Associate UX/UI Designer (Contract)

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 Part-time Designer to join Cartesian at a pivotal moment in our growth. This is an impact-driven role focused on shaping how our products and brand are experienced by customers and partners. We value relevant experience, but what matters most is your ability to communicate ideas clearly through thoughtful, high-quality design work.

You will work closely with the product and business teams on key design initiatives across our website, mobile applications, and product experiences. This is a part time position with an expected commitment of around 8 hours per week. As we grow, there’s potential for this to evolve into a full-time role.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Nice to Have

• Startup or early-stage company experience
• Familiarity working closely with engineering teams and product development workflows.

Why Cartesian

• 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

If You’re Not Sure You’re a Perfect Fit

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.