Product Designer / UX Engineer (Capital Markets + AI Prototyping)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer / UX Engineer (Capital Markets + AI Prototyping)

Company: Mercata

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX Engineering

Date Posted: December 09, 2025

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Innovative Product Development: Drive the creation of AI-native research tools for fundamental investors, focusing on transforming complex data into actionable intelligence through a dynamic knowledge graph.

• Rapid Prototyping & Iteration: Utilize AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., Cursor, Claude Code, Windsurf, Replit, Lovable) to build functional, 0→1 prototypes and iterate on existing product features at high velocity.

• User-Centric Design: Deeply embed with capital markets users (analysts, PMs) to understand their workflows, gather feedback, and translate insights into intuitive, efficient interfaces.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work intimately with the CEO and CTO, acting as a key thought partner in shaping product strategy, workflow design, and overall user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role uniquely blends traditional Product Design and UX Engineering with a heavy emphasis on AI-assisted rapid prototyping and a deep domain expertise in capital markets. The "designer-builder" aspect is paramount, requiring candidates to not just conceptualize but also to actively build and iterate using modern coding tools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop functional, high-fidelity prototypes for a novel AI-native Research OS, focusing on capital markets workflows.

• Translate complex data structures, entity relationships, and temporal changes into intuitive user interfaces and interaction models for financial analysts.

• Utilize AI coding tools and development environments (e.g., Cursor, Replit, Lovable) to rapidly build, test, and iterate on product features, moving beyond static mock-ups.

• Collaborate directly with end-users (buy-side analysts, PMs) to gather feedback, validate design decisions, and ensure product-market fit within the capital markets domain.

• Work closely with the CEO and CTO to define product vision, refine user workflows, and ensure design clarity and coherence across the platform.

• Improve and consolidate the existing UI to enhance speed, coherence, and alignment with analyst mental models.

• Establish and promote a culture of rapid prototyping, thoughtful workflow design, and relentless simplification within the product team.

• Contribute to defining the core interaction model for navigating time-aware data, entity relationships, and research events within the knowledge graph.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on, agile approach. The emphasis on "designer-builder" and "functional prototypes" suggests a need for individuals who are comfortable with code and can bridge the gap between design and development, especially in an early-stage startup environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for roles of this nature. A strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of design principles will be critical.

Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience, with a specific focus on front-office capital markets and AI-assisted prototyping.

Required Skills:

• 2-4 years of front-office capital markets experience (buy-side or sell-side research, PM team, or building tools directly for analysts/PMs).

• Deep understanding of how financial analysts evaluate companies, track changes, form theses, and operate under time pressure.

• Proven ability to rapidly iterate and build functional UI using AI-assisted coding tools such as Cursor, Lovable, Replit, or similar environments, moving beyond traditional Figma mock-ups.

• Strong workflow and interaction design instincts for data-dense, multi-step research workflows.

• Demonstrated experience working in a startup environment, exhibiting a high degree of ownership and adaptability.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design decisions and user insights clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI coding assistants and large language models for code generation and prototyping.

• Familiarity with knowledge graph concepts and their application in data visualization and analysis.

• Experience in user research methodologies, including user interviews, usability testing, and persona development within financial services.

• Ability to contribute to product strategy discussions with strong, opinionated product insights.

• Familiarity with data visualization best practices for complex datasets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "2-4 years Front-office capital markets experience" is a significant qualifier. This isn't just a design role; it's a domain-expert design role where understanding the user's world is as critical as design skill. The comfort with AI coding tools is also a defining characteristic, setting it apart from typical design positions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of rapid, functional prototyping using AI-assisted coding tools (e.g., code snippets, live prototypes, or detailed case studies showing the build process).

• Case studies detailing the design and iteration process for complex, data-dense research workflows, ideally within finance or a related analytical field.

• Examples of how you've translated user research and direct user feedback into tangible product improvements or new features.

• Work that showcases an understanding of temporal data, entity relationships, and event-driven analysis, relevant to financial markets.

Process Documentation:

• A clear methodology for how you approach understanding complex user workflows and identifying areas for simplification and improvement.

• Examples of your process for rapid iteration and user feedback integration, highlighting speed and agility.

• Documentation or examples of how you've collaborated with engineering teams to transition prototypes into production-ready features.

• A structured approach to presenting design concepts and outcomes, especially when dealing with intricate data and analytical requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "designer-builder" nature of the role and the emphasis on AI-assisted prototyping, the portfolio should go beyond static mock-ups. It needs to demonstrate the ability to build and iterate functional prototypes quickly, showcasing the practical application of coding tools and an understanding of the development lifecycle in an agile setting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Product Designer / UX Engineer with 2-5 years of experience in New York City, especially with specialized domain knowledge in Capital Markets and AI Prototyping, the estimated salary range is typically between $120,000 - $180,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, the depth of their capital markets expertise, and the company's stage and funding.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and equity package.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in AI and capital markets.

• Flexible work arrangements, with a focus on collaborative on-site presence in New York.

• Direct impact on product strategy and company direction in an early-stage, venture-backed startup.

• Exposure to cutting-edge AI research and its application in financial markets.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. However, given the startup environment and the nature of rapid prototyping and user engagement, flexibility may be required, with an emphasis on outcomes and collaboration rather than strict adherence to hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical compensation for Product Designers/UX Engineers with 2-5 years of experience in the New York City tech market, augmented by the premium for specialized capital markets domain knowledge and AI/prototyping skills. Benefits are standard for early-stage tech companies, with a focus on growth and impact.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / FinTech (AI-Native Research OS for Fundamental Investors)

Company Size: Early-stage, venture-backed (specific employee count not provided, but implied to be small and growing). This means a lean, agile, and highly collaborative environment.

Founded: Early-stage company, founded with a mission to redefine research and decision intelligence for public markets using AI. The founding team has a proven track record in scaling technology companies.

Team Structure:

• Small, highly experienced, and closely-knit founding team.

• Direct collaboration with the CEO and CTO is a core aspect of the role.

• Embedded with users to drive rapid feedback loops and product iteration.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging AI and a knowledge graph to extract structured intelligence from unstructured data.

• Agile Development & Prototyping: Emphasis on rapid, iterative development using AI-assisted coding tools.

• User-Centric Design: Deep focus on understanding and serving the needs of fundamental investors.

• Simplification & Clarity: Goal of making complex information accessible and actionable for analysts.

Company Website: https://mercata.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mercata is positioning itself as a disruptive force in the financial research space, leveraging AI to create a new category. The culture is likely to be fast-paced, innovative, and demanding, with significant ownership and impact for early employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a critical early-stage individual contributor, functioning as a "designer-builder" with significant product influence. It's not a traditional "operations" role but requires operational excellence in product development and user workflow optimization.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer / UX Engineer will report directly to either the CEO or CTO, working in close partnership with both. This offers a unique opportunity for high-level exposure and direct mentorship from the company's leadership.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is central to Mercata's success. By shaping how analysts interact with the AI-powered Research OS, the designer-builder will directly influence user adoption, engagement, and the perceived value of the platform. Success here means making analysts faster, more confident, and more insightful, directly contributing to Mercata's mission and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Product Leadership Track: As an early hire, there's significant potential to grow into a lead design or product role as the company scales.

• AI & FinTech Expertise: Develop deep expertise at the intersection of AI, product design, and capital markets, a highly sought-after combination.

• Category Definition: Contribute to defining a new product category (AI-Native Research OS) from the ground up.

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Gain invaluable experience in a fast-paced, venture-backed startup environment, understanding all facets of product development and go-to-market strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, this position demands a similar level of operational rigor in product delivery, user workflow optimization, and data-driven decision-making. The growth potential is substantial due to the early-stage nature of the company and the critical function of the role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in New York, NY. Given the early-stage nature and the desire for tight collaboration, the environment is likely to be a dynamic office space conducive to brainstorming, rapid iteration, and direct user interaction.

Office Location(s): New York, New York, United States. Specifics about the office space are not detailed, but it will be in a hub that allows for easy access for team members and potentially for user meetings.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Expect a highly collaborative workspace where designers, engineers, and leadership work closely together.

• Tooling & Technology: Access to modern development tools, AI coding assistants, and necessary hardware for rapid prototyping and design work.

• User Immersion: Opportunities to work closely with and observe users in their professional environments, providing invaluable context for design decisions.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the startup environment may require flexibility. The focus will be on delivering results and maintaining rapid iteration cycles, which can sometimes necessitate extended periods of focused work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in New York suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, crucial for the rapid feedback loops and iterative design process emphasized in the role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio, with a specific focus on capital markets experience and AI-assisted prototyping capabilities.

2. Design Challenge / Portfolio Walkthrough: A deep dive into your portfolio, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your workflow design skills, your ability to build functional prototypes with AI tools, and your understanding of capital markets. Be prepared to discuss your design process, your rationale, and the impact of your work.

3. Technical / Engineering Discussion: Conversation with the CTO to assess your comfort level with coding tools, AI assistants, and your ability to translate design into functional prototypes.

4. Founder/CEO Interview: Discussion focused on your capital markets domain expertise, your product opinions, your cultural fit, and your vision for the role and Mercata.

5. Reference Checks: Standard professional reference checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Prioritize demonstrating your ability to build functional prototypes with AI coding tools (Cursor, Replit, etc.) over static Figma mock-ups. Include links to live prototypes, code repositories, or detailed walkthroughs of your build process.

• Capital Markets Focus: Highlight projects where you demonstrated a deep understanding of financial analyst workflows, data analysis, and decision-making processes.

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your design process, emphasizing how you gather user insights, iterate rapidly, and collaborate with stakeholders (especially engineers and founders).

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your work – e.g., increased user engagement, faster workflow completion, improved data comprehension.

• Startup Mindset: Showcase examples of taking ownership, driving initiatives, and adapting quickly in fast-paced environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI Tool Familiarity: Ensure you are comfortable demonstrating your proficiency with at least one AI-assisted coding tool (Cursor, Replit, Lovable, etc.). Be ready to discuss its capabilities and limitations.

• Capital Markets Workflow Deep Dive: Prepare to discuss specific workflows within buy-side research, such as company evaluation, thesis building, change tracking, and event analysis.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to tackle hypothetical design challenges related to presenting complex, time-aware data or streamlining analytical processes for investors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh practical building skills and domain expertise. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to act as a "designer-builder" and articulate their understanding of the capital markets user's pain points.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AI-Assisted Coding Environments: Cursor, Replit, Lovable, Windsurf, or similar platforms for rapid, functional prototyping.

• Design & Prototyping: While not the primary focus, familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD might still be beneficial for initial concepting and high-level wireframing.

• Development Tools: General understanding of modern web development stacks and version control (e.g., Git).

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this role, but understanding how user feedback is captured and managed within a CRM or feedback system might be useful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around AI-assisted coding and prototyping tools. Proficiency here is not just a preference but a necessity for this role, distinguishing it from traditional design positions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• High Ownership: Taking full responsibility for outcomes and driving initiatives from conception to implementation.

• Relentless Simplification: A commitment to making complex information and workflows clear and accessible.

• Speed & Agility: Embracing rapid iteration, quick feedback loops, and efficient development processes.

• User Obsession: Deep empathy for and focus on understanding and serving the needs of financial analysts.

• Bias for Action: A proactive approach to problem-solving and execution, especially critical in an early-stage startup.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Transparent: Open communication channels with the CEO, CTO, and users.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design, engineering, and product strategy are deeply intertwined, requiring close collaboration.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values and actively seeks out feedback for continuous improvement.

• Partnership: Working as a trusted thought partner with leadership, contributing strong product opinions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes speed, ownership, and a deep understanding of the user. This is a hands-on environment where individual contributions directly shape the product and company direction.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining a New Category: Operating at the forefront of AI in financial research means navigating ambiguity and shaping market expectations.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Rapid prototyping with AI tools requires discipline to ensure eventual production-quality code and a coherent user experience.

• Domain Expertise Depth: Continuously deepening understanding of the nuances of capital markets workflows and analyst needs.

• Scaling Design Processes: Evolving design methodologies and collaboration as the company grows from an early-stage startup.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge AI: Gain hands-on experience with advanced AI tools and their application in complex problem domains.

• FinTech Innovation: Become an expert in the evolving landscape of financial technology and research.

• Product Strategy: Contribute directly to high-level product strategy and vision in a founder-led environment.

• Entrepreneurial Skills: Develop a comprehensive understanding of building and scaling a technology company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges due to its pioneering nature, but these challenges directly translate into substantial growth and learning opportunities for ambitious individuals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing an interface for analysts to track the 'causality' and 'evolution' of company events over time, using AI assistance?" (Focus on process, user needs, and AI tool application).

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex workflow for professional users. What was your process, and what tools did you use?" (Highlighting workflow design, simplification, and tool usage).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Mercata's mission and its approach to AI in capital markets research?" (Demonstrating research and alignment with company vision).

• "How do you typically collaborate with engineers and founders in a startup environment, especially when you have strong product opinions?" (Assessing collaboration style, ego management, and communication).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Live Demo Focus: Be prepared to demo a functional prototype you've built using an AI coding tool, showcasing your ability to translate design concepts into working features.

• Narrative of Iteration: Structure your case studies around a clear problem, your proposed solution, the iterative build process (highlighting AI tool usage), user feedback, and the final outcome/impact.

• Quantify & Qualify: Use metrics (if available) to demonstrate impact, but also be ready to articulate qualitative benefits like improved user confidence or clarity.

• Domain Expertise Showcase: Weave in your understanding of capital markets workflows and analyst pain points throughout your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the practical application of AI coding tools and a deep understanding of capital markets workflows. Candidates need to be ready to demonstrate their "designer-builder" capabilities and strategic product thinking.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer / UX Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the Workable platform link provided.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your front-office capital markets experience and any experience using AI-assisted coding tools for prototyping. Use keywords such as "AI Prototyping," "Workflow Design," "Capital Markets," "User Experience," and "Functional Prototypes."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating your ability to build functional prototypes with AI tools (e.g., Cursor, Replit) and showcases your understanding of complex, data-dense research workflows. Include case studies that detail your design and iteration process.

• Prepare for a "Designer-Builder" Interview: Be ready to discuss your capital markets domain knowledge in detail and demonstrate your proficiency with AI coding tools during the interview process. Practice articulating your design decisions and the rationale behind them.

• Research Mercata: Understand Mercata's mission, product, and the competitive landscape of AI in financial research. Be prepared to articulate your vision for how design can drive Mercata's success.

⚠️ 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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