Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer Company: Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. Location: San Francisco, California, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) Date Posted: September 17, 2025 Experience Level: 5+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on designing user experiences for smart security products, specifically for Yale August B2C offerings, bridging the gap between software and hardware in the connected home space.
• The Senior Product Designer will own the end-to-end product design process, from problem definition and ideation through to detailed interaction design and high-fidelity visual execution.
• A key aspect involves leveraging both quantitative and qualitative data to drive informed design decisions, while also proactively identifying opportunities for new data sources.
• This position requires strong collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product managers, software engineers, and hardware engineers, to deliver elegant and intuitive user interfaces.
• The role also includes mentoring junior designers, facilitating design workshops, and leading user testing initiatives to ensure user-centered product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Product Designer," the description of responsibilities, particularly leading design activities, mentoring, and owning the end-to-end process, suggests a role with significant autonomy and potential for influence within the product development lifecycle. The focus on IoT and connected products indicates a need for understanding hardware-software integration challenges.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Utilize full-stack design skills, including UX design, design thinking, interaction design, prototyping, and visual design, to craft elegant user experiences across digital (mobile, web) and physical (device) interfaces.
• Take ownership of design for multiple product areas, managing the entire product lifecycle from conception to launch and iteration.
• Inform design decisions by consistently leveraging available quantitative and qualitative data, and proactively propose new data sources when necessary.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, software engineers, hardware engineers, and executive stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful product delivery.
• Advocate for user experience improvements, driving refinements and ongoing enhancements to the product interface and functionality.
• Contribute to the refinement of problem statements and user needs, ideate on solutions, iterate on designs, create detailed interaction prototypes, and produce high-fidelity visual designs.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of user experiences, adhering to established design practices and standards.
• Facilitate design workshops, including journey mapping and design critiques, with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Plan and lead user testing sessions to gather critical feedback and validate design solutions.
• Develop user experiences that integrate seamlessly with ecosystem and business partners' technologies, ensuring a cohesive user journey across physical and digital touchpoints.
• Mentor and support junior and mid-level designers, providing constructive feedback, sharing best practices, and fostering a collaborative design culture through regular reviews and coaching.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution and leadership, common for senior roles. The emphasis on "elegant user experiences that span digital (mobile, web) and physical (devices) interfaces" and "hybrid physical and digital IoT products" underscores the complexity and the need for a holistic design approach. The mention of "scrum software team" implies familiarity with Agile methodologies.

GTSkills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a design-related discipline (e.g., Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Industrial Design) or equivalent practical experience. Experience: A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in design-related disciplines, with at least 2 years specifically focused on Internet of Things (IoT) and connected products.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in UX design, design thinking, and interaction design principles.
• Proven ability to create detailed and engaging prototypes.
• Strong visual design skills with an emphasis on creating polished, pixel-perfect visual designs.
• Expert proficiency with design tools such as Figma.
• Experience working with and contributing to design systems.
• Deep understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.
• Ability to execute high-fidelity visual designs.
• Experience creating interactive prototypes using tools like Protopie.
• Proven experience working independently through an end-to-end product design process within an Agile/Scrum software development team structure.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of working effectively with diverse, cross-functional teams.
• Ability to make sound design decisions autonomously and self-organize work effectively.
• Capacity to translate complex physical and digital technologies into simple, intuitive, and elegant user experiences.
• Ability to think holistically about user experiences across diverse product categories, paying meticulous attention to all states, micro-interactions, error handling, edge cases, and success states.
• Proficiency in working across business functions (engineering, business operations) both independently and within collaborative teams.
• Ability to identify usage models, use cases, and user journeys in collaboration with product managers within a scrum team context.
• Mastery of design tools and a willingness to adopt new tools and skills to bring designs and prototypes to life.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Swift UI and Jetpack Compose capabilities.
• Experience with Jira for project management and issue tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific tool proficiency (Figma, Protopie) and familiarity with modern development frameworks (SwiftUI, Jetpack Compose) indicates a forward-thinking approach to product design. The emphasis on complexity handling in IoT products suggests a need for designers who can simplify intricate technical integrations into seamless user interactions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, demonstrating a strong grasp of user-centered design principles and problem-solving methodologies.
• Projects should highlight the ability to translate complex requirements into intuitive and elegant user experiences across digital and physical interfaces.
• Evidence of ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and visual design execution should be clearly presented.
• Showcase experience with IoT and connected products, detailing the unique challenges and solutions developed for such environments.
• Include case studies that demonstrate your ability to leverage data (quantitative and qualitative) to inform design decisions and iterate on solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should include examples of process documentation related to user research, journey mapping, and design critiques.
• Demonstrate an understanding of maintaining design documentation in accordance with best practices and team standards.
• Showcase how you have facilitated workshops and led user testing, including documentation of findings and action plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role should go beyond static visuals and include interactive prototypes or detailed walkthroughs. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their design process, the rationale behind their decisions, and the impact of their work, particularly in the context of connected devices and user data.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The hiring pay range for this role is estimated to be $115,000 USD to $187,000 USD annually.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This range is competitive for a Senior Product Designer role in San Francisco, reflecting the high cost of living and the specialized skills required for IoT product design. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as education, training, experience, professional achievement, business needs, and location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health plans.
• Market-leading 401(k) program with a company contribution.
• Generous product discounts.
• Flexible time off benefits, including half-day summer Fridays.
• Inclusive fertility and adoption benefits.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support inclusivity and belonging.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely aligned with a full-time schedule, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid model requires 3 days per week in the office.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the hybrid nature and the emphasis on collaboration suggest a need for flexibility and availability during core business hours, particularly on designated in-office days.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fortune Brands Innovations is a leader in the home products, security, and commercial building markets, focusing on innovation and creating "smarter, safer and more beautiful homes." Key brands include Yale, Moen, and Master Lock. Company Size: Fortune Brands Innovations is a large, publicly traded company. This implies structured processes, opportunities for career advancement, and exposure to diverse business functions. Founded: Fortune Brands was founded in 1989, with a history of evolving its portfolio to focus on high-growth segments. The emphasis on innovation and transformation is central to its current identity.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Product Designer reports directly to the Principal Product Designer, indicating a clear reporting line and opportunities for senior-level mentorship.
• The role involves close collaboration with product managers, software engineers (mobile, backend), and quality assurance engineers within a scrum team context.
• Cross-functional collaboration extends to business partners and potentially other design team members within the broader organization.

Methodology:

• Design processes are likely embedded within an Agile/Scrum framework, emphasizing iterative development, user feedback, and cross-functional team collaboration.
• A strong focus on user-centered design is evident, integrating market and product requirements with user needs.
• Data-driven decision-making is a core tenet, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative insights to guide design.

Company Website: www.fbin.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated purpose, "elevate every life by transforming spaces into havens," suggests a user-centric and purpose-driven culture. As a large corporation, expect a professional environment with established processes, but also opportunities to influence and innovate within specific product lines like Yale August.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a level of expertise and experience where individuals are expected to lead projects, mentor others, and contribute strategically to the design function. The role requires autonomy and the ability to drive design initiatives independently. Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer reports to the Principal Product Designer, suggesting a clear path for mentorship, feedback, and career development within the design team. This structure allows for guidance from experienced design leaders. Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer plays a crucial role in shaping the user experience of Yale August products, directly impacting customer satisfaction, product adoption, and brand perception. Their work influences how consumers interact with smart home technology, contributing to Fortune Brands' innovation goals and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in IoT product design, hardware-software integration, and advanced prototyping tools. Potential to lead design initiatives for new product categories.
• Leadership Development: Mentoring junior designers, leading design workshops, and potentially taking on design lead responsibilities for specific product features or entire product lines.
• Strategic Influence: Contributing to the overall product strategy and design vision for the Yale August brand and potentially other connected home initiatives within Fortune Brands.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience working with diverse teams across engineering, product management, marketing, and business operations, enhancing understanding of the broader product development ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior level suggests potential pathways into Design Lead, Group Design Manager, or Principal Designer roles. The focus on a high-growth area like IoT provides opportunities to build a specialized and in-demand skill set.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is hybrid, requiring 3 days per week in the San Francisco office. This indicates a collaborative office environment designed for teamwork, brainstorming, and in-person interaction. Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is 500 Third Street, San Francisco, California, 94107. Workspace Context:

• The San Francisco office likely offers a modern workspace conducive to collaboration, with access to necessary design tools and technologies.
• Expect opportunities for direct interaction with product managers, engineers, and fellow designers, fostering a dynamic and iterative design process.
• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home on certain days, balanced with in-office collaboration.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a hybrid arrangement requiring 3 days per week in the San Francisco office.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared for a structured hybrid schedule, balancing remote work with essential in-office collaboration days, particularly during the core work week.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess qualifications and fit.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session where you will walk through your portfolio, discussing your design process, decision-making, and the impact of your work. Expect questions about your experience with IoT, connected products, and handling complex user flows.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with product managers, engineers, and potentially other stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and problem-solving abilities.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study on a specific problem, demonstrating your approach to user research, ideation, and solution design.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or the Principal Product Designer for final assessment of strategic thinking, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem you solved, your process, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes or impact of your design work.
• Showcase IoT Experience: Highlight projects involving hardware-software integration, connected devices, or complex user journeys across multiple touchpoints.
• Demonstrate Process: Detail your approach to user research, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iterating on designs. Explain the "why" behind your design choices.
• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams and incorporated feedback.
• Visual Polish: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Include high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes where possible.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Fortune Brands' products, particularly Yale August smart home devices, and the broader connected home market.
• Prepare to discuss your design process and how you approach complex problems, especially those involving hardware and software integration.
• Be ready to articulate your understanding of user-centered design principles and how you apply them in practice.
• Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and effectively, focusing on the most relevant projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process and impact. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges related to IoT design, such as connectivity, security, and seamless user onboarding for hardware-software products.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert proficiency required for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration.
• Protopie: Essential for creating detailed, high-fidelity interactive prototypes, particularly for demonstrating complex device interactions.
• Jira: Experience is preferred for working within a scrum software team, managing tasks, and tracking project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

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

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design integrates with broader sales or customer success systems may be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of Figma and Protopie is critical for this role. The mention of Jira suggests an integrated workflow between design and development teams within an Agile framework. Any experience with user analytics tools would be a plus for data-informed design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A core value driving the development of new and improved smart home products.
• Customer Obsession: A strong focus on understanding and solving real problems for users.
• Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively in cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.
• Empowerment & Bold Decisions: Encouraging team members to think big and act decisively.
• Inclusivity & Diversity: Fostering a culture where everyone is empowered to be their authentic selves.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with product managers and engineers throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Regular design reviews and feedback sessions are likely part of the process, promoting continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Facilitating workshops with cross-functional teams is a key aspect of the role, requiring strong communication and facilitation skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes growth, innovation, and a people-first approach. As a Senior Designer, you'll be expected to embody these values and contribute positively to the team's collaborative dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Hardware and Software: Designing intuitive experiences that seamlessly integrate physical devices with digital interfaces, managing the complexities of IoT.
• Data-Driven Design: Effectively leveraging and interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data to inform design decisions, and identifying gaps in data availability.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring design vision is understood and executed effectively across diverse teams (engineering, product management, marketing).
• Mentorship and Leadership: Balancing individual design contributions with the responsibility of mentoring junior designers and leading design initiatives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized IoT Design Skills: Gaining deeper expertise in the nuances of designing for connected devices, including connectivity, security, and firmware updates.
• Advanced Prototyping: Mastering tools like Protopie to create highly realistic and interactive prototypes for complex user flows.
• Design Leadership: Developing skills in leading design projects, facilitating workshops, and mentoring team members.
• Industry Exposure: Understanding the broader smart home ecosystem and emerging technologies in the connected living space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in innovative tech spaces, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a rapidly evolving field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing for IoT products, focusing on how you handle the integration of hardware and software.
• Expect questions about how you leverage user data (quantitative and qualitative) to inform your design decisions and what you do when data is limited.
• Articulate your process for collaborating with product managers and engineers, and how you ensure alignment on design goals.
• Prepare examples of how you've mentored junior designers or led design critiques and workshops.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Research Fortune Brands Innovations, its brands (especially Yale August), and its mission. Understand how your design philosophy aligns with their values of innovation and customer obsession.
• Be ready to discuss your experience working within Agile/Scrum teams and how you contribute to a collaborative team environment.
• Describe how you ensure inclusivity and diversity are considered in your design process.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your portfolio presentation around key projects that showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact.
• For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), your design choices, and the outcomes.
• Emphasize your experience with Figma and Protopie, and be ready to demonstrate your prototyping skills live if requested.
• Clearly articulate your contributions, especially in collaborative projects, and how you handled feedback and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Focus on tangible results and the "why" behind your design decisions. For IoT projects, be prepared to discuss the unique constraints and opportunities of designing for physical products that interact with software.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.
• Tailor your resume to highlight experience in UX design, IoT, connected products, and proficiency with Figma and Protopie.
• Prepare your portfolio, ensuring it clearly showcases your end-to-end design process and impact, with specific examples relevant to smart home or connected devices.
• Practice articulating your design rationale, collaboration methods, and mentoring experience in preparation for interviews.
• Research Fortune Brands Innovations and the Yale August product line to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their market position.

⚠️ 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.