivering tangible business impact. The "AI-forward mindset" is a critical differentiator.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end UX/UI deliverables, from initial exploration and concepting through high-fidelity execution, ensuring alignment with client objectives and user needs.

• Create detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and polished interface designs that meticulously balance user usability, core business goals, and technical feasibility.

• Build, refine, and consistently maintain robust design systems to promote uniformity, scalability, and adaptability across diverse product portfolios.

• Execute comprehensive UX research activities, including structured usability testing and in-depth user interviews, to gather actionable insights that inform and validate design strategies.

• Utilize Figma proficiently for all aspects of the design process: creation, prototyping, documentation, and seamless team collaboration.

• Proactively integrate AI-powered tools within the design workflow (e.g., Figma AI, Claude) to optimize efficiency, spark creative ideation, and elevate the quality of design outcomes.

• Foster strong partnerships with client product teams to deeply understand their challenges, collaboratively shape innovative solutions, and deliver impactful, measurable results.

• Work hand-in-hand with engineers, strategists, and delivery leads to ensure designs are translated into functional, high-quality products efficiently and effectively.

• Actively participate in agile development workflows, skillfully managing multiple projects, diverse clients, and varied industry contexts while upholding rigorous design standards.

• Assume end-to-end ownership of design initiatives, ensuring consistent application of craft and attention to detail from inception to completion.

• Contribute to vital internal company efforts, including marketing collateral development, client pitch materials, and the ongoing enhancement of the firm's design practice and methodologies.

• Maintain a perpetual state of curiosity, actively seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth, experimenting with new ideas, and embracing a mindset of continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core UX/UI design tasks with a strong emphasis on collaboration, ownership, and contribution to the broader company's growth. The mention of "AI-forward mindset" and specific AI tools indicates a forward-thinking approach to design and a need for adaptability in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience as a UX/UI Designer, with a proven track record of working on digital products or platforms.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end UX/UI design, encompassing concept development, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity interface design.

• Deep proficiency and hands-on experience with Figma for design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows.

• Proven ability to build, maintain, and evolve design systems within practical product development environments.

• Solid understanding and practical application of UX research methodologies, including usability testing and conducting user interviews.

• Experience collaborating directly with clients, product managers, and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

• Exceptional collaborative mindset, with a demonstrated ability to provide and receive constructive design feedback effectively.

• Adaptability in applying design principles and approaches across a variety of industries, user demographics, and complex problem spaces.

• Genuine curiosity and proactive engagement with AI-assisted design tools and innovative workflows (e.g., Figma AI, Claude).

• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating design decisions and rationale clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in an agile setting. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion design principles and their application in user interfaces.

• Proficiency with advanced prototyping tools beyond standard Figma capabilities.

• Foundational understanding of front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to inform design feasibility.

• Experience in facilitating design thinking workshops or client co-creation sessions.

• Familiarity with various AI technologies and their potential applications in user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Figma and a strong understanding of design systems and research. The preference for AI tool experience and front-end concepts signals a desire for well-rounded designers who can bridge the gap between design, development, and emerging technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, demonstrating your ability to translate complex problems into elegant and functional digital solutions.

• Specific examples of end-to-end design processes, from initial user research and ideation through to final high-fidelity designs and prototypes.

• Clear documentation of your role and contributions within team-based projects.

• Demonstrations of design system development or significant contributions to existing systems.

• Case studies that highlight your UX research findings and how they directly influenced design decisions and outcomes.

• Examples of wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes that illustrate your problem-solving capabilities.

• Visual examples of polished UI design work, showcasing attention to detail, aesthetic sensibility, and adherence to design principles. Process Documentation:

• Showcase documentation of your design process for at least one significant project, detailing the steps taken, methodologies employed, and rationale behind key decisions.

• Include examples of how you've leveraged user feedback and research to iterate on designs.

• Illustrate how you've collaborated with engineers and product managers to ensure design feasibility and effective implementation.

• Demonstrate how you've applied design systems or contributed to their evolution within a project context.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX/UI role, particularly in a design-driven firm like Robots & Pencils, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to showcase not just the final output but the entire design thinking process, with a clear emphasis on problem-solving, user-centricity, and collaboration. The inclusion of design systems and research evidence is critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Canada - Remote" location, the experience level (2-5 years), and the specialized nature of working with an AI engineering firm, a competitive salary range would be estimated between CAD $75,000 to CAD $105,000 annually. This range is based on industry benchmarks for mid-level UX/UI designers in Canada, considering the demand for skills in AI-assisted design and Figma proficiency.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit sharing.

• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.

• Remote work stipend or home office setup allowance.

• Access to cutting-edge AI design tools and technologies for professional growth.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered to accommodate remote work and agile project demands. The company culture emphasizes delivering results and may involve occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines, but with a focus on work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from general market data for UX/UI designers in Canada with 2-5 years of experience, adjusted for the remote nature of the role and the specialized tech focus. Benefits are typical for full-time roles in the Canadian tech sector, with an emphasis on professional development relevant to AI and design.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Applied AI Engineering, Technology Consulting, Software Development. Robots & Pencils operates at the intersection of advanced AI technology and practical business application, serving clients across diverse sectors such as Consumer Products and Retail, Education, Energy, Financial Services, Healthcare, and Manufacturing. This client diversity means exposure to a wide array of business challenges and user needs.

Company Size: The company description notes it was founded in 2009 and has delivery centers in multiple regions, suggesting a mid-sized firm. The emphasis on being "smaller, faster, and more senior by design" with teams averaging 15+ years of experience indicates a lean, highly experienced workforce rather than a large, hierarchical structure. This translates to significant individual impact and direct access to senior talent.

Founded: Founded in 2009. This history provides a foundation of experience and established methodologies, while the focus on "next frontier of business architecture" and "applied AI" shows a strong commitment to innovation and forward-thinking solutions.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely integrated within project-specific pods or squads, working closely with senior engineers, strategists, and client product owners.

• Collaboration is key; expect to work in cross-functional teams where designers, developers, and AI specialists are co-located (virtually) to accelerate delivery.

• The company's emphasis on "seniority by design" suggests a flat hierarchy with a focus on expertise and direct contribution, rather than strict management layers. Methodology:

• Agile Delivery: The mention of shipping production-ready AI in 30-45 days strongly indicates an agile, iterative development process.

• Applied AI Focus: The core methodology revolves around practical application of AI to solve real business problems, integrating deep UX capabilities with senior engineering talent.

• Client-Centric Solutions: A strong emphasis is placed on understanding client needs and delivering measurable results, implying a consultative approach to project delivery.

Company Website: Robots and Pencils (Assuming domain is robotsandpencils.com based on context)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is defined by its speed, senior talent, and focus on practical AI solutions. This means designers must be adaptable, collaborative, and results-oriented, comfortable working in fast-paced, client-facing environments. The "Robots and Pencils" ethos highlights the blend of technical rigor and creative problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level UX/UI Designer. It requires a solid foundation of 2+ years of experience, demonstrating the ability to work independently on design tasks while also collaborating effectively within a team. The role offers the opportunity to grow into senior design positions, lead design efforts on more complex projects, and potentially specialize in areas like AI-driven design or design systems architecture.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Lead or a Project Manager, depending on the project structure. However, the company's lean and senior-focused model suggests direct interaction with senior engineers, strategists, and client stakeholders, providing broad exposure and learning opportunities.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's impact is direct and significant. They are responsible for shaping how users interact with AI-powered systems, ensuring these advanced technologies are accessible, intuitive, and valuable in real-world enterprise operations. Successful designs directly contribute to client satisfaction, product adoption, operational efficiency, and measurable business outcomes for clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in AI-assisted design tools, advanced prototyping techniques, motion design, or UX research methodologies.

• Leadership Development: Progress to a Senior UX/UI Designer role, mentoring junior designers and leading design strategy for key client projects.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain exposure to AI engineering, product strategy, and client management, broadening your skill set beyond pure design.

• Industry Exposure: Work across a diverse range of industries, building a broad understanding of different user needs and business contexts.

• Contribution to Practice: Participate in internal initiatives to shape the company's design practice, methodologies, and thought leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes hands-on experience, continuous learning in AI and design, and the potential for leadership within a specialized firm. The impact is measured by the successful integration of AI into user workflows and client success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is fully remote, offering flexibility and the ability to work from anywhere within Canada.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, Robots & Pencils has delivery centers in Canada, the United States, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. This implies a global, distributed team structure, with significant collaboration happening virtually across different time zones.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: Expect a highly digital and collaborative work environment, relying heavily on communication tools (e.g., Slack, Teams), video conferencing, and project management software.

• Access to Tools: The company emphasizes being "all in on AWS" and proficient in Figma, suggesting access to robust cloud-based infrastructure and leading design software. AI-assisted design tools will be integral.

• Team Interaction: While remote, there will be ample opportunities for team interaction through virtual stand-ups, design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and client meetings. The company culture values direct communication and shared ownership.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week provides a baseline, but the agile and client-focused nature of the work may require flexibility. The company culture encourages "ownership" and "doing what it takes" when necessary, balanced by a commitment to avoiding burnout. Time zone management will be crucial for effective collaboration with distributed teams and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote environment necessitates strong self-discipline and communication skills. The company's structure and focus on rapid delivery mean that collaboration tools and virtual teamwork are paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role and company.

• Portfolio Review & Design Exercise: A deeper dive into your portfolio, discussing your process, decision-making, and impact. This may be followed by a take-home design challenge or an in-person (virtual) whiteboarding session to assess your problem-solving skills and design approach in real-time.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (designers, engineers, strategists) and hiring managers to evaluate collaboration style, technical proficiency, and alignment with company values.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss the role's strategic importance.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your UX/UI skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with design systems or research.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your role and process, the challenges faced, your design decisions with rationale, and the measurable impact or outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with cross-functional teams and incorporated feedback.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Include examples of complex Figma work, prototypes, and design system components.

• Emphasize AI Integration: If possible, highlight any projects where you explored or utilized AI tools in your design process.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio and answer in-depth questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and learning experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly understand the problem statement, target users, and business objectives.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your design thinking process—user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing—even if you can't complete a full end-to-end cycle in the allotted time.

• Prioritize & Justify: Be prepared to explain your priorities and the rationale behind your design decisions, especially when facing constraints.

• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your ideas concisely and effectively, both verbally and visually.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical skills, problem-solving, and cultural fit. The portfolio is critical, and candidates should prepare to articulate their process and impact with specific examples, especially concerning Figma and AI-assisted design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The absolute primary tool for design, prototyping, collaboration, and design system management. Deep proficiency is non-negotiable.

• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Experience or eagerness to learn tools like Figma AI, Claude, or other AI platforms integrated into design workflows for efficiency and ideation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, understanding how to interpret analytics data (e.g., from Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to inform design decisions is beneficial.

• Familiarity with A/B testing concepts and how UX/UI impacts conversion rates. CRM & Automation:

• Generally not a direct tool for UX/UI designers, but understanding the role of CRMs (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms in the broader business context can be helpful for understanding client needs. Collaboration & Project Management:

• Slack/Microsoft Teams: For daily communication and team collaboration.

• Jira/Confluence: Common for agile project tracking and documentation.

• Miro/Mural: For virtual whiteboarding, brainstorming, and workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone tool. Proficiency in AI-assisted design tools and a willingness to adopt them are key differentiators. Familiarity with collaborative platforms is essential for a remote role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• "A doer": A bias for action, problem-solving, and driving tasks to completion without waiting for perfect clarity. This means taking initiative and being proactive.

• "Fast learner who knows you don't know everything": Humility, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning, especially in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

• "Direct in a way that makes the work better": Open, honest, and constructive communication. Willingness to engage in difficult conversations for the betterment of the project and team.

• "Obsessed with craft": A deep commitment to quality, attention to detail, and delivering exceptional work that one can stand behind. Balancing perfectionism with the need to ship.

• "Built for ownership": Taking responsibility for commitments, admitting mistakes quickly, and supporting teammates without blame or finger-pointing.

• "All in": Treating client businesses with the same level of care and dedication as if they were their own, demonstrating passion and commitment.

• Resourcefulness: Ability to thrive and innovate under constraints (time, budget, resources), turning limitations into advantages.

• Team-Oriented: Valuing collaboration and mutual respect, seeking to work with and learn from experienced professionals who are equally dedicated.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with engineers, AI specialists, strategists, and client teams, fostering an environment of shared understanding and co-creation.

• Feedback Culture: An open and direct feedback loop is encouraged to continuously improve designs and team processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across projects and within the design community.

• Agile & Iterative: Collaboration is structured around agile methodologies, emphasizing rapid iteration and continuous improvement based on feedback and evolving requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is highly values-driven, emphasizing action, ownership, directness, and a relentless pursuit of craft. Designers must be comfortable with rapid iteration, embracing feedback, and working collaboratively in a fast-paced, remote environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: Adapting to and thriving within the company's fast-paced delivery model (30-45 days for AI production) requires efficient design processes and quick decision-making.

• Integrating AI Seamlessly: Designing intuitive user experiences for AI-powered products that genuinely enhance, rather than complicate, user workflows.

• Diverse Client Needs: Quickly understanding and designing for a wide array of industries, user types, and complex business problems across different client engagements.

• Balancing Craft and Speed: Maintaining a high bar for design quality while meeting aggressive project timelines.

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and alignment across distributed teams and time zones.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in leveraging AI tools for design, exploring new workflows, and understanding the ethical implications of AI in UX.

• Advanced Prototyping & Motion Design: Enhance skills in creating highly interactive and engaging user experiences.

• UX Research Mastery: Become proficient in advanced research techniques and translating complex findings into actionable design strategies.

• Client Engagement & Strategy: Develop skills in client communication, stakeholder management, and contributing to product strategy.

• Design System Architecture: Gain experience in building and scaling sophisticated design systems for enterprise-level applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around speed, the integration of AI, and managing diverse client needs. Growth opportunities are geared towards specialization in AI-driven design and deepening core UX/UI competencies, with a clear path toward more senior and strategic roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance aggressive timelines with a high standard of design craft. How did you approach it?" (Focus on prioritization, trade-offs, and communication.)

• "How would you approach designing a user interface for an AI co-worker that assists financial analysts with complex data analysis?" (Demonstrate your process, user-centricity, and understanding of AI integration.)

• "Walk us through a project where your UX research significantly changed the direction of a design. What was your process?" (Highlight research skills, analytical thinking, and ability to influence decisions.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are scalable and maintainable? Discuss your experience with design systems." (Showcase understanding of system thinking and practical application.)

• "Given our focus on applied AI and rapid delivery, how do you see your design skills contributing to our mission?" (Connect your experience to the company's core business.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Robots & Pencils and our approach to applied AI?" (Research the company's work, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs, especially from non-designers?" (Emphasize openness, directness, and focus on improving the work.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to be resourceful to overcome a project constraint. What was the outcome?" (Illustrate your problem-solving and ownership mentality.)

• "How do you stay current with advancements in UX/UI design and AI technology?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow a clear story: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.

• Highlight Figma & AI: Explicitly point out your use of Figma features and any AI tools you employed. Show complex prototypes and design system elements.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or specific outcomes to demonstrate the value of your design work.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs, and challenges encountered.

• Showcase Collaboration: Explain how you worked with engineers, product managers, and clients, and how feedback was incorporated.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical application of design skills, a strong understanding of the company's AI-centric and fast-paced environment, and the ability to articulate process and impact clearly, especially using Figma.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 high-impact projects that best showcase your UX/UI design process, Figma proficiency, experience with design systems, and any AI-assisted design work. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the outcome.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly relevant to the job description, such as "UX/UI Design," "Figma," "Design Systems," "UX Research," "AI-assisted design," and "Agile." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects with clarity and conciseness, anticipating questions about your design decisions, collaboration, and problem-solving approach.

• Research Robots & Pencils: Understand their applied AI focus, client industries, and company values. Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for their unique culture and mission.

⚠️ 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.