Staff Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Product Designer
Company: Sigma Computing
Location: New York City, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / User Experience
Date Posted: 2025-10-18
Experience Level: 12+ Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and define the future of data analytics products, driving vision and long-term strategy for key product areas within Sigma Computing.
• Own the end-to-end design process for complex features and products, from initial concept and user research through to final release and iteration.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Research, Customer Success, and Engineering teams to ensure user needs are met and product adoption is maximized.
• Craft simple, elegant, and world-class user experiences that empower business users to explore data and generate actionable insights with ease.
• Contribute to a talented, data-obsessed team environment that values continuous learning, iteration, and shipping value to customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Staff Product Designer," the extensive experience requirement (12+ years) and the emphasis on leading multiple product areas and defining future strategy suggest a senior or principal-level individual contributor role with significant influence and autonomy, rather than a purely junior or mid-level position. The operations context here is less about traditional RevOps/SalesOps and more about the operational aspects of product development: process, efficiency, and user adoption within the product lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the product vision and future-thinking for designated areas of Sigma's business intelligence platform, balancing long-term strategy with incremental improvements.
• Lead multiple complex design projects concurrently, from conceptualization through to successful product launch, ensuring high-quality design solutions.
• Conduct user research and actively gather end-user product feedback to inform design decisions and collaboratively advance solutions that enhance product adoption and utilization.
• Translate complex data analysis and business intelligence concepts into intuitive, user-friendly interfaces and workflows.
• Design for entire systems, understanding the big picture while also breaking down intricate problems into deliverable, incremental engineering tasks.
• Facilitate design reviews, present new strategic directions to leadership, and articulate design decisions clearly to all stakeholders across the company.
• Iterate rapidly on designs based on feedback cycles, experimentation, and a deep understanding of customer needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Engineering, Research, Customer Success, and Support, to ensure seamless product development and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic and leadership-oriented approach to design, focusing on product vision, system-level thinking, and end-to-end ownership, which are critical for senior product design roles impacting product operations and user adoption.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor or Master's degree with a specialization in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 12+ years of progressive experience in interaction design, with a proven track record of designing and shipping commercially successful, world-class software products.
• Demonstrated experience in driving product vision and future-thinking, while simultaneously managing and executing on day-to-day gradual improvements.
• Experience leading multiple complex design areas and presenting strategic design directions to executive leadership.
• Startup experience is highly valued, indicating an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrably strong interaction design fundamentals with a keen eye for visual appeal and user experience aesthetics.
• Expert proficiency in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and detailed UI design.
• Exceptional facilitation, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design decisions to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to think holistically about entire systems, conceptualize the big picture, and break down complex problems into actionable engineering requirements.
• Capability to work autonomously, lead complex design projects, and deliver high-quality, user-centered solutions.
• Adept at rapid iteration, feedback cycles, and experimentation, with a strong focus on understanding and incorporating customer needs.
• Experience with user research methodologies and translating user feedback into design improvements.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with data analytics, business intelligence platforms, and cloud-native architectures.
• Experience designing for complex data exploration and visualization tools.
• Knowledge of HCI principles and best practices in user-centered design.
• Experience with collaborative design tools and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "12+ years" requirement for interaction design, coupled with the emphasis on system-level thinking, leadership, and driving product vision, positions this as a senior individual contributor role. The mention of "startup experience" suggests a need for adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving within a dynamic environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase successfully released product designs that demonstrate system-wide thinking and a breadth and depth of interactive design skills.
• Include case studies that clearly articulate the business problem being solved, design constraints and assumptions, and the progressive evolution of your designs from inception to final product.
• Present designs that illustrate how they effectively furthered company objectives while rigorously meeting user needs.
• Highlight examples of complex interaction patterns and elegant solutions for data exploration and analysis.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate your design process, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iteration.
• Provide examples of how you collaborated with engineering and product management to translate design concepts into functional products.
• Show evidence of how you incorporated feedback and data to refine designs and improve user outcomes.
• Include documentation that illustrates your approach to designing scalable and maintainable design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are highly specific, focusing on demonstrating not just final output but the entire design process, strategic thinking, and measurable impact. This aligns with operations' emphasis on process, documentation, and demonstrable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The base salary range for this position is $210,000 - $250,000 annually.
• Compensation may vary based on a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience.

Benefits:

• Equity (Stock Options)
• Generous health benefits
• Flexible time off policy
• Paid bonding time for all new parents
• Traditional and Roth 401k
• Commuter and FSA benefits
• Lunch Program
• Dog-friendly office

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are assumed to be 40 hours per week, typical for full-time roles in the US. Given the on-site nature and senior level, flexibility may be expected based on project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and competitive for a Staff Product Designer role in New York City, reflecting the seniority and experience required. The "Total Package" mention implies that equity and benefits are significant components of the overall compensation. The "Lunch Program" and "Dog friendly office" are specific perks contributing to the work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Data & Analytics, Software, Business Intelligence. Sigma Computing operates in the rapidly evolving cloud-native business intelligence and data analytics space, focusing on making complex data accessible to non-technical users. Company Size: Sigma Computing has received significant Series D funding, indicating substantial growth and a dynamic startup environment that is scaling its operations and teams. Founded: Founded to capitalize on cloud data warehouse performance, Sigma has evolved to include AI tools and collaboration features, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and adapting to market needs.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is growing, indicating an opportunity to shape its direction and processes.
• Designers are part of a larger, "data obsessed" group of professionals focused on customer value.
• Designers will work closely with Product Management, Research, Customer Success, and Support teams, highlighting a highly collaborative, cross-functional operational model.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on iteration, learning, and shipping value to customers.
• Focus on understanding end-user product feedback to drive continuous product improvement and adoption.
• Commitment to building a "smart and strong team" through inclusive hiring practices.
• The company leverages cloud data warehouses and is integrating AI tools, suggesting a forward-thinking, technology-driven approach to product development and operations.

Company Website: https://www.sigmacomputing.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of startup agility and a professional, data-driven ethos. The emphasis on collaboration across departments is crucial for efficient product operations and successful GTM strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a "Staff" level, indicating a senior individual contributor role with significant influence and autonomy. It's a path for experienced designers to lead complex initiatives, mentor others, and shape product strategy without necessarily managing a team. Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Staff Product Designer typically reports to a Design Manager, Director of Product Design, or Head of Product. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the operational success of the product by enhancing usability, driving user adoption, and contributing to the overall vision of making data analytics accessible. This translates to business value through increased customer satisfaction, retention, and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in interaction design, system design, and potentially UI/visual design for complex data products. Exposure to AI-driven features offers chances to design cutting-edge functionalities.
• Leadership Potential: While not a management role, the Staff level offers opportunities to lead strategic initiatives, mentor junior designers, and influence product direction, serving as a potential stepping stone to Principal Designer or Design Lead roles.
• Industry Exposure: Working with a fast-growing startup in the BI/data analytics space provides exposure to modern tech stacks, cloud infrastructure (like Snowflake), and evolving AI capabilities, enhancing professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" title signifies a high level of individual contribution and potential for leadership within the design function, impacting product operations and strategy. The growth path is geared towards deepening expertise and strategic influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The description explicitly states an "in-office work environment in all our offices." This signifies a preference for in-person collaboration and a traditional office setting. Office Location(s): San Francisco (SF), New York City (NYC), and London. This role is specifically based in New York City.

Workspace Context:

• The New York City office is described as "dog friendly," suggesting a more relaxed and employee-centric atmosphere within the professional setting.
• The environment is collaborative, with designers working closely with PM, Research, Customer Success, and Support teams. This implies an integrated approach to product development and problem-solving.
• The presence of designers, PMs, and engineers in the office facilitates quick communication, spontaneous brainstorming, and efficient feedback loops, which are crucial for agile product operations.

Work Schedule: While not specified, a standard 40-hour work week is typical for full-time positions. The on-site nature suggests regular office hours, though flexibility might be available depending on team and project needs. The focus on "shipping value to customers together" implies a results-oriented culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "in-office" environment is a key differentiator, indicating a strong preference for face-to-face collaboration, which can accelerate decision-making and team cohesion in product development operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.
• Portfolio Presentation: Expect to present your portfolio to the hiring team, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your process, system-level thinking, and impact. Be prepared to discuss the business problems, constraints, and your iterative journey.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interviews: Discussions covering your design philosophy, experience with complex projects, collaboration style, and how you approach user feedback and driving product vision.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other stakeholders to assess collaboration skills and ability to work in a cross-functional, operations-focused environment.
• Leadership/Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies. For each, detail the problem, your role, the process (research, ideation, iteration), the solution, and the impact/outcomes.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) and clearly explain your design decisions. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., increased adoption, improved task completion).
• Systemic Thinking: Highlight projects where you demonstrated an understanding of the broader product ecosystem and designed for scalability and consistency.
• User-Centricity: Emphasize how you incorporated user feedback and research into your design process and how your designs met user needs.
• Business Alignment: Clearly articulate how your designs contributed to business objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you handle ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and influence stakeholders.
• Prepare to talk about your experience with Figma and how you use it for rapid prototyping and iteration.
• Think about how you would approach designing for a business intelligence platform, considering the complexity of data analysis and the needs of non-technical users.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a deep dive into the candidate's design process and strategic thinking, mirroring the operational rigor expected in product development and GTM strategies. The portfolio is a critical component, serving as a tangible representation of their operational capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly stated as an expert requirement. This is the primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaborative design within the team.
• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools may be beneficial.
• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for user interviews, usability testing, and feedback collection (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Dovetail).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Familiarity with BI concepts and potentially Sigma Computing's own platform is advantageous. Understanding how users interact with data is key.
• Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools for tracking user behavior and product adoption (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly mentioned, understanding how product design impacts customer success and adoption within a CRM context (e.g., Salesforce) can be a plus.
• Familiarity with agile project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) for workflow management and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a core requirement, highlighting its central role in the design workflow. Understanding BI tools and analytics platforms is crucial for a product designer in this domain to grasp user behavior and product adoption metrics, aligning with operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The team is described as "data obsessed," implying that decisions are informed by data, user feedback, and performance metrics rather than solely intuition.
• Customer-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding end-user needs and incorporating feedback to improve product adoption and utilization.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working closely with PM, Research, Customer Success, and Support teams, emphasizing shared ownership and collective problem-solving.
• Continuous Improvement & Iteration: A culture of learning, growing, and iterating to ship value to customers, suggesting a dynamic and adaptive operational approach.
• Simplicity & Elegance: Aiming for designs that are simple and elegant, making complex data analytics accessible and delightful for users.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with Product Management, Engineering, Research, Customer Success, and Support.
• Feedback Exchange: An environment that encourages rapid iteration and feedback cycles, implying open communication and a willingness to adapt designs based on input.
• Knowledge Sharing: Working within a "talented, down to earth set of data obsessed people" suggests an environment where knowledge is shared and collective expertise is leveraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture emphasizes operational excellence through data, customer focus, and strong cross-functional collaboration. These values are critical for the efficient development and deployment of products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: Creating intuitive interfaces for complex data analytics and business intelligence tasks for non-technical users.
• Balancing Vision and Iteration: Driving future product vision while managing day-to-day gradual improvements requires strategic foresight and execution capability.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring alignment across multiple departments (PM, Eng, Research, CS) on design decisions and product direction.
• Startup Environment Dynamics: Adapting to the pace, potential ambiguity, and rapid growth inherent in a scaling startup.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunity to hone skills in interaction design, system design, and potentially AI-driven product features.
• Strategic Impact: Influence the direction of a growing product and shape the future of data analytics for business users.
• Industry Expertise: Gain deep knowledge in the business intelligence and cloud analytics space, including emerging AI capabilities.
• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the design team's operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges that require strong operational and problem-solving skills, offering substantial growth opportunities in a high-impact environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Product Vision & Strategy: "How would you approach defining the future of data analytics for business users, considering our current platform and market trends like AI?" (Prepare to discuss your process for long-term strategic design, balancing innovation with usability).
• System Design: "Describe a complex system you designed. How did you ensure consistency, scalability, and ease of use across different components?" (Focus on your ability to think holistically and break down large problems, a key operational skill).
• User-Centricity & Feedback: "How do you gather and incorporate user feedback into your design process, especially when dealing with non-technical users exploring complex data?" (Highlight your methods for user research, feedback analysis, and iterative design).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Sigma's Mission: "What excites you about Sigma's vision to create an insight-driven world, and how does your design philosophy align with that?" (Research Sigma's mission, values, and recent product developments).
• Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with challenging stakeholders (e.g., Engineering, PM) to achieve a design goal. How did you manage the relationship and drive consensus?" (Prepare examples showcasing your communication and negotiation skills in a cross-functional, operational context).
• Startup Fit: "How do you thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, and what are your strategies for managing ambiguity and rapid iteration?" (Showcase adaptability, proactivity, and resilience).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure each case study as a story: problem, your role, process, solution, and impact.
• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate how you arrived at your solutions, emphasizing research, iteration, and problem-solving. This demonstrates your operational methodology.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data to show the success of your designs (e.g., user adoption, engagement metrics, efficiency gains).
• Systemic View: Dedicate time to explaining how your designs fit into the larger product ecosystem.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, a robust design process, and strong collaboration skills, all of which are critical operational competencies for a senior role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Sigma Computing careers portal.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that showcase system-wide thinking, complex interaction design, and successful product releases. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the business problem, your process, and the achieved outcomes.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 12+ years of experience, specific accomplishments in interaction design, experience with Figma, and any relevant startup or data analytics platform experience. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Pitch: Practice presenting your key portfolio case studies, focusing on your design process, decision-making rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to articulate your strategic approach to product design.
• Research Sigma Computing: Understand their vision, product, recent funding, and target market. Consider how your design philosophy and experience align with their goals and operational needs.

⚠️ 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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