Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Company: Paramount Location: New York, NY, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / UX/UI Date Posted: August 08, 2025 Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on the end-to-end design process for digital products within the media and entertainment sector, specifically for CBS Digital.
• The Product Designer will translate user needs and business objectives into intuitive and engaging user interfaces and experiences for a global audience.
• Key responsibilities include user research, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality digital product features.
• The position offers significant impact and visibility within a design-led, fast-paced media organization, with opportunities for career growth and influence on product direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data specifies "Product Designer," the context provided by Paramount's description of its digital offerings (Paramount+, CBS Sports, etc.) strongly suggests a focus on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for digital platforms, particularly web and potentially mobile applications. This role is embedded within product development, requiring a blend of creative design, technical understanding, and strategic thinking to enhance user engagement and achieve business goals in the competitive media landscape.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and iterate on digital product features by creating sketches, wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to validate ideas and test hypotheses with end-users.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Marketing teams, and Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure seamless integration of design into the development lifecycle and deliver exceptional product experiences.
• Translate complex business requirements and user insights into clear design specifications, detailed interactive prototypes, and comprehensive design documentation for development teams.
• Articulate design rationale, present work effectively to stakeholders, and ensure design solutions align with strategic product goals and the broader brand vision.
• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and enhancement of a scalable design system, ensuring consistency and efficiency across evolving digital product offerings.
• Actively participate in Agile development processes, including refining requirements, writing user stories, and providing design support throughout sprint cycles.
• Take complete ownership of design initiatives from initial ideation through to final delivery, demonstrating a commitment to detail and user-centricity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a Product Designer with 1-2 years of experience. The emphasis on "end-to-end ownership" and collaboration with Product, Engineering, and Marketing highlights the importance of a holistic approach to product development. The mention of "Agile processes" and "user stories" indicates a need for understanding and participating in iterative development methodologies common in tech and media companies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected, or equivalent practical experience. Experience: 1-2 years of professional experience in digital product design, with a strong emphasis on UI/UX design for web-based products. A compelling portfolio is essential to demonstrate design capabilities and process.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in designing digital web products, evidenced by a strong portfolio showcasing a range of design projects and problem-solving approaches.
• Demonstrated understanding of core UI/UX best practices, including user-centered design principles, usability heuristics, and effective user testing methodologies.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and QA, fostering productive working relationships and clear communication.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts, present work persuasively, and translate complex ideas for diverse audiences.
• A data-driven approach to design, leveraging both quantitative (e.g., analytics, A/B test results) and qualitative (e.g., user interviews, feedback) insights to inform and validate design decisions.
• Keen attention to visual detail, including typography, layout, interaction design, and overall usability, ensuring a polished and intuitive user experience.
• Proficiency with industry-standard design tools, with a specific requirement for Figma, for wireframing, prototyping, and visual design creation.
• Willingness to take ownership of design decisions, actively seek and incorporate feedback, and contribute constructively to the overall product direction.
• Understanding of front-end development basics, such as HTML and CSS, or the ability to communicate effectively with developers regarding technical constraints and implementation possibilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with animation or advanced prototyping tools (e.g., Principle, Adobe After Effects, Protopie) to create rich, interactive product flows that simulate real user experiences.
• Familiarity with building and maintaining design systems at scale, including proficiency with Figma libraries, design tokens, and shared component management.
• Knowledge of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and experience designing for accessibility across various platforms and user needs.
• Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities within the media streaming, entertainment, or broadcast product sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 1-2 years of experience requirement, coupled with the emphasis on a portfolio and Figma proficiency, positions this as an entry-level to junior designer role. The preferred qualifications highlight areas that would make a candidate stand out, particularly in a media company where engaging user experiences and robust design systems are critical. Understanding the media landscape is also a valuable asset.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A well-organized and visually compelling digital portfolio is mandatory, showcasing 3-5 diverse product design projects.
• Each project should detail the problem statement, design process followed, user research conducted, key design decisions made, and the final outcomes or impact.
• Demonstrate end-to-end product design experience, from initial concept and user research to final UI design and iteration based on feedback or testing.
• Highlight proficiency in key design tools, with a strong emphasis on Figma, and showcase the ability to create high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes.
• Include case studies that clearly articulate the application of UI/UX best practices, user testing, and data-driven design principles.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you've documented your design process, including user flows, wireframes, and interaction specifications for development teams.
• Provide evidence of experience in refining requirements, writing user stories, and participating in Agile development cycles.
• Illustrate your approach to supporting and enhancing a design system, including examples of component design, documentation, and collaboration on shared libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also a clear understanding of the design process, problem-solving, and collaboration. Case studies should focus on the "why" behind design decisions and the impact achieved, especially when using tools like Figma and adhering to user-centered methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $86,000 - $107,000 annually.

• This range is competitive for a Product Designer with 1-2 years of experience in the New York City metropolitan area, reflecting the high cost of living and demand for skilled design talent in the media industry.
• The specific starting salary within this range will be determined by factors such as the candidate's geographic location (if remote options were considered, though this role is on-site), market demand, years of relevant experience, specialized skills, and educational background.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan: 401(k) with potential company matching.
• Life insurance coverage and disability benefits for income protection.
• Investment in professional development through a tuition assistance program.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
• Eligibility for bonuses based on performance.
• Access to a wide array of benefits detailed on the Paramount Careers benefits page.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are likely to align with a typical full-time work week, estimated at 40 hours per week.
• While the role is on-site, Paramount may offer some flexibility within the standard business day, depending on team needs and project deadlines. Collaboration with teams across different time zones might necessitate occasional adjustments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and typical for a junior-level design role in a major metropolitan area. The benefits package is standard for a large corporation like Paramount, emphasizing health, financial security, and professional growth. The mention of "bonus eligible" is common for many roles in the entertainment industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Entertainment, specifically focused on digital content and streaming platforms (e.g., CBS Digital, Paramount+). Paramount Global is a diversified media conglomerate with a significant presence in broadcasting, cable networks, film production, and streaming services. Company Size: Paramount Global is a large, publicly traded company (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), employing thousands of individuals globally. This means opportunities for diverse career paths and exposure to a wide range of business functions. Founded: Paramount Pictures was founded in 1912, and Paramount Global as it exists today is the result of numerous mergers and acquisitions over decades, with CBS and Viacom merging and subsequently rebranding as Paramount Global in 2022. This history signifies a long-standing legacy in entertainment and content creation.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of the CBS Digital team, working within a design-led, cross-functional product development group. This typically involves a Product Manager, Engineers (front-end and back-end), QA testers, and potentially other designers or researchers.
• The reporting structure will likely be to a Design Lead, Director of Product Design, or a Product Manager, depending on the specific team organization.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect of this role, requiring close interaction with product, engineering, marketing, and QA teams to ensure cohesive and successful product launches.

Methodology:

• Paramount likely employs data analysis to understand user behavior and inform design decisions, utilizing metrics from platforms like Paramount+ and CBS Digital properties to identify areas for improvement.
• Workflow planning and optimization will be driven by Agile methodologies, with a focus on iterative development and continuous improvement of digital products.
• Automation practices may be leveraged in design workflows (e.g., design system components, prototyping tools) and in the development of the digital products themselves to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.paramount.com/ and https://careers.paramount.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Paramount's position as a major media player is key. The CBS Digital team likely operates with a mix of established media workflows and modern digital product development practices. The emphasis on data and Agile methodologies suggests a dynamic environment where design directly impacts user engagement and business outcomes for popular entertainment properties.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to junior Product Designer position, suitable for individuals with 1-2 years of hands-on design experience. The role offers a solid foundation in digital product design within a large, reputable media organization. Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Senior Product Designer, Design Lead, or Product Manager within the CBS Digital product team. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance from more experienced professionals. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the user experience of digital products consumed by millions globally, including streaming services and website platforms. Successful designs can lead to increased user engagement, retention, and satisfaction, directly contributing to Paramount's business objectives in the digital space.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in UI/UX design, prototyping, user research, and design systems, potentially specializing in areas like interaction design or accessibility.
• Career Progression: Potential to advance to a Product Designer II, Senior Product Designer, or lead design roles within CBS Digital or other Paramount divisions over time, with demonstrated performance and skill development.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining valuable experience in the competitive media and entertainment industry, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities in digital content delivery.
• Leadership Potential: With experience, there may be opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives for specific product features, or contribute to strategic product planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: For someone at the 0-2 year experience mark, this role is a significant step. The growth path involves mastering core design skills and understanding the media industry's nuances. The ability to contribute to a design system and work on high-profile products provides excellent resume-building experience for future roles in tech or entertainment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in New York City, suggesting a traditional office environment. This typically includes collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated design labs or studios. Office Location(s): New York, NY 10019. This location is in a major business district, offering access to public transportation and the vibrant ecosystem of New York City. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to foster collaboration, with opportunities to interact closely with product managers, engineers, and other designers.
• Access to standard design tools and technology will be provided, including Figma and potentially other relevant software for prototyping and research.
• The environment likely encourages a blend of focused individual work (designing, wireframing) and team-based collaboration (design reviews, brainstorming sessions).

Work Schedule:

• The primary work schedule will be on-site during standard business hours, likely Monday through Friday.
• As is common in project-driven environments, there may be periods requiring occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines or launch dates.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a major media hub like New York City offers significant networking and in-person collaboration benefits. The focus on a collaborative environment suggests that team interaction and communication are highly valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios. Candidates with strong portfolios and relevant experience will be invited for an initial screening call.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: This is a critical stage. Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing 2-3 key projects in detail. Expect questions about their design process, problem-solving approach, decision-making rationale, and the impact of their work. A design challenge (e.g., a take-home project or a live design exercise) might also be part of this phase to assess practical skills.
• Team Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and cultural fit within the CBS Digital team.
• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Design, VP of Product) to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall alignment with Paramount's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and proficiency in Figma. Focus on quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your design solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your workflow in Figma, how you use components, libraries, and prototyping features.
• Showcase Collaboration: Mention how you worked with cross-functional teams (PMs, Engineers) and how their input shaped your designs.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., "increased conversion by X%", "reduced user errors by Y%").

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is given, thoroughly research Paramount, CBS Digital, and the specific product area.
• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a clear, user-centered design process, even if the solution is conceptual. Document your thinking, assumptions, and rationale.
• Time Management: Practice completing design exercises within a given timeframe, prioritizing key deliverables.
• Presentation Skills: Prepare to present your ideas clearly and concisely, explaining your design choices and their justification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for design roles heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to speak extensively about their work, demonstrating not just design execution but also strategic thinking and collaborative capabilities. Understanding Paramount's products and the media industry will be beneficial during discussions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in creating and managing components, libraries, and design systems within Figma is expected.
• Prototyping Tools: Experience with advanced prototyping tools like Principle, Adobe After Effects, or Protopie is preferred for creating interactive and animated product flows.
• User Testing Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting user research and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback) is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Understanding of tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to track user behavior and performance metrics for digital products.
• Data Visualization/Dashboard Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Figma features for creating dashboards and presenting data insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and how marketing automation might integrate with digital products is helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the core design tool specified. The emphasis on prototyping tools and familiarity with analytics underscores the data-driven and user-focused approach Paramount expects for its digital products. Understanding how design integrates with the broader tech stack is important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of the end-user, ensuring intuitive and engaging experiences.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals and deliver cohesive products.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and insights to inform design choices and measure the impact of design solutions.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and creative approaches to problem-solving within the entertainment and media context.
• Attention to Detail: A focus on quality, polish, and usability in all aspects of design execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with product managers, engineers, and marketers, sharing feedback and iterating on designs together.
• The team likely practices regular design reviews and critiques to foster continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Embracing an Agile mindset means adapting to feedback, iterating quickly, and working efficiently within development sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Paramount's culture, as described, emphasizes collaboration, user focus, and innovation. For a designer, this means being comfortable sharing work, incorporating feedback from diverse stakeholders, and contributing to a shared vision for digital products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively integrating user desires with Paramount's strategic objectives and technical constraints.
• Rapid Iteration in a Dynamic Industry: Adapting designs quickly to evolving user preferences and market trends in the fast-paced media and entertainment sector.
• Scalability of Design Systems: Contributing to and maintaining a design system that supports a growing portfolio of digital products and features.
• Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive and high-quality user experience across various devices and platforms (web, mobile, connected TV).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Deepening: Opportunities to attend industry conferences (e.g., UXPA, AIGA events), participate in webinars, and take online courses to enhance UI/UX skills.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced designers and product professionals within the CBS Digital team and broader Paramount organization.
• Exposure to New Technologies: Working with cutting-edge design tools and potentially exploring emerging technologies in interactive media and entertainment.
• Career Pathing: Clear pathways for advancement into more senior design roles or specialization areas based on performance and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in digital product design, especially within a large media company. The growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement, mentorship, and career progression, which are crucial for early-career professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Rationale: "Walk me through a project in your portfolio that you're particularly proud of. What was the problem, your approach, what were the key decisions, and what was the outcome?" Be ready to discuss your process in detail, focusing on user-centered methodologies and how you handled constraints.
• Collaboration & Communication: "How do you handle disagreements with product managers or engineers about design decisions? Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders to adopt your design." Prepare examples of how you communicate your ideas and collaborate effectively.
• Problem-Solving & Data: "Describe a situation where you used data (quantitative or qualitative) to inform a design decision or iterate on a design. How did you approach it, and what was the impact?" Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and data-driven mindset.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Paramount Knowledge: "What do you know about Paramount Global and CBS Digital? What are your favorite digital products or experiences from our brands, and why?" Research the company's brands, recent news, and digital platforms.
• Team Dynamics: "How do you prefer to work within a team? What makes a design team successful in your opinion?" Be prepared to discuss your collaborative style and what you value in team environments.
• Impact Measurement: "How do you think your design work contributes to Paramount's business goals?" Connect your design process and outcomes to business objectives like user engagement, retention, or revenue.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of the project, then dive into the problem statement, your role, research, ideation, design solutions (showcasing wireframes, mockups, prototypes), testing, and finally, the results/impact.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and interactive prototypes. Ensure your Figma work is clean and well-organized.
• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative. Highlight challenges and how you overcame them. Explain the "why" behind your design choices.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your work. Practice your presentation to ensure it's clear, engaging, and within the allotted time.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and alternative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a strong design process, excellent communication skills, and a solid understanding of user-centered design principles, all supported by a compelling portfolio. Demonstrating familiarity with Paramount's products and the media industry will also be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position at Paramount:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paramount careers website.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, mobile-friendly, and clearly showcases 2-3 of your best product design projects. Tailor the project selection to highlight relevant skills like UI/UX, prototyping in Figma, and user research.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your 1-2 years of experience, specific design accomplishments, proficiency in Figma, and experience with UI/UX best practices. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on clear storytelling, detailing your design process, and articulating the impact of your work. Prepare answers to common behavioral and situational questions.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Paramount Global, its brands (especially CBS Digital, Paramount+), and recent product launches or news. Understand their mission and values to articulate your fit.

⚠️ 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.