Recruiting from Scratch
Founding Product Designer
Recruiting from Scratch, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
Who is Recruiting from Scratch:
Recruiting from Scratch is a specialized talent firm dedicated to helping companies build exceptional teams. We partner closely with our clients to deeply understand their needs, then connect them with top-tier candidates who are not only highly skilled but also the right fit for the company's culture and vision. Our mission is simple: place the best people in the right roles to drive long-term success for both clients and candidates.
https://www.recruitingfromscratch.com/
Title of Role:
Founding Product Designer 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.
Recruiting from Scratch is a specialized talent firm dedicated to helping companies build exceptional teams. We partner closely with our clients to deeply understand their needs, then connect them with top-tier candidates who are not only highly skilled but also the right fit for the company's culture and vision. Our mission is simple: place the best people in the right roles to drive long-term success for both clients and candidates.
https://www.recruitingfromscratch.com/
Title of Role:
Founding Product Designer 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.