Product Design Manager - Reality Labs

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Design Manager - Reality Labs

Company: Meta

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-04

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Design Role Summary

• Lead and manage design teams to ensure product value, usability, and high-quality execution.
• Oversee user experience from conception to launch in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Hire, mentor, and manage design teams, fostering a collaborative design environment.
• Contribute to strategic decisions and stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Experience in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) environments is a plus.

🖼️ Primary Design Responsibilities

• Lead and manage design teams to deliver projects and maintain a balanced skill set.
• Oversee the user experience of a product from conception to launch, collaborating with various teams.
• Take broad, conceptual ideas and turn them into valuable and usable products for people.
• Contribute to high-level strategic decisions with product and executive teams.
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Represent work to broader teams and leaders, clearly communicating goals and concepts.

🎓 Design Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Experience: 6+ years of experience in Product Design, including 3+ years of design leadership experience with direct reports

Required Design Skills:

• Proven experience in product design, with a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant work and understanding of best practices.
• Experience leading product direction and strategic thinking, developing product goals, and making decisions based on impact to people and the company.
• Experience working collaboratively with product, engineering, design, content, and user research teams.
• Experience building and shipping applications or software across various platforms.

Preferred Design Skills:

• Experience designing for hardware products and new interaction models.
• Experience working in AR and VR environments.
• User interface/interaction development experience in a 3D product.
• Experience delivering 0-1 products from concept stages to launch.
• Experience working on large-scale, complex projects across multiple organization pillars.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of best practices in product design and a track record of shipping high-quality products.
• Showcase your ability to take broad, conceptual ideas and turn them into something useful and valuable for people.
• Highlight your experience leading product direction and strategic thinking, with examples of developing product goals and making decisions based on impact to people and the company.
• Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and represent your work clearly and succinctly.

Design Process Documentation:

• Include research and discovery phases, demonstrating your understanding of user needs and market trends.
• Showcase your ideation and iteration methods, highlighting your ability to generate and refine concepts.
• Document your validation and testing approaches, demonstrating your commitment to user-centered design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role in Los Angeles, California, is approximately $150,000 - $200,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications. This estimate is derived from regional market data and design industry standards.

Benefits:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) matching and employee stock purchase plan.
• Generous time off policies, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• On-site fitness centers and wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.

Working Hours: Full-time employees typically work 40 hours per week, with flexible hours and remote work options available for some roles.

🎯 Design Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Meta operates in the technology industry, focusing on social networking, augmented reality, and virtual reality. This role is within the Reality Labs division, dedicated to defining experiences in AR and VR.

Company Size: Meta is a large company with over 10,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: 2004, as Facebook, and rebranded as Meta in 2021. The company has a rich history in social networking and is now expanding into AR and VR.

Design Team Structure:

• The design team is medium to large, with multiple sub-teams focusing on different aspects of the product.
• The team follows a flat structure, with design managers reporting directly to directors and vice presidents.
• Cross-functional collaboration is encouraged, with design teams working closely with product, engineering, and research teams.

Design Methodology:

• Meta follows a user-centered design approach, with a strong emphasis on research, prototyping, and user testing.
• The design process involves iterative design and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Designers at Meta use a variety of tools, including Figma, Adobe XD, and Sketch, depending on the project's requirements.

Company Website: Meta Careers

📈 Design Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is at the manager level, with responsibilities for leading and managing design teams, driving user experience, and contributing to strategic decisions. The role requires a strong understanding of design principles, leadership skills, and experience working on complex projects.

Reporting Structure: The Product Design Manager reports directly to the Design Director or Vice President, depending on the team's size and structure.

Design Impact: The Product Design Manager has a significant impact on the product's user experience, influencing the design direction and ensuring the product meets user needs and business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• As the company continues to grow and expand into new areas, there are opportunities for designers to take on more significant responsibilities and move into senior leadership roles.
• Designers at Meta have access to professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.
• Meta encourages internal mobility, with opportunities to move between teams and disciplines as the company evolves.

🌐 Design Work Environment

Studio Type: Meta's design studios are modern, collaborative spaces with state-of-the-art tools and technology. The work environment is designed to foster creativity, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California, United States

Design Workspace Context:

• Designers at Meta work in open, collaborative spaces with access to various tools and resources.
• The design workspace is designed to encourage interaction and collaboration between designers and other teams.
• Designers have access to dedicated spaces for sketching, prototyping, and user testing.

Work Schedule: Meta offers flexible work schedules, with core hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Employees can work remotely or on-site, depending on their role and team preferences.

📄 Design Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• The design interview process typically consists of three to four rounds, including a portfolio review, design challenge, and final presentation.
• Candidates can expect to meet with design managers, directors, and other team members throughout the process.
• The interview process is designed to assess the candidate's design skills, cultural fit, and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your ability to take broad, conceptual ideas and turn them into valuable and usable products for people.
• Demonstrate your experience leading product direction and strategic thinking, with examples of developing product goals and making decisions based on impact to people and the company.
• Showcase your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and represent your work clearly and succinctly.
• Include examples of your work in AR and VR environments, if applicable.

Design Challenge Preparation:

• The design challenge typically involves creating a new feature or improving an existing one, with a focus on user experience and design thinking.
• Candidates should expect to work on the challenge for a set amount of time, with the opportunity to ask questions and seek feedback throughout the process.
• The design challenge is designed to assess the candidate's problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Design ATS Keywords:

• Design Skills: User Experience Design, Product Design, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Design Thinking, User Research, Prototyping, Wireframing, Design Systems, Accessibility, Design Leadership, Strategic Thinking, Cross-functional Collaboration
• Design Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, InVision, Zeplin, Adobe Creative Suite, Principle, Framer, Origami, Flinto, Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Blender, Unity, ARKit, ARCore
• Design Methodologies: User-centered Design, Design Thinking, Agile, Lean UX, Double Diamond Design Process, Google Design Sprint, Design Council, DesignOps
• Soft Skills: Communication, Collaboration, Leadership, Mentoring, Problem-solving, Time Management, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Presentation Skills, Negotiation, Influencing, Adaptability, Resilience, Creativity, Innovation
• Industry Terms: Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Metaverse, Social Media, Gaming, Entertainment, Education, Healthcare, Finance, Retail, E-commerce, Mobile, Web, Desktop, IoT, Wearables, AR/VR Headsets, Smart Glasses, Haptic Feedback, Eye Tracking, Facial Recognition, Gesture Recognition, Voice Recognition, Natural Language Processing, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Data Visualization, UX Writing, Content Strategy

🛠 Design Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma: Used for collaborative design, prototyping, and handoff to developers. Figma is the primary design tool used at Meta.
• Adobe XD: Used for creating interactive prototypes and design specifications. Adobe XD is used in conjunction with Figma for specific projects.
• Sketch: Used for initial concept development and brainstorming sessions. Sketch is used alongside Figma and Adobe XD for a comprehensive design workflow.
• Zeplin: Used for design handoff and collaboration with developers. Zeplin is integrated with Figma and Adobe XD for seamless collaboration.

Design Collaboration & Handoff:

• InVision: Used for prototyping, user testing, and collaboration with stakeholders. InVision is integrated with Figma for a streamlined design workflow.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Used for graphic design, video editing, and 3D modeling. Adobe Creative Suite is used in conjunction with other design tools for specific projects.
• Principle: Used for creating interactive prototypes and design specifications. Principle is used alongside Figma and Adobe XD for a comprehensive design workflow.

Design Research & Testing:

• Google Analytics: Used for tracking user behavior, measuring design performance, and optimizing user experience.
• UserTesting.com: Used for remote user testing, gathering feedback, and iterating on design concepts.
• Maze: Used for creating and conducting user tests, gathering feedback, and analyzing results. Maze is integrated with Figma for a streamlined design workflow.

👥 Design Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• User-focused: Meta's design teams prioritize user needs and preferences, ensuring that products and features are valuable, usable, and accessible to all users.
• Collaborative: Design teams at Meta work closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and researchers, to ensure that products meet user needs and business objectives.
• Innovative: Meta's design teams are encouraged to think creatively and push the boundaries of what is possible, driving innovation in AR, VR, and social networking.
• Data-driven: Design decisions at Meta are informed by data and user research, ensuring that products are optimized for performance and user satisfaction.
• Inclusive: Meta's design teams strive to create products that are accessible and inclusive, reflecting the diversity of the global user base.

Design Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional: Design teams at Meta work closely with product, engineering, and research teams to ensure that products meet user needs and business objectives.
• Iterative: Design teams at Meta follow an iterative design process, with regular feedback and refinement cycles.
• Transparent: Design teams at Meta maintain open lines of communication, with regular updates and progress reports shared with stakeholders.

⚡ Design Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Scalability: Designing for a global user base with diverse needs and preferences presents unique challenges in ensuring that products are accessible, performant, and optimized for all users.
• Technological evolution: The rapid pace of technological change in AR, VR, and social networking requires design teams to stay up-to-date with emerging trends and tools.
• User expectations: As users become more sophisticated, design teams must continually evolve their products to meet changing user expectations and preferences.
• Regulatory compliance: Design teams must ensure that products comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, including data privacy, accessibility, and content moderation guidelines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design workshops and training: Meta offers regular design workshops and training sessions, covering a range of topics, including design thinking, user research, and prototyping.
• Industry conferences and events: Meta encourages designers to attend industry conferences and events, providing opportunities to learn from experts, network with peers, and stay up-to-date with emerging trends.
• Mentorship and coaching: Meta offers mentorship and coaching programs, pairing designers with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and career development opportunities.

💡 Design Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Design question 1: Describe your design process for a recent project, focusing on your approach to research, ideation, prototyping, and user testing. How did you incorporate feedback and iterate on your design concepts?
• Design question 2: How do you approach designing for accessibility and inclusivity? Can you provide an example of a design decision you made to improve accessibility or inclusivity in one of your projects?
• Design question 3: Describe a design challenge you faced in a recent project and how you overcame it. What did you learn from the experience, and how did it inform your design process moving forward?

Company & Design Culture Questions:

• Design question 4: How do you see Meta's design culture reflected in your own design philosophy and approach to work? How would you contribute to Meta's design culture as a member of our team?
• Design question 5: Describe a time when you had to collaborate with a cross-functional team to deliver a design project. How did you ensure that the design met the needs of both the user and the business? What was the outcome of the project?
• Design question 6: How do you approach balancing user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints in your design process? Can you provide an example of a design decision you made that successfully navigated these competing priorities?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Presentation strategy 1: Focus on storytelling and context, explaining the design problem, your approach, and the outcome of your design process.
• Presentation strategy 2: Highlight your design process, including research, ideation, prototyping, and user testing, with a focus on iteration and feedback incorporation.
• Presentation strategy 3: Demonstrate your ability to think critically about design decisions, balancing user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Customize your portfolio to highlight your experience leading product direction, strategic thinking, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Optimize your resume for design roles, emphasizing your design skills, experience, and relevant keywords.
• Prepare for the design interview process by practicing design process questions, company and design culture questions, and portfolio presentation strategies.
• Research Meta's design culture, values, and design challenges to ensure a strong fit and informed interview performance.