Design Engineer- Contract (Mid-level)

Punchcut is looking for a designer who codes, or a developer who designs, to join us on a contract basis. You should have a strong understanding of user-centered design and be comfortable working independently and in collaboration with other designers. You are passionate about data-integrated front-end prototypes or prototyping interactive experiences in emerging user interface paradigms and technologies such as generative AI, spatial computing, AI, VR/AR/MR, automotive, and voice. You feel comfortable hacking and prototyping in a fast-paced, collaborative, creative design studio environment. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conceptualize and rapidly prototype distinctive digital experiences
• Support with the creation, evaluation, and execution of new tools, workflows, and frameworks for designing with emerging technology
• Deliver distinctive, cutting-edge experiences for our clients, their customers, and the general public
• Work with teams across multiple offices, collaborating with multiple disciplines
• Constantly over-deliver, surprise and amaze collaborators and clients alike
• Collaborate daily with a team of designers, technologists, and creative team members
• Create conceptual diagrams, use cases, and storyboards

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to rapidly develop proof-of-concept demos to solve design problems and validate novel interactions across platforms
• Ability to craft high-fidelity interactive prototypes following project timeline
• You’re a delight to work with on a team, but you’re comfortable working alone through most design and development puzzles
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Sense of humor and positive, flexible attitude

BONUS

• Experience working with generative AI APIs
• Experience coding in Unity and prototyping XR experiences 
• Experience building Figma plugins, coding in Xcode for visionOS, prototyping in ProtoPie. 
• Enable Punchcut, its people, and its clients to understand emerging technology and how to unlock its potential in new and innovative ways
• Experience designing and developing for design systems
• Experience using React to build components for websites, preferably using React hooks
• Experience coding CSS transitions and CSS keyframe animations 

BONUS [recommended/updated]

• Proficiency in TypeScript, React (including hooks), and other modern web technologies like WebSockets, WebRTC, and WebGL
• Experience working with generative AI APIs
• Experience designing and developing for scalable design systems and component libraries
• Experience coding in Unity and prototyping XR experiences 
• Experience with native development for Apple (SwiftUI) and Android (Jetpack Compose) devices. 
• Enable Punchcut, its people, and its clients to understand emerging technology and how to unlock its potential in new and innovative ways
• Experience designing and developing for design systems and component libraries

WHY PUNCHCUT?

Punchcut is a human interface design and innovation company. For over twenty years we've worked with the world's top companies to envision, design and launch connected products and services that engage customers and transform businesses. We believe strongly in approaching these design challenges from many different perspectives so we might find the most important, innovative, and universal solutions.

Our team is building a company that is diverse, equal, and inclusive – one where everyone feels valued and free to be their authentic selves. At Punchcut we embrace differences and all of the amazing, unique characteristics that make us human.

Punchcut designers are located across many time zones. We offer a virtual first, flexible work schedule and take pride in providing a balanced work environment. Full time employees receive medical, dental, life, and disability insurance as well as paid and sabbatical time off. Additional benefits include a 401k plan as well as allowances for technology, home office set up, professional development and wellness.

Cultivating a diverse, thriving, dispersed work environment is never done. We’re growing our network of people and programs to help us realize this vision. Join us in designing for the future we all want to see.

Punchcut is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Compensation: 60-90 hour