UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Archetype AI

Location: San Mateo, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UX/UI Design

Date Posted: May 12, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and expansion of a comprehensive design system, acting as a critical link between the developer console, product interfaces, and speculative prototypes.

• Translate complex product requirements into intuitive and visually compelling design flows, ensuring clarity, precision, and a high standard of visual craft.

• Leverage Figma and potentially Javascript to prototype workflows and interactions, actively exploring and testing usability to refine user experiences.

• Drive collaboration through workshops and discovery sessions with product, engineering, and UX teams to gather insights and establish shared design standards.

• Champion the adoption and evangelization of the design system across product and sales teams, fostering a unified approach to design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description focuses on UX/UI design but the company's core mission is in AI and physical world applications. This role's emphasis on a "design system" indicates a need for someone who can build scalable, consistent interfaces critical for complex AI products, not just typical consumer-facing applications. The mention of "Vibe-coding workflows" suggests a unique internal process that may require adaptability from the designer.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and scale the company's design system, encompassing component libraries, style guides, and comprehensive documentation.

• Translate intricate product requirements into clear, precise, and visually engaging design flows and user journeys.

• Create interactive prototypes using Figma and potentially Javascript for workflow and interaction exploration, focusing on usability testing and iterative refinement.

• Facilitate workshops and discovery sessions with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, UX Research) to identify needs, gather requirements, and align on design standards.

• Partner closely with engineering and product management throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from initial concept to final launch.

• Articulate and present design decisions, strategies, and rationale to stakeholders through compelling storytelling and clear communication.

• Conduct regular UI audits to identify inconsistencies, address gaps, and uncover opportunities for design system enhancement and product improvement.

• Actively promote and ensure widespread adoption of the design system across all product development and sales-related teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on system thinking and scalability, which are crucial in a fast-growing AI startup. The need to "prototype workflows and interactions using Figma, Javascript, Vibe-coding workflows" suggests an expectation for hands-on technical design exploration beyond static mockups. The emphasis on "evangelize and drive adoption" points to a need for strong communication and influence skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and theoretical understanding of design principles is essential.

Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of professional UI and UX design experience, with a proven track record of successfully creating or significantly evolving a design system from its inception.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Figma, including advanced use of component libraries, auto layout, style guides, and documentation features.

• Strong visual design sensibilities, encompassing a deep understanding of grids, layout composition, typography, and color theory.

• Demonstrated experience in owning design projects from initial concept through to final delivery, collaborating effectively with diverse teams.

• Proven ability to translate product requirements into user-centered design flows and intuitive interfaces.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for Enterprise SaaS environments, understanding complex user workflows and data-heavy interfaces.

• Prototyping skills beyond Figma, potentially including Javascript for more interactive and dynamic prototypes.

• Familiarity with front-end development principles (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate seamless design-to-engineering handoff.

• Experience in designing for Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) products, understanding unique user interaction patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize deep expertise in Figma and a systems-oriented approach to design, crucial for building a scalable design system. The "5+ years" combined with the "from the ground up" requirement for design systems suggests a mid-to-senior level role. The preferred skills in Enterprise SaaS and AI product design are highly relevant given Archetype AI's focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least one comprehensive case study detailing the creation or significant evolution of a design system, highlighting its impact on product consistency and development efficiency.

• Include examples of complex UI flows and interactive prototypes, demonstrating strong visual craft, system thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

• Present examples of design documentation and guidelines that effectively communicate design standards and component usage to engineering and product teams.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Figma, with examples of component libraries, auto layout usage, and style guide implementation.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your process for auditing and maintaining UI consistency across multiple products or features.

• Explain your methodology for translating product requirements into design specifications and user flows.

• Illustrate your approach to user research and usability testing, and how insights are integrated into the design process.

• Describe your strategies for collaborating with engineering teams to ensure accurate and efficient design implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role centered on a design system, the portfolio must go beyond showcasing individual screens. It needs to demonstrate the ability to build and maintain a scalable framework. The "Vibe-coding workflows" mention might also be something to subtly address if the candidate has experience with experimental or internal tooling.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a UX/UI Designer with 5-10 years of experience in San Mateo, California, a competitive salary range can be estimated between $120,000 to $170,000 annually. This estimation is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in the Bay Area, considering the high cost of living and demand for specialized AI/tech talent.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Stock options or equity, reflecting the early-stage, high-growth nature of the company.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences, training, and workshops.

• Potential for flexible work arrangements within an on-site framework, balancing collaboration with individual focus.

• Access to cutting-edge AI technology and research within a dynamic startup environment.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While the position is on-site, Archetype AI may offer some flexibility in daily schedules to accommodate project needs and team collaboration, especially given the fast-paced startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for San Mateo, CA, a high-cost-of-living area, is critical. The inclusion of stock options is standard for early-stage tech startups. The mention of "Vibe-coding workflows" and the AI focus suggests a unique, potentially more dynamic work environment than a standard corporate setting.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Tech, Foundation Models for the Physical World. Archetype AI operates at the bleeding edge of AI, aiming to bridge the gap between digital intelligence and real-world understanding. This implies a culture of innovation, rapid iteration, and a strong emphasis on scientific and engineering excellence.

Company Size: Archetype AI is a Series A funded startup, likely comprising a lean and agile team of 50-150 employees. This size fosters a close-knit environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful, requiring strong collaboration and adaptability.

Founded: Founded by a high-caliber team from Google, Archetype AI is relatively new, likely established within the last 1-3 years. This suggests a dynamic, fast-paced culture focused on rapid product development and market disruption.

Team Structure:

• The design team, while potentially small, will be highly integrated with Product Management and Engineering. Expect close collaboration with AI researchers and software engineers.

• The reporting structure is likely flat, with the UX/UI Designer reporting to a Head of Product, Design Lead, or a CTO, depending on the current organizational setup.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging insights from user research, product analytics, and AI model performance.

• Agile development methodologies, emphasizing iterative design, rapid prototyping, and continuous feedback loops.

• A strong focus on systems thinking to ensure scalability, maintainability, and consistency across all product interfaces.

Company Website: archetypeai.io

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on AI for the "physical world" and its founding team from Google are key differentiators. This suggests a culture that values deep technical expertise, ambitious problem-solving, and a high degree of innovation. The "Vibe-coding workflows" might hint at unique internal tools or experimental development processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX/UI Designer role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level. The emphasis on building and scaling a design system from the ground up, along with the 5+ years of experience requirement, indicates a need for an experienced individual contributor capable of establishing best practices and driving design consistency independently. The role requires a blend of strategic systems thinking and meticulous craft execution.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Head of Product or a senior design leader. They will work closely with Product Managers, UX Researchers, and Software Engineers, forming a core product development triad.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's work directly impacts the usability and adoption of Archetype AI's foundational model for the physical world. By creating intuitive interfaces for developer consoles and product applications, they enable engineers and potentially end-users to interact with complex AI systems more effectively. A robust design system will streamline development, reduce iteration time, and ensure a cohesive user experience, ultimately accelerating the company's go-to-market strategy and product evolution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design System Leadership: Opportunity to become the primary owner and steward of the company's design system, influencing its direction and impact across the organization.

• Specialization in AI/ML Design: Deepen expertise in designing for cutting-edge AI and ML products, a rapidly growing and highly specialized field.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Develop skills in leading design initiatives across multiple product teams and collaborating closely with executive stakeholders.

• Mentorship: As the design team grows, opportunities to mentor junior designers and shape the design culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "operations" aspect in this context refers to the operational efficiency and scalability that a strong design system brings to the product development process, rather than traditional revenue or sales operations. The growth opportunities are framed around becoming a leader in design systems and AI product design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in San Mateo, California, indicating a preference for in-person collaboration and a structured work environment. This allows for spontaneous brainstorming, team cohesion, and direct interaction with colleagues.

Office Location(s): San Mateo, California, a prime location in Silicon Valley, offering proximity to other tech companies, talent pools, and a vibrant ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office space designed to foster teamwork and innovation, likely featuring open work areas, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated spaces for focused design work.

• Access to the latest design tools and technology, including high-performance workstations and software licenses.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with cross-functional teams (product, engineering, research), encouraging a shared understanding of project goals and challenges.

Work Schedule: The standard full-time work schedule applies, typically 40 hours per week. While on-site, there may be flexibility in daily start and end times, provided project deadlines and team collaboration needs are met. The dynamic nature of a startup might also involve periods of intense work leading up to product launches or key milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in San Mateo is a key detail for candidates. The environment is likely to be fast-paced and collaborative, typical of a Series A startup in Silicon Valley.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, interest in the role, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A deep dive into your portfolio, focusing on design system work and problem-solving. This may include a take-home design challenge or an in-person/virtual whiteboard session to assess design thinking and execution skills.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially UX Researchers to evaluate collaboration style, technical understanding, and ability to articulate design decisions.

• Executive/Leadership Interview: A final conversation with a senior leader (e.g., CTO, CEO, Head of Product) to discuss strategic thinking, long-term vision, and overall fit with the company's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Design System Impact: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your design system work. Showcase how it improved efficiency, consistency, or reduced development time. Use metrics where possible.

• Showcase Figma Mastery: Demonstrate advanced Figma skills, including component architecture, auto layout, variants, and documentation practices. Walk through your process for creating and maintaining these elements.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, guide the interviewer through the problem, your process, your solutions, and the outcomes. Focus on your specific contributions and the rationale behind your decisions.

• Address AI/ML Nuances: If possible, include examples or discuss your thought process for designing for AI/ML products, even if theoretical. This will be a significant plus for Archetype AI.

Challenge Preparation:

• Focus on Systems Thinking: If given a design challenge, approach it with a systems mindset. Consider how your solution can scale and be maintained.

• Articulate Your Process: Be prepared to explain your design process, from understanding requirements to iterating on solutions.

• Justify Decisions: Every design choice should have a rationale, grounded in user needs, business goals, or technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review will be critical, with a strong emphasis on design system development. The interview process will likely assess not only design skills but also the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, technical startup environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. Expert-level proficiency is expected, including advanced features like auto layout, variants, component libraries, and collaborative features.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's prototyping capabilities are primary; however, familiarity with Javascript for more advanced prototyping could be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX/UI Designer role, but understanding how the design system supports front-end development and potentially sales enablement tools might be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is clearly the central tool for this role. Any experience with Javascript for advanced prototyping or familiarity with analytics platforms will be advantageous for demonstrating a data-informed design approach.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Ambition: A drive to push boundaries and solve complex problems, particularly in the realm of AI and the physical world.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality execution, attention to detail, and a passion for creating polished, user-centered experiences.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, willingness to share knowledge, and a team-oriented approach to problem-solving.

• Adaptability & Agility: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, embrace change, and iterate quickly based on feedback and new insights.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Designers work hand-in-hand with product managers and engineers, fostering a shared sense of ownership and ensuring design solutions are technically feasible and aligned with product strategy.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: A culture that encourages continuous feedback, constructive critique, and iterative refinement of designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, design patterns, and learnings across the team and wider organization to elevate design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Archetype AI is likely driven by its ambitious mission and its talented founding team. Expect a high-performance environment that values both technical prowess and collaborative spirit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a Scalable Design System: Building a robust design system from the ground up in a rapidly evolving AI product environment presents a significant challenge, requiring foresight and adaptability.

• Designing for Novel AI Interactions: Creating intuitive user experiences for AI and ML products, especially those interacting with the physical world, is a frontier challenge that requires creative problem-solving.

• Balancing Systems with Customization: Ensuring the design system supports consistent UI while allowing for necessary product-specific features and innovations.

• Fast-Paced Startup Environment: Navigating the demands of a Series A startup, including tight deadlines, evolving priorities, and the need for rapid iteration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI/ML Product Design: Gain specialized expertise in a highly sought-after and rapidly advancing field.

• Design System Ownership: Develop leadership skills by owning and evolving a critical company asset.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with foundational models for the physical world, offering unique insights into future technological applications.

• Professional Development: Access to training, conferences, and workshops relevant to UX/UI design, design systems, and AI product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around pioneering design for AI and building a foundational design system. The growth opportunities are firmly rooted in specialization and leadership within this emerging tech space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach building a design system for a new AI product that interacts with the physical world?" (Focus on modularity, scalability, and adaptability for evolving AI capabilities.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence engineering or product teams to adopt a new design standard or component. What was your strategy?" (Highlight communication, rationale, and collaboration skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Archetype AI's mission to bring AI into the real world?" (Show genuine interest in the company's vision and technological ambition.)

• "How do you see your role as a UX/UI Designer contributing to the success of an AI startup?" (Connect your skills to the company's goals and the unique challenges of AI product design.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Start with a high-level overview of your most relevant design system project. Clearly state the problem, your role, and the key outcomes.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use Figma prototypes to demonstrate interactions and component behavior. Walk through the architecture of your design system components.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use metrics (e.g., reduction in design/dev time, increase in UI consistency, user feedback improvements) to showcase the impact of your work.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design process, technical choices, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should strongly emphasize the candidate's experience with design systems, their ability to articulate strategic design thinking, and their enthusiasm for AI and the physical world.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Kula careers platform.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects, with at least one focused on design system development. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your Figma proficiency, visual design craft, and systems thinking.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of UI/UX experience, specifically mentioning design system creation/evolution, Figma expertise, and any relevant experience with SaaS, AI, or ML products. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on your contributions, design rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your process and answer technical questions.

• Research Archetype AI: Understand their mission, technology, and the implications of designing for AI in the physical world. Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their unique culture and ambitious 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.