Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Company: Fable Security Location: San Francisco, California, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / UX Design Date Posted: 2025-09-06 Experience Level: Early-Career (0-2 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is ideal for an early-career Product Designer seeking to make a significant impact at a fast-growing cybersecurity startup.
• You will be instrumental in defining and executing the user experience for Fable's AI-driven security behavior platform, bridging the gap between employee security needs and security team requirements.
• The position involves end-to-end design ownership, from conceptualization and user research to high-fidelity prototyping and collaboration with engineering for seamless implementation.
• You will contribute to the evolution of Fable's design system and component library, ensuring consistency and scalability across the product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as the "second product designer," indicating a foundational position where the candidate will have substantial influence on design processes and product direction, working closely with the founding team and the first designer. This implies a need for strong initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the entire design process for new features and product improvements, from initial concept sketches and user flows to polished, high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes.
• Apply core UX principles to craft intuitive, delightful, and efficient user experiences that enhance employee security awareness and align with strategic business objectives.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, including Product Management, Engineering, and Founders, to define product strategy, align on goals, and ensure successful feature delivery.
• Actively participate in customer calls and user feedback sessions, translating user insights and pain points into actionable design improvements and iterative enhancements.
• Partner with the existing designer to evolve and maintain Fable's design system and component library, ensuring design consistency and promoting efficient development practices.
• Advocate for user-centered design principles and best practices, effectively communicating design decisions and rationale to stakeholders across the organization.
• Embrace rapid prototyping and iterative design cycles, quickly incorporating feedback to refine user experiences and validate design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "balancing the needs of both general employees and security teams" suggests a complex user experience design challenge requiring a deep understanding of different user personas and their respective workflows within a B2B SaaS context. The responsibility to "take ideas from sketches to high-fidelity designs to production" highlights the need for end-to-end design ownership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Computer Science, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience as a Product Designer, preferably within enterprise or B2B SaaS environments.
• Demonstrated experience in translating complex problems into clear, intuitive, and user-centered design solutions.

Required Skills:

• Strong command of UX fundamentals, including usability, information architecture, interaction design, and accessibility best practices.
• Proficiency in creating wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs using industry-standard design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
• Ability to articulate design decisions clearly and persuasively to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Experience working collaboratively in a team environment, actively seeking and incorporating feedback.
• A strong user empathy and a proactive approach to user research and customer feedback integration.
• Capability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Familiarity with design systems and component libraries, with an ability to contribute to their development and maintenance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with cybersecurity concepts or enterprise SaaS products.
• Familiarity with AI-driven product design considerations.
• Proven ability to work effectively in an early-stage startup environment, embracing ambiguity and driving projects forward with minimal oversight.
• Portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating problem-solving skills, user-centered design thinking, and visual design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "early-career" requirement suggests that while a strong foundational understanding of UX principles is crucial, the company is prioritizing candidates with high potential and a strong desire to learn and grow within their specific domain. The need to "shape products" implies that candidates should be comfortable with ambiguity and proactive in driving design initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design case studies that demonstrate a clear problem-solving process, from user research and ideation to final design execution and impact.
• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups that highlight your proficiency in core UX and UI design principles.
• Demonstrate your ability to handle complex problems and translate them into intuitive and elegant user experiences, particularly in a B2B SaaS context.
• Highlight contributions to design systems, component libraries, or style guides, showcasing consistency and scalability in your design work.
• Provide evidence of collaboration with engineering and product teams, illustrating how you've worked together to bring designs to life.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate the steps taken in your design process for each case study, including user research methodologies, ideation techniques, prototyping tools used, and user testing approaches.
• Detail how you gathered and incorporated user feedback to iterate on designs, emphasizing your user-centered design approach.
• Explain the rationale behind key design decisions, including information architecture, interaction patterns, and visual styling, linking them back to user needs and business goals.
• Showcase an understanding of how to break down complex features into manageable steps for engineering implementation, demonstrating a "crawl-walk-run" approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on influencing product strategy and shaping the design function, the portfolio should not only demonstrate technical design skills but also strategic thinking and the ability to connect design solutions to business outcomes. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process and the "why" behind their design choices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated salary range for this position is $120,000 - $160,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) Plan for retirement savings.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• Commuter Benefit Plans to assist with commuting costs.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy, allowing for work-life balance and personal time.

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role. However, the startup environment may necessitate flexibility and a willingness to adapt to project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate. Actual compensation will be determined based on individual qualifications, experience, skills, and other factors. The inclusion of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), a sign-on bonus, and other potential future incentives indicates a comprehensive total compensation package typical for early-stage startups aiming to attract top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software as a Service (SaaS). Fable Security operates in the high-growth cybersecurity market, specifically addressing the critical issue of human error in security breaches. Their innovative approach leverages GenAI and behavioral systems to transform employee security behavior. Company Size: As the "second product designer" role is being filled, Fable Security is an early-stage startup, likely with a small, agile team. This implies a close-knit environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful. Founded: Founded by early members of the Abnormal Security team, Fable Security benefits from experienced leadership and a proven track record in building successful cybersecurity companies.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is very small, with this role being the second designer.
• You will collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, and the Founders.
• This structure fosters direct communication and a shared sense of ownership over product development.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on user research, customer feedback, and iterative improvements based on real-world data.
• Agile Development: Embracing rapid prototyping and quick feedback cycles to accelerate product development and iteration.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close partnerships between design, engineering, and product to ensure cohesive product strategy and execution.
• AI Integration: Utilizing GenAI and behavioral systems as core components of their product offering, influencing design considerations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to combat human error in cybersecurity through AI is a significant differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how design can effectively address user behavior change and complex security challenges. The early-stage nature means a high degree of autonomy and direct impact on product strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an Early-Career Product Designer (0-2 years of experience). It represents a foundational step into product design within a dynamic startup environment. The opportunity is to grow significantly as the company scales and the design function matures. Reporting Structure: You will report to a senior design lead or a founder, working closely alongside the company's first product designer. This provides direct mentorship and exposure to leadership decision-making. Operations Impact: As one of the first designers, your work will have a direct and tangible impact on the core product experience, influencing user adoption, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the company's success in the cybersecurity market. Your designs will shape how employees engage with security measures and how security teams manage risk.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deep Product Ownership: Gain end-to-end ownership of design projects, from conception to launch, and see the direct impact of your work.
• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in areas like user research, interaction design, visual design, or design systems within the context of B2B SaaS and cybersecurity.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Learn directly from experienced founders and the first designer, gaining insights into product strategy, startup growth, and design leadership.
• Career Progression: As the company grows, there will be opportunities to take on more complex projects, mentor junior designers, and potentially lead design initiatives.
• Industry Expertise: Develop a deep understanding of the cybersecurity industry and the unique design challenges it presents.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "second product designer" title signifies a critical early role. Growth will likely be tied to the company's rapid scaling, offering opportunities to define processes and build out design capabilities from the ground up. Candidates should be proactive in seeking growth opportunities and demonstrating leadership potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fable Security operates a hybrid working environment. Employees are expected to work from their San Francisco headquarters three days a week. Office Location(s): San Francisco, California. This location provides access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office serves as a central point for collaboration, team meetings, and brainstorming sessions. The hybrid model aims to balance flexibility with in-person interaction.
• Tooling and Technology: Expect access to standard design and collaboration tools necessary for effective product development. The company is likely to provide the necessary software and hardware to support design workflows.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid setup encourages frequent interaction with the design, engineering, and product teams, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and facilitating quick feedback loops.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the startup environment often requires flexibility. The hybrid model allows for some autonomy in scheduling the remaining two days, but commitment to team needs and project deadlines is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with 3 days in the office suggests a focus on balancing remote flexibility with the benefits of in-person collaboration for a small, early-stage team. Candidates should be comfortable with this model and understand the importance of in-person interaction for team synergy and rapid problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit your resume and portfolio, highlighting relevant design projects and experience.
• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications to assess fit with the role's requirements.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a portfolio walkthrough, focusing on your process, problem-solving skills, and ability to translate user needs into effective designs. Prepare to discuss your approach to tackling ambiguity and user-centric design.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Management, Engineering, and Founders to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and cultural fit. Be ready to discuss how you work with engineers and product managers.
• Final Interview: A final discussion, likely with a founder or senior leader, to confirm alignment and discuss overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives, clearly outlining the problem, your process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the impact of your designs.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to illustrate your design process and final outcomes.
• Highlight Your Process: Emphasize your user research, ideation, prototyping, and iteration methodologies. Explain the rationale behind your design decisions.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs.
• Tailor to Fable: While showcasing a range of skills, ensure your portfolio demonstrates relevance to Fable's mission and the B2B SaaS space.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Problem: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully understand the problem statement and user context before diving into solutions.
• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, even if time is limited. Outline your steps and assumptions.
• Think Aloud: For live exercises, articulate your thought process clearly, explaining your reasoning and design choices.
• Prioritize: In a time-constrained scenario, focus on the most critical aspects of the user experience and demonstrate how you would prioritize further work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, given the early-stage nature of the company and the importance of this role. Candidates should be prepared to deeply discuss their design process, problem-solving abilities, and how they handle ambiguity. The portfolio is a critical component, serving as the primary evidence of their skills and approach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable given industry trends and common usage in startups), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Asana or similar project management tools.
• User Research & Testing: Tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, Hotjar, or internal feedback mechanisms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary tool for the designer, understanding product analytics tools (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics) can be beneficial for data-informed design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the Product Designer role, but awareness of how design integrates with CRM and marketing automation platforms might be a plus in understanding the broader customer journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design tools like Figma is almost certainly expected. A candidate's ability to integrate with engineering workflows and understand how their designs will be implemented and tracked via analytics will be a strong advantage. Familiarity with design system tools and practices is also crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: A deep commitment to understanding and solving customer problems, driving design decisions based on user needs and feedback.
• Bias for Action: A proactive approach to execution, embracing rapid iteration and getting things done in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams, valuing diverse perspectives, and contributing to a shared vision.
• Curiosity and Learning: A continuous drive to learn, adapt, and improve, both individually and as a team.
• Impact-Driven: Focusing on delivering tangible results and making a meaningful contribution to the company's mission.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with product managers and engineers, participating in discussions and providing design expertise throughout the development lifecycle.
• Open Feedback Culture: A willingness to give and receive constructive feedback is essential for iterative design and continuous improvement.
• Shared Ownership: The small team size fosters a sense of shared responsibility for the product's success, encouraging proactive communication and mutual support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "early contributor," "shaping products," and working "side-by-side" with founders and the first designer suggests a culture that values initiative, ownership, and direct impact. Candidates who thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments and are comfortable with ambiguity will likely find this culture a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: As an early-stage startup, problems may not always be well-defined. Designers must be comfortable turning ambiguity into clarity through research and iteration.
• Balancing User Needs: Designing for two distinct user groups (employees and security teams) with potentially conflicting needs requires careful consideration and prioritization.
• Rapid Iteration: The fast-paced environment demands quick turnarounds on design work and the ability to adapt to frequent changes based on feedback and evolving priorities.
• Building from Scratch: Contributing to the development of a design system and establishing design processes from an early stage presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• End-to-End Design Experience: Gain hands-on experience across the entire product design lifecycle, from discovery to delivery.
• Mentorship from Founders: Direct learning from experienced entrepreneurs who have built successful companies.
• Steep Learning Curve: Rapidly acquire knowledge in cybersecurity, AI, and the intricacies of B2B SaaS product development.
• Design System Development: Contribute to building a foundational design system that will scale with the company.
• Influence Product Strategy: Play a key role in shaping the product's direction and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth. Candidates who are motivated by building something new, solving complex problems, and learning quickly will find this role particularly rewarding. The opportunity to influence the product and the design function from its inception is a significant draw.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Process & Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you faced a complex design problem with unclear requirements. How did you approach it, what steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your methodology, research, and iteration.)
• Collaboration: "Tell me about a project where you collaborated closely with engineers and product managers. How did you ensure alignment and a successful outcome?" (Highlight communication skills and cross-functional teamwork.)
• User Focus: "How do you incorporate user feedback into your design process? Can you share an example of how user insights led to a significant design change?" (Demonstrate your user-centric approach and ability to iterate.)
• Design Systems: "What is your experience with design systems? How do you approach building or contributing to them?" (Showcase your understanding of consistency and scalability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Fable Security and our mission to address human error in cybersecurity?" (Research the company's mission and values.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment?" (Reflect on your adaptability and proactive nature.)
• "What kind of team culture do you thrive in, and how do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?" (Align your values with Fable's stated culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation logically: Start with the problem, move through your process (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), showcase your solutions, and end with the impact or learnings.
• Be prepared to dive deep into one or two key case studies: Focus on the details of your process, the decisions you made, and the rationale behind them.
• Highlight your collaboration: Mention how you worked with stakeholders and incorporated their feedback.
• Showcase your problem-solving skills: Explain any challenges you encountered and how you overcame them.
• Practice your delivery: Be confident, clear, and concise. Be ready to answer questions about any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design thinking process thoroughly and demonstrate how they translate user needs and business goals into effective design solutions. Understanding Fable's specific challenge in cybersecurity will be crucial for tailoring responses and showcasing relevant experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience in UX/UI design, B2B SaaS, collaboration, and problem-solving, specifically mentioning any relevant cybersecurity or AI exposure.
• Case Study Preparation: Select 1-2 strong case studies that best showcase your end-to-end design process, user-centric approach, and ability to handle complex challenges. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Fable Security's mission, product, and target market. Understand the critical problem they are solving in cybersecurity.
• Practice Articulation: Prepare to clearly articulate your design decisions, the rationale behind them, and your collaborative process during interviews. Practice presenting your portfolio walkthrough to ensure a smooth and impactful delivery.

⚠️ 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.