Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer
Company: Kalshi
Location: New York, NY / Remote
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / UX/UI
Date Posted: October 18, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design of Kalshi's core trading platform, focusing on creating intuitive and accessible user experiences for a diverse user base, from novice to expert traders.
• Conceptualize and execute innovative design solutions that address complex product challenges, transforming intricate ideas into user-friendly interfaces.
• Develop comprehensive user flows, wireframes, storyboards, and site maps to clearly articulate design concepts and interaction patterns.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership and engineering teams to translate product vision into tangible, high-quality design deliverables.
• Champion user-centered design principles and methodologies, leveraging user research and feedback to continuously iterate and refine product designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities and context strongly indicate a focus on UX/UI design within a financial technology (FinTech) environment, specifically for a trading platform. The emphasis on "trading experience," "traders," and "financial products" suggests a need for deep understanding of financial markets and user behavior within that domain. The remote/hybrid option with a New York presence indicates a need for strong self-management and communication skills, particularly when collaborating with a distributed team.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end user experiences for the Kalshi trading platform, ensuring a seamless and engaging journey for all user segments.
• Translate complex financial concepts and trading mechanics into simple, intuitive, and visually appealing user interfaces.
• Create detailed wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to communicate design intent and functionality.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and gather feedback to inform design decisions and drive iterative improvements.
• Partner with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to define product requirements, prioritize features, and ensure design feasibility.
• Establish and maintain design systems, style guides, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality across the Kalshi platform.
• Advocate for the user, ensuring that design solutions are user-centered, accessible, and aligned with business objectives.
• Contribute to the strategic vision of the product by identifying opportunities for design innovation and user experience enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can operate independently, manage multiple design projects, and contribute to strategic product discussions. The mention of "working closely with founders" suggests a lean, fast-paced environment where the designer will have significant influence and autonomy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, or a closely related field.
• Equivalent practical experience in product design or UI/UX design will also be considered.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of proven experience as a Product Designer, UI/UX Designer, or in a similar role, with a strong emphasis on digital product development.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and shipping complex, user-facing applications, preferably within the FinTech or trading/investment sector.
• Proven ability to translate user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective design solutions.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Design Tools: Expert-level command of Figma (or similar industry-standard tools like Sketch, Adobe XD) for wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.
• User Research & Testing: Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative user research, usability testing, and synthesizing findings into actionable design insights.
• Interaction Design: Strong understanding of interaction design principles, information architecture, and user flow mapping.
• Visual Design: Excellent visual design skills, including typography, color theory, layout, and iconography, with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.
• Prototyping: Ability to create interactive prototypes to effectively communicate user flows and interaction patterns.
• User-Centered Design (UCD): Deep understanding and practical application of UCD principles and design thinking methodologies.
• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Portfolio: A strong, well-curated portfolio showcasing a range of product design projects, demonstrating problem-solving abilities, design process, and impact.

Preferred Skills:

• Financial Product Design: Specific experience designing trading platforms, investment tools, or other complex financial products.
• Data Visualization: Experience designing effective data visualizations, dashboards, and reports for financial data.
• Design Systems: Experience in creating, maintaining, or contributing to design systems and style guides.
• Responsive & Mobile-First Design: Expertise in designing for various screen sizes and devices, with a mobile-first approach.
• Agile Development: Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and working in cross-functional, iterative teams.
• Understanding of Financial Markets: Basic knowledge of financial markets, trading concepts, and regulatory environments (e.g., CFTC).

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is inferred from the range provided in the input data ($100k-$200k salary range for a designer in NYC often aligns with 2-5 years of experience, and the responsibilities suggest more than an entry-level role). The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" and specific tools like Figma points to the need for demonstrable practical skills rather than just theoretical knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Design Process: Showcase a clear, end-to-end design process, from initial problem definition and user research through ideation, prototyping, testing, and final implementation.
• Problem-Solution Alignment: Clearly articulate the problem each project aimed to solve, the design challenges encountered, and how your solutions effectively addressed user needs and business objectives.
• Impact & Metrics: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible. Include metrics related to user engagement, task completion rates, conversion improvements, or user satisfaction.
• Financial/Trading Context: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with complex data, financial products, trading interfaces, or regulated environments, if available.
• Tool Proficiency: Highlight your proficiency with key design tools, particularly Figma, and demonstrate how you leverage them for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.

Process Documentation:

• User Flow & Wireframing Examples: Include examples of detailed user flows, wireframes, and site maps that illustrate your ability to map out complex user journeys and information architecture.
• Prototyping Samples: Provide links to interactive prototypes or video demonstrations showcasing key user interactions and design flows.
• Design System Contribution (if applicable): If you have experience with design systems, showcase examples of components designed, style guides created, or contributions to a broader system.
• User Research Synthesis: Demonstrate how you translate user research findings into actionable design improvements, perhaps through case study summaries or specific examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a product designer role, a portfolio is not just a collection of pretty pictures; it's a demonstration of problem-solving skills and process. For a FinTech company like Kalshi, showcasing the ability to handle complex data, regulatory considerations, and user needs in a trading environment is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $200,000 annually.
Benefits:

• Equity options, reflecting the company's belief in shared success and long-term commitment.
• Comprehensive benefits package, likely including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically around 40 hours.
• Flexibility is often inherent in remote/hybrid roles, allowing for some adaptation to personal schedules, provided core collaboration hours are met and deliverables are achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to NYC, reflecting local market conditions for a mid-level Product Designer. The inclusion of "equity" is a significant component for early-stage/growth-stage tech companies like Kalshi, indicating potential for substantial long-term financial reward.

dT Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Technology (FinTech), specifically an exchange for event contracts.
Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Kalshi's description suggests a growth-stage company, likely between 50-200 employees, given the need for a dedicated Product Designer and mention of founders working closely with the team. This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities for significant impact.
Founded: Kalshi was founded in 2018. This indicates a company that has moved past the initial startup phase and is now focused on scaling and refining its product and operations after achieving significant regulatory milestones.

Team Structure:

• Lean & Flat Hierarchy: Kalshi emphasizes "minimal hierarchy and few titles," suggesting a collaborative and agile team structure where individuals are empowered to take ownership.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with founders, engineers, and likely product managers, indicating a highly integrated team approach.
• Meritocracy & Ownership: The culture values individuals who are proactive, take initiative, and drive results, with a focus on merit and contribution.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: As a financial exchange, decisions are likely informed by market data, user behavior analytics, and rigorous testing.
• Iterative Development: The fast-paced nature of FinTech and early-stage companies suggests an iterative approach to product development, with a focus on continuous improvement and rapid deployment.
• User-Centricity: Despite the technical and regulatory aspects, there's a clear emphasis on understanding and serving the user, as evidenced by the need for user research and empathy for traders.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description paints a picture of a mission-driven, ambitious organization operating in a highly regulated and innovative space. The culture is described as hard-working, ownership-driven, and focused on "climbing the steeper mountain," which is typical of successful FinTech startups.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Product Design Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer, likely with 2-5 years of experience. It offers the opportunity to shape a core product in a nascent but rapidly growing asset class. The designer will be instrumental in defining the user experience of a federally regulated exchange.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Product, Chief Product Officer, or potentially directly to one of the founders, given Kalshi's emphasis on minimal hierarchy and direct collaboration with leadership. This offers high visibility and direct influence.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work will have a direct and significant impact on Kalshi's success by:

• User Acquisition & Retention: Creating an intuitive and trustworthy trading platform is crucial for attracting and retaining users in a competitive market.
• Market Liquidity & Growth: A superior user experience can encourage more trading activity, contributing to market liquidity and overall platform growth.
• Brand Perception & Trust: High-quality, reliable design builds trust, which is paramount in the financial industry.
• Product Innovation: Driving the design forward will enable Kalshi to introduce new features and markets effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Design: As the company grows, there's potential to grow into a Senior Product Designer role, lead design initiatives, or even build and manage a design team.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in FinTech product design, trading platforms, or user research methodologies.
• Strategic Product Input: Contribute to product strategy and roadmap discussions, leveraging design insights to influence business direction.
• Impactful Projects: Work on groundbreaking financial products that have the potential to redefine an asset class.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential due to Kalshi's innovative market position and likely growth trajectory. A designer who excels here can become a key figure in the company's product evolution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Kalshi offers both in-office (New York) and remote options, suggesting a hybrid work model. This allows for flexibility while maintaining the option for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): New York City, NY. This location offers access to a vibrant tech and finance ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative & Fast-Paced: Expect a dynamic environment where ideas are shared freely, and work progresses quickly. The culture values hard work and getting things done.
• Tool-Rich Environment: Access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools will be provided to facilitate efficient workflow.
• Direct Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with founders, engineers, and other key team members, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the emphasis on "getting stuff done" and "climbing the steeper mountain" suggests that dedication and commitment are highly valued. Remote/hybrid flexibility may allow for some adjustment in daily schedules, but meeting project deadlines and collaborative needs will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid/remote option, coupled with a strong emphasis on ownership and results, indicates a work environment that values autonomy and productivity over strict adherence to traditional office structures.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your past work. Be prepared to dive deep into 2-3 key projects.
• Technical/Design Challenge: You may be given a small design exercise or case study to assess your skills in conceptualizing solutions for a specific problem relevant to Kalshi's platform.
• Team/Founder Interviews: Meetings with engineering, product, and potentially founders to evaluate your technical acumen, collaborative style, cultural fit, and strategic thinking.
• Reference Checks: Standard background and professional reference checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Each project in your portfolio should tell a clear story: the problem, your approach, your solutions, and the outcomes.
• Focus on Process, Not Just Polish: Showcase your design thinking, research methods, iteration, and how you arrived at your final solution. Explain why you made certain design decisions.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced error rates, improved user satisfaction scores).
• Tailor to Kalshi: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with complex applications, financial data, trading interfaces, or solving problems for sophisticated user bases. Emphasize your understanding of user-centered design and how you approach simplifying complexity.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect questions about your design choices, trade-offs made, and how you handled challenges or disagreements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Research Kalshi, its mission, its market (event contracts), and its competitors. Understand the core user needs of traders on such a platform.
• Think User-Centric: Approach any challenge by first defining the user and their goals. What are the key pain points or opportunities?
• Prioritize & Scope: If given a broad challenge, practice prioritizing the most critical aspects and scoping your solution realistically within given constraints (time, resources).
• Articulate Your Rationale: Be prepared to explain your thought process, design decisions, and why you believe your solution is effective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and potential design challenge highlights the practical, hands-on nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process and demonstrate problem-solving skills relevant to Kalshi's unique market.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration. Proficiency is a must.
• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities, or potentially tools like InVision, Principle, or Framer for more advanced interactions.

User Research & Analysis Tools:

• User Testing Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, or similar for remote usability testing and feedback collection.
• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with how data is collected and analyzed (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics) to inform design decisions.

Collaboration & Project Management Tools:

• Jira/Confluence: Common in tech environments for tracking tasks, user stories, and documentation.
• Slack/Microsoft Teams: For day-to-day communication and team collaboration.
• Google Workspace/Microsoft 365: For document creation, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Potential Future Tools (depending on growth):

• Design System Management Tools: Storybook, Zeroheight.
• User Feedback Management: Canny, UserVoice.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is paramount for this role. While other tools are beneficial, the core expectation is strong design execution and prototyping within a leading design platform. Understanding how design integrates with engineering workflows (e.g., Jira) and product analytics is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking full responsibility for your work, from conception to execution and iteration.
• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A deep commitment to producing high-quality, polished work that reflects pride in one's craft.
• Bold Vision & Ambition: A willingness to tackle challenging problems and "climb the steeper mountain" towards achieving ambitious goals.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve collective success.
• User Empathy: A genuine understanding of and focus on the needs and experiences of Kalshi's diverse user base.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Transparent: Expect open communication and direct feedback, especially given the lean structure and involvement of founders.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers will work very closely with engineers and product stakeholders, requiring strong communication and the ability to translate design concepts into technical requirements.
• Iterative & Feedback-Driven: The culture likely encourages continuous feedback loops and iterative design processes to refine solutions based on input from various team members and users.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kalshi's stated values emphasize a high-performance, ownership-driven culture. This means designers are expected to be proactive, self-sufficient, and deeply invested in the product's success, working collaboratively to achieve ambitious goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Simplifying Complexity: Designing intuitive interfaces for a novel financial product (event contracts) requires translating complex rules and market dynamics into easily understandable user experiences.
• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Navigating the regulatory landscape (CFTC) while pushing the boundaries of financial product innovation presents unique design challenges.
• Catering to Diverse Users: Designing for both novice users exploring event contracts for the first time and expert traders with specific analytical needs requires a flexible and adaptable design approach.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Working in a growth-stage FinTech company means adapting to rapid changes, shifting priorities, and tight deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• FinTech Specialization: Gain deep expertise in designing for financial markets and trading platforms, a high-demand and specialized area.
• Impactful Product Development: Contribute significantly to the evolution of a unique financial asset class and a pioneering exchange.
• Exposure to Leadership: Work directly with founders and senior leadership, gaining insights into company strategy and product vision.
• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to expand skill sets in areas like user research, design systems, and data analysis within a product context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to Kalshi's innovative and regulated market position. Overcoming these challenges offers significant opportunities for professional growth and specialization in a cutting-edge field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex or regulated industry. What were the key challenges and how did you address them?" (Focus on your process, research, and how you simplified complexity.)
• "How would you approach designing the initial onboarding experience for a new user unfamiliar with event contracts?" (Demonstrate user empathy, step-by-step thinking, and consideration for user education.)
• "Imagine a new market is being launched on Kalshi. What are the key design considerations you'd prioritize?" (Showcase your understanding of the trading lifecycle, market dynamics, and user needs.)
• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in your designs?" (Discuss your decision-making process and trade-offs.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Kalshi and the event contract market specifically?" (Research Kalshi's mission and market position; show genuine interest.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and product managers?" (Highlight your communication skills and experience working in cross-functional teams.)
• "Kalshi values ownership and getting things done. Can you give an example of a time you took initiative to drive a project forward?" (Prepare a specific STAR method example.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 Strongest Projects: Choose projects that best showcase your skills relevant to Kalshi (complexity, financial context if possible, end-to-end process).
• Structure Each Case Study:
  1. Problem: Clearly define the user problem and business objective.
  2. Your Role: Specify your contributions and responsibilities.
  3. Process: Detail your research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing steps. Explain why you made each decision.
  4. Solution: Showcase final designs/prototypes.
  5. Outcome/Impact: Quantify results with metrics or qualitative feedback.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your design choices, user research findings, and challenges faced.
• Emphasize User-Centricity & Simplicity: Continuously tie your design decisions back to user needs and the goal of making a complex product accessible.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills, but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a good cultural fit with Kalshi's ambitious and ownership-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and readily accessible.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to design for complex applications, financial products, or user experiences requiring a high degree of clarity and trust. Emphasize your process and the impact of your work.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with UI/UX design, user research, prototyping, and specific tools like Figma. Use keywords from the job description, such as "trading experience," "financial products," and "user-centered design."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and projects using the STAR method. Be ready to discuss your approach to simplifying complex problems and collaborating with technical teams.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Kalshi, its mission, the event contract market, and its regulatory environment. Understand their product and user base to better tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions for a Product Designer role in FinTech. All details, especially regarding specific responsibilities, team structure, and interview processes, should be verified directly with Kalshi during the application and interview stages.