Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Design Engineer

Company: Moonlake

Location: San Francisco, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Engineering (GTM Operations adjacent)

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on designing and implementing intuitive user interfaces for AI-powered creative and simulation tools, bridging the gap between complex AI capabilities and user accessibility.

• Drive the end-to-end product development lifecycle for new features, from initial concept and interaction design to frontend architecture and final implementation.

• Collaborate intimately with AI researchers and engineers to translate cutting-edge AI models into tangible, production-ready product experiences.

• Establish and evolve the design language and product direction for a novel category of AI software, influencing the future of interactive world modeling.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Head of Design" in the raw input, the description and responsibilities clearly indicate a "Product Design Engineer" role focused on hands-on execution and implementation, rather than a leadership or management position. The experience level of "2-5 years" further supports this. This enhanced description reflects the actual scope of the role. The role sits at the intersection of Product, Design, and Engineering, making it highly relevant to GTM Operations by influencing how end-users engage with the product, which directly impacts adoption and value realization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and build intuitive user experiences for AI-powered creative and simulation tools, focusing on simplifying complex workflows.

• Rapidly prototype new product concepts from initial ideation through to a working implementation, enabling swift iteration and validation.

• Collaborate closely with AI researchers and engineers to translate frontier AI capabilities into robust, production-ready product features.

• Own the complete product feature lifecycle, encompassing interaction design, frontend architecture, and final code implementation.

• Develop interfaces that effectively abstract complexity in world generation, simulation, and multimodal AI interactions.

• Continuously refine and improve the product based on user feedback, experimentation, and iterative development cycles.

• Contribute to establishing the foundational design language and strategic product direction for an entirely new category of AI software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of design and engineering execution, emphasizing the "zero to one" product development aspect. This is crucial for candidates to understand the hands-on nature of the role and the expectation to not only design but also build.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in product design, frontend engineering, or a hybrid role focused on building user-facing applications. Proven experience designing and building products from concept to launch.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional product intuition with a strong focus on crafting polished and delightful user experiences.

• Proficient frontend engineering skills using modern web technologies, including React, Next.js, TypeScript, and Tailwind CSS.

• Demonstrated experience in designing and building products from inception to market ("zero to one").

• Ability to rapidly prototype ideas and iterate on designs and implementations with minimal supervision.

• Strong visual design skills with a meticulous eye for detail and aesthetic consistency.

• Comfort and proficiency working across design, product management, and engineering disciplines.

• Experience in translating complex technical concepts into user-friendly interfaces. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience with AI products, creative tools, developer platforms, or simulation software.

• Familiarity with 3D environments, real-time generation, or world modeling concepts.

• Experience with user research methodologies and incorporating feedback into design iterations.

• Understanding of AI infrastructure principles and their application in product design.

• Knowledge of multimodal AI interactions and their design implications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "zero to one" and "rapid prototyping" requirements suggest a startup environment where agility and the ability to quickly bring ideas to life are paramount. Candidates should be prepared to showcase projects where they've had significant ownership and impact from the ground up.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of end-to-end product development, demonstrating ownership from concept to implementation.

• Examples of complex AI or simulation concepts translated into intuitive user interfaces.

• Case studies detailing the design and engineering process for at least one "zero to one" product or feature.

• Demonstrations of rapid prototyping capabilities, including interactive mockups or functional prototypes.

• Evidence of strong visual design skills and attention to detail in UI elements and overall aesthetics.

• Projects highlighting collaboration across design, engineering, and product disciplines. Process Documentation:

• Detailed walkthroughs of your design process for key projects, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.

• Explanation of your frontend development workflow, including technology choices and architectural decisions.

• Documentation of how you incorporate user feedback and iteration into your design and development cycles.

• Examples of how you have simplified complex workflows or abstract technical concepts for end-users.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio that blends strong visual design with functional frontend code execution will be highly valued. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just the "what" but also the "how" and "why" behind their design and engineering decisions, especially in the context of novel AI applications.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Product Design Engineers with 2-5 years of experience in San Francisco, CA, the estimated salary range is $120,000 - $160,000 per year. This range accounts for the high cost of living in San Francisco and the specialized skillset required for this role.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Stock options or equity in a rapidly growing AI startup.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including conferences and training.

• Potential for significant impact and career growth within a pioneering company.

• A collaborative and innovative work environment.

Working Hours: Standard full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and collaborate effectively within a fast-paced startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on current market data for similar roles in San Francisco, considering the company's funding status and the specialized nature of AI and simulation product development. This range is a guideline and actual compensation will depend on individual experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Simulation Technology, Robotics, World Models, Creative Tooling. Moonlake is at the forefront of developing AI infrastructure for interactive digital worlds, positioning itself as a leader in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Company Size: Seed-stage startup (likely <50 employees), backed by significant funding ($28M seed round). This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individual contributions have a substantial impact.

Founded: Founded with a mission to build the frontier of interactive world models, Moonlake is focused on creating foundational AI infrastructure.

Team Structure:

• A lean, highly collaborative team composed of AI researchers, engineers, and product specialists.

• Likely a flat hierarchy, encouraging direct communication and cross-functional teamwork.

• Close collaboration between design, research, and engineering is a core tenet of the company's operational model. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and iterative development cycles.

• Emphasis on rapid prototyping and experimentation to validate concepts quickly.

• A strong focus on translating cutting-edge AI research into practical, user-friendly products.

• Commitment to building scalable and robust AI infrastructure.

Company Website: https://moonlakeai.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "AI for creating world simulations" and its significant seed funding indicate a high-growth potential and an environment that values innovation and pushing technological boundaries. Candidates should be prepared for an environment that is both intellectually stimulating and demanding.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-level Product Design Engineer position. It offers significant opportunity for individual contribution and impact, with the potential to grow into a senior or lead design/engineering role as the company scales. The focus is on hands-on execution and shaping product direction.

Reporting Structure: The Product Design Engineer will likely report to a Head of Product, CTO, or a founding team member. Close collaboration with AI researchers and engineering leads is expected.

Operations Impact: This role is critical to the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by defining how users interact with Moonlake's AI capabilities. A well-designed and implemented product experience directly influences user adoption, customer satisfaction, and the overall success of the platform in establishing a new market category. The design and engineering of intuitive interfaces are key to realizing the value of the underlying AI technology.

Growth Opportunities:

• Product Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior Product Design Engineer, Lead Product Designer, or even a Product Manager role as the product team expands.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI product design, simulation technologies, and advanced frontend architecture.

• Cross-functional Mastery: Develop a comprehensive understanding of AI research, product strategy, and engineering best practices.

• Foundational Impact: Play a pivotal role in shaping the design language and user experience of a company defining a new AI category.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement suggests a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration and team building, which can accelerate learning and career development through direct mentorship and spontaneous knowledge sharing.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, in-person team environment. This indicates a preference for direct collaboration, spontaneous brainstorming, and a strong team culture.

Office Location(s): San Francisco, CA. This location offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem, talent pool, and networking opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• A highly collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where cross-functional teams work closely together.

• Access to cutting-edge AI research and development infrastructure.

• Opportunities for hands-on work with advanced technologies and tools.

• An environment that encourages innovation, experimentation, and rapid iteration.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with an expectation of flexibility to meet ambitious project timelines common in a fast-paced startup. The on-site nature facilitates spontaneous team syncs and problem-solving sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on being an "on-site, in-person team" is a key differentiator. Candidates should be prepared for and embrace this collaborative, in-office culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio, focusing on relevant design and engineering skills.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A deep dive into selected portfolio projects, discussing design rationale, engineering implementation, and problem-solving approaches. This will likely include coding exercises or discussions around frontend architecture.

• Cross-functional Collaboration Interview: Discussion with researchers and engineers to assess collaboration style, ability to translate technical concepts, and understanding of AI systems.

• Product Sense & Strategy Interview: Evaluation of product intuition, understanding of user needs, and ability to contribute to product direction for a new category of software.

• Final Round: Discussion with founders or senior leadership to assess cultural fit and overall vision alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase End-to-End Ownership: Highlight projects where you were responsible for both design and implementation, especially "zero to one" initiatives.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and implementations (e.g., user engagement, task completion rates, adoption metrics).

• Explain Your Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, user-centered approach, and engineering decisions. Be ready to discuss trade-offs.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you've worked effectively with engineers, researchers, and product managers.

• Tailor to Moonlake: Emphasize projects that involve AI, simulation, creative tools, or complex technical domains, showcasing your ability to handle novel challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for live coding exercises focusing on React, Next.js, and TypeScript.

• Practice articulating complex technical and design concepts clearly and concisely.

• Develop a framework for discussing product strategy and user experience for AI-driven applications.

• Think critically about how to make advanced AI capabilities accessible and intuitive for various user groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a blend of design polish and engineering execution. Candidates should ensure their portfolio and interview preparation reflect proficiency in both areas, with a strong emphasis on bringing innovative ideas to life through code.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Frontend Frameworks: React, Next.js

• Languages: TypeScript, JavaScript

• Styling: Tailwind CSS

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (or similar)

• Version Control: Git, GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for tracking user interaction and feature adoption (specific tools may vary, but understanding the principles is key).

• Data analysis to inform design decisions and product iterations. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding how product usage data feeds into customer success and GTM strategies is beneficial.

• Experience with developer platforms or tools that interact with AI/ML systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in React, Next.js, TypeScript, and Tailwind CSS is explicitly stated as required. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate hands-on experience with these technologies, particularly in building interactive web applications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Frontier Exploration: A drive to push the boundaries of AI and simulation technology.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to creating intuitive and delightful user experiences, even for complex AI systems.

• Execution Excellence: A focus on delivering high-quality, polished products through strong design and engineering.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and close teamwork across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Impact-Driven: A desire to build foundational technology that shapes future AI applications.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork between design, research, and engineering.

• Open dialogue and feedback are encouraged to refine ideas and ensure alignment.

• A culture that values rapid iteration and learning from experimentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to build "AI for creating world simulations" suggests a culture that values ambitious goals and the technical rigor required to achieve them. Candidates should be comfortable with a fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining a New Category: Establishing the user experience and product direction for an entirely new class of AI software requires significant innovation and foresight.

• Bridging AI and UI/UX: Translating highly complex, cutting-edge AI capabilities into simple, intuitive, and delightful user interfaces.

• Rapid Iteration in a Startup: Balancing the need for speed and iteration with the demand for polished, high-quality product experiences.

• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: Effectively communicating and collaborating between highly specialized AI researchers, engineers, and designers.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI/Simulation: Gain unparalleled experience at the intersection of AI, robotics simulation, and interactive 3D worlds.

• Product Ownership: Develop end-to-end product management and development skills by owning features from concept to launch.

• Mentorship: Learn from experienced AI researchers and engineers in a hands-on environment.

• Industry Impact: Contribute to building foundational technology that will shape the future of AI and its applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to be at the bleeding edge of AI development and to influence the very nature of how users will interact with advanced simulation and world-building technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• How would you approach designing an interface for generating complex 3D environments using natural language prompts?

• Describe a time you had to simplify a highly technical concept for a non-technical audience. What was your process and outcome?

• Given Moonlake's mission, what are the biggest UX challenges you foresee, and how would you begin to address them? Company & Culture Questions:

• What excites you most about Moonlake's mission and the "AI for world simulation" space?

• How do you approach collaboration with AI researchers and engineers who may have different priorities or communication styles?

• How do you stay current with advancements in AI, design, and frontend technologies? Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your role, and the resulting impact (quantified if possible).

• Showcase Technical Skill: Be ready to walk through code snippets, discuss architectural decisions, and explain your frontend implementation choices.

• Demonstrate Design Process: Explain your user-centered design methodology, including research, ideation, prototyping, and iteration.

• Highlight AI/Complex Domains: If possible, showcase projects that involved complex technical domains, AI, or simulation, demonstrating your ability to tackle challenging problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss not only your design and coding skills but also your product sense and strategic thinking regarding how users will interact with novel AI capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Design Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight frontend engineering skills (React, Next.js, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS) and product design experience, particularly with complex technical products or "zero to one" initiatives.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end design and engineering capabilities, focusing on complexity, user experience, and technical execution. Prepare to walk through these projects in detail.

• Prepare for Technical Assessment: Brush up on modern frontend development concepts, particularly within the React/Next.js ecosystem. Be ready for live coding or code review discussions.

• Research Moonlake: Understand their mission, technology, and the market they are aiming to create. Think critically about their product and user experience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.