Brand Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Brand Designer

Company: Merge API

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Brand Design / Product Design

Date Posted: March 04, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic design of Merge API's brand identity and user experience across all touchpoints, focusing on external product development teams and their integration challenges.

• Translate complex technical concepts and ambiguous problems into intuitive, user-centric design solutions that delight users and enhance product adoption.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management and Engineering to define product specifications, feature scopes, and ensure seamless integration of design into the development lifecycle.

• Own the end-to-end design process for new features and product enhancements, from initial research and ideation to high-fidelity mock-ups and final handoff.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for Merge's design system, ensuring consistency and enabling rapid, effective deployment by design and engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Brand Designer but the responsibilities and required experience heavily lean into Product Design and UX/UI, with a strong emphasis on systems thinking and user-centric problem-solving within a technical B2B SaaS context. The "Brand" aspect likely refers to the overall user experience and perception of Merge's products and platform, rather than traditional marketing brand collateral.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Critically evaluate every user touchpoint within the Merge API platform and associated products to identify opportunities for optimization and enhanced user experience.

• Conduct in-depth user research, including interviews with external customers and internal stakeholders, to gather insights and inform design decisions.

• Synthesize complex feedback and diverse perspectives from multiple stakeholders (Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing) into a cohesive and actionable design vision.

• Produce detailed low-fidelity wireframes and high-fidelity mock-ups and prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

• Develop and meticulously document usage guidelines for the design system's components, styles, and patterns to ensure consistency and facilitate efficient execution by design and engineering teams.

• Collaborate with product managers to define product specifications and feature scope, ensuring alignment with user needs and business objectives.

• Advocate for product quality and champion user-oriented goals throughout the entire product development lifecycle.

• Participate in design reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to continuously improve design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "systems thinking" and "translating ambiguous problems into practical user-centric solutions" suggests a need for a designer who can not only create aesthetically pleasing interfaces but also understand and design for complex interconnected systems, a hallmark of roles in operations and platform design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 5+ years of full-time experience in the design industry, with a proven track record in product design, UX/UI, or brand design with a strong digital product focus.

Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio demonstrating deep systems thinking, visual craft, and an ability to translate ambiguous problems into practical user-centric solutions.

• Excellent storytelling and communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate the thought process behind design concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Proven experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Engineers, and other Designers.

• Proficiency in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Experience with UX research methodologies, including user interviews, usability testing, and synthesizing research findings.

• Ability to define and document product specifications and user flows.

• Demonstrated experience in producing both low-fidelity and high-fidelity mock-ups.

• A strong tendency to ideate upon various solution paths and explore a wide range of possibilities before narrowing down to the optimal solution.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for B2B SaaS platforms, particularly in API-driven products or developer tools.

• Familiarity with integration platforms, LLM tools, or agentic systems.

• Experience contributing to or maintaining a design system.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles and constraints.

• Experience with A/B testing and data-driven design optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for B2B SaaS and API-driven product experience, along with systems thinking, strongly indicates that candidates with a background in Sales Operations, Revenue Operations, or GTM Operations who have transitioned into design or product roles would be highly competitive. The ability to understand complex workflows and user journeys is a transferable skill.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of deep systems thinking, illustrating the ability to design for complex, interconnected products and user journeys.

• Projects showcasing exceptional visual craft and aesthetic sensibility applied to digital products.

• Case studies that clearly articulate how ambiguous problems were translated into practical, user-centric solutions with measurable outcomes.

• Examples of designing for B2B SaaS products, ideally involving APIs, integrations, or developer tools.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed case studies outlining the end-to-end design lifecycle for at least 2-3 significant projects, including problem definition, research, ideation, design iterations, and final implementation.

• Examples of how user feedback and stakeholder input were synthesized and incorporated into the design process.

• Documentation of contributions to or creation of design system components, style guides, or usage guidelines.

• Prototypes or interactive demonstrations of key product features designed by the candidate.

📝 Enhancement Note: For candidates coming from operations backgrounds, framing portfolio pieces around process improvement, workflow optimization, and user adoption of new systems will be crucial. Highlighting how design choices led to increased efficiency, reduced friction, or clearer understanding of complex processes will resonate strongly.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 USD per year. Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications.

Benefits:

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 10 company holidays.

• 100% covered health, vision, and dental insurance for employees.

• 401K retirement savings plan.

• $200 one-time home office stipend.

• Free dinner provided when working past 7 PM.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for project deadlines and collaborative needs, particularly given the on-site requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-to-senior level Brand/Product Designer in New York City. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and work-life balance, though the on-site nature of the role necessitates local residency. The stipend and free dinner are attractive perks for an on-site role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Software (specifically focused on API integrations and AI agent tools).

Company Size: Growing startup; specific employee count not provided but implied to be scaling rapidly.

Founded: Merge API was founded in 2020, indicating a relatively young company with a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely operates within a Product organization, collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineers.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Head of Product or Design Lead, with potential for direct collaboration with senior leadership given the startup environment.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the focus on user research and measurable outcomes.

• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, requiring designers to be adaptable and iterative.

• Emphasis on user-centric design principles, aiming to solve real-world problems for developers and businesses.

• A culture of rapid iteration and continuous improvement, common in fast-growing tech startups.

Company Website: merge.dev

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "agentic tools and customer-facing integrations for frontier LLMs" positions Merge at the cutting edge of AI and API technology. This requires designers to be comfortable with technical concepts and to translate them into accessible user experiences. The startup environment suggests opportunities for significant impact and ownership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Brand Designer with significant product design responsibilities, typically aligning with a Mid-Level to Senior Designer role. The emphasis on systems thinking and end-to-end ownership suggests a desire for individuals who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic input.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Designer will likely report to a Head of Product or a Design Lead, working within a product team structure. Collaboration will be extensive with Product Managers and Engineers.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Brand Designer's impact is critical to the operational success of Merge's clients. By creating intuitive interfaces for complex integration tools and APIs, this role directly influences:

• Developer Productivity: Simplifying integration processes for clients.

• Sales Enablement: Making products easier to understand and adopt, accelerating sales cycles.

• Customer Success: Reducing churn by ensuring a positive and efficient user experience.

• Engineering Efficiency: Streamlining the use of Merge's platform, saving valuable engineering resources for clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in product design, UX research, and design systems within the rapidly evolving AI and API integration space.

• Leadership Potential: As the company scales, opportunities may arise to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, or shape the design team's strategy and processes.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain deep understanding of product management, engineering workflows, and the business impact of design decisions, fostering a well-rounded product development perspective.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to the design of cutting-edge tools that are shaping the future of AI and B2B integrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For candidates transitioning from operations, this role offers a unique opportunity to leverage their understanding of business processes and user workflows in a design capacity. The impact on client operations is a key selling point.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role in New York, NY. This suggests a traditional office environment designed to foster collaboration and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): New York, NY. This prime location offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem, talent pool, and networking opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative office space conducive to brainstorming, design reviews, and team meetings.

• Access to standard office technology and tools, likely including high-performance workstations for design software.

• Opportunities for spontaneous interactions with colleagues from Product, Engineering, and potentially other departments, fostering a strong sense of team and shared purpose.

• The environment is likely fast-paced and dynamic, reflecting a startup culture focused on rapid execution and innovation.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, flexibility will be necessary to meet project deadlines and accommodate collaborative sessions. The "free dinner when working past 7 PM" perk suggests that occasional extended hours may be part of the workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a significant factor, emphasizing in-person collaboration and team building. Candidates should be prepared for a structured office environment and the benefits it offers in terms of team cohesion and direct interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager. Focus on showcasing relevant experience and design thinking.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: A deep dive into your portfolio with the hiring team. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, explaining your process, decisions, and the impact of your work. Expect questions about systems thinking, user research, and collaboration.

• Design Challenge/Exercise: You may be given a design problem to solve, either as a take-home assignment or a live exercise during an interview. This will assess your problem-solving skills, design approach, and ability to translate requirements into solutions.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and Engineers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss cultural fit, long-term vision, and alignment with Merge's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate systems thinking, user-centric problem-solving, and visual craft relevant to B2B SaaS.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, iteration), the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, how you approached ambiguity, and how you incorporated user feedback and stakeholder input.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or evidence of the positive impact your designs had on users or business goals.

• Design System Examples: If you have experience with design systems, showcase components you've designed or contributed to, along with their usage guidelines.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully understand the problem, the target user, and the business objectives.

• Deconstruct the Problem: Break down the challenge into smaller, manageable parts.

• Sketch & Ideate: Quickly generate multiple solution paths before committing to one.

• Communicate Your Rationale: Clearly explain the reasoning behind your design choices.

• Consider Edge Cases: Think about potential user scenarios and system constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: For those with operations backgrounds, framing portfolio projects around process optimization, workflow simplification, and the user journey of implementing or using a system will be highly effective. Highlighting how design improved efficiency or clarity will directly align with the company's product goals.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for design, prototyping, and collaboration. Deep proficiency is expected.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• [Likely tools: Jira, Asana, Trello]: For tracking design tasks, project progress, and collaborating with engineering/product teams.

• [Likely tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams]: For daily communication and team interaction.

Research & User Testing:

• [Likely tools: UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback]: For conducting remote usability testing and gathering user feedback.

• [Likely tools: Dovetail, Miro]: For research synthesis, affinity mapping, and collaborative whiteboarding.

Design System Management:

• [Likely tools: Zeroheight, Storybook]: For documenting and managing design system components and guidelines.

CRM & Automation: (While not directly used by the designer, understanding these systems is beneficial for context)

• [Likely CRM: Salesforce, HubSpot]: Understanding how customer data flows and how design impacts CRM usage.

• [Likely Automation Platform: Zapier, Workato]: Awareness of integration capabilities relevant to enterprise software.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is paramount. Familiarity with tools used in product development workflows (like Jira) and collaborative platforms (like Slack) is crucial for seamless integration into the team. Understanding the broader tech stack, even if not directly using all tools, demonstrates a holistic product mindset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values (as applied to Design):

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of the Merge user (external developers/businesses).

• Efficiency & Optimization: Striving for elegant, simple solutions that streamline complex processes and enhance productivity.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Using research and feedback to inform design choices, rather than relying solely on intuition.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Working openly with Product, Engineering, and other stakeholders, valuing diverse perspectives.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished designs that reflect positively on the Merge brand.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to be active participants in product development, working hand-in-hand with PMs and Engineers from concept to launch.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: A culture that encourages continuous feedback and iteration on designs, fostering a dynamic and responsive design process.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of design best practices, research findings, and system updates across the team and relevant departments.

• Proactive Communication: Designers are expected to communicate clearly and proactively about their work, challenges, and needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to simplify complex integrations for businesses implies a culture that values problem-solving, efficiency, and a deep understanding of user pain points. Designers will be expected to embody these traits.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Technical Audiences: Translating complex API functionality and LLM agent capabilities into intuitive interfaces for sophisticated B2B users.

• Balancing Brand Identity with Product Functionality: Ensuring the visual brand is strong and consistent while prioritizing usability and the core functionality of the platform.

• Rapid Iteration in a Startup Environment: Adapting quickly to changing product priorities and market demands while maintaining design quality.

• Defining and Maintaining a Design System: Establishing and scaling a robust design system that supports rapid product development across a growing platform.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering Design for AI/API Products: Gaining specialized knowledge in designing for cutting-edge technologies in the AI and integration space.

• Contributing to a Growing Design System: Playing a key role in the evolution and expansion of Merge's design system.

• Influence and Ownership: Having a significant impact on the product direction and user experience of a rapidly scaling company.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Deepening understanding of product management, engineering processes, and business strategy through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For candidates from operations, the challenge will be shifting from process implementation to process design through a user interface. The growth opportunity lies in becoming a specialist in a highly in-demand niche of product design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex technical concept into a user-friendly design. What was your process?" (Focus on systems thinking, user research, and communication.)

• "How do you approach designing for ambiguity, especially when dealing with new technologies like LLMs or APIs?" (Highlight your ideation process, research methods, and iterative approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Merge's mission and our focus on agentic tools for LLMs?" (Showcase your understanding of the company's value proposition and market position.)

• "How do you ensure your design decisions align with business objectives and user needs simultaneously?" (Demonstrate your ability to balance competing priorities.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.

• Emphasize Your 'Why': Clearly articulate the reasoning behind your design choices. Don't just show the final product; explain how you got there and why.

• Showcase Systems Thinking: Point out how your designs integrate with other parts of the product or system, and how they contribute to a larger user journey.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, research methods, and specific design decisions.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly and stays within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: When presenting portfolio pieces, frame your design solutions in terms of how they improve operational efficiency, reduce complexity, or enhance user adoption for businesses, mirroring the core value proposition of Merge API.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Brand Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating systems thinking, user-centric problem-solving, and visual craft relevant to B2B SaaS or complex digital products. Highlight case studies that detail your end-to-end design process.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience, proficiency in Figma and UX research, and any experience with B2B SaaS, APIs, or developer tools. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your approach to ambiguity, collaboration, and translating technical concepts into user-friendly solutions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Merge API's products (Merge Unified, Merge Agent Handler), their target audience (developers, Fortune 500s, B2B SaaS), and their mission. Understand how your design skills can directly contribute to solving their clients' integration challenges.

⚠️ 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.

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