Product Designer (UX)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (UX)

Company: Bjak

Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX Design

Date Posted: March 20, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end design for AI product surfaces, impacting core user flows and interaction models within a proactive AI system.

• Translate complex AI capabilities into intuitive, user-friendly experiences across web and mobile platforms.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Product, Engineering, and Machine Learning (ML) specialists to rapidly iterate and ship innovative features.

• Contribute to the definition and evolution of the company's design system, ensuring consistency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly positioned as a "Product Designer (UX)" with a strong emphasis on designing "AI product surfaces" and "interaction models." This indicates a deep dive into the user experience of artificial intelligence, requiring a blend of traditional UX skills with an understanding of AI's unique challenges and opportunities. The "early, high-ownership role" and "zero-to-one products" mention suggests a startup environment where strategic input and rapid execution are paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the complete design lifecycle for specific AI product features and surfaces, from initial concept generation through to successful production deployment.

• Architect and design core user pathways and interaction paradigms that make sophisticated AI functionalities accessible and seamless for users.

• Engage in rigorous collaboration with Product Managers, Software Engineers, and Machine Learning Engineers to brainstorm solutions, validate hypotheses, and accelerate product development cycles.

• Produce comprehensive design artifacts including wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI mockups for both web and mobile applications.

• Employ rapid prototyping techniques to quickly test and refine novel interaction models, particularly those leveraging AI and intelligent systems.

• Plan and execute usability testing sessions, systematically analyzing feedback to inform and optimize product design decisions.

• Play a key role in establishing and maintaining the company's design system, ensuring design consistency, scalability, and efficiency across product offerings.

• Champion user-centered design principles while effectively balancing product velocity objectives with technical feasibility and constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full-stack design approach, from strategic ideation ("explore problems") to tactical execution ("Create wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI"). The mention of "AI product surfaces" and "interaction models" signifies a focus on the emergent field of AI-human interaction, requiring designers to think beyond conventional UI patterns. Close collaboration with ML teams is highlighted, suggesting the need for designers to understand AI capabilities and limitations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and a deep understanding of design principles is expected. For candidates with formal education, degrees in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or related fields are often beneficial.

Experience: 2-5 years of proven experience in product design or UX design, with a demonstrable track record of shipping successful web and mobile products. Experience in fast-moving, early-stage environments or on "zero-to-one" products is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise as a Product or UX Designer, evidenced by a comprehensive portfolio showcasing web and mobile product design projects.

• Advanced proficiency in design and prototyping tools, with a strong emphasis on Figma.

• Solid command of fundamental design principles, including interaction design, information hierarchy, visual layout, and cohesive visual systems.

• Demonstrated experience collaborating effectively with engineering and product stakeholders in agile, fast-paced settings.

• Adeptness at designing and iterating on products with evolving requirements and incomplete initial inputs.

• Ability to dissect complex workflows and translate them into elegant, intuitive user experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience designing products that incorporate AI, machine learning, or handle substantial data volumes.

• Familiarity with conducting usability testing and applying qualitative research methodologies to inform design.

• Experience working within early-stage startup environments or on "zero-to-one" product initiatives.

• A keen interest in exploring and contributing to emerging UX patterns for AI, automation, and intelligent systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is explicitly stated as "2-5 Years," indicating a mid-level role. The emphasis on a "portfolio spanning web and mobile products" and "proven experience" suggests a strong need for tangible examples of design work. The "Nice to have" section, particularly "Experience designing AI-powered or data-heavy products" and "Interest in emerging UX patterns for AI," points towards a specialized role requiring an understanding of AI's unique design challenges.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of end-to-end product design projects for web and mobile platforms.

• Highlight your process for problem-solving, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• Demonstrate your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, product, ML) and incorporate their feedback.

• Present case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your design solutions, your role, and the impact of your work—ideally with quantifiable results.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly outline your design process for at least one significant project, detailing stages from discovery and research to iteration and final delivery.

• Explain how you approach user flows and interaction design for complex systems, particularly those involving AI.

• Detail your experience with rapid prototyping and usability testing, including how insights were synthesized to refine designs.

• Provide examples of how you contributed to or utilized a design system to ensure consistency and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's focus on AI and complex systems necessitates a portfolio that goes beyond standard UI showcases. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their thinking process, problem-solving methodologies, and ability to translate abstract AI capabilities into tangible user experiences. Emphasis on collaboration with ML teams means showcasing an understanding of how AI works and its implications for design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Product Designer (UX) with 2-5 years of experience in San Francisco, California, a competitive salary range is estimated between $120,000 - $170,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in high-cost-of-living tech hubs, considering the company's early-stage, high-ownership nature.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential equity in an early-stage company.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences, training, and workshops.

• Flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

• The chance to work with cutting-edge AI technology and shape the future of user interaction.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role. However, given the startup environment and emphasis on ownership, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on the provided location (San Francisco) and experience level (2-5 years) for a Product Designer (UX) role. Benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for full-time positions in US tech companies, especially startups, with an emphasis on professional growth and flexibility. The "hybrid" work arrangement suggests a structured approach to in-office and remote work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Software Development. Bjak is developing a proactive AI system designed to enhance productivity by managing tasks and information across various communication channels and tools.

Company Size: Early-stage startup. The description emphasizes a "very flat" organization with a "small, highly motivated team." This suggests an environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.

Founded: While the founding date isn't specified, the description implies a company in its growth phase, focused on product development and engineering excellence, aiming to bring practical AI benefits to a global scale.

Team Structure:

• The team is small, cross-functional, and highly motivated, with a strong emphasis on engineering and product expertise.

• The organizational structure is described as "very flat," indicating minimal hierarchical layers and direct communication channels.

Methodology:

• A strong focus on product and engineering excellence, suggesting rigorous development standards and a commitment to quality.

• Emphasis on hands-on contribution and direct impact, fostering a culture of accountability and initiative.

• Agile and iterative development practices are likely, given the mention of rapid prototyping and shipping quickly.

• User-centric design is paramount, with a commitment to understanding user needs and translating them into effective AI-driven solutions.

Company Website: https://bjak.my/en/about-us

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description ("Our organization is very flat and our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering and product excellence. All members are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission.") provides significant insight into the expected work environment. This implies a culture of high autonomy, direct impact, and a need for self-starters who thrive in dynamic, less structured settings.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer (UX) with significant ownership. It's an opportunity to be one of the foundational design members, shaping core user experiences and product direction from the early stages. The "zero-to-one" aspect implies a chance to build and define processes and user paradigms.

Reporting Structure: In a flat organization, the designer will likely report directly to a Head of Product, CTO, or a very senior design lead. Direct access to leadership and cross-functional teams (engineering, ML) is a key characteristic.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will have a direct and profound impact on how users perceive and interact with the company's AI system. Success in this role means defining the user experience of a novel AI product, influencing user adoption, trust, and overall product success, and by extension, the company's trajectory.

Growth Opportunities:

• Product Leadership: Opportunity to grow into a lead design role as the company scales, potentially managing a design team and influencing product strategy more broadly.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI/ML product design, becoming a go-to expert in this rapidly evolving field.

• Process Definition: Contribute to building and refining the design processes, tools, and methodologies for the company.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Develop strong collaborative skills with engineering and ML teams, gaining a deeper understanding of AI development and implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "early, high-ownership role" and "zero-to-one products" phrasing strongly suggests significant growth potential, not just in individual contribution but also in shaping the product and team's future. This is a key differentiator for ambitious designers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "TELECOMMUTE" with a location requirement in the United States, specifically San Francisco, California. This suggests a hybrid work model where some in-office presence might be expected or preferred for collaboration, though remote work is a core component.

Office Location(s): San Francisco, California, United States. This implies access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and potential for in-person collaboration with local team members or stakeholders.

Workspace Context:

• A dynamic, fast-paced startup environment characterized by a flat organizational structure.

• High degree of autonomy and direct contribution expected from all team members.

• Collaborative workspace, likely involving close interaction with product managers, engineers, and ML specialists.

• Access to modern design tools and technologies necessary for rapid iteration and prototyping.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours/week, the startup culture may necessitate flexibility. The emphasis on "shipping quickly" and "high-ownership" suggests that dedication to project success is key, potentially requiring work outside standard hours during critical phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "TELECOMMUTE" designation combined with a specific city requirement points to a hybrid model. This offers flexibility while still allowing for in-person collaboration, a common setup in tech startups seeking to balance remote work benefits with team cohesion and spontaneous ideation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief review of your application and portfolio to assess foundational skills and alignment with the role.

• Technical Interviews (2-3 rounds): These will likely involve deep dives into your design process, problem-solving abilities, and technical proficiency with tools like Figma. Expect to discuss case studies from your portfolio.

• Collaboration/Culture Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with team members (product, engineering, ML) to assess how you collaborate, communicate, and fit within the company's flat, highly motivated culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a founder or senior leader, focusing on strategic thinking, ownership, and long-term vision for the role and product.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI/Complexity: Prioritize projects that showcase your ability to design for complex systems, innovative interaction models, or AI-powered features. If you lack direct AI experience, focus on projects involving intricate workflows or novel user experiences.

• Show Your Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, from problem definition to user research, ideation, iteration, and final solutions. Use visuals (flows, wireframes, prototypes) to support your narrative.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the positive impact of your design decisions (e.g., improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, task completion times).

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Explicitly mention your interactions with product managers, engineers, and ML teams, showing how you incorporated their feedback and worked towards shared goals.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize skills relevant to this specific role, such as rapid prototyping, designing for both web and mobile, and adapting to evolving requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve a hypothetical AI product scenario. Focus on demonstrating your structured approach, ability to make reasoned assumptions, and deliver a clear, well-articulated solution within a given timeframe.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and the rationale behind them concisely and effectively.

• Be ready to discuss your experience with AI or complex systems, and how you would approach designing for such environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "prompt decision" and "no more than 4 interviews" indicate an efficient hiring process. The emphasis on "technical team members" evaluating applications suggests a strong focus on practical skills and a systematic approach to design challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Rapid Prototyping Tools: Any tool that facilitates quick iteration and testing of interaction models (e.g., ProtoPie, Framer, or advanced Figma prototyping).

• Design System Tools: Experience with creating, maintaining, or contributing to design systems is a significant plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, familiarity with product analytics tools (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics) is beneficial for understanding user behavior and informing design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to a Product Designer role, but an understanding of how CRM and automation tools feed into user workflows could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as a required tool. The emphasis on "rapid prototyping" and "design system" suggests a need for designers proficient in tools that support agile workflows and scalable design solutions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Product & Engineering Excellence: A commitment to building high-quality, robust products through meticulous design and engineering practices.

• Ownership & Initiative: Expectation that all team members take full responsibility for their work, from conception to completion, and proactively identify opportunities for improvement.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and close teamwork across functions (design, product, engineering, ML) are crucial in a flat organization.

• User-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and serving user needs, translating complex technology into intuitive and valuable experiences.

• Speed & Iteration: A culture that embraces rapid development cycles, quick prototyping, and iterative refinement based on feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative and hands-on, with frequent interaction between design, product, and engineering/ML teams.

• Direct communication and feedback loops are encouraged due to the flat organizational structure.

• Team members are expected to be proactive in sharing knowledge and supporting each other's work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description of its culture ("very flat," "small, highly motivated team," "hands-on," "contribute directly") provides a strong foundation for understanding its values and collaboration style. The focus on "engineering and product excellence" suggests a technically adept and quality-driven environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Novel AI: Developing intuitive user experiences for advanced, proactive AI systems where established patterns may not exist. This requires significant conceptual thinking and user empathy.

• Balancing Innovation with Usability: Ensuring that cutting-edge AI features are not only powerful but also easily discoverable, understandable, and trustworthy for users.

• Rapid Iteration in an Early-Stage Environment: Adapting quickly to changing priorities, incomplete specifications, and the need to ship features rapidly while maintaining design quality.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating complex design concepts and user needs to engineering and ML teams who may have different technical perspectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI/ML Design Specialization: Gain deep expertise in the emerging field of designing for artificial intelligence and machine learning products.

• Product Strategy Influence: Contribute significantly to the product roadmap and strategic direction of an innovative AI platform.

• Building Design Systems: Opportunity to establish and evolve a design system from the ground up, setting standards for future product development.

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Work in a startup environment, gaining exposure to various aspects of business growth and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is undoubtedly designing for AI, a frontier in UX. The growth opportunities are directly tied to this specialization and the startup environment, offering a chance to shape a product and a career path in a high-demand area.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a user experience for a complex or novel technology. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on your structured approach, problem-solving, and ability to handle ambiguity).

• "How would you approach designing user flows for a proactive AI system that anticipates user needs across different tools and conversations?" (Think about context awareness, user control, and seamless integration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for AI, specifically for a proactive AI system like ours?" (Show genuine curiosity and understanding of the domain).

• "How do you handle working with incomplete information or rapidly changing requirements?" (Demonstrate adaptability and a proactive problem-solving mindset).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each case study, clearly articulate the "why" and "how." Use visuals to illustrate your journey from problem to solution.

• Highlight AI/Complexity: If you have relevant experience, emphasize it. If not, draw parallels from projects involving complex systems or innovative interaction design.

• Showcase Figma Skills: Be ready to discuss specific Figma techniques you used for prototyping, design systems, or collaboration.

• Be Ready for a Design Challenge: Prepare for a hypothetical design problem, focusing on your thought process, assumptions, and ability to articulate a clear solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the company's focus on AI and its flat structure, expect questions that probe your ability to think critically, take initiative, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, innovative environment. Portfolio presentation should emphasize process and problem-solving over just final UI.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating experience with complex systems, user flows, and ideally, any AI/ML-adjacent work. If direct AI experience is limited, emphasize your ability to design for novel technologies and intricate workflows.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in product/UX design, proficiency with Figma and prototyping tools, and any relevant collaboration experience with engineering or product teams. Use keywords like "AI Product Design," "Interaction Models," and "User Flows."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process for your most impactful projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to user research, problem-solving, and how you handle ambiguity and rapid iteration. Prepare specific examples of your collaborative work.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Bjak's mission and the concept of a proactive AI system. Understand the challenges and opportunities in designing for AI and how your skills align with their goals.

⚠️ 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.