Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer
Company: Own Up
Location: Remote (U.S. based)
Job Type: Full-time, Salaried
Category: Product Design / User Experience
Date Posted: August 14, 2025
Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and development of user experiences, with a particular focus on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the mortgage shopper journey.
• Act as the principal and sole Product Designer, owning the end-to-end design process from ideation to tactical execution for all product initiatives.
• Drive team productivity and output through active collaboration with product managers, engineering teams, and stakeholders, participating in Agile ceremonies.
• Translate complex business requirements and user needs into intuitive, visually compelling, and high-performing digital experiences across the product ecosystem.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for Product Design within the organization, influencing product strategy and championing design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a critical role as the "lead and sole Product Designer," meaning the individual will have significant autonomy and responsibility for shaping the entire user experience. The emphasis on AI and transforming the shopper journey indicates a forward-thinking product strategy, likely involving innovative features and a data-driven approach to design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and articulate the product vision through user-centered design principles, creating wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and high-fidelity mockups in Figma.
• Conduct thorough user research, competitive analysis, and data analysis to identify user needs, pain points, and opportunities for innovation, particularly within the AI-driven mortgage shopping context.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management and Engineering teams to ensure design feasibility, efficient implementation, and alignment with business objectives.
• Actively participate in Agile development cycles, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and sprint reviews, providing design expertise and feedback.
• Iterate on designs based on stakeholder feedback, user testing results, and performance metrics, ensuring continuous improvement of the user experience.
• Develop and maintain design systems, style guides, and documentation to ensure consistency and scalability across the product.
• Champion design thinking and user experience best practices throughout the organization, influencing product development processes and strategies.
• Design and prototype new AI-powered features and interfaces, focusing on extracting shopper intent and optimizing for customer satisfaction and lender success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a hands-on, strategic role. The expectation to "design and prototype new AI-powered features" suggests a need for experimentation and a comfort level with emerging technologies. The "green space" aspect implies a foundational stage of product development where design decisions will have a profound impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of professional experience in Product Design, UX Design, or UI Design, with a proven track record of delivering successful digital products.
• Experience in a "team of one" or lead design role, demonstrating strong ownership and the ability to drive design initiatives independently.
• Experience working in fast-paced, agile startup environments is highly desirable.
• Experience designing for complex user journeys and translating them into intuitive interfaces.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma: Expert-level skills in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration.
• User-Centered Design: Deep understanding and application of user-centered design principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Prototyping & Wireframing: Ability to create low-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to deliver cohesive product experiences.
• Data-Driven Design: Skill in leveraging quantitative data, user research, and design metrics to inform design decisions and advocate for user needs.
• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development processes, including participation in ceremonies like sprint planning and reviews.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect design solutions to broader business goals and product strategy.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to tackle complex design challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• AI/ML Design Experience: Experience designing user interfaces for AI-powered products or features.
• Mortgage/Fintech Industry Experience: Familiarity with the mortgage or fintech industry, including understanding of user needs and regulatory considerations.
• User Research & Usability Testing: Experience planning and conducting user research, usability testing, and synthesizing findings into actionable design improvements.
• Design Systems: Experience in building, maintaining, or contributing to design systems and component libraries.
• Visual Design Expertise: Strong visual design skills, including layout, typography, color theory, and attention to detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma is paramount. Given the "team of one" nature, the ability to manage the entire design lifecycle independently and collaborate effectively across functions is crucial. A "growth mindset" and "adaptability in uncertain environments" are highlighted as key competencies, suggesting the company is in a dynamic growth phase.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, demonstrating impact and problem-solving capabilities.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the design process, including user research, ideation, prototyping, iteration, and final execution.
• Examples of how data and user insights were used to drive design decisions and achieve measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrations of collaboration with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering) and how you managed feedback loops.
• Prototypes or interactive elements that showcase your interaction design skills and ability to create engaging user experiences.
• Projects that highlight experience with AI or complex digital products are strongly encouraged.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, user flows, and interaction specifications clearly and concisely for development handoff.
• Experience in creating and maintaining design system components and guidelines.
• Examples of how you've contributed to or optimized design workflows within an Agile or lean development environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process explicitly mentions presenting a project "led from start to finish." This strongly implies that the portfolio should not just be a collection of work, but rather a set of well-documented case studies that highlight the candidate's strategic thinking, execution capabilities, and ability to articulate impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a fully remote position based in the U.S., the salary range for a Senior Product Designer with 5-10 years of experience typically falls between $120,000 and $170,000 annually. This can vary based on specific experience, demonstrated impact, and the candidate's location within the U.S. (considering cost of living variations).

Benefits:

• Remote-First Culture: Fully remote position, allowing for work from anywhere within the U.S.
• Flexible Time Off: Minimum of two weeks of flexible time off per year, encouraging work-life balance.
• Company Holidays: 11 paid company holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans, with employer subsidies.
• Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-paid disability and life insurance coverage.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a 50% employer match on the first 4% of contributions.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave for birthing and non-birthing parents.
• Equity: Company stock options, offering potential for long-term financial growth.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically around 40 hours per week. Flexibility is implied given the remote nature and startup environment, but core collaboration hours will be expected to align with team meetings and stakeholder availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior and lead nature of this role, and the U.S. remote requirement, the salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for senior-level design roles in tech companies. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a competitive offering for a startup aiming to attract top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech / Real Estate Technology (Mortgage Sector)
Company Size: Small to Medium-sized Startup (Specific size not provided, but implied by "team of one" and "scrappy startup" language)
Founded: Own Up was founded in 2015, indicating a company with some established history but likely still in a growth and innovation phase.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: Currently a "team of one," meaning the Senior Product Designer will be the sole design lead.
• Reporting Structure: Likely reports directly to a Head of Product, CTO, or a senior executive, given the leadership expectations.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Works closely with Product Management and Engineering teams, and potentially with Marketing, Sales, and Customer Success stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: Operates within Agile ceremonies, emphasizing iterative development and collaboration.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizes quantitative insights and user research to inform product strategy and design choices.
• AI Integration: Focuses on leveraging AI to enhance the user experience and transform core business processes.
• Startup Mentality: Characterized by a "scrappy," fast-paced, and adaptable approach to problem-solving and product development.

Company Website: [Referencing Own Up's website for more context on their mission and product]

📝 Enhancement Note: The "scrappy startup" description suggests a culture that values initiative, adaptability, and direct impact. As the sole designer, this role will be pivotal in defining the design culture moving forward. The company's focus on AI and revolutionizing mortgage shopping points to an innovative and ambitious environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Design Lead
Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a senior leadership role (e.g., Head of Product, CTO), providing direct visibility and influence.
Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer will have a direct and significant impact on Own Up's product strategy, user acquisition, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue generation by optimizing the mortgage shopping experience. They will shape how consumers interact with the brand and make critical financial decisions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Design: Opportunity to build and potentially lead a design team as the company scales.
• Strategic Influence: Direct input into product roadmap and company strategy, working closely with leadership.
• Skill Expansion: Deepening expertise in AI product design, fintech UX, and driving product innovation in a rapidly evolving market.
• Ownership & Autonomy: Full ownership of the design process and product areas, fostering significant professional development and impact.
• Industry Expertise: Becoming a recognized expert in designing for the mortgage and fintech sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers substantial growth potential, transitioning from a "team of one" to a potential design leader. The direct impact on product strategy and user experience in a critical industry like fintech provides a strong foundation for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-First Organization
Office Location(s): N/A (Fully Remote within the U.S.)

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: Emphasis on digital collaboration tools and asynchronous communication.
• Flexibility: High degree of flexibility in work hours and location, as long as work is completed effectively.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for virtual team building, one-on-one meetings, and cross-functional project collaboration.
• Technology Stack: Access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools (Figma, Slack, etc.).

Work Schedule:

• Primarily driven by project deadlines and team collaboration needs. While flexible, candidates should anticipate participating in regular team meetings and being available during core business hours for cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature means candidates must be self-disciplined and adept at using virtual communication tools. The success of this role will heavily depend on effective remote collaboration and proactive communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• 1st Interview (Talent Team): High-level overview of experience and cultural fit. (~45 mins, video/phone).
• 2nd Interview (Hiring Manager): In-depth skills and experience evaluation, including a presentation of a past end-to-end project. (~1 hour, video).
• 3rd Interview (Development Team): Assess team fit and collaboration potential with engineering peers. (~45 mins, video).
• Final Interview (Leadership): Final discussion to seal the deal. (~15 mins, video).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Project Case Studies: Focus on 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your full design process and impact.
• Problem, Process, Solution, Outcome: Structure your presentations to clearly outline the problem you solved, your design process, the solution you implemented, and the measurable outcome.
• Highlight AI/Complex Projects: Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to handle complex problems or innovative technologies like AI.
• Showcase Collaboration: Explain how you worked with stakeholders and teams, and how you incorporated feedback.
• Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your Figma workflow and any custom components or systems you've built.
• Concise & Clear: Be articulate and concise in explaining your design rationale and decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Presentation Readiness: Prepare to present one significant project thoroughly, covering its lifecycle, your role, challenges, and impact.
• Strategic Thinking: Be ready to discuss your approach to product strategy, user research, and how you'd tackle ambiguous problems.
• AI Design Concepts: Think about how you would approach designing for AI-driven features and personalized user journeys.
• Startup Acumen: Demonstrate an understanding of startup environments, including adaptability, speed, and resourcefulness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 2nd interview specifically requires presenting a project "from start to finish," emphasizing the need for a portfolio that tells a complete story. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, decision-making, and the business impact of their work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for all design, prototyping, and collaboration activities.
• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities, or potentially others for advanced interactions if needed.
• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace (or similar).
• Project Management Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello (or similar, for Agile ceremonies).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude (or similar) for understanding user behavior and product performance.
• User Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Maze, Optimal Workshop (or similar) for conducting research and usability testing.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding CRM (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can provide context for user journeys and data flow within the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable. Familiarity with user analytics and research tools will be crucial for a data-driven design approach. Understanding the broader tech stack helps contextualize the design work within the product ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Self-Direction & Proactivity: Taking initiative and driving solutions without constant direction.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working seamlessly with Product and Engineering.
• Adaptability & Ambiguity Tolerance: Thriving in uncertain environments and navigating complexity.
• Growth Mindset & Receptiveness: Actively seeking feedback and opportunities for improvement.
• Tactical Execution with Strategic Perspective: Balancing day-to-day design tasks with high-level product strategy.
• Data-Driven Advocacy: Using data and user insights to inform and communicate design rationale.
• Rapid Iteration & Experimentation: Embracing a fast-paced environment and learning from failures.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Continuous collaboration within sprints, with regular feedback loops.
• Direct & Transparent: Open communication with leadership and cross-functional teams.
• User-Focused: Prioritizing user needs and insights in all design discussions.
• Outcome-Oriented: Focusing on delivering tangible impact and business results through design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed competencies directly translate into the expected cultural values. Candidates should demonstrate these traits in their application and interviews to align with Own Up's operational philosophy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Sole Designer Responsibility: Managing all design needs for the product ecosystem independently, requiring strong prioritization and time management skills.
• Ambiguity & Rapid Change: Navigating an evolving product roadmap and potentially undefined processes in a startup environment.
• AI Design Innovation: Designing user experiences for cutting-edge AI features where best practices may still be emerging.
• Balancing Strategy & Execution: Juggling high-level strategic input with the need for detailed, day-to-day design work.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to define design processes and potentially build a team.
• AI Product Design Expertise: Gaining deep experience in designing with AI, a high-demand skill.
• Fintech Industry Knowledge: Becoming an expert in the mortgage and fintech space.
• Direct Business Impact: Witnessing and contributing to the direct growth and success of a startup.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the "team of one" aspect, which also represents a significant growth opportunity for leadership and autonomy. Candidates should highlight their experience in managing multiple priorities and their comfort with ambiguity.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Product Vision: "How would you approach defining the product vision for transforming the mortgage shopper journey with AI?"
• Problem Solving: "Describe a complex design problem you faced in a previous role and how you used data and user research to arrive at a solution."
• Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective collaboration with product managers and engineers, especially when you are the sole designer?"
• AI Design: "What are the key considerations when designing user experiences for AI-powered features?"
• Startup Environment: "How do you thrive in ambiguous situations and adapt to rapidly changing priorities in a startup?"
• Measuring Impact: "How would you measure the success of your design work and communicate its impact to leadership?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Own Up's mission and the mortgage industry?"
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and AI advancements?"
• "How do you approach receiving and incorporating feedback from stakeholders?"
• "Describe your ideal collaboration with a product and engineering team."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Craft a narrative for your chosen case study that clearly outlines the challenge, your process, your decisions, and the positive outcomes.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation slides are clean, visually appealing, and clearly showcase your design work.
• Impact Metrics: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction).
• Design Rationale: Be prepared to articulate why you made specific design choices.
• Figma Walkthrough: If comfortable, be ready to briefly demonstrate key parts of your Figma files or prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to speak in depth about their portfolio projects, focusing on the "why" behind their design decisions and the measurable impact. Demonstrating an understanding of Own Up's mission and the potential of AI in their industry will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the application portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio highlights projects demonstrating end-to-end design ownership, strategic thinking, and ideally, experience with complex products or AI. Tailor your case studies to showcase problem-solving and impact.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with Figma, user-centered design, cross-functional collaboration, and your ability to work autonomously. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on the narrative, your decision-making process, and the business impact. Prepare to discuss your approach to AI design and working in a remote, startup environment.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Own Up's mission, product, and the mortgage industry. Understand their focus on AI and how your design skills can contribute to 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.

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