Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Company: Auctor Location: New York City, New York, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / GTM Operations Date Posted: 2025-07-11T00:00:00 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years inferred) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product experiences from concept to launch, focusing on user-centered design principles.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and AI research teams to translate complex business goals and AI outputs into intuitive user interfaces and workflows.
• Evolve and maintain a robust design system to ensure a scalable and unified visual language across the product.
• Conduct user research to uncover pain points and opportunities, directly influencing design decisions and product strategy.
• Craft high-fidelity prototypes to explore and validate new features, user flows, and interaction patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the emphasis on AI, software implementation, and automating "discovery and decision-making" for professional services indicates a strong connection to Go-To-Market (GTM) operations. This role will likely involve designing user experiences that streamline and optimize the processes of solution engineers and implementation teams, directly impacting the efficiency and scalability of Auctor's GTM strategy. The need to "steer AI outputs" suggests a critical role in translating complex AI capabilities into actionable and user-friendly workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for multiple product initiatives, ensuring successful transition from ideation to final release.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including AI researchers and software engineers, to conceptualize and develop user-centric product features.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.
• Champion user research activities, including user interviews, usability testing, and surveys, to gather actionable insights.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the product by identifying user needs and market opportunities through design thinking.
• Maintain a high standard of design excellence, providing constructive feedback and fostering a collaborative design critique process.
• Integrate AI capabilities into user experiences, ensuring users can understand, trust, and effectively manage AI-generated outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "steer the team toward thoughtful, deliberate decisions" implies a significant influence on product direction and a need for strong strategic thinking beyond just executing design tasks. This suggests the role will require influencing product roadmaps and advocating for user needs within broader business objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically expected for product design roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in product design, with a demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality user experiences in fast-paced environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in end-to-end product design, from concept to launch, supported by a strong portfolio.
• Expertise in user research methodologies and the ability to translate research findings into design solutions.
• Deep understanding and practical experience with design systems, including their creation and maintenance.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision).
• Excellent visual and interaction design skills, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.
• Strong communication and storytelling abilities to articulate design rationale and present concepts effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, product management, and AI research teams.
• Aptitude for problem-solving and distilling complex challenges into simple, intuitive user experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for AI-powered products or complex enterprise software.
• Familiarity with software implementation processes and professional services workflows.
• Experience conducting A/B testing and analyzing results to iterate on designs.
• Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better inform design implementation.
• Experience working in a startup environment with a focus on rapid iteration and growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI layer for professional services and software implementation" suggests that candidates with experience in B2B SaaS, particularly those dealing with complex workflows or technical integrations, will be highly valued. The ability to understand and design for the "discovery, and decision-making" processes within these services is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of 3-5 projects showcasing end-to-end product design ownership, from initial problem definition to final shipped product.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, design process, key decisions, and measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrations of problem-solving skills, particularly in translating complex requirements into intuitive user interfaces.
• Examples of interaction design, user flows, and wireframing, highlighting your ability to map out user journeys.
• Evidence of design system contribution or utilization, showcasing consistency and scalability in your design approach.
• Prototypes that demonstrate your ability to explore and validate new features and interaction patterns.

Process Documentation:

• Showcasing how you integrate user research findings into your design process, including examples of research plans and synthesized insights.
• Demonstrating your approach to cross-functional collaboration, including how you partner with engineers and product managers.
• Presenting your methodology for iterating on designs based on feedback and data.
• Illustrating your process for maintaining and evolving design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should specifically highlight how the candidate has designed for efficiency, clarity, and trust in complex technical environments, especially if AI was involved. Demonstrating how design choices directly impacted user adoption, task completion rates, or reduced complexity for users in professional services or software implementation contexts will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $150,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Early-stage equity: Opportunity to gain significant ownership in a rapidly growing company.
• Competitive, top-of-market salary: Reflecting the company's commitment to attracting top talent.
• Catered lunch and dinners: Provided to support employees and foster a collaborative on-site environment.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance (inferred standard benefit for US-based roles).
• Paid time off and holidays (inferred standard benefit).

Working Hours: Full-time, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Product Designer role in New York City, especially for a well-funded, high-growth startup. The "top-of-market" claim suggests the company aims to attract experienced talent and may offer flexibility within this range based on candidate qualifications. The catered meals and on-site focus imply a strong emphasis on team cohesion and a positive working environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Software Implementation, Professional Services Automation. Company Size: Early-stage startup (less than 50 employees inferred from funding and growth stage). This means a highly dynamic, hands-on environment where individual contributions have a significant impact. Founded: Auctor was founded with a mission to build the AI layer for professional services and software implementation, addressing a large market opportunity in automating complex service workflows.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely works closely with Product Management, Engineering, and AI Research.
• As an early-stage designer, you may be one of the first dedicated designers, potentially reporting directly to a Head of Product or CTO.
• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, requiring designers to actively engage with technical and business stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, with a focus on iterating based on user feedback and performance metrics.
• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, emphasizing rapid prototyping and iterative development.
• A strong focus on leveraging AI to solve complex business problems and create efficient workflows.

Company Website: https://www.getauctor.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Early-stage startups like Auctor often foster a culture of ownership, innovation, and rapid learning. Expect a less hierarchical structure and more direct interaction with leadership and other departments. The company's focus on AI for professional services indicates a forward-thinking and technically sophisticated environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a core Product Designer, likely mid-level, responsible for driving significant product areas. It offers the opportunity to shape the foundational design of a new AI product category. Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Head of Product, VP of Product, or potentially the CTO, given the early stage of the company. This provides direct exposure to leadership and strategic decision-making. Operations Impact: The Product Designer will have a direct impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of Auctor's target customers (professional services firms) by designing intuitive interfaces for AI-driven automation. This directly supports the company's GTM strategy by making complex AI accessible and valuable.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to become a deep expert in designing for AI-powered workflows and professional services automation.
• Leadership: As the company grows, there will be opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and potentially grow into a Design Lead or Head of Design role.
• Skill Development: Exposure to cutting-edge AI technology, rapid product development cycles, and direct collaboration with AI researchers will foster significant professional growth.
• Strategic Influence: The ability to influence product strategy and roadmap based on user insights and design expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused candidate, this role represents an opportunity to influence the core user experience of a platform designed to optimize operational efficiency in a large market. Success in this role could lead to significant career advancement in product leadership or specialized AI/UX design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in New York City, implying a collaborative, in-person work environment. Office Location(s): New York City, NY, United States. Specific office details are not provided but are expected to be a modern, tech-focused workspace.

Workspace Context:

• A dynamic and collaborative office setting designed to foster teamwork and innovation.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology to support creative workflows.
• Opportunities for direct interaction and knowledge sharing with engineers, AI researchers, and product managers.
• A focus on creating an engaging and productive atmosphere, supported by perks like catered meals.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, but the startup environment may require flexibility to meet critical project deadlines or respond to urgent business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and catered meals suggest a company culture that values in-person collaboration, team bonding, and providing a supportive work environment. This is typical for early-stage startups aiming to build a strong company culture from the ground up.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screen: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, discuss your design process, and explain your contributions to key projects. Be prepared to articulate your design rationale and problem-solving approach.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a take-home design exercise or present a detailed case study on a past project that demonstrates your skills relevant to Auctor's business.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key team members from engineering, product management, and potentially AI research to evaluate collaboration skills and technical understanding.
• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership (e.g., CEO, Head of Product) to assess strategic thinking, cultural alignment, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business problem and the impact your design solutions had. Use metrics whenever possible.
• Showcase Process: Detail your thought process, research methods, and how you iterated based on feedback and data.
• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with engineers and other stakeholders to bring designs to life.
• Tailor to Auctor: If possible, include a project that shows understanding of B2B SaaS, AI, or workflow automation. Explain how your design approach aligns with Auctor's mission.
• Keep it Concise: Select your strongest work and present it clearly and efficiently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Auctor's product and target market (AI for professional services).
• Practice articulating your design decisions and problem-solving frameworks.
• Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing for AI-driven workflows and user trust.
• Prepare questions for the interviewers about the team, product, and company vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on AI and professional services, interviewers will likely probe your ability to translate complex technical concepts into user-friendly experiences and your understanding of business process optimization through design. Demonstrating a proactive approach to understanding the problem space will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, industry standard), Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision.
• User Research Tools: UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, or similar platforms for usability testing and feedback collection.
• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Jira, Confluence, Asana for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, familiarity with analytics tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel can be beneficial for understanding user behavior and informing design iterations.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM/automation tool proficiency is explicitly required for the designer role, but understanding how products integrate into customer workflows is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for modern product design roles. Experience with user research platforms and strong collaboration tool usage are essential for effective cross-functional work in a fast-paced startup. Understanding how design impacts user engagement metrics tracked by analytics tools is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and solving user problems through thoughtful design.
• Collaboration: A belief in the power of cross-functional teamwork to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas and leverage technology, especially AI, to create impactful solutions.
• Excellence: A dedication to high-quality design craft and meticulous attention to detail.
• Impact: A focus on delivering designs that drive business value and improve user efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with designers working closely with product managers to define requirements and engineers for implementation.
• Open to feedback and iterative design processes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Emphasis on clear communication and transparent sharing of design progress and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on AI and professional services suggests a culture that values technical depth, problem-solving, and a proactive approach to innovation. Designers are expected to be active participants in shaping the product's direction, not just executors of tasks.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for a nascent AI product category, requiring a strong ability to define user mental models for new technologies.
• Balancing the needs of diverse professional services users with the capabilities of AI.
• Educating users on how to effectively leverage AI outputs and build trust in the system.
• Contributing to the foundational design system and product strategy in an early-stage company.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Gaining deep expertise in AI product design and user experience for enterprise software.
• Opportunities to shape the design culture and processes as the company scales.
• Immersion in a high-growth startup environment, learning about rapid iteration, fundraising, and market expansion.
• Potential for mentorship from experienced founders and early employees.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to be at the forefront of designing AI-driven solutions for a massive market. The challenges are significant but offer substantial rewards in terms of skill development and career advancement, particularly for those interested in the intersection of AI, UX, and business operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a user interface that helps professionals trust and effectively utilize AI-generated outputs for complex software implementation tasks?"
• "Describe a time you had to translate a highly technical or complex concept into a simple, intuitive user experience. What was your process?"
• "Walk us through your process for conducting user research. How do you ensure your findings directly influence your design decisions?"
• "How would you contribute to and evolve a design system in an early-stage startup environment?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Auctor's mission to build the AI layer for professional services?"
• "How do you approach collaboration with engineering and product management teams, especially when there are differing opinions?"
• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to team culture."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with the "Why" (problem), move to the "What" (your solution), and conclude with the "How" (process, impact, learnings).
• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative, highlighting challenges, critical decisions, and the ultimate outcome.
• Visuals: Use clear mockups, user flows, and prototypes to illustrate your ideas.
• Metrics: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., increased task completion, reduced errors, improved user satisfaction).
• AI Context: Be prepared to discuss how your design choices specifically address the nuances of AI interaction and user trust.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to showcase your ability to think strategically about how design can drive operational efficiency and user adoption for a B2B SaaS product. Emphasize your understanding of enterprise workflows and your ability to translate complex AI capabilities into tangible value for users.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the provided application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your skills in B2B SaaS, complex problem-solving, user research, and design systems. Specifically, showcase any work involving AI or workflow automation if applicable.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in end-to-end product design, cross-functional collaboration, and your impact on product outcomes. Use keywords relevant to product design, user experience, and AI.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project rationale. Prepare specific examples that showcase your problem-solving skills and how you've driven user-centric solutions.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Auctor, its mission, its product, and its target market. Understand how your design skills can contribute to their success in revolutionizing professional services with AI.

⚠️ 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.