What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate UX/UI Designer (Contract) position at Cartesian?
About Cartesian
Cartesian is building spatial intelligence for indoor environments to drive operational efficiency. We’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in the $35T global retail industry: in-store inventory visibility. Our platform delivers accurate indoor positioning and actionable product location insights, helping retailers streamline operations, optimize workflows, and reduce inefficiencies. By fusing wireless signals and mobile computer vision, we provide a uniquely scalable, infrastructure-free solution already deployed by international fashion brands.
Founded by an MIT engineering professor and alumni behind award-winning, patented core technologies, Cartesian spun out in 2023. Originally backed by a U.S. National Science Foundation SBIR Award, we’ve bootstrapped to a live product now deployed in multiple countries and are scaling aggressively.
About The Role
We are looking for a [Job Title] to join Cartesian at a pivotal moment in our growth. This is a hands-on, impact-driven role. We are not tied to a rigid checklist of credentials—what matters most is your ability to learn quickly, navigate ambiguity, and turn ideas into meaningful real-world impact. Depending on the role, you may work across research, engineering, product, and operations to help shape both our technology and our product direction. We move quickly, value ownership, and expect high-quality work. You will have meaningful responsibility from day one and the opportunity to influence both technical decisions and how our product evolves in the real world. Location: In-person in Kendall Square, Cambridge (or as otherwise specified).
What You’ll Do
We know that no one checks every box—and we don’t expect you to. If this role sounds exciting to you, and you think you could contribute to Cartesian’s mission, we encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match the description. We care deeply about people who are curious, thoughtful, and motivated to learn, and we believe strong teams are built from a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Interview Process
Salary Range
$50 - $80 USD
Cartesian is building spatial intelligence for indoor environments to drive operational efficiency. We’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in the $35T global retail industry: in-store inventory visibility. Our platform delivers accurate indoor positioning and actionable product location insights, helping retailers streamline operations, optimize workflows, and reduce inefficiencies. By fusing wireless signals and mobile computer vision, we provide a uniquely scalable, infrastructure-free solution already deployed by international fashion brands.
Founded by an MIT engineering professor and alumni behind award-winning, patented core technologies, Cartesian spun out in 2023. Originally backed by a U.S. National Science Foundation SBIR Award, we’ve bootstrapped to a live product now deployed in multiple countries and are scaling aggressively.
About The Role
We are looking for a [Job Title] to join Cartesian at a pivotal moment in our growth. This is a hands-on, impact-driven role. We are not tied to a rigid checklist of credentials—what matters most is your ability to learn quickly, navigate ambiguity, and turn ideas into meaningful real-world impact. Depending on the role, you may work across research, engineering, product, and operations to help shape both our technology and our product direction. We move quickly, value ownership, and expect high-quality work. You will have meaningful responsibility from day one and the opportunity to influence both technical decisions and how our product evolves in the real world. Location: In-person in Kendall Square, Cambridge (or as otherwise specified).
What You’ll Do
- Own and execute design projects across web, mobile, and product experiences, from initial concept through final deliverables. Sample projects include:
- Leading the redesign and ongoing improvement of Cartesian’s website, including visual design and communication of our products and brand.
- Designing UI/UX flows, mockups, and interfaces for new and existing mobile applications
- Collaborating closely with product, engineering, and business teams to translate product goals and customer needs into intuitive, high-quality designs.
- 2 years of experience in product design, UI/UX design, web design, or related creative roles.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating thoughtful, user-centered design across digital products and websites.
- Strong understanding of storytelling through design, with the ability to independently drive projects from concept through execution (e.g., website redesigns or product interfaces).
- Proficiency with modern design tools.
- Ability to work independently and manage projects in fast-moving, ambiguous environments.
- Startup or early-stage company experience
- Familiarity working closely with engineering teams and product development workflows.
- Work on hard, real-world problems with immediate and visible impact
- Join a small team with significant ownership and autonomy
- Collaborative, thoughtful, low-ego culture focused on learning and execution
We know that no one checks every box—and we don’t expect you to. If this role sounds exciting to you, and you think you could contribute to Cartesian’s mission, we encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t perfectly match the description. We care deeply about people who are curious, thoughtful, and motivated to learn, and we believe strong teams are built from a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Interview Process
- Introductory call to assess motivation, design experience, and overall fit.
- Discussion of past work, design approach, and thoughts on product and user experience.
Salary Range
$50 - $80 USD
Salary : $50 - $80