Senior Product Designer - ONYX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - ONYX

Company: SKELAR

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-04-23

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level

Remote Status: Fully Remote (within Ukraine)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and build-out of a novel AI-driven digital security product, ONYX, from its foundational stages.

• Architect the core UX strategy and design system, directly influencing user acquisition, retention, and overall product success in the rapidly growing digital security market.

• Leverage AI tools extensively in the design process, from research and prototyping to visual generation, aligning with the company's AI-native operational norm.

• Translate complex cybersecurity concepts into intuitive, trustworthy, and engaging user experiences for a B2C audience, focusing on a guided, premium experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as the first Product Designer for the ONYX product, indicating a significant opportunity for foundational impact. The emphasis on AI-native operations and the "architect" role suggests a high degree of autonomy and strategic input expected from the candidate. The specific mention of "guided UX" and "true crime as edutainment" points towards a user-centric approach focused on demystifying digital security.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the end-to-end UX strategy for the ONYX product, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user journey.

• Design and maintain a comprehensive design system that ensures consistency and scalability across the product.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and iteratively improve the user experience.

• Collaborate closely with founders and engineering teams to translate product requirements into high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes.

• Utilize AI tools to enhance design workflows, including research synthesis, rapid prototyping, and visual asset generation.

• Define and optimize key user flows, focusing on critical areas like user onboarding, feature engagement, and security incident resolution.

• Champion a user-centric design approach, ensuring that the product instills trust and confidence in users regarding their digital security.

• Contribute to the product's go-to-market strategy by ensuring the design effectively communicates value and addresses user pain points in the B2C digital security space.

• Continuously explore and integrate emerging AI technologies and design trends to maintain a competitive edge in the digital security market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize building from scratch, including the design system and UX strategy. The role requires a proactive approach to user research and a strong understanding of B2C retention levers, as highlighted by the direct impact on retention and conversions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is implied through the experience requirements.

Experience: 4+ years of dedicated experience in product UI/UX design for mobile applications.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in mobile application UI/UX design, demonstrated through a strong portfolio.

• Expertise in user research methodologies, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.

• Proficiency in utilizing AI tools for design exploration, prototyping, and visual generation (e.g., AI-assisted design platforms, image generation tools).

• Deep understanding of B2C product dynamics, user engagement strategies, and retention optimization techniques.

• Ability to translate complex technical concepts (specifically in digital security and AI) into simple, user-friendly interfaces.

• Strong visual design skills with a keen eye for aesthetics that build trust and credibility.

• Experience in developing and maintaining design systems for scalable product development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the digital security or cybersecurity domain.

• Familiarity with AI technologies and their application in product development beyond design tools.

• Experience working in a startup environment or a venture builder.

• Understanding of how to leverage "edutainment" (educational entertainment) in product design.

• Knowledge of data analysis and A/B testing principles to drive design iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 4+ years of experience, coupled with the "Senior" title, suggests a need for demonstrated leadership in design thinking and execution. The explicit mention of AI tools in the design process is a critical differentiator, indicating a forward-thinking approach to design operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 4 years of experience in mobile product UI/UX design.

• Clear case studies demonstrating the design process from problem definition to final solution, with a focus on mobile applications.

• Examples of user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing conducted for past projects.

• Demonstrations of how AI tools were integrated into the design workflow for enhanced efficiency or creativity.

• Evidence of design system development and implementation, highlighting scalability and consistency.

• Examples of successful user retention and conversion optimization strategies driven by design interventions in B2C products.

Process Documentation:

• Articulate the user-centered design process followed for key projects, from initial concept to launch and iteration.

• Detail the methodology used for user research, including participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis.

• Explain the approach to prototyping and usability testing, including tool selection and feedback incorporation.

• Describe the process for developing and maintaining a design system, including component libraries and style guides.

• Outline how data and user feedback are used to iterate on designs and drive product improvements.

• Showcase the ability to work within an AI-native environment, detailing how AI tools are leveraged to streamline workflows and enhance output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical, especially for demonstrating experience with mobile products, design systems, and the application of AI in design. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design process and articulate the rationale behind their decisions, particularly concerning user trust and engagement in a security context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers with 4+ years of experience in the Ukrainian market, and considering the fully remote nature and the strategic importance of this role, an estimated range of UAH 60,000 - 100,000 per month is anticipated. This range can fluctuate based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Medical insurance for comprehensive health coverage.

• Access to a corporate doctor for convenient medical consultations.

• Opportunities for professional training and skill development.

• Financial support for attending relevant industry conferences.

• Participation in internal professional clubs for knowledge sharing and networking.

• A unique opportunity to be the foundational designer for an innovative AI-driven product.

• Exposure to cutting-edge AI technologies and an AI-native operational environment.

• Potential for role expansion into product management or engineering through AI integration.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility inherent in a remote work arrangement. The focus will be on deliverables and project milestones rather than strict adherence to office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on Ukrainian market rates for senior-level design roles, adjusted for the specialized nature of AI integration and the strategic "first hire" aspect of the role. The benefits package highlights professional development and health support, aligning with modern tech company offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Venture Building / Technology / Digital Security / AI. SKELAR operates as a venture builder, creating and scaling international tech businesses. ONYX is a product focused on digital security, leveraging AI.

Company Size: SKELAR is a venture builder with multiple portfolio companies. The ONYX product team will likely start small and grow, but the broader SKELAR platform provides a structured environment with ~50-200 employees (estimated based on typical venture builder teams and platform support functions).

Founded: SKELAR was founded to build international tech businesses. The specific founding date of SKELAR is not provided, but its portfolio includes "dozens of businesses," indicating established operations. ONYX is a newer product within this structure.

Team Structure:

• The designer will be one of the first hires for the ONYX product, working directly with the founders.

• A core product team will likely form around the founders and the designer, including engineering and potentially marketing roles.

• The designer will be part of the broader SKELAR platform, which provides operational support across recruitment, technical infrastructure, finance, and legal.

Methodology:

• AI-Native Operations: The company emphasizes a fully AI-native approach, with AI generating 100% of code, utilizing Second Brain and Claude Code for documentation, and employing an AI system for creative asset generation, automated support, and analytics.

• Data-Driven Iteration: Design decisions will be informed by data, user feedback, and performance metrics (retention, conversion).

• Agile Development: Implied by the startup/venture builder environment, with rapid decision-making and iterative development cycles.

• Continuous Learning: A strong focus on learning and integrating AI tools into daily workflows.

Company Website: https://www.skelar.tech

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-native methodology is a significant cultural differentiator. Candidates should be prepared for an environment where AI is not just a tool but a fundamental operational component. The venture builder model implies a dynamic, growth-oriented culture with support infrastructure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, acting as the foundational design lead for a new product. It represents a significant opportunity for growth beyond traditional design, with potential to influence product strategy and integrate AI deeply into workflows.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to the founders of the ONYX product. They will also be part of the broader SKELAR ecosystem, interacting with platform teams.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will have a direct and measurable impact on the ONYX product's success, influencing key metrics such as user retention, conversion rates, user satisfaction, and ultimately, market adoption. The role is critical in building user trust and defining the premium experience in the digital security space.

Growth Opportunities:

• Foundational Design Leadership: Opportunity to build the entire design vision and system for a new product from conception.

• AI Integration & Expertise: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design tools and methodologies, becoming proficient in building AI agents for personal workflow automation, a highly valuable skill.

• Product Strategy Influence: Close collaboration with founders provides direct input into product strategy and roadmap development.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Exposure to engineering, marketing, and operational aspects of building a tech business.

• Potential for Role Expansion: Possibility to grow into product management, lead design for future SKELAR ventures, or take on more technical AI integration roles.

• Industry Specialization: Develop deep expertise in the rapidly expanding digital security market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory is exceptional due to the "build from scratch" nature and the company's AI-native focus. The opportunity to gain unique AI workflow automation skills is a significant career differentiator.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote role within Ukraine, offering flexibility and autonomy. While there isn't a physical office requirement for daily work, the company structure implies opportunities for connection through internal events or professional clubs.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Ukraine, with the primary derived location being Kyiv. Remote work is permitted within the country.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Autonomy: Significant independence in managing one's work environment and schedule, within the framework of project deadlines and team collaboration.

• AI-Powered Tools: Access to and expectation of using advanced AI tools as part of the daily workflow, enhancing productivity and creative output.

• Collaborative Digital Space: While remote, the "AI-native" and "Second Brain" approach suggests a highly organized and interconnected digital workspace for communication, documentation, and project management.

• Focus on Innovation: An environment that encourages experimentation with new technologies and methodologies.

Work Schedule: While standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, the remote nature likely allows for flexible scheduling to accommodate personal needs, provided deadlines and collaborative sessions are met. The emphasis is on results and continuous contribution within the AI-native framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature combined with an AI-native operational model creates a modern, flexible, and highly efficient work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with digital collaboration tools and self-management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly mobile UX/UI, AI tool usage, and B2C experience.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A deep dive into selected case studies from the portfolio. Expect to discuss design process, problem-solving, user impact, and how AI was integrated. This is where the "architect" aspect will be explored.

• Founder/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on strategic thinking, product vision, understanding of the digital security market, and cultural fit within an AI-native and venture-builder environment. Questions about building from scratch and user trust will be prominent.

• Technical/Design Challenge (Potential): A small, focused design exercise or a take-home assignment to evaluate practical design skills, problem-solving approach, and understanding of AI integration.

• Final Offer & Onboarding: Discussion of terms and integration into the SKELAR and ONYX teams.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Mobile Expertise: Showcase specific mobile app design projects with clear UI/UX flows and outcomes.

• Demonstrate AI Integration: Clearly explain how AI tools were used in your process – for research, ideation, prototyping, or asset generation. Quantify benefits if possible (e.g., time saved, improved iteration speed).

• Focus on Trust & Security: For ONYX, emphasize how your designs build user trust and simplify complex security concepts. Discuss user psychology in security contexts.

• Showcase Design Systems: Present your experience with creating and managing design systems, emphasizing scalability and consistency.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (retention, conversion, user satisfaction) to demonstrate the success of your design solutions.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies to tell a narrative about the problem, your process, your solution, and the results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize Yourself with Digital Security: Understand common user concerns and challenges in digital security and privacy.

• Research AI in Design: Be ready to discuss your understanding of AI's role in current and future design workflows.

• Practice Articulating Design Decisions: Be prepared to defend your design choices with clear reasoning, user-centered principles, and an understanding of business goals.

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready about the product vision, team dynamics, AI integration strategy, and growth opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the portfolio, especially concerning AI integration and the ability to build user trust in a security product. Candidates should prepare to discuss their strategic design thinking and foundational contributions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (or similar industry-standard tools).

• AI Design Tools: Expect to use a variety of AI-powered tools for research assistance, ideation, generating visual assets, and potentially rapid prototyping. Specific tools will likely be determined by the candidate's expertise and company adoption, but candidates should be proficient with AI-assisted design platforms.

• Collaboration & Documentation: Tools like Notion, Coda, or similar "Second Brain" platforms for product documentation and knowledge management. Claude Code is explicitly mentioned for documentation.

• Project Management: Tools such as Asana, Jira, Trello, or similar agile project management software.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for tracking user behavior and product performance (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how design impacts CRM and automation workflows (e.g., user onboarding sequences, email campaigns) will be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI-native" means candidates should be comfortable and proactive in adopting and integrating new AI tools into their design workflow. Proficiency with Figma is standard, but adaptability to AI-driven design platforms is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & AI-First Mindset: A commitment to leveraging AI as a core operational component, driving efficiency and novel solutions.

• User-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and serving user needs, especially in building trust for a security product.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on measurable results and direct contribution to product success (retention, conversion, user satisfaction).

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and teamwork, especially between founders, designers, and engineers.

• Continuous Learning & Growth: An environment that encourages skill development, especially in emerging technologies like AI.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A proactive, "builder" mentality, common in venture builder environments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close working relationships with founders, product managers, and engineers, ensuring design is embedded in the product development lifecycle.

• AI-Assisted Collaboration: Utilizing AI tools to facilitate communication, knowledge sharing, and documentation across teams.

• Feedback Loops: Embracing constructive feedback to refine designs and product strategy.

• Agile & Iterative: A dynamic approach to teamwork, adapting quickly to new information and requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-native value system is paramount. Candidates who are enthusiastic about AI's potential and comfortable working in such an environment will thrive. The culture is likely fast-paced, innovative, and focused on tangible outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building Trust in Digital Security: Designing an interface that effectively communicates security and builds user confidence in a complex and often anxiety-inducing domain.

• Foundational Design: Establishing the initial design direction, systems, and user experience for a new product with limited existing assets or established patterns.

• AI Integration Complexity: Effectively leveraging AI tools and understanding their limitations to enhance, rather than hinder, the design process.

• Rapid Iteration in a Startup Environment: Adapting quickly to changing requirements and market feedback in a fast-paced venture builder setting.

• Balancing "Guided Experience" with User Control: Designing an intuitive experience that guides users without feeling overly restrictive or complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastery of AI Design Tools: Becoming an expert in utilizing cutting-edge AI tools for all facets of the design process.

• Digital Security Product Expertise: Developing deep knowledge in a high-growth, critical market sector.

• Product Strategy and Growth: Gaining hands-on experience in shaping product strategy and driving growth metrics.

• Venture Building Insights: Learning the intricacies of building and scaling tech businesses within a venture builder ecosystem.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunity to grow into a lead design role or explore adjacent product/engineering functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is designing for trust in a sensitive domain while building from scratch. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly in AI and product strategy, offering a unique career path for a designer.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for building a design system from scratch for a new mobile product. How would you ensure scalability and maintainability?"

• "How would you approach designing a user experience for a digital security product that aims to build trust and reduce user anxiety? What specific UI/UX patterns would you consider?"

• "Given our AI-native approach, how would you integrate AI tools into your design workflow for ONYX, and what specific AI tools do you envision using for research, prototyping, or asset generation?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about the ONYX product and SKELAR's venture builder model?"

• "How do you see yourself contributing to an AI-native operational environment? What are your thoughts on AI's role in design and product development?"

• "How do you typically collaborate with founders and engineering teams in a startup environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure with Impact: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the measurable results.

• Focus on ONYX Relevance: Select projects that best demonstrate your ability to design for mobile, create intuitive user experiences, build trust, and ideally, your experience with AI tools or complex technical domains.

• Walk Through the AI Integration: Be prepared to explicitly show and explain how AI tools enhanced your workflow or outcomes in specific projects.

• Quantify Outcomes: Use data and metrics to back up claims of success.

• Engage and Discuss: Treat the portfolio review as a collaborative discussion, not just a presentation. Be ready to answer detailed questions about your thought process and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your experience with AI tools in a practical, workflow-oriented manner. The ability to articulate how you build trust through design, especially for a security product, will be paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby link, ensuring your resume and portfolio are up-to-date.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature mobile app design projects, clearly showcasing your UI/UX process, design system experience, and any instances of AI tool integration. Tailor the case studies to highlight how your designs have driven user retention and conversion.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume highlights keywords relevant to mobile UI/UX design, AI tools, B2C products, design systems, and any experience in security-related fields. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially how you build user trust and leverage AI. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that align with the ONYX product's goals. Rehearse presenting your case studies concisely and impactfully.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SKELAR's venture builder model, their portfolio, and ONYX's mission. Understand their AI-native operational philosophy and prepare thoughtful questions about the role, product vision, and team culture.

⚠️ 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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