Sr. Product Designer - Internal Systems

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Product Designer - Internal Systems Company: Klaviyo Location: Boston, MA Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / Design Technology Date Posted: 2025-09-18T15:28:50 Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years) Remote Status: Remote OK (with potential for hybrid in Boston)

🚀 Role Summary

• Bridging Design and Engineering: This role acts as a critical link between the product design and engineering teams, focusing on translating innovative design concepts into tangible, functional experiences for Klaviyo's internal systems.
• Prototyping and Experimentation: You will be responsible for designing and building proof-of-concept design experiments using front-end code and mock data, enabling product, design, and research teams to gather crucial customer feedback.
• Design System Evolution: Contribute to the iterative refinement of site layout and design system components, proactively identifying optimal solutions and uncovering potential edge cases before they reach the engineering phase.
• User Experience Enhancement: Drive the enhancement of the overall user experience by building and shipping design changes, ensuring a cohesive, intuitive, and visually appealing platform for internal users.
• Advocacy for Best Practices: Champion design and engineering best practices, actively contributing to the continuous improvement of Klaviyo's design system and development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr. Product Designer," the description strongly emphasizes "Design Technologist" responsibilities, focusing on the intersection of design and front-end development. The role is crucial for bridging the gap between conceptual design and actual implementation, particularly for internal systems, which often require a deep understanding of user workflows and operational efficiency. The "Internal Systems" aspect suggests a focus on tools and platforms used by Klaviyo's own employees, requiring a pragmatic and user-centric approach to enhance productivity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and construct proof-of-concept design experiments utilizing front-end code and mock data to facilitate customer testing by product, design, and research teams.
• Iterate on site layout and design system components to identify optimal solutions and proactively uncover edge cases before they are handed off to component engineers.
• Implement and ship design enhancements to improve the overall user experience of Klaviyo's internal platforms.
• Collaborate closely with fellow design team members to test and prototype motion design, data visualizations, and various other design initiatives.
• Advocate for and implement design and engineering best practices, contributing to the ongoing development and refinement of Klaviyo's design system and associated development workflows.
• Stay abreast of emerging design and technology trends, continuously exploring new tools and techniques to elevate product offerings and internal user experiences.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of user needs and workflows within internal systems to inform design decisions and drive impactful improvements.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of design documentation, ensuring clarity and consistency for engineering implementation and future iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to design and development. The emphasis on "proof of concept design experiments" and "iterating on site layout and design system components" indicates a need for a designer who can not only conceptualize but also prototype and validate ideas rapidly. The "advocacy for design and engineering best practices" suggests a role that influences team processes and standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred, though practical experience and a strong portfolio can be equally valued. Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in product design, with a significant focus on design technology, front-end development, and prototyping. Proven experience working on internal tools or complex platform design is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in design and front-end development, supported by a robust portfolio showcasing visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces.
• Expertise in core web technologies: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Proficiency in responsive design principles and implementation.
• Experience with modern front-end frameworks/libraries such as React, Angular, or Web Components for building reusable and scalable components.
• Strong understanding of fundamental design principles, UI/UX best practices, and user-centered design methodologies.
• Exceptional critical thinking and attention to detail, with the ability to explore solutions at both a systematic and component level.
• A genuine passion for innovation and a drive to push the boundaries of design and technology.
• Proficiency with industry-standard design tools, including Figma, Sketch, or the Adobe Creative Suite.
• A keen visual design sense and a commitment to achieving design precision.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the proven ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineers and other designers.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with version control systems, such as Git, and experience working within agile development methodologies.
• Demonstrated commitment to accessibility principles and practical experience implementing accessible design solutions compliant with WCAG guidelines.
• Experience with internationalization (i18n) for products and/or design systems.
• Experience in building and maintaining design systems.
• Familiarity with user research methodologies and the ability to translate research findings into actionable design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills blend strong design sensibilities with practical front-end development capabilities. The emphasis on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React/Angular highlights the "technologist" aspect of the role. A strong portfolio is paramount, as it will be the primary evidence of the candidate's ability to execute on both design and code. The "Nice to have" skills, particularly accessibility and version control, indicate a mature and well-rounded approach to product development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing your end-to-end design process for complex projects, ideally focusing on internal tools, platforms, or systems with significant user interaction.
• Demonstrate your ability to bridge design and code, featuring projects where you've built interactive prototypes or proof-of-concept experiments using front-end technologies.
• Highlight your contributions to design systems, including examples of component design, system iteration, and how your work improved consistency and efficiency.
• Clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the technical challenges you addressed, and the measurable impact of your work, focusing on user experience improvements and efficiency gains.
• Include examples of your proficiency with design tools (Figma, Sketch) and front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React/Angular).

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of how you document your design and development processes, including workflow diagrams, user journey maps, or component specifications.
• Examples of how you have used data (user feedback, analytics) to inform design decisions and iterate on solutions.
• Demonstrations of how you collaborate with engineering teams, including examples of handoff processes, code reviews (if applicable), and feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond static mockups, showcasing a candidate's ability to prototype, experiment with code, and contribute to the technical implementation of designs. The focus on "internal systems" means case studies should highlight an understanding of user workflows and operational efficiency, not just aesthetic appeal. Demonstrating experience with design systems and front-end technologies is essential.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $140,000 - $210,000 USD per year. This range is competitive for a Sr. Product Designer role in Boston, MA, reflecting the blend of design and technical expertise required. Benefits:

• Participation in the company’s annual cash bonus plan.
• Equity grants, providing ownership in Klaviyo's growth.
• Potential for sign-on payments.
• Comprehensive health, welfare, and wellbeing benefits package.
• Access to Klaviyo Rewards program for detailed total compensation insights.

Working Hours: Standard full-time, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility often expected for project deadlines and collaborative work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is robust and competitive for a senior-level design technologist role in a high-cost-of-living area like Boston. The inclusion of equity, bonus, and sign-on payments indicates a strong overall compensation package. The "Klaviyo Rewards" program suggests transparency and a focus on total compensation beyond base salary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically SaaS (Software as a Service) focused on e-commerce marketing and data analytics. Klaviyo empowers businesses to leverage customer data for personalized marketing. Company Size: Klaviyo is a growing company, likely falling into the "Large" category (typically 1,000+ employees), indicating a structured environment with established processes but still retaining elements of a dynamic startup culture. Founded: Klaviyo was founded in 2012, suggesting a company with a solid track record and established market presence, yet still actively innovating and scaling.

Team Structure:

• The Design team is likely composed of various specializations, including Product Designers, UX Researchers, Design Technologists, and potentially UI Designers.
• This role would report into a Design leadership position, likely a Director or VP of Design, and collaborate heavily with Engineering Managers and Product Managers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers working closely with Product Management to define requirements and with Engineering to ensure successful implementation.

Methodology:

• Klaviyo likely employs agile development methodologies, emphasizing iterative development, rapid prototyping, and continuous feedback.
• Data-driven decision-making is a core tenet, with design choices informed by user research, A/B testing, and product analytics.
• A strong emphasis on building and maintaining a cohesive design system to ensure consistency and efficiency across the platform.

Company Website: https://www.klaviyo.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: Klaviyo's focus on empowering creators and owning destiny suggests a culture that values autonomy, innovation, and customer-centricity. The company's growth implies opportunities for individuals to make a significant impact and grow with the organization. The emphasis on data and design systems points to a mature and sophisticated product development approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, implying a high level of autonomy, technical skill, and the ability to mentor junior team members. It is a key individual contributor role with the potential to influence product strategy and design direction. Reporting Structure: You would likely report to a Lead Product Designer, Design Manager, or Director of Design. Collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering Leads will be frequent and critical for project success. Operations Impact: As a Sr. Product Designer focused on internal systems, your work will directly impact the productivity, efficiency, and satisfaction of Klaviyo's employees. By improving internal tools, you indirectly contribute to Klaviyo's ability to serve its external customers more effectively, thus impacting overall revenue and business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in design technology, front-end development, and specific frameworks, becoming a go-to expert for complex implementation challenges.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Mentor junior designers and design technologists, guide design system evolution, and potentially lead design initiatives for key internal products.
• Product Strategy Influence: Contribute to the strategic roadmap for internal tools, identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency gains that align with Klaviyo's business objectives.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a deeper understanding of engineering processes, product management strategies, and user research methodologies through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr." title indicates a significant level of responsibility and the expectation of leadership and mentorship. Growth opportunities are likely tied to becoming a subject matter expert in design technology, contributing to strategic product decisions, and potentially moving into leadership or Principal Designer roles within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Klaviyo has a physical office presence in Boston, suggesting a hybrid work model might be available or preferred by some teams, though the role is advertised as "Remote OK." This implies a flexible approach to where work is done. Office Location(s): The primary office is in Boston, MA. The "Remote OK" status means candidates from other US locations may be considered, though proximity to Boston might be beneficial for occasional in-person collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers, engineers, and product managers work closely together to build and refine products.
• Access to modern design and development tools will be standard.
• The focus on internal systems means the workspace will likely support deep work, problem-solving, and iterative design processes.
• Opportunities for informal and formal knowledge sharing sessions will likely be part of the team culture.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the nature of product development often requires flexibility to meet project deadlines and collaborate across time zones if applicable. The "Remote OK" status implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" designation is key. While there's a strong Boston presence, the company is open to remote candidates within the US. This requires excellent asynchronous communication skills and self-discipline. The environment is likely fast-paced and collaborative, typical of a successful SaaS company.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screen: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.
• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: This is a critical stage where you'll present your portfolio, discussing your design process, problem-solving approach, and technical contributions. Expect in-depth questions about your case studies, design decisions, and front-end implementation skills.
• Design Challenge/Whiteboarding: You might be given a design problem to solve or asked to walk through a design exercise, potentially involving prototyping or coding concepts.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other Designers to evaluate collaboration skills, communication, and ability to work within a team.
• Final Interview: Often with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Design) to discuss overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact. Focus on why you made certain design and technical decisions.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Have live prototypes or interactive demos ready if possible, especially for projects involving front-end code.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Explicitly call out your contributions in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks. Discuss any challenges in translating designs to code and how you overcame them.
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction).
• Tailor to Klaviyo: Research Klaviyo's products, design system, and company values. Frame your experience and case studies to show how you align with their mission and technical approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Think Aloud: When tackling a design challenge, verbalize your thought process, assumptions, and decision-making criteria.
• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, even if you don't reach a final "perfect" solution.
• Consider Constraints: Acknowledge technical constraints and business goals, showing an understanding of real-world product development.
• Practice Prototyping: Be ready to quickly sketch or wireframe solutions, and if asked, discuss how you'd implement them with code.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate both design decisions and technical implementation details. Be prepared to discuss your experience with design systems and front-end technologies in depth. The "design experiment" aspect means showcasing a willingness to iterate and learn through code-based prototypes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Figma (primary), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping, potentially tools like Framer for more advanced interactive prototypes.
• Front-End Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript are essential.
• Front-End Frameworks/Libraries: React, Angular, or Web Components are highly desirable for building reusable components and prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics implementation, understanding how to instrument designs for tracking and how to interpret user behavior data (e.g., from tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or internal dashboards) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms (like Klaviyo's own) is helpful for understanding the broader business context, though not a primary requirement for this specific design role.
• Version Control: Git is a preferred skill for collaborating with engineering teams and managing code.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack clearly emphasizes a hybrid design/development skill set. Proficiency in Figma is standard for product design, but the explicit mention of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and front-end frameworks like React/Angular is what differentiates this role. Experience with Git is also a significant plus, indicating a collaborative workflow with development teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and solving user problems, whether for external customers or internal employees.
• Innovation: Encouraging experimentation, pushing boundaries, and exploring new technologies and design approaches.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams (design, engineering, product, research) to achieve shared goals.
• Data-Driven: Using data and insights to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Execution & Ownership: Taking responsibility for projects from concept to implementation, ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to refining processes, tools, and products iteratively.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged.
• Designers work closely with Product Managers to define requirements and with Engineers to ensure seamless implementation and maintainability of designs.
• Design reviews are likely a regular part of the workflow, fostering a culture of shared learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Klaviyo's culture, as described through its mission and values, likely fosters an environment where designers are empowered to innovate and have a tangible impact. The emphasis on collaboration and data-driven decision-making aligns with modern product development practices.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Vision with Technical Constraints: Effectively translating ambitious design ideas into feasible front-end implementations, navigating technical limitations and collaborating with engineers to find optimal solutions.
• Internal Systems Complexity: Designing for internal tools often involves complex workflows, diverse user roles, and a need to balance powerful functionality with ease of use, requiring a deep understanding of operational needs.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new front-end technologies, design tools, and best practices to maintain a cutting-edge approach.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring alignment across Product Management, Design, and Engineering on priorities, trade-offs, and implementation details for internal systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Prototyping: Opportunity to explore and master advanced prototyping techniques and tools, potentially including motion design and complex interactive elements.
• Design System Expertise: Become a key contributor to and expert in Klaviyo's design system, influencing its growth and adoption.
• Front-End Skills Enhancement: Sharpen front-end development skills by working closely with engineers and contributing to code-based prototypes.
• Product Strategy Involvement: Gain deeper insights into Klaviyo's business strategy and contribute to the roadmap for internal tools, impacting operational efficiency company-wide.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a role that sits at the intersection of design and technology. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to develop highly sought-after skills in design technology and contribute strategically to internal product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Technical Integration: "Walk me through a project where you significantly contributed to both the design and front-end implementation. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you overcome them?"
• Design System Contribution: "Describe your experience with design systems. How have you contributed to their evolution, and how do you ensure consistency across components?"
• Problem Solving & Iteration: "Imagine we need to redesign a critical internal dashboard. What would be your approach, starting from understanding user needs to delivering a functional prototype?"
• Collaboration & Communication: "How do you typically collaborate with engineers and product managers? Describe a situation where you had to advocate for a design decision or technical approach."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Klaviyo's mission and its impact on e-commerce?"
• "How do you see your role as a Design Technologist contributing to Klaviyo's culture of innovation?"
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive culture."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Design-to-Code Flow: For each case study, clearly articulate how you moved from concept to a tangible, code-based output.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Focus on the challenges you faced and the specific solutions you devised, both design-wise and technically.
• Showcase Interactivity: If possible, provide live links or interactive prototypes that demonstrate your front-end skills.
• Explain Technical Choices: Be prepared to justify your choice of technologies and approaches for prototyping and implementation.
• Tailor Examples: Select projects that best showcase your skills in designing for complex systems or improving user workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to demonstrate not just design thinking but also practical application of front-end skills. Your portfolio presentation should weave a narrative of how you bring designs to life through code, highlighting problem-solving and collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Klaviyo careers portal.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that highlight your design process, front-end development contributions, and experience with design systems or complex internal tools. Ensure they clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the impact.
• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize keywords related to Product Design, Design Technology, Front-End Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React/Angular), Prototyping, Design Systems, and User Experience. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your case studies, focusing on your decision-making process, technical contributions, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and front-end frameworks.
• Research Klaviyo: Familiarize yourself with Klaviyo's product, target audience, company mission, and any available information on their design philosophy or design system. Understand how your skills align with their needs for internal systems.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding specific team dynamics or day-to-day responsibilities, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the interview process.