Recruiting from Scratch
Founding Product Designer
Recruiting from Scratch, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
Overview
Title of Role:
Founding Product Designer
The following information aims to provide potential candidates with a better understanding of the requirements for this role. Location:
San Francisco, CA (Hybrid, 3 days/week in-office) Company Stage of Funding:
Seed/Series A (venture-backed, ~5M raised) Office Type:
Hybrid (in-person collaboration with flexibility) Salary:
$150,000 – $200,000 base, plus equity Company Description We are partnering with a fast-growing AI startup on a mission to redefine how people connect—with themselves and with others. Backed by top-tier investors (including founders and early executives from iconic tech companies), this team is building the most emotionally intelligent AI product on Earth. With a small but mighty group of ~7 employees, the company is scaling quickly and looking to bring on a
Founding Product Designer
who will own the end-to-end product design vision. This is a rare opportunity to join a startup at the ground floor and shape both the product and brand experience in a transformative space. What You Will Do
Design with Impact:
Own UX/UI across mobile and web, delivering seamless, emotionally resonant experiences.
Shape the Brand:
Establish a cohesive, elevated visual identity across product, marketing, and web.
Prototype & Iterate:
Create wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes while shipping pixel-perfect designs at speed.
Lead with Empathy:
Leverage research and behavioral insights to design solutions that feel personal, intuitive, and emotionally intelligent.
Collaborate Cross-Functionally:
Partner closely with engineering, product, and marketing to take ideas from concept to launch.
Ideal Candidate Background
4+ years of product design experience, ideally in consumer tech, AI, or fast-paced startups.
Strong UX and UI craft across mobile and web applications.
Mastery of Figma and design systems; ability to design at scale.
Experience blending product and brand design to create iconic, personality-driven experiences.
Hands-on knowledge of HTML/CSS and ability to support website implementation (e.g., Webflow).
A portfolio that demonstrates tasteful, warm, and unique designs (avoiding sterile, cookie-cutter SaaS aesthetics).
Preferred
Experience in high-ownership roles (e.g., building design systems, spanning product + brand).
Previous work at top design agencies or admired consumer products (Duolingo, Calm, Headspace, Strava, etc.).
Background in Human-Computer Interaction or design programs from leading universities.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary:
$150K – $200K base
Equity:
Competitive stock options with significant upside potential
Work Environment:
Hybrid role based in San Francisco (in-office 3 days/week for collaboration)
Culture:
High autonomy, fast execution, mission-driven team with radical candor and zero ego culture
This role offers a rare chance to be a
founding team member
at an early-stage AI company during a moment of hypergrowth. You’ll have the opportunity to set the creative direction, build products that matter, and grow with a team that is passionate about shaping a more emotionally connected world.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Title of Role:
Founding Product Designer
The following information aims to provide potential candidates with a better understanding of the requirements for this role. Location:
San Francisco, CA (Hybrid, 3 days/week in-office) Company Stage of Funding:
Seed/Series A (venture-backed, ~5M raised) Office Type:
Hybrid (in-person collaboration with flexibility) Salary:
$150,000 – $200,000 base, plus equity Company Description We are partnering with a fast-growing AI startup on a mission to redefine how people connect—with themselves and with others. Backed by top-tier investors (including founders and early executives from iconic tech companies), this team is building the most emotionally intelligent AI product on Earth. With a small but mighty group of ~7 employees, the company is scaling quickly and looking to bring on a
Founding Product Designer
who will own the end-to-end product design vision. This is a rare opportunity to join a startup at the ground floor and shape both the product and brand experience in a transformative space. What You Will Do
Design with Impact:
Own UX/UI across mobile and web, delivering seamless, emotionally resonant experiences.
Shape the Brand:
Establish a cohesive, elevated visual identity across product, marketing, and web.
Prototype & Iterate:
Create wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes while shipping pixel-perfect designs at speed.
Lead with Empathy:
Leverage research and behavioral insights to design solutions that feel personal, intuitive, and emotionally intelligent.
Collaborate Cross-Functionally:
Partner closely with engineering, product, and marketing to take ideas from concept to launch.
Ideal Candidate Background
4+ years of product design experience, ideally in consumer tech, AI, or fast-paced startups.
Strong UX and UI craft across mobile and web applications.
Mastery of Figma and design systems; ability to design at scale.
Experience blending product and brand design to create iconic, personality-driven experiences.
Hands-on knowledge of HTML/CSS and ability to support website implementation (e.g., Webflow).
A portfolio that demonstrates tasteful, warm, and unique designs (avoiding sterile, cookie-cutter SaaS aesthetics).
Preferred
Experience in high-ownership roles (e.g., building design systems, spanning product + brand).
Previous work at top design agencies or admired consumer products (Duolingo, Calm, Headspace, Strava, etc.).
Background in Human-Computer Interaction or design programs from leading universities.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary:
$150K – $200K base
Equity:
Competitive stock options with significant upside potential
Work Environment:
Hybrid role based in San Francisco (in-office 3 days/week for collaboration)
Culture:
High autonomy, fast execution, mission-driven team with radical candor and zero ego culture
This role offers a rare chance to be a
founding team member
at an early-stage AI company during a moment of hypergrowth. You’ll have the opportunity to set the creative direction, build products that matter, and grow with a team that is passionate about shaping a more emotionally connected world.
#J-18808-Ljbffr