Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Air-tek

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: August 4, 2025

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of innovative software solutions for both enterprise modules and consumer-facing applications, driving user-centric experiences.

• Optimize existing interfaces and conceptualize entirely new products, ensuring seamless user journeys and high engagement.

• Enhance team scalability and efficiency through robust digital asset management, component library expansion, and the application of atomic design principles.

• Act as a strong advocate for the user throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept to high-velocity prototyping and customer pitches.

• Collaborate closely with engineering and product management teams to ensure design integrity and successful implementation of roadmap products.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a strong focus on UX/UI design, interaction design, and the practical application of design systems. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution within an Agile software development environment, emphasizing process and collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design comprehensive solutions for a wide array of enterprise modules, administrative workflows, and consumer experiences, maintaining a consistent and intuitive user interface.

• Conduct in-depth analysis and optimization of existing interfaces, alongside the creation of novel product designs from conception to final execution.

• Implement and manage strong digital asset management practices, expand and administer component libraries, and leverage atomic design principles to drive team scalability and process efficiency.

• Facilitate and actively participate in conceptual design sessions, end-to-end product development cycles, and high-velocity prototyping for prospect and customer pitches of innovative roadmap products.

• Deconstruct complex problems into their core components and logical flows, then reassemble them into exceptional UX/UI solutions that address user needs and business objectives.

• Produce detailed design artifacts including sketches, wireframes, screen flows, interactive prototypes, and compelling presentations to communicate design vision and strategy.

• Advise on and implement new processes to significantly improve product delivery velocity, enhance quality, and streamline the overall design-to-development pipeline.

• Apply expertise in UX research, interaction design, and UI design to explore creative and unconventional solutions that push the boundaries of user experience.

• Foster close collaboration with engineers and Product Managers (PMs) to ensure accurate implementation of design intent and adherence to design principles.

• Champion user needs and perspectives throughout the design and development lifecycle, ensuring a user-first approach in all product decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a critical need for process improvement within the design function itself. The emphasis on "advising on and implementing new process to help improve product delivery velocity and quality" suggests this role will have a direct impact on operational efficiency within the product development team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of dedicated experience in Software Product Design, with a proven track record of delivering successful user interfaces and experiences.

Required Skills:

• Software Product Design: Proven experience designing for complex software applications, encompassing both enterprise (B2B) and consumer-facing products.

• UX/UI Expertise: Strong proficiency in user experience (UX) research, interaction design, and user interface (UI) design principles.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma, including extensive experience in creating, managing, and scaling component libraries.

• Process Orientation: Demonstrated strength in defining, implementing, and optimizing design processes to enhance efficiency and product quality.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to articulate design decisions clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment, fostering strong cross-functional collaboration with engineers, PMs, and other stakeholders within an Agile framework.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for dissecting complex problems, identifying key challenges, and developing elegant, user-centric solutions.

• Agile Methodologies: Comfort and experience working within an Agile development environment, including participation in iterative design cycles and rapid prototyping.

Preferred Skills:

• Startup/Enterprise Experience: Prior experience working in a fast-paced startup environment or on complex enterprise-level applications.

• Accessibility Design: Familiarity with and experience in designing for accessibility (e.g., WCAG standards) to ensure inclusive product experiences.

• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of or experience within the airline industry and its associated ecosystem.

• Community Engagement: Active participation in the design community, particularly within Toronto, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and industry best practices.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM): Experience implementing and managing digital asset management practices for design systems.

• Atomic Design: Understanding and application of atomic design principles for scalable and maintainable design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "strong with process, both in defining and applying it" is a key indicator that this role is not just about execution but also about establishing and refining operational workflows within the design team. This aligns with a growing trend in design roles to contribute to process maturity.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 robust case studies demonstrating end-to-end product design process for both enterprise and consumer products.

• Highlight specific examples of how you've optimized existing interfaces or designed entirely new products from scratch, detailing the problem, your approach, and the outcome.

• Include evidence of your proficiency with Figma, specifically demonstrating your ability to build and manage comprehensive component libraries.

• Present examples that clearly articulate your process for breaking down complex problems into manageable parts and reassembling them into effective UX/UI solutions.

• Demonstrate your experience in driving team scalability and efficiency through practices like digital asset management and atomic design principles.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolios should include documentation or descriptions of design processes you have defined or significantly improved, focusing on:

  • Workflow design and optimization phases, detailing how you identified bottlenecks and implemented improvements.

  • Implementation and automation methods used to streamline design tasks or handoffs.

  • Measurement and performance analysis of design initiatives, showcasing how you tracked the impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on process and component libraries, a strong portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to design systems, workflow optimization, and the practical application of Figma's capabilities will be highly valued. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their process and the rationale behind their design decisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Mid-Level Product Designer in Toronto with 3+ years of experience, the estimated salary range is CAD $80,000 - $110,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Opportunities for professional development, including access to training, workshops, and conferences.

• Paid time off (vacation, sick days, holidays) to support work-life balance.

• Potential stock options or equity participation, reflecting a start-up growth environment.

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment with a focus on continuous learning and personal development.

• Access to modern design tools and technologies.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Air-tek fosters a culture of trust and autonomy, suggesting flexibility may be available within the standard work week, allowing for efficient task management and deep work sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for Product Designers in Toronto with 3-5 years of experience, considering the tech industry and the company's stated stealth growth phase. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the company's compensation philosophy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software (specifically, a unique suite of products in the travel industry, operating in stealth mode).

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description suggests a growing company that has achieved significant market share and is in a growth phase. This implies a size likely ranging from 50-200 employees, offering a balance between established processes and the agility of a startup.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company states it has achieved significant market share and is in a growth phase, indicating it is an established entity with a proven product-market fit.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is likely integrated within a broader Product Development department, working closely with Product Managers, Engineers (Frontend and Backend), and potentially QA.

• Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Product, Design Lead, or Senior Product Manager, depending on the specific organizational structure.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Designs are expected to be informed by user research, market analysis, and performance metrics, though the specific depth of data analysis required will depend on the PM and engineering collaboration.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A key aspect of this role is to contribute to the optimization of design workflows and product delivery velocity.

• Automation & Efficiency: Implementing practices like component libraries and digital asset management are core to driving efficiency.

Company Website: airtekgroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating in stealth mode suggests a company that values focus and execution, potentially with a lean and agile team structure. The emphasis on innovation and customer-centricity points to a culture that prioritizes impactful product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer. It requires a solid foundation of 3+ years of experience and the ability to work independently on design tasks while also contributing to process improvements and collaborating effectively across teams. The role offers the opportunity to take ownership of significant design challenges.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Product Manager. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while providing the autonomy to execute design tasks. Collaboration will be heavily focused on engineering and product teams.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer, the impact on operations is significant through the creation of intuitive and efficient user interfaces that drive product adoption and customer satisfaction. By improving design processes and component libraries, this role directly contributes to faster product delivery cycles and higher quality output, impacting the overall operational efficiency of the product development team.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as UX research, interaction design, design systems, or accessibility.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and process improvement contributions, there is potential to grow into a Senior Product Designer role, leading design initiatives or mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working closely with various departments, understanding the broader business context and contributing to strategic product decisions.

• Industry Knowledge: Develop specialized knowledge of the travel industry, which can be a valuable asset for future roles in the sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a company that is actively scaling. The emphasis on process improvement suggests that individuals who can demonstrate leadership in optimizing design operations will be highly valued and may see accelerated career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Air-tek is based in Toronto and operates on an on-site work model. This implies a traditional office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Specific office details would be provided upon further engagement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is expected to facilitate close collaboration with engineers, PMs, and other team members, fostering a dynamic and interactive work atmosphere.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma is confirmed), hardware, and potentially other productivity and communication tools essential for efficient design work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team syncs, design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and informal interactions that support a cohesive and innovative design culture.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical for full-time roles. The on-site nature suggests a structured day, but the company's emphasis on trust and personal development may allow for some flexibility in managing work hours to achieve optimal productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key factor for candidates. It suggests a company that values in-person collaboration and team synergy, which can be beneficial for design processes that rely heavily on spontaneous interaction and feedback loops.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience alignment.

• Hiring Manager/Recruiter Call: An introductory call to discuss your background, interest in the role, and high-level fit with the company culture.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, walking through 1-2 case studies that highlight your design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. A specific design challenge or exercise may also be assigned to assess your practical skills and approach to problem-solving within their context.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, including Product Managers and Engineers, to evaluate your collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate into the existing team dynamic.

• Final Interview: Potentially a meeting with a senior leader or founder, focusing on cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process, the rationale behind your decisions, and the outcomes achieved. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Figma & Component Libraries: Ensure your portfolio includes examples of your work with Figma, specifically demonstrating your experience in building and utilizing component libraries effectively.

• Demonstrate Problem Decomposition: Include examples where you've broken down complex problems into their constituent parts and rebuilt them into elegant UX/UI solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the impact of your designs on users and business objectives.

• Tailor to Air-tek: Research Air-tek's product and industry if possible (though they are in stealth) and tailor your presentation to show how your skills and approach align with their mission.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is provided, ensure you fully understand the problem statement, target users, and any constraints.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, including user research (even if simulated), ideation, prototyping, and iteration.

• Communicate Effectively: Clearly articulate your thought process, design decisions, and potential trade-offs. Be prepared to present your solution concisely and answer questions thoughtfully.

• Consider Collaboration: Think about how your design would be implemented and how you would collaborate with engineers and PMs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on process and Figma component libraries, expect the portfolio review to be a critical stage. Be prepared to discuss the operational aspects of your design work, such as how you maintain consistency and efficiency through design systems.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design tool for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and crucially, for building and managing component libraries.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities, or potentially other tools like InVision or Principle for more advanced interactions.

• Sketching/Wireframing Tools: Tools like Miro, Balsamiq, or even physical whiteboarding for early-stage ideation and concept development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as a primary responsibility for the designer, familiarity with how user data and analytics (e.g., from tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Product Designer's core tools, but awareness of how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation tools impact customer journeys and B2B workflows can provide valuable context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. The ability to build and maintain robust component libraries within Figma is a significant part of the role's operational contribution, ensuring design consistency and development efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user throughout the design and development process.

• Innovation & Problem-Solving: A drive to tackle complex challenges with creative and effective design solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Learning: A culture that encourages ongoing skill development, knowledge sharing, and staying abreast of design trends and best practices.

• Process & Efficiency: A value placed on establishing and refining processes to improve delivery speed and quality.

• Ownership & Initiative: Expectation for team members to take initiative, be self-motivated, and own their work from start to finish.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to be integrated into Agile teams, working hand-in-hand with PMs and engineers, participating in sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for design critiques and feedback, encouraging constructive dialogue to elevate the quality of the product.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote sharing design knowledge, best practices, and learnings across the team and the broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's inclusive culture, built on trust, collaboration, and continuous personal development, suggests a supportive environment where designers can thrive and contribute meaningfully beyond just executing tasks.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Stealth Mode Operations: Navigating an environment where company details and product specifics may be intentionally limited initially, requiring adaptability and focus on core design principles.

• Balancing Enterprise & Consumer Needs: Designing for diverse user groups with potentially different expectations and workflows within a single product suite.

• Scalability of Design Systems: Ensuring component libraries and design processes can scale effectively as the product suite and user base grow.

• High-Velocity Prototyping: Meeting the demands of rapid prototyping for sales pitches and customer demonstrations while maintaining design quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design System Maturity: Opportunity to contribute significantly to the evolution and maturity of the company's design system and component libraries.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining valuable experience in the complex and dynamic travel technology sector.

• Process Improvement Leadership: A chance to influence and improve design operational processes, demonstrating leadership potential.

• Mentorship: Potential to receive mentorship from experienced product leaders and engineers, as well as to mentor more junior team members in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a growing tech company, especially one in stealth. The key for candidates will be to demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, which will in turn unlock significant growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a new feature from concept to launch. How do you incorporate user feedback and collaborate with engineers?"

• Problem Decomposition: "Describe a complex UX problem you faced and how you broke it down into smaller, manageable parts to create a solution."

• Design Systems: "How do you approach building and maintaining a component library in Figma? What are the key benefits for a product team?"

• Process Improvement: "Tell me about a time you identified an inefficiency in a design process and what steps you took to improve it."

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle disagreements with Product Managers or Engineers regarding design decisions?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Air-tek and our mission, even in stealth mode?"

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?"

• "Describe your approach to continuous learning and staying updated with design trends."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed, your specific contributions, the solutions you designed, and the impact of those solutions.

• Focus on “Why”: Explain the rationale behind your design decisions. Why did you choose a particular pattern? Why was a specific interaction implemented?

• Highlight Figma & Components: Explicitly showcase your Figma expertise, including examples of your component library work and how it contributes to efficiency.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about specific design choices, technical constraints, and your collaboration process.

• Showcase Process Improvement: If applicable, highlight instances where you improved design workflows or introduced new efficiencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss not just the final designs but the operational aspects of your work – how you manage your workflow, collaborate efficiently, and contribute to the team's overall productivity through process and system enhancements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and clearly showcases your experience with Figma, component libraries, and your process for designing both enterprise and consumer products. Select case studies that best highlight your problem-solving and process-improvement skills.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Product Design," "UX/UI," "Figma," "Component Libraries," "Agile," and "Process Improvement." Quantify your achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and decision-making rationale. Prepare to present 1-2 key portfolio pieces and be ready for potential design challenge questions focused on process and collaboration.

• Company Research: While Air-tek is in stealth, try to glean any available information about their industry (travel tech) and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment. Focus on understanding the importance of user-centric design in their market.

⚠️ 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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