UX Animator (Only W2, no C2C/1099) San Francisco, CA - Hybrid6-months contract roleOverviewThe Team focuses on making products more engaging, expressive, and enjoyable. The goal is to transform user experiences from functional to memorable by creating moments of surprise, delight, and emotional connection across search and emerging AI-driven surfaces.As a UX Animator, you will ideate, design, and deliver motion and visual experiences that enhance product storytelling and elevate user engagement.Key ResponsibilitiesIdeate, execute, iterate, and deliver visual assets for static and interactive delight features across search and AI-driven surfacesCollaborate closely with engineers to communicate, negotiate, and refine design intent for implementationDevelop and guide design specifications including mockups, design systems, and product modelsDrive design improvements based on UX testing, data insights, and stakeholder feedbackBuild alignment across cross-functional teams and influence design strategy decisionsApply and evolve motion and visual design frameworks including principles, patterns, and systemsTranslate product requirements into high-quality motion prototypes and visual narrativesEnsure adherence to accessibility standards, design systems, and platform guidelinesPropose innovative ideas by anticipating user needs and solving product/design constraintsWhat Makes This Role UniqueFocus on crafting emotionally engaging, delightful user experiences at scaleWork in deeply collaborative environments involving designers, engineers, product managers, and cross-functional partnersOpportunity to influence experiences seen by hundreds of millions of users globallyEmphasis on experimental, expressive, and unconventional motion design thinkingStrong culture of design storytelling and post-launch user impact visibility (“joy-driven impact feedback loops”)High creative ownership with space for artistic exploration and independent thinkingTop Skills & Requirements4+ years of experience in animation and/or motion designStrong portfolio demonstrating motion design and animation expertise (web/vector-based work preferred)Strong visual design sensibility with modern aesthetics and expressive styleProficiency in animation tools such as After Effects, Rive, and vector-based animation toolsExperience designing interactive experiences for web or product interfacesFluency across multiple illustration and motion stylesUnderstanding of gaming UX principles and interactive flow design (preferred)Ability to independently create prototypes and design explorationsStrong creativity, originality, and ability to bring personality and humor into design workPortfolio must demonstrate:Web-based motion design and animation (vector focus)Modern visual design sensibilitiesRange of visual tone, style, and experimentationIndependent/self-initiated creative workRole Description (UX Design Level Expectation)This role sits within a senior UX design scope where you are expected to own outcomes for complex or emerging product areas. You will define scalable design approaches in areas with limited precedent and help shape long-term product and experience strategy.You will influence across teams by guiding design direction, challenging assumptions, and introducing alternative perspectives that improve product outcomes.Core Responsibilities (Expanded UX Scope)Collaborate with engineers to define and refine design implementation detailsUse data and metrics to evaluate design impact and understand user behavior, trends, and ecosystem dynamicsDrive UX improvements through testing, research insights, and stakeholder collaborationBuild consensus across teams and communicate design rationale effectivelyContribute to prioritization and planning of design work aligned with product goalsCreate solutions based on user needs, business goals, and market trendsLead holistic design systems, frameworks, or languages across products or teamsConduct or guide UX research to inform design direction and validationTranslate insights into prototypes, concepts, and scalable design solutionsEnsure accessibility, usability, and consistency across all deliverablesContinuously improve UX practices by identifying opportunities and constraintsCore CompetenciesData analysis, synthesis, and planningProduct design principles and systems thinkingUX research methodologiesUnderstanding product development lifecycleStrong aesthetic and visual craftsmanshipUser behavior analysisPresentation and storytelling skillsInteractive technology awarenessAbility to balance creativity with product and business constraintsDesign system thinking and scalability mindsetThanks,Nandit