Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Sustainment

Location: Austin, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Operations Technology

Date Posted: 2025-11-26T19:44:15

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

Remote Status: Remote OK (US-based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product design for critical workflows within the AI-native procurement lifecycle, from RFQ creation to purchase order management.

• Act as a strategic design partner, collaborating closely with Product Management and Engineering teams to identify user needs, explore solutions, and deliver high-quality workflow improvements.

• Conduct lightweight user research, validate assumptions with rapid prototyping, and iterate designs based on user insights and product goals.

• Contribute to the development and evolution of a robust design system and reusable workflow patterns to enhance design velocity and coherence across the platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Product Designer" title, combined with responsibilities like "owning design for key workflows in the procurement lifecycle" and "AI-native procurement platform," strongly indicates this role will deeply involve operational processes within manufacturing and supply chain. The emphasis on "workflow improvements" and "technical feasibility" points towards a need for designers who understand complex enterprise systems and can translate intricate operational needs into intuitive user experiences. This role is positioned as a key contributor to the core functionality of a B2B SaaS platform focused on operational efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the design for key procurement lifecycle workflows, including RFQ creation, quote review and comparison, award decisions, purchase order generation, and exception handling.

• Partner with Product Managers, fellow designers, and engineers throughout the product development lifecycle, from initial problem framing and discovery to final delivery and launch.

• Proactively plan and execute lightweight user research initiatives, including interviews with manufacturers and suppliers, rapid prototype testing, and user feedback analysis.

• Create and maintain clear UX artifacts such as journey maps, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity designs, ensuring alignment with the established design system.

• Collaborate closely with the engineering team to ensure precise and high-quality implementation of designs, providing detailed specifications and participating in QA and launch processes.

• Contribute to the growth and refinement of the company's emerging design system and reusable workflow patterns to accelerate development cycles without compromising product consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can manage complex, multi-step processes common in enterprise operations. The focus on "user insight and product goals" for "decision making" and "evolving consistent patterns for data-dense procurement screens" suggests the designer will be instrumental in shaping how users interact with sophisticated operational data and workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of UX/UI principles and product design methodologies is expected, often gained through formal education or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of dedicated product design experience is required, with a focus on complex web applications or SaaS products. Startup experience is considered a plus, indicating a need for adaptability and initiative.

Required Skills:

• A strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end workflow thinking and problem-solving capabilities, beyond isolated screens.

• Proficiency in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments, transitioning from initial problem framing to shipped solutions.

• Solid collaboration and communication skills, with a particular emphasis on effective communication with engineering teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in enterprise software, operations, supply chain management, or manufacturing domains.

• Familiarity with AI-assisted UX design principles and tools.

• Prior experience contributing to or utilizing design systems.

• Experience with Figma features like "Make" for advanced design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "end-to-end workflow thinking" and experience with "complex web applications or SaaS products" implies the need for a designer who can grasp the intricacies of business operations, particularly in enterprise settings. Proficiency in Figma is standard, but the mention of "AI-native experiences" and "data-dense procurement screens" suggests a need for designers comfortable with sophisticated interfaces that manage high volumes of information and potentially leverage AI for enhanced user assistance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design projects that clearly illustrate your problem-solving process from discovery to delivery, emphasizing workflow comprehension rather than isolated UI elements.

• Include case studies that detail how you identified user needs and business requirements within complex operational domains.

• Demonstrate your ability to create detailed UX artifacts such as journey maps, wireframes, and interactive prototypes that effectively communicate design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Highlight projects where you contributed to or developed reusable workflow patterns and design system components, showcasing efficiency and scalability.

• Provide examples of how you collaborated with engineering teams, detailing the hand-off process and your involvement in ensuring implementation quality.

• Illustrate instances where you conducted user research, validated assumptions, and iterated on designs based on evidence, demonstrating a data-informed approach to design.

• Showcase your ability to articulate design decisions, providing clear rationale grounded in user insights, business objectives, and technical feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "end-to-end workflow thinking" and the need to "reduce user friction" within "core workflows" implies that the portfolio should clearly map out the user's journey through complex operational processes. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their design decisions directly impacted operational efficiency, reduced errors, or improved user productivity in a business context, especially within manufacturing and supply chain environments.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Product Designer with 3+ years of experience in a high-cost-of-living tech hub like Austin, Texas, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $100,000 - $140,000 annually. This range accounts for the specialized nature of designing for complex B2B SaaS in manufacturing and a remote work option within the US.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance.

• Paid company holidays.

• 401K plan with company matching contributions, supporting long-term financial planning for operations professionals.

Working Hours: A standard full-time work week of approximately 40 hours is expected. Given the remote option, flexibility in daily scheduling may be available, provided core collaboration hours are met and project deadlines are achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from data for mid-level Product Designers in major US tech markets, adjusted for Austin's cost of living and the specific industry focus (AI, SaaS, Manufacturing Operations). The benefits package is typical for full-time roles in the tech industry, with a focus on comprehensive health coverage and retirement savings, which are important considerations for professionals in demanding operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically AI-native software solutions for the manufacturing and supply chain sector. The platform aims to enhance US-based manufacturing resilience and connectivity.

Company Size: As a growing startup, Sustainment likely operates with a lean, agile structure, fostering a collaborative and fast-paced environment. The size suggests opportunities for direct impact and significant influence.

Founded: Sustainment is a relatively new company, likely founded within the last 5-10 years, indicating a dynamic and evolving culture focused on innovation and market disruption in the manufacturing technology space.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is likely small and integrated, working closely with product management and engineering.

• Designers may report to a Head of Product, Design Lead, or CTO, depending on the organizational structure.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on iterative design and agile development, utilizing user feedback and data to inform design decisions.

• Focus on building an AI-native platform, suggesting an approach that integrates intelligent features and learns from user interactions.

• Commitment to improving operational efficiency and supply chain resilience for US manufacturers through technology.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "AI-native software" and "US-based manufacturers" indicates a mission-driven culture aimed at solving complex, real-world problems in a critical industry. The "dual-use technology platform" supporting both DoD and commercial customers suggests a need for robust, secure, and reliable solutions, which can influence design approaches and quality standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer, offering the opportunity to own significant product areas and contribute to the foundational design of an evolving platform. It's an excellent stepping stone for aspiring Senior Product Designers or potentially Design Leads, especially within B2B SaaS or operational technology.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Product Manager or a Design Lead, working in close partnership with dedicated engineering teams. This structure allows for direct influence on product strategy and execution.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer will have a direct impact on the efficiency and usability of Sustainment's platform, which is designed to streamline complex operational processes like procurement, supply chain management, and manufacturing coordination. Success in this role means directly contributing to the company's mission of strengthening American manufacturing through improved operational workflows.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in designing for complex B2B SaaS and operational domains, particularly within manufacturing and supply chains.

• Develop skills in designing AI-native user experiences and integrating AI capabilities into workflows.

• Gain experience in contributing to and evolving a design system for a growing product.

• Potential to grow into a Senior Product Designer role, taking on more complex projects or mentoring junior designers.

• Opportunities to influence product strategy and process improvements within a fast-paced startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a strong foundation for a career in operations technology design. The "AI-native" aspect and the "complex web applications" focus provide opportunities to build expertise in cutting-edge design challenges within enterprise software, which is highly valuable for future growth in operations-focused product roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the company is based in Austin, Texas, this role is advertised as "Remote OK" for US-based candidates, suggesting a hybrid or fully remote work environment is supported.

Office Location(s): The company headquarters is in Austin, Texas, indicating potential opportunities for in-person collaboration if desired or for team offsites and meetings.

Workspace Context:

• A remote-friendly environment likely necessitates strong asynchronous communication skills and proficiency with digital collaboration tools.

• Access to modern design software (Figma) and project management tools will be standard.

• The work involves deep collaboration with cross-functional teams (PM, Engineering), requiring effective virtual communication and shared understanding of project goals.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical for full-time employees. The remote nature may offer some flexibility in daily hours, but consistent availability for team meetings, design reviews, and collaboration with engineering partners is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first nature of this role for US-based candidates offers flexibility but requires a high degree of self-discipline and proactive communication. Collaboration will heavily rely on digital tools, making proficiency in asynchronous work and virtual team engagement crucial for success in this operational design context.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present one or more case studies from your portfolio, focusing on end-to-end workflow design, problem-solving, and decision-making rationale. Be prepared to discuss the challenges, your process, and the outcomes.

• Design Challenge/Exercise: A practical design exercise or a take-home challenge may be given to evaluate your design thinking, problem-solving approach, and proficiency with tools like Figma. This might involve iterating on a given problem or designing a specific workflow improvement.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and technical understanding.

• Leadership/Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to gauge cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Workflow: Clearly articulate the end-to-end user journey and how your design solved complex operational problems. Avoid showcasing only standalone screens.

• Showcase Process: Detail your design process, including user research, ideation, prototyping, iteration, and collaboration with stakeholders. Explain why you made certain design decisions, referencing user insights and business goals.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or discuss the intended impact of your designs on user efficiency, task completion, or business outcomes. For this role, focus on how designs improve procurement or supply chain operations.

• Tailor to Role: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with complex SaaS, enterprise applications, or data-dense interfaces. Mention any exposure to manufacturing, supply chain, or AI-assisted UX.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with procurement, RFQ/PO processes, and the challenges faced by manufacturers and their suppliers. Research Sustainment's platform and its positioning.

• Think Systemically: For any design challenge, focus on the entire workflow and user ecosystem, not just isolated interactions. Consider how your solution integrates with existing operational processes.

• Prioritize and Justify: Be ready to explain your design choices, including trade-offs made between user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "end-to-end workflow thinking" and "messy, real-world domains" suggests the interview process will heavily scrutinize a candidate's ability to navigate complexity and translate intricate operational needs into user-friendly solutions. Portfolio presentations should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of user problems within operational contexts and how design interventions lead to tangible improvements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for all aspects of design, from wireframing and prototyping to high-fidelity mockups and design system components. Proficiency in Figma's collaborative features is key.

• Prototyping Tools: Likely integrated within Figma, or potentially separate tools for more advanced prototyping needs to simulate complex workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding how design impacts user behavior will require familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) and how to interpret data to inform design iterations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM/automation systems, designers will need to understand how their work impacts user journeys within these systems, especially concerning procurement and supplier management workflows. Familiarity with concepts of workflow automation in enterprise software is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tool stack is centered around modern UX/UI design practices, with Figma being the core. However, for a role focused on operational efficiency in B2B SaaS, understanding the broader ecosystem of analytics, CRM, and automation tools is crucial for designing solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing business processes and contribute to measurable operational improvements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and solving the real-world problems of manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring the platform is intuitive and valuable for operational users.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing user insights, research, and analytics to guide design choices and measure the impact of implemented solutions on operational efficiency.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with Product Management and Engineering to ensure cohesive product development and shared ownership of success.

• Agility & Iteration: Embracing a fast-paced startup environment, being comfortable with ambiguity, and iterating quickly on designs based on feedback and evolving requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to be deeply embedded with PM and Engineering teams, participating actively in discovery, planning, and execution phases.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, direct, and constructive feedback exchange among team members to refine designs and processes.

• Shared Ownership: Working collaboratively to achieve product goals, with a shared responsibility for the quality and impact of the delivered solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to strengthen American manufacturing and its AI-native approach suggest a culture that values innovation, problem-solving, and making a tangible impact. The collaborative style is essential for translating complex operational needs into effective product features within a startup environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: The manufacturing and supply chain domain involves intricate, often legacy, operational processes that require deep understanding to simplify and digitize effectively.

• Balancing User Needs and Technical Constraints: Navigating trade-offs between ideal user experiences and the technical feasibility and scalability of an AI-native platform.

• Working in Ambiguity: As a startup, processes and requirements can evolve rapidly, requiring designers to be adaptable and comfortable with uncertainty.

• AI Integration: Designing intuitive and effective AI-native experiences that genuinely assist users without introducing complexity or distrust.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of manufacturing, supply chain operations, and procurement processes.

• AI Design Principles: Developing expertise in designing for AI-powered products and understanding best practices for human-AI interaction.

• Design System Contribution: Playing a key role in building and scaling a design system for a growing B2B SaaS product.

• Product Leadership: Opportunities to take on increasing ownership, influence product strategy, and potentially grow into senior or leadership roles within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges align with those found in many operational technology roles, requiring designers to be analytical, empathetic, and adaptable. The growth opportunities are significant for those looking to build a specialized career in enterprise SaaS design, particularly within high-impact industries like manufacturing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex workflow you designed. What were the key challenges, your process for simplification, and the impact of your solution?" (Focus on process, user insight, and measurable outcomes.)

• "How do you approach designing for users who are experts in their domain but may be less tech-savvy with complex software?" (Emphasize empathy, user research, and iterative testing.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Sustainment's mission and the manufacturing/supply chain industry?" (Show genuine curiosity and understanding of their market.)

• "How do you collaborate with product managers and engineers? Describe your ideal working relationship." (Focus on partnership, communication, and shared goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Operations: For each case study, clearly define the operational problem, the target user (e.g., a procurement manager), your design process, key decisions, and the resulting improvements in workflow efficiency or user productivity.

• Highlight Workflow: Emphasize how your design improved a specific end-to-end process. Use journey maps or flow diagrams to illustrate this.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your design (e.g., reduced time to complete a task, fewer errors, increased user adoption).

• Discuss AI Aspect: Be prepared to discuss how you've incorporated or would incorporate AI features to enhance user experience and operational outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating an understanding of operational workflows and the ability to translate complex business needs into intuitive design solutions. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process, defend their decisions with user data and business rationale, and showcase their collaborative approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Greenhouse application link provided.

• Customize Your Operations-Focused Resume: Highlight experience with complex web applications, SaaS products, and any exposure to enterprise software, supply chain, or manufacturing domains. Quantify achievements related to workflow improvements or user efficiency.

• Curate Your Portfolio for Workflow Emphasis: Select projects that clearly demonstrate your ability to design end-to-end workflows and solve complex operational problems. Ensure your portfolio tells a story of problem, process, solution, and impact.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice presenting 1-2 key case studies, focusing on the operational context, your design process, key decisions, and how your solutions improved efficiency or user experience. Be ready to discuss trade-offs and user insights.

• Research Sustainment and the Industry: Understand Sustainment's mission, their AI-native approach, and the challenges within the US manufacturing and supply chain sectors. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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